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 index

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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 58 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

4.1/5

Egypt, Family travel

I was with my family. It wasn't so expensive, people are very frendly and kind. It is safe for solo travelers too. You have so much to explore there. Cairo, Hurghada, Red Sea... I would love to travel there again.

Posted: October 15, 2024Experienced: April, 2024
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Alice

Alice

United Kingdom

Egypt, Family travel

I went to Egypt in 2019 and really enjoyed it. We went to a Bedouin camp, which was one of the highlights to see the community and how they live in the desert. We were in an all inclusive hotel which I think is one of the best ways to navigate the country, it was safe and hassle free. Some of the staff at the hotel were forward and pushy with me about ‘meeting them later’. This made me comfortable and I would try my best to avoid them.

Posted: September 28, 2024
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Egypt, Solo travel

Mosty I was feeling safe, but sometimes bothered by local mens. Its better to cover your body and west hijab especially in the local aerias. Mosty people are very welcomed, supportive and families very open for their hospitality

Posted: September 5, 2024Experienced: June, 2024
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Lilly

Lilly

Algeria

Egypt, Solo travel

The mist wonderful place I've ever been. The pharaonic civilisation is great, the museums, the pyramids 😍, the Nile, and people!!! I've been to Égypte 3 times and expect to go much more times. Hope to go to Japan and Thailand.

Posted: August 24, 2024
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Dahab, Solo travel

Yes, absolutely safe throughout all day and night. You can go out anytime with 0 worries anything bad will happen to you. Egyptian restaurants there are for the win. There are a couple of other chinese/russian and italian restaurants but Egyptian ones are by far the best there.

Posted: July 29, 2024Experienced: September, 2023
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Franchesca

Franchesca

Egypt

Sharm el-Sheikh, Group travel

Recently went to Sharm el sheikh with my 2 friends we are all 23 year old girls, we found it amazing. It is so much safer and more westernised I would say then other cities in that area. You can go clubbing, out to eat, they have many fast food chains and shops you would see in Europe, everyone is very friendly and goes out of their way for you. The only thing I would say is do expect people flirting with you non-stop which can be a little intense at first but if you say stop talking to me or I’m not interested etc they will respect that. U-drive is a great app for cheap taxis but the taxis are unregistered so if you get one be careful and if you feel safe and comfortable with the driver ask for his WhatsApp because then you can use him again and know you will be okay.

Posted: July 23, 2024
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Sharm el-Sheikh, Group travel

Sharm was beautiful, nice beach holiday and clear water with small reefs and colourful fish around! Went with friends and enjoyed it so much! 3 ladies walking around their city without any interruptions. Locals polite and super cheap taxies around. Defo recommend doing driving with instructor and take a boat trip! Be aware of food, we have suffered from food poisoning so take medicine with you just in case! For 6 nights, all inclusive and flights £320

Posted: July 10, 2024Experienced: November, 2023
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Valeriia

Valeriia

United Kingdom

Dahab, Solo travel

I lovely place with a lot of activities. You can go diving, kite surfing, do a lot of yoga and swim in the beautiful sea. The town is very safe and it's easy to connect with a lot of digital nomad. It's not expensive as well.

Posted: July 2, 2024Experienced: February, 2024
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Anita

Anita

Canada

Egypt, Solo travel

I went with G Adventures and we had the best tour guide. I felt absolutely safe with them, our crew and in Egypt. I think a lot of the concerns about safety are warranted and I wouldn’t advise travelling alone and without a tour guide. The food prices are relatively low, the entire trip was cost effective and once you leave Cairo, you will see how beautiful Egypt truly is. I loved the variety as we explored by train, boat and bus.

Posted: June 12, 2024
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Cairo, Solo travel

Cairo is a must to get to Giza. The old museum is still worth a visit, and people can be helpful and lovely. Uber was rather safe and effective form of travel. However finding a decent place to stay in the city is a challenge. Overall, try to stay closer to Memphis or Giza and really just try to get to Luxor. Best. Place. Ever. If you want a cheap and amazing company, Aladdin family tours has hotels and guides for stupidly cheap. All the Instagram worthy photos you could want from their restaurant overlooking the Nile and they always book an Egyptologist to show you round. They are so sweet and won’t scam you in Luxor or Cairo.

Posted: June 12, 2024
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Is Egypt safe for women?

Safety index

3.1 /5

Based on 24 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 24 local experiences

Mariam

Mariam

Cairo

It's fine in most places, especially the more luxurious spots, but non-Egyptians should be a bit more cautious because they tend to stand out and be more noticeable. It's not dangerous, just something to be mindful of.

Posted: October 18, 2024
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Mariam

Mariam

Cairo

Cairo is safer than people assume, pickpocketing is the thing to worry about most and maybe over priced taxis. Also, the culture in Egypt is modest in dressing, so tank tops or shorts might get you some unwanted attention. General safety precautions should be taken like not walking in deserted areas at night.

Posted: October 6, 2024
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Is Egypt safe right now?

Before your visit to Egypt, it's essential to check travel advisories for Egypt, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryReconsider your need to travel

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

Meet locals in Egypt

Nayira

Nayira

About Me

I am an archaeologist and Research at the culture heritage and Intellectual property law

Speaking

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Aya

Aya

About Me

I’m Aya, from Cairo, Egypt. I love traveling, walking and exploring around all the time. My hobbies include photography, casual cycling, sightseeing and enjoying nature.📷🍃🚴🏻‍♀️

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Egypt

Mayar

Mayar

Cairo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Iam enthusiastic parkour player and horse riding, i would go for anything beyond nature and self exploration,

Speaking

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Maya

Maya

Shebin El Kom

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hey there, I’m Maya a 25 Egyptian who loves to travel abroad. I also host travelers who visit my city in Egypt, feel free to hit me up whenever!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Egypt

Vera

Vera

About Me

Hi! I’m Vera. I’m an architect who have passion about travelling. I can speak English and Turkish well but I’m just beginner in Italian ☺️✨

Speaking

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Yana

Yana

About Me

Open-minded, talkative girl who knows a bunch of things about ancient Egypt. Into graphic design and illustration, like to take photos and working out as well Close to nature - sun lover - local joker

Speaking

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Safety in Egypt