The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a Level 2: Practice Enhanced Precautions advisory due to the risk of dengue fever, with reports in Egypt along (with other Middle Eastern and African countries) of rising cases. Travelers should protect themselves against mosquito bites.
If you’re taking a business trip or planning a bucket-list adventure involving ancient wonders and modern delights, you may be wondering, “Is Egypt safe to travel?” Turns out you’re in luck: Egypt does tend to be a safe destination for most international travelers.
But there are some aspects of visiting the country—from local laws and consuming food and drink to cultural norms and attitudes toward women and LGBTQ+ travelers—that visitors should know. Read on for travel advice for Egypt, including the precautions for personal safety, health, and well-being you should implement on your trip.
- Staying Healthy in Egypt
- Common Diseases Found in Egypt
- Required Egypt Vaccinations for US Travelers
- Hospitals in Egypt
- Bringing Medications Into Egypt
- Travel Insurance
- Water and Swimming
- Mosquitoes and Other Insects
- Air Quality
- Staying Safe in Egypt
- Crime in Egypt
- Civil Unrest
- Terrorism
- Climate and Natural Disasters
- Local Laws in Egypt
- Embassies and Consulates in Egypt
- Stay Safe and Healthy in Egypt
Staying Healthy in Egypt
Common Diseases Found in Egypt
With traveling to Egypt, the risk of contracting diseases is low, but there are some common travel-related illnesses to be aware of. These preventable diseases include:
Traveler’s Diarrhea: A gastrointestinal infection that can be caused by ingesting local water and food you may not be accustomed to, or food contaminated or improperly handled. One way to potentially avoid diarrhea is to avoid eating raw or undercooked foods or foods that have been sitting out for a long period of time. Another is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom. It’s also advised to drink bottled water and consult with your doctor before your trip about best diarrhea treatment options.
Schistosomiasis: A water-borne parasitic disease that can be contracted from freshwater sources and lakes. Due to the risk of contracting schistosomiasis or a similar bacterial infection disease, it’s advised not to swim in the Nile River.
Insect and Tick Bites: Mosquitos, sand flies, and ticks can be encountered in different climates in Egypt, such as marshy or desert areas, so wear long-length clothing and apply insect repellent.
Rabies: Stray dogs can be found in Egypt so avoid petting or interacting with them.
Required Egypt Vaccinations for US Travelers
The CDC recommends staying up to date with routine vaccinations and keeping an eye on the latest COVID-19 vaccine requirements for travel to Egypt.
In addition to being up-to-date on your regular shots, like the flu, the CDC requires or recommends the following vaccinations before travel to Egypt.
- COVID-19: Recommended
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one-year-old or older and infants ages 6-11 months; who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 and should be considered for ages 60 and up
- Polo: Recommended for travelers who will be in situations with a high risk of exposure to someone with imported poliovirus, including health care or humanitarian aid
- Typhoid: Recommended, especially for those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
- Yellow Fever: Required for travelers less than nine months old arriving from countries with risk for virus transmission; this includes less than 12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for virus transmission.
You should get any recommended or required vaccinations at least a month before your trip.
Other health resources include the US Embassy in Cairo and the US State Department, along the Facebook pages for Egypt’s Ministry of Health & Population and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Facebook page (note that their information is in Arabic).
Hospitals in Egypt
If you find yourself in sudden need of medical attention during your time in Egypt, you’ll find several hospitals in major cities, such as Cairo and Alexandria. The Egyptian Healthcare System is divided into private and public healthcare facilities, with private facilities generally having bilingual medical professionals on staff.
The US Embassy has created a list of hospitals and medical centers in Egypt in PDF format. Noted locations include the Cleopatra Hospitals Group in Cairo and Giza and As-Salam International Hospital in Cairo.
Pharmacies in Egypt are freestanding facilities with some chains such as Delmar & Attalla.
Before you visit Egypt, compile a list of the doctors and health centers located proximally to where you’ll be staying in case you need medical services. If traveling with prescribed medications, check the list of meds not allowed by the Egyptian ministry of health by contacting the Egyptian embassy in your country.
If you’re having a medical emergency in Egypt, call 123. To contact the police, call 122. In case of fire, dial 125.
Bringing Medications Into Egypt
Some over-the-counter and/or prescribed medications may be seen as illegal or controlled substances by the Egyptian government. Check the list of meds banned by the Egyptian ministry of health by contacting the Egyptian embassy in your country.
Upon arrival, you may have to declare your medicines at the customs checkpoint to be in compliance with local law. Keep them in their original packaging with clearly marked labels.
Always carry a copy of your prescription issued by a certified medical practitioner; it should state your medical condition and the need for the medication. Aside from the prescription, it’s advised to have a medical certificate; have versions written in English as well as transcribed into Arabic.
Travel Insurance
It’s always recommended to purchase travel health insurance before major trips—you can typically get great coverage for affordable rates. Not only can travel insurance protect you from delays and cancellations, it can also help offset unexpected medical expenses.
Companies like battleface offer customizable travel insurance designed to meet your needs. For COVID-19, make certain that your plan includes coverage relating to medical expenses, trip amendments, and cancellations.
Water and Swimming
Generally, it’s not advised to drink tap water in Egypt because it’s heavily chlorinated and can taste foul.
Bottled water is generally safe and available at tourist restaurants and hotels. It can also be used to brush your teeth. Be mindful of foods that may be washed in water and consume what is cooked or peeled instead.
With swimming, it’s best not to swim in the Nile River or other freshwater sources as they could be contaminated with parasites, like those that cause schistosomiasis. This parasitic disease, caused by flatworms that live in these waters, but can be treated with medication.
Well-maintained hotel and resort pools are usually safe to go in. Egypt’s coastal locations, including the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea
Mosquitoes and Other Insects
Mosquitoes are often an irritating annoyance in Egypt, especially at dawn and dusk. While mosquitoes are prominent around water such as the Nile Delta region, they could still be an issue in cities and the desert.
As mosquitoes can carry illnesses, like malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya, you’ll want to take steps to protect yourself. Carry and use mosquito repellent, and wear protective clothing. If you’re not sleeping within an enclosed area, use a mosquito net at night.
Ticks may be found in grassy or vegetation areas and can spread diseases. Wear long and light-colored clothing and use repellents. Check yourself afterwards for possible ticks and, if found, remove them immediately; seek medical assistance if symptoms occur.
Air Quality
Air pollution in Egypt is a major problem, especially within Cairo. Much of its pollution is drawn from road transportation and industrial and power plant emissions.
Before going out exploring each day, use AQI to see what the air quality in your area is like for that day. If the quality is bad, wear a mask or try to avoid being outdoors for extended stretches of time.
Staying Safe in Egypt
Travelers always should keep certain safety factors in mind while in Egypt. In recent years, Egypt has been subject to instances of terrorism and civil uprising, but the Egyptian authorities have responded to these incidents swiftly. Overall, practice common safety tips and stay alert to any issues of concern in Egypt.
Crime in Egypt
Crime isn’t a major issue in Egypt, and big cities like Cairo and Alexandria are fairly safe. However, petty thievery, like pickpocketing, scamming, bag snatching, and mugging, can take place in larger crowds and at major metro trains or tourist sites.
You should also be alert to common tourist scams. Scams may include those who say they’re tour guides but aren’t, insisting on a phony entrance fee at a major tourist attraction, or drivers looking to charge visitors more for fares. Avoid having strangers take your photo, as they will ask for money to do so. Street merchants can be persistent with their sales tactics, but keep firm if not interested and walk away if necessary.
Exercise common sense precautions, such as staying in busy, well-lit areas; avoiding badly lit and unfamiliar areas at night; leaving large amounts of cash and valuable personal belongings at home; and being aware of your surroundings to keep yourself safe in Egypt.
Crime Against Women
Women traveling to Egypt, especially solo, should be aware of certain safety measures. While Egypt is generally a safe and hospitable country, there have been reports of women travelers being subject to both street and sexual harassment. While there are no official statistics to determine the exact prevalence of rape and/or sexual assault in Egypt, it’s crucial that travelers, especially women, are aware of these issues.
Here are some precautionary measures that women should follow to keep themselves safe:
- Dress modestly. Avoid tight fitting and sheer-looking clothing; wear opaque clothes that cover your arms and knees.
- Consider covering your hair as a way to further go unnoticed.
- Try to ignore catcalling or remove yourself from uncomfortable situations.
- Avoid going out alone after dusk; use rideshare services.
- If you have to use public transit, try to sit or stand near other women; in Cairo, the metro train has cars reserved solely for women riders.
- Leave copies of your schedule at home with family or friends
For more tips, consult the US State Department’s list of safety precautions for women travelers.
LGBTQ+ Safety
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Egypt poses some concerns. Homosexuality is not illegal in Egypt, but it’s very stigmatized in terms of the country’s morality laws and conservative cultural attitudes. There have also been reported cases of human-rights advocates documenting arrests and charges relating “debauchery.” Legally, Egypt does not recognize gender changes, so transgender travelers to the country need to be careful.
Do not openly show displays of public affection, as overall it is frowned upon in society. It’s also advised not to use dating or meetup apps while in Egypt. Watch what you post on social media as well. Refer to international LGBTQ+ organizations for travel support and resources such as International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. The US State Department also has information for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Civil Unrest
Stay alert to potential civil unrest during your travels by monitoring local media, and if strikes or riots do take place in the region where you’re traveling, stay away from the affected areas and stay indoors. It’s also best to avoid demonstrations or protests, as Egyptian authorities could misinterpret your presence as participation, potentially leading to arrest and legal issues.
Before your trip, obtain medical/travel insurance that includes medical evacuation. Additionally, enroll in the US State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Terrorism
Terrorism has been an issue in Egypt in the North Sinai region due to the presence of an ISIS group known as Sinai Province. The US State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel status to the Sinai Peninsula, citing terrorist groups’ attacks on security forces and civilians; Egyptian border areas and the Western Desert are also off-limits.
Travelers are also encouraged to exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national US-Egyptian citizens in cases of arrest or detainment, as according to Egyptian law, dual citizens are considered Egyptian citizens.
Many tourist locations, such as in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, and resort areas like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, have a major tourist police presence. In 2015, an attempted terrorist attack outside Luxor’s Karnak Temple was prevented.
Terrorist acts can happen with little or no warning. To stay safe and avoid serious trouble, travelers should:
- Monitor local media to stay informed of relevant news and events
- Steer clear of strikes, protests, demonstrations
- Stay indoors during attacks
- Know how to contact emergency services and your country’s embassy if you need assistance
Climate and Natural Disasters
The biggest natural disasters in Egypt include flash floods, dust and sandy storms, and earthquakes. Though there hasn’t been an earthquake in Egypt since the 1992 earthquake in Cairo, the country is located near the boundary of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, so seismic activity can occur.
Summer months in Egypt can be extremely hot and brutal and can pose a health risk for those who are not used to these weather conditions.
Khamsin, a hot dry wind, is a common occurrence in Egypt. It happens during springtime and can cause some disruptions.
Before your trip, see if your travel insurance covers natural disasters. While traveling around Egypt, pay attention to local weather reports to avoid disaster areas. If you do find yourself experiencing a natural disaster, follow instructions from local authorities and contact your country’s embassy as soon as possible.
Local Laws in Egypt
While traveling in Egypt, compliance with local laws—including those regarding alcohol consumption, visiting historic and religious sites, public conduct, and photography in certain locations—is essential to avoid getting fined, arrested, or deported. Practicing proper social conduct in keeping with local cultural customs is important as well.
Embassies and Consulates in Egypt
If you encounter trouble with Egyptian police or local law enforcement agencies, reach out to your country’s embassy or consulate for help right away. They can’t provide legal assistance, but they should be able to offer advice and guidance.
Stay Safe and Healthy in Egypt
Obtaining the correct visa is an essential part of planning your trip to Egypt. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting an Egypt visa. Start your visa application process.
Doing your research before traveling helps you better understand local customs and laws, avoid potential issues, and be prepared in case of an emergency. For more information on other aspects of travel to Egypt, including banking and money and the visa types available, visit our Egypt content hub.