Is Egypt Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Egypt is a remarkable country to explore, but as a solo female traveler, it requires a good amount of caution. The country's society is highly patriarchal, and women often face daily harassment, especially in crowded areas. However, the level of safety can significantly improve if you respect the local norms and dress conservatively. Despite the difficulties, many women travel to Egypt alone and have a brilliant time by exercising a high level of awareness and sticking to tourist-friendly areas. Remember, it's important to hire a trusted local guide or join group tours if you plan on visiting remote areas.

Safety rating

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How safe is Egypt?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

Egypt has a moderate level of safety, however, as a solo female traveler, it's generally not recommended to walk alone at night. In tourist areas, while the risk is a bit lower, it's wise to exercise extra precaution. In other areas, it's best to avoid nighttime walks altogether due to a lack of street lights in certain districts and occasional harassment. Consider hiring a reliable guide or taking a registered taxi if you must be out at night.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Egypt, such as buses and metros, is relatively safe during the day. Most locals are helpful, and crime rate on public transportation is not especially high. However, the lack of English can pose a barrier for communications and the cultural norms can present discomfort, especially on crowded buses. Metro cars have women-only sections which can provide a better sense of security. Nighttime travel should be more cautious, as any other city. Taxis or ride-hailing apps are also common and often a more comfortable choice for women travelers.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:High

One should note that Egypt possesses a vibrant culture and diverse historical attractions, but verbal street harassment can be quite common. This can vary from mildly annoying to more persistent and can sometimes feel intimidating. Remember to dress modestly to respect local customs and avoid unwanted attention. It's always crucial to be aware of your surroundings and maintain confidence while walking around. Knowing a few Arabic phrases can also come in handy.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Egypt, particularly in its bustling cities, presents a moderate risk of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. Popular tourist areas, crowded markets, and public transport facilities are where these incidences occur most. However, the majority of nationals are friendly and helpful, and so long as you remain vigilant, chances of being a victim can be minimized.

Is Egypt worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.3 /5

based on 98 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

4/5
Umay

Umay

Turkey

Egypt, Couple travel

Egypt was one of the countries I wanted to visit the most because of my interest in ancient civilizations. The sea and corals were really amazing, definitely go diving! Also, don't leave without going to Luxor and seeing the Valley of the Kings and the museums. The most beautiful places are in Luxor, not Cairo. As a Turkish, I had no problem eating spicy and salty food, but if your stomach is not used to it, it can be a bit uncomfortable. Finally, it is useful to dress a little more modestly and I do not recommend traveling alone for a woman.

Posted: February 4, 2025Experienced: February, 2024
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Egypt, Group travel

Such a beautiful country! But you have to be careful. Even in a group And not only for girls , be careful. For guys too. The local will try to assult and lure you into buying. Sometimes they get hostile and this creates a bas mood. But just be cautious. Even at the hotel with the staff aswell

Posted: February 2, 2025Experienced: January, 2020
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Elif

Elif

France

Cairo, Couple travel

I spent four months in Cairo as an exchange student, and I absolutely loved the city! Egypt, often called the cradle of civilization, is filled with incredible history, culture, and breathtaking sights. If you’re passionate about history and culture, Cairo will feel like heaven! I spent almost every weekend traveling around, yet I still couldn’t see everything—it’s a place that keeps surprising you. And if you’re going to Egypt, you should definitely visit Alexandria, Siwa, and Luxor as well. My favorite restaurant in Cairo is definitely Tasha Restaurant in Mounira. You can eat handmade Egyptian food from mr dear friend Amr. I was always eating there, the prices are so cheap and the quality is really good, the most importantly you can have the chance to meet Amr, one of the great people of Cairo. Regarding safety, I’d say the city is generally safe, but for women, I highly recommend going with friends rather than alone. As an alone foreigner lady, you might attract attention, and unfortunately, street harassment can happen. However, with some precautions and a bit of street awareness, you can still have an amazing experience exploring this fascinating city! If anyone has questions about traveling to Egypt, feel free to ask!

Posted: January 30, 2025
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Cairo, Solo travel

My trip to Egypt was amazing! I explored the Pyramids of Giza, sailed on the Nile, and enjoyed the beautiful Red Sea beaches. The rich history, delicious food, and warm hospitality made it unforgettable.

Posted: January 2, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
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merna

merna

Egypt

Egypt, Solo travel

Traveling to Egypt is a really different experience, although it is my country, but I discovered that Egypt has many amazing cities. Including Siwa, where you will live truly primitive experiences and a wonderful adventure, and Luxor and Aswan, a mixture of nature, Pharaonic architecture, kind people, and high temperatures. I recommend traveling to them in the winter.. And Sinai, every city in it is amazing between the mountains, the Red Sea, and diving.

Posted: December 27, 2024
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Egypt, Family travel

Egypt is very beautiful, the monuments are also wonderful, but it is unusual for me to have people with automatic weapons, women covered in veils, and it is sometimes unpleasant. It is more of a vacation to lie in a hotel and not to travel.

Posted: December 23, 2024Experienced: June, 2023
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Dahab, Family travel

Loved the people—so kind—and the culture. The prices are a little touristy. I tried diving in the sea; it was an amazing experience. However, the changing area was not clean enough. You can wear what you want and enjoy the restaurants and cafes by the sea.

Posted: December 22, 2024
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Dahab, Solo travel

I did feel very safe in the hub locals are friendly and willing to help. I really recommend doing yoga at the beach. Also renting a bike and going to the near beaches having fun. There is a lot of cheap Airbnb's and it's really nice.

Posted: December 7, 2024Experienced: December, 2024
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Egypt, Group travel

I didn’t feel safe. fun, authentic trip but it was too hot and the food was not my style. as a woman I never felt comfortable. It was still a magical trip (I may not be objective as I am an ancient Egypt fan)

Posted: November 19, 2024
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esra

esra

Turkey

Egypt, Solo travel

Actually it was really nice there is only one problem that i want to mention is the sellers in Egypt. You have to be careful about the prices because when they aware that you are a tourist they are always say it more expensively.

Posted: November 17, 2024
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Is Egypt safe for women?

Safety index

3.7 /5

Based on 72 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 72 local experiences

Dai

Dai

Cairo

Like any other 3rd world country. If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ll know that nowhere is really safe, but it’s not like mafia level unsafe! 😂 just be careful where you end up. All under the traveller’s responsibility, I am not responsible for anything that happens under the traveller’s decisions.

Posted: February 4, 2025
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Ayah

Ayah

Alexandria

It is indeed safe, except for catcalling and mild sexual harassment in certain areas which I strongly suggest you should stay away from specially late at night. I also suggest you have some advice from locals on where to go and where to stay away from.

Posted: February 4, 2025
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Safety in Egypt