Egypt Travel Update: How Safe is it to Visit Egypt Now?
The conflict in Gaza and Israel has prompted some travellers to reconsider trips to Egypt and other countries in the region.
But what's the reality on the ground?
Our travel writer Craig recently visited Egypt, and had this to report...
Why visit Egypt?
Egypt is one of the most history-rich nations in the Middle East. Many thousands come to wonder at the vast pyramids at Giza, the Temple of Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings.
Then of course there are popular beach resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, famed for their azure-blue waters, sandy beaches, and buzzing nightlife.
Current demand for holidays to Egypt
However, demand for Egypt holidays has - perhaps understandably - begun to soften due to the war.
Claire Evens, COO of Midcounties Coop, recently told Travel Weekly: “Price and bookings have softened. We’ve not seen significant cancellations, but there has been a definite softening of demand going into the winter.”
Similarly, Annelene Hutton, managing director of Dawson and Sanderson, said: “We’ve seen no cancellations but a lowering of enquiries for the region.”
What does the UK government say about Egypt travel?
The UK government/FCO advises against travel to certain areas of Egypt. However, there are no warnings against travel to the country's most popular areas.
Selected locations the FCDO does NOT warn against visiting include:
- Cairo
- Giza
- Alexandria
- Luxor
- Hurghada
- Sharm el Sheikh
The view on the ground
I had a short trip to Egypt (Cairo, Giza and Alexandria) booked before the Gaza/Israel conflict started, and was in two minds whether to go or not.
Friends and family urged caution. After all, the distance between Cairo and the Gaza border (373 km) is about the same as from London to Blackpool.
It was time for some research.
One of the best and most up-to date resources I found was a video by Gventures on YouTube. This Egyptian-American YouTuber asked tourists around the Giza pyramids if they felt safe: All of them said they felt in no danger at all.
Largely based on these interviews, I decided to go.
The following is based on my personal experience (from October 31 to November 6 2023).
NB: We recommend making your own decision, informed by FCDO advice.
Giza: How safe did it feel?
My first stop was Giza. My hotel was located just outside the Giza pyramids complex.
Overall, I felt very safe here - although it took a while to get used to how busy the area was. There were plenty of police and army personnel in and around the complex, which added to the sense of security.
The main annoyance - if you could call it that - was being offered add-on tours: first by the airport pickup service, then by the hotel check-in staff. This felt a little overwhelming after a long flight from the UK, especially since I arrived late at night.
The next day I visited the amazing Giza pyramids. This was well worth doing.
There were a number of people near the entrance who gave the impression of being government officials, but who in fact were touting camel and horse rides (presumably for a commission). It is best to ignore these individuals.
Inside the pyramid complex (360 Egyptian pounds/9.50GBP) I was frequently asked if I wanted trips on horse-drawn carts or on camels.
If you do decide on a camel horse cart trip, be ready to haggle the price down - since the price often starts high!
Some visitors may be put off by how much the animals are whipped (particularly the horses).
Most interactions run like this:
'Where are you from?'
'England.'
'Lovely jubbly! Do you want a camel ride sir - good price!'
Clearly, Only Fools and Horses has found an audience far from the UK.
Outside the Giza pyramids complex, you'll likely be offered souvenirs by foot-borne vendors, or trips from taxi drivers.
These individuals can be persistent. It's best to politely say 'No thanks' and keep walking. You'll soon get used to it!
Cairo: How safe did it feel?
Central Cairo is 30-45mins from Giza by taxi.
I wanted to visit the Egyptian Archaeological Museum (300 Egyptian pounds/8GBP) which contained the famous golden death mask of Tutankhamun. Glimpsing this 3000-year-old mask was a trip highlight.
Overall, Cairo felt a lot more relaxed than Giza. Everyone I came into contact with was friendly - especially restaurant and hotel staff.
However, as you walk around Cairo you'll likely bump into people who want you to visit their shop, use their money exchange services, or simply to give them a tip! It's best to politely say no and keep walking.
One other issue is the traffic: Egyptians are rather "assertive" motorists, so care should be taken when crossing the road.
Despite being one of the few Westerners on the streets of central Cairo, I felt completely safe. I did not see any demonstrations, and no one mentioned politics.
Alexandria: How safe did it feel?
Alexandria felt even safer and friendlier than Cairo. People were especially pleased if I greeted them with 'salām 'alaykum' (Egyptian Arabic for hello) and a smile, and parted with 'shukran' (thank you).
Key attractions include the Citadel of Qaitbay, Montaza Palace, and the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa.
In the evening, one of the best pastimes is to sit in one of the many streetside cafes, order a coffee (15EGP/40p) and enjoy some people watching. Kebab lovers, meanwhile, have a wealth of outlets to choose from.
Overall, interacting with locals in Alexandria and elsewhere was a very relaxed and friendly affair - with easy smiles all round. One taxi driver even offered me a discount when the time came to pay – because (I believe) he overquoted the fare.
Many Egyptians want you to leave with a good impression of their country.
Quick tips for a safe and successful trip to Egypt:
- If arriving in Cairo airport, pre-book your taxi to avoid haggling with taxi drivers.
- Buy a local SIM card as soon as possible (accessing Wi-Fi is not always easy)
- Use Uber to get around - it’s much cheaper than haggling with taxis on an ad-hoc basis (and the Uber map system will help ensure the driver doesn't get lost or misunderstand you).
- Some cars do not have working seat belts. It's best to check this before embarking on a ride.
- If you feel a driver is going too fast, ask them to slow down ('haddi').
- If someone approaches you in the street, they are probably selling something - just keep walking.
- Learn a few words of Egyptian Arabic - and smile.
- Restaurants include a service charge, but feel free to tip for good service. Even a small tip is welcome.
- Take care when crossing the road - drivers do not always observe crossing signals!
- Be aware there are now two key airports in Cairo, the old Cairo International Airport, and the brand-new Sphynx International Airport. Currently, few airlines use the latter, so you won’t find many taxi drivers outside (therefore it’s even more important to pre-book a taxi).