Egypt Travel Safety Guide
- Country Egypt
- Guide Safety
- Reviewed 29 October 2026
- Sources 2
- Length 1 min read
Credit Jorge Lascar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Last reviewed 29 October 2026
Staying safe in Egypt is mostly a matter of knowing a few specific things: how security works around the major sites, what ordinary crime looks like, and the photography rules that catch careful travelers out.
Terrorism, and ordinary crime
Terrorism is a risk in Egypt, and security forces, religious sites, large gatherings and places frequented by foreigners are among the likely targets. Security at major tourist sites is heavy and visible, and the checkpoints are a normal part of moving around.
Ordinary crime is a smaller problem than in many places: pickpocketing is rare. Scammers and touts in tourist areas are the common annoyance. Sexual assault has been reported, particularly at Red Sea resorts and sometimes involving hotel staff, so do not let staff into a room unaccompanied.
Practical habits
The photography rules are stricter than most visitors assume and are enforced. They are the single most common way an otherwise careful traveler gets into difficulty here.
- Carry your passport or a copy, because checkpoints ask for it
- Women traveling alone are advised to take particular care at night and in taxis
- Use ride hailing apps rather than street taxis where you can
- Do not photograph military sites, checkpoints or the Suez Canal
- A permit is required for professional camera equipment, and drones can bring a prison sentence
- It is illegal to take or share images considered damaging to the reputation of the country
- Ambulance: 123
Keeping it in proportion
Millions of people visit Egypt every year, overwhelmingly without incident. The habits above are worth keeping; they are not a verdict on the country.