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Hi there, Tommy Lyczko here, Community Manager at Under30Experiences, who have been operating guided group trips in Egypt and the Middle East for several years, working with licensed local guides and vetted partners. I’ve had the privilege of traveling to 19 countries so far (and counting!), including Egypt on Under30Experiences' incredible group travel itinerary.
Egypt is a destination that sits at the top of a lot of travelers’ bucket lists, known for its deep ancient history, incredible sights, and exotic vibe. The number one reservation people have about Egypt when considering traveling to this incredible place is questions about safety within the country.
Quick Answer: Is Egypt Safe to Visit in 2026?
Yes! Egypt is generally safe to visit in 2026, especially in major tourist areas like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and security presence is high. Most safety concerns involve petty scams and harassment, which are significantly reduced when traveling with a reputable local guide or small group tour.
To help future travelers put their minds at ease and also paint an accurate picture for those still on the fence, below are my insights on safety in Egypt based on my 9-day trip in November 2025. I will also be including thoughts from Under30Experiences Event Manager Rachael Jones, who traveled the same itinerary as me shortly before I did, and will speak to gender-based safety questions based on her perspective as a woman traveling in Egypt.
The number one reservation people have about Egypt, especially first-time travelers and those considering a guided group trip, is safety.
Overall, I feel that Egypt is not an overtly dangerous place to visit as a traveler, but being prepared and knowing what to expect will ensure that you stay safe and have the best time you can. Let’s dive right in and talk about safety in Egypt.
Is Egypt safe right now?
Egypt is safe to visit as a tourist in 2026, as there is low civil unrest, high security and police presence throughout the country, and a significantly lower violent crime rate than the U.S. What’s more, the country has been rapidly improving in safety and security over the last decade after a period of political instability, especially when compared to the events of the Arab Spring protests that began in 2011. Safety is continuing to improve even more and is still trending in a positive direction.
With that said, the main safety concerns in Egypt revolve around petty crime, scams, and harassment, especially when traveling alone and without a local. With careful precautions and planning, these can all be minimized or outright avoided. We will talk more about what these precautions look like, but on the whole, safe travel in Egypt is possible and will ensure you have a wonderful time visiting without encountering major issues.
“There was never a point in my trip where I felt in danger,” says Under30Experiences Event Manager Rachael Jones. “It was more so feeling uneasy. Any time I left the hotel, I was very cognizant of my surroundings.” Rachael recommends remaining vigilant to avoid situations where your safety is at risk.
Around tourist sites and the more cosmopolitan areas of Cairo, police are plentiful and visible, deterring serious crime and helping travelers feel safe. Your hotel will likely check all bags through an X-ray scanner at the entrance as an additional safety precaution, similar to what you might see at an airport. However, do not be put off by the sight of these because violent crime and acts of terrorism targeting foreigners are extremely rare in today’s Egypt, and part of the reason for this is the enhanced security presence.
What neighborhoods are safe to travel to in Egypt?
All major tourist sites and the cosmopolitan areas of major cities, where there are a lot of foreign tourists, including downtown Cairo, are generally quite safe and have strong security. Entrance into all tombs and temples starts with security checking everyone’s bags at the entrance. Most of the time, this involves an X-ray scanner to expedite the process.
I walked around by myself during the daytime in Aswan and Luxor with no issues, and even walked around at night in downtown Cairo because I felt safe enough to do so. However, walking around alone will certainly attract attention from overzealous vendors trying to sell you their goods, and likely not for a fair price. A stern “no, thank you” in Arabic (“la shukran”) as you walk away was enough to get them to back off in my experience.
What is the safest way to get around in Egypt?
The best way to stay safe while traveling in Egypt is to travel with a reputable group led by a local guide.
While Egypt can be visited independently, the reality is that safety, stress levels, and overall enjoyment vary dramatically depending on how you travel. Travelers navigating Egypt on their own often deal with constant attention from vendors, transportation challenges, language barriers, and uncertainty about where it’s appropriate to go. Traveling with a vetted local guide and group eliminates most of these friction points and allows you to focus on the experience instead of logistics.
“I stayed with the group the entire time,” reports Rachael. “Any time I went out, I was with another person…I was never by myself.” Rachael notes that as a tourist, you “stick out like a sore thumb” and recommends not exploring on your own, regardless of gender. She agrees that the safest way to get around Egypt is with a tour group.
There’s strength in numbers, and you are far less likely to become a victim of crime when traveling in a large group led by a local. That said, I did get a few opportunities where I chose to walk around by myself during the daytime, and I’m happy to report that I didn’t experience any problems and felt relatively safe while doing so. However, I did receive a lot of attention from local vendors who were looking to sell me a variety of items and services, much more so than when I was with my group. Be extra vigilant of touts and scams if you choose to explore on your own. You will stick out much more when traveling alone and will be the target of opportunistic vendors.
“Our tour guide did an excellent job at keeping us safe,” says Rachael.
Lastly, avoid walking around at night, unless you are in a large group with a local guide. Even then, be cautious of your surroundings and try to travel by bus, taxi, or Uber as much as possible. Crime occurs the most at nighttime when there are fewer people on the streets, and pedestrians on dimly lit roads or alleys are most at risk. Keep in mind that Egypt is a developing country, and well-lit roads and walkways are not as common as they are back home. Follow the example of the locals and try to stay in your accommodation after dark.
Is Cairo safe at night?
When traveling in large groups, especially with a local guide using motorized transportation, Cairo can be explored safely. However, avoid walking around alone by yourself at night, as it’s less safe than during the day. In general, try to use some form of motorized transportation, such as Uber, when exploring around Cairo at night. Streets and walkways are often not very well lit, and there is an increased risk of opening yourself up to crimes of opportunity. The exception to this is the bazaar in Old Cairo, which is a well-lit, popular tourist destination with high foot traffic and strong security. It is exceptionally beautiful at night, and although it may feel chaotic with all of the crowds, it is perfectly safe to explore on foot as long as you remain aware of your surroundings.
Downtown Cairo, with its strong police presence and high tourist foot traffic even at night, is relatively safe to explore. I still wouldn’t recommend walking around alone as it leaves you more vulnerable to unwanted attention and possible scams, but in small groups, it’s fine to walk to dinner or the convenience store.
“I personally wouldn’t walk around anywhere at night unless I was with my group,” says Rachael. If you are anxious about safety while traveling in Egypt, I recommend following Rachael’s approach for peace of mind.
Overall, Cairo at night is safe as long as you are: 1) in a group, preferably with a local guide, and 2) staying mindful of your surroundings at all times.
What scams should I be aware of in Egypt?
Scams in Egypt commonly fall into one of two categories: souvenir shopping scams and transportation scams. Souvenir scams are easy to avoid with just a few best practices to keep in mind (that you should apply everywhere you travel to, as these kinds of scams can be found all over the world).
First, if you are approached by a stranger trying to sell you something you are not interested in, ignore them and keep walking. For me personally, I don’t even make eye contact to acknowledge their presence. This may seem rude, but our natural urge not to seem impolite is what enables scams, theft, and pressure selling to happen. In Egypt, I found that simply ignoring touts and street vendors and pretending they’re not there will get them to move on 90%. For the remaining 10% of more persistent street vendors, a firm “no, thank you” once or twice in Arabic (“la shukran”) will get them to disengage. Remember that your value to them is measured by the amount of money you’re willing to spend. Once you make it clear that they will not be making any money off of you, they will quickly move on to their next prospect.
Rachael shares a few good tips for travelers looking to shop in Egypt. “Don’t shop for souvenirs near the major sights…wait until you get to the market in town, otherwise you will severely overpay.” Rachael also recommends “when shopping, have at least two people with you when you enter the shop or vendor stall.”
If you are actively shopping and actually interested in buying something from a market or vendor, beware that the first price that is quoted to you is much higher than the fair price of that item. Haggling is a major custom in Egypt, and you will rarely see posted prices for goods outside of a few established, brick-and-mortar stores. Take part in this local custom and always negotiate the price for any good or service, unless it is clear that it is a set price. Keep in mind that as a foreigner, you are unlikely to get the kind of bargain a skilled local can get in the market, but with some practice, you can consistently negotiate much fairer prices and avoid overpaying.
Transportation scams are trickier to avoid in Egypt, and can be frustrating to encounter. Taxis in Egypt are known to overcharge foreigners and dramatically increase agreed-upon prices after arrival, especially to and from the airport. I recommend avoiding local taxis entirely. “They will fleece you,” as Rachael puts it. Opt to use Uber instead, which is available in Cairo and some other major cities in Egypt, like Hurghada, but be wary that just using Uber is not foolproof when it comes to avoiding scams.
After ordering a ride to my accommodation from Cairo International Airport, I ordered an Uber and had the driver text me on WhatsApp saying the price was incorrect and to pay him X amount in cash instead. If this happens to you, cancel the ride and report the driver. Uber drivers are prohibited from contacting you outside the app or asking for a higher fare. Never accept the new fare and just order a new ride. In my case, the driver canceled the ride after I refused the new price. This can make traveling to your destination take longer as you may have to cycle through a few drivers before getting someone fair to pick you up, so take this into account when planning your day.
For additional peace of mind, I kept my bag and any luggage with me in my seat at all times. I do not use the trunk when offered. A shifty driver may use your belongings as a bargaining chip for more money at the end of the ride! Avoid the possibility of this happening to you by keeping your bag at your feet or in your lap instead.
Is Egypt safe for women?
Safety in Egypt for women differs from safety in Egypt for men. Rachael reports experiencing leering and catcalling by locals throughout her trip, which, unfortunately, is a common occurrence for women traveling in Egypt. “It did not matter how dressed or covered up you were…the leering and catcalling is constant no matter what.” With that said, Rachael summarizes her perspective, “I think it’s safe if you are being safe. I would not go out by myself…even if I was with one other woman, I would not feel perfectly safe.”
For all travelers, but especially for women, the bottom line is that Egypt can be an incredible travel destination, but it must be done in a safe way. This means remaining vigilant of your surroundings, not venturing off alone, and sticking with a reputable local guide and group.
Why Group Travel Changes the Experience in Egypt
Traveling with a small, guided group fundamentally changes the experience in a few key ways. For one, you’re buffered from scams and unwanted attention, as having a local guide and moving as a group dramatically reduces vendor pressure and protects you from the most common scams before they even start. Having the transportation logistics handled for you is another big advantage to traveling with a group. Eliminating the stress of transportation between cities, entry to major sites, and navigating busy areas like Cairo will make for a much smoother trip.
A good guide not only shows you what to see, but will tell you where not to go, especially after dark or in less tourist-friendly areas. This is especially helpful for women travelers. While Egypt can be intense for solo women travelers, being part of a group offers an added layer of comfort and support.
I think all of this contributes to a better experience overall. Instead of constantly staying on guard, you’re able to actually relax, learn, and take in Egypt’s history and culture.
Is there political unrest in Egypt?
At present, protests, demonstrations, riots, and political violence are quite rare in Egypt. Neither Rachael nor I experienced any evidence of political unrest during our respective 9-day trips, and you are unlikely to either. I was in Cairo while local elections were taking place, so I saw many political banners supporting various candidates, but daily life continued as normal. Following the turbulent period of the Arab Spring in the early 2010s and the instability that followed, today’s Egypt is significantly more stable and safe from political violence.
Should I buy travel insurance for Egypt?
Travel insurance is a great idea anywhere you travel — the peace of mind alone is worth the small price! Travel insurance protects you from trip interruptions, lost or stolen luggage, and medical expenses.
Disclaimer: Please note that the above and below are not official recommendations to purchase travel insurance, and the links below are affiliate links from which Under30Experiences may earn a small commission.
For travel insurance, I direct people to Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads.
Are group trips to Egypt safe?
Yes! Group trips to Egypt are not only safe but also the safest way to explore this phenomenal country, thanks to reputable providers and local guides. Ready for your once-in-a-lifetime experience? Check out what our Egypt group trips look like day-to-day!!
