Egypt is generally considered safe for tourists in main areas like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts as of early 2026, provided travelers exercise a high degree of caution due to terrorism risks. Major tourist sites are heavily secured, though regional tensions and risks of indiscriminate attacks require vigilance.
Is It Safe to Visit the Pyramids in Egypt? Travel to the Egypt pyramids is very safe. Pickpockets, purse snatchers and scammers are probably the biggest risk for tourists visiting the pyramids, and especially when there are large crowds.
Egypt is a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory primarily due to the persistent threat of terrorism, with extremist groups targeting tourist areas, religious sites, and transportation hubs, plus risks of crime, unrest, and the government's limited ability to assist detained dual nationals. While major tourist spots like Cairo/Giza often have increased security, specific high-risk zones like parts of the Sinai Peninsula and Western Desert are designated Level 4 "Do Not Travel" areas, making overall national advisories higher.
There are no travel advisories in place for popular tourist spots like Cairo, the cities along the Nile, including Luxor and Aswan and resorts by the Red Sea such as Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.
All our Egypt destinations, including Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Cairo, Makadi Bay, El Gouna, Dahab, Soma Bay, Luxor and Marsa Alam, are part of the FCDO's green travel area, meaning holidays to these resorts remain unaffected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and recent military activity in Yemen.
Due to the risks, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in areas within the Sinai. U.S. government employees are not authorized to freely travel into the northern and middle Sinai Peninsula. Access is highly regulated by the Government of Egypt.
It's not safe to travel to certain high-risk areas like Haiti, Russia, Belarus, and Afghanistan (avoid all travel), while many other countries like Mexico, Turkey, Thailand, and parts of Israel and Palestine have specific regions with "do not travel" advisories due to ongoing conflict, terrorism, or instability. Always check your government's travel advisories (like the U.S. State Dept or UK FCDO) for the latest updates, as risks can change rapidly.
The primary Nile cruise corridor, typically between Luxor and Aswan, is considered one of Egypt's most secure tourist zones. It is far from any regional conflict areas, closely monitored by tourism authorities, and fully prepared to welcome international guests.
The summer months in Egypt are one of the worst times to visit, but not because of the crowds like in December and January! The reason the summer months, especially July and August, are not a good time to visit is the extreme heat and high temperatures that make it very difficult to enjoy many of the sites.
Iceland, Japan, Vietnam, Switzerland, and Singapore are consistently ranked among the world's safest for family travel, thanks to low crime rates, clean cities, and reliable healthcare.
Yes, you can still travel to Egypt from the UK, with popular tourist areas like Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam generally considered safe for tourism by the UK government, but you must check your passport validity and obtain a visa (often on arrival or online), while being aware of FCDO advice against travel to specific border areas due to regional tensions and the need for comprehensive travel insurance.
We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution for Egypt due to the threat of terrorism. We also advise do not travel or reconsider your need to travel to several areas of Egypt due to threats including higher risks of terrorism or serious crime - read our advice carefully.
As of early 2026, U.S. Department of State Level 4 Travel Advisory countries (meaning "Do Not Travel") include nations like Afghanistan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Russia, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, North Korea, Central African Republic, Burma (Myanmar), and Lebanon, due to extreme risks like conflict, terrorism, crime, or political instability, with the U.S. Department of State website (travel.state.gov) offering the official, most current list.
Article Egypt: President Sisi Lifts State of Emergency Four Years After Its Declaration. On October 25, 2021, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi suspended the state of emergency in Egypt for the first time since he declared it four years ago.
There is no official rule banning white clothing in Egypt. However, in traditional and rural areas, white is sometimes linked with mourning, religious rituals, and funeral attire. Wearing bright white can also attract unwanted attention; opt for softer or neutral shades for daily wear.
In Egypt, it is not acceptable to dress immodestly, especially at religious sites, with women expected to cover their shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and disrespecting local customs and religious practices is also unacceptable.
According to the survey, theft of car (71.4 per cent), car hijacking (56.3 per cent) and theft of motorcycle (43.8 per cent) are the types of crime most frequently reported to the police, while only 1.3 per cent of the cases of corruption is brought to the attention of the police.
Egypt's most beautiful places blend ancient wonders with natural beauty, featuring iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx, the magnificent temples of Luxor (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings), and the serene landscapes of Aswan, alongside the stunning Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh) and otherworldly deserts like the White & Black Deserts, offering history, culture, and natural splendor.
