- Download our Moving to Egypt Guide (PDF)
Safety in Egypt is a priority for the authorities, and security forces maintain a visible presence across Egypt’s main centres, particularly Cairo. Police and plainclothes officers are a common sight in the capital, especially around government buildings and tourist areas.
Even with these measures, daily life and safety in Egypt are shaped by the widespread poverty and youth unemployment, the country’s higher living costs, and shortages of basic goods. At times, tensions between Egypt’s Christian and Muslim communities flare up and can even result in violence.
Terrorism in Egypt
Terrorism in Egypt has been a concern since the unrest that followed the Arab Spring. In response, the military instituted strict security measures across the country. The resulting crackdown stoked anti-government sentiment and, analysts have noted, further motivated non-state extremist groups to carry out attacks. The violence has largely been focused on the North Sinai governorate.
Houthis based in Yemen have periodically targeted vessels in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait since late 2023. Naval forces from several countries patrol the Red Sea to protect commercial ships. Expats are encouraged to stay up to date on the latest travel advisories issued by their home countries.
Crime in Egypt
Crime rates in Egyptian cities are moderate compared to those in many other countries, but expats should still take sensible precautions. Petty crimes are still a persistent concern, especially opportunistic theft, pickpocketing, bag snatching, and street scams. The risk is higher in crowded places like markets and transport hubs.
Violent crime against foreigners is rare.
Women’s safety in Egypt
Women’s safety in Egypt is a serious concern, and sexual harassment is a persistent social problem. Verbal harassment and, at times, physical harassment of women occur in public spaces and on public transport. The issue has generated considerable debate in Egyptian society and prompted legal reforms, although enforcement is inconsistent.
Many female expats prefer to travel in groups after dark and often use ride-hailing apps instead of walking alone at night. The Cairo Metro also offers women-only carriages.
Protests in Egypt
Protests in Egypt have been tightly controlled since new protest laws were introduced after the 2011 revolution. Large-scale unrest is rare, but smaller demonstrations sometimes happen, usually because of economic problems, political issues, or regional conflicts.
Public squares, universities, city centres, courts, and government buildings are considered potential hotspots. Expats should monitor the local press and their embassy alerts for any signs of unrest. The security impact on expats is largely incidental, but it’s best to avoid all street gatherings as a precaution. Egypt also experiences periodic labour-related strikes that can disrupt business and state operations.
Road safety in Egypt
Road safety is a major concern in Egypt. Traffic accidents are one of the main causes of death, especially for young people. Poor driving, violations of traffic laws, insufficient street lighting, and weak enforcement are the main reasons.
Pedestrians are especially at risk in big cities, where they make up most road fatalities. Be careful when crossing streets. Many expats use ride-hailing apps or hire drivers instead of driving themselves. If you do drive, use a defensive driving style.
Safety in the Sinai Peninsula
Safety in the Sinai Peninsula hinges on the distinction between the heavily policed resort towns of the south and the restricted military zones of the north. Resort areas such as Sharm el-Sheikh are relatively secure thanks to a heavy security force presence, and most governments consider them safe to visit. Travel outside these tourist zones is not advised, especially in the North Sinai governorate.
The situation in North Sinai is tense. Militant activity has decreased in frequency in recent years, but the governorate is still an active military zone. The situation near the Gaza border has added to the security complexity in the region, and the Egyptian military has significantly increased its presence in the peninsula. Most governments advise against all travel to the North Sinai governorate and recommend staying within designated resort areas in South Sinai.