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

4 /5

Based on 89 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.1 /5

Based on 25 experiences from local women

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How safe is Egypt?

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: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: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: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 89 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

4/5

Food

4.3/5

Budget-friendly

4/5

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

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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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

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

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

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

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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Is Egypt safe for women?

Safety index

3.1 /5

Based on 25 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 25 local experiences

Alexandria

it's generally safe but you have to keep attention to walk alone in an empty street in the darkness, apart from that everything is okay , also not keeping in mind having modest clothes to avoid any attraction.

Posted: November 19, 2024

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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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Meet locals in Egypt

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.📷🍃🚴🏻‍♀️

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Zoza

About Me

I love traveling and l met with many different nationalities.. happy to meet different people from many different countries.. l love reading , listening to good music, swimming.. l live in Cairo. Welcome to see my own country.

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Stay with locals in Egypt

Zoza

Cairo

Can host for:

3 days

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Nour

Cairo

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I’m Nour a 23 year old travel blogger from Egypt, i like travelling and one of my goals is to travel all over the world It would be my pleasure to meet you in my city and i also want to meet you in yours

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Upcoming visitors to Egypt

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

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

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Safety in Egypt

Dahab

Hurghada

Sharm el-Sheikh

Cairo

Red Sea

Aswan

Alexandria

Taba

Nuweiba

Port Ghalib

Marsa Alam

Port Said

Ismailia

Ain Sokhna

El Alamein

Faiyum

Check the safest places in Egypt