I'm interested in knowing the opinion of travellers (and residents) in Egypt regarding the safety of travelling there now, given the instability of the region. We are considering a trip there next January and would like to go ahead and make travel plans but wanted to check with Fodors participants before doing so.

I am in the same boat, have a travel planned. And I am monitoring USA, UK, Canada and Australia travel advisory. Among them, USA is the only one at level 2, all other are level 3 for the Nile region (where most of the attractions are) Australia in fact recently upgraded advisory from level 3 to level 2. So, as of now, our trip is still "on"

It doesn’t seem like any of the “regular” posters here on Fodors have traveled to Egypt since the attack on October 7 and the ongoing war in Gaza. I was going to suggest checking out Trip Advisor, but I believe you’ve already posted there, Gabi.

My sense is that travel within Egypt has been relatively safe but there is always a risk for something that might destabilize the region further. It really comes down to one’s comfort level as to what you’re willing to risk. If you go, I suspect that the crowds will be way down (we went in 2022 and it was quite busy at the major sites) and you’d experience great hospitality as I’m sure the tourist industry has been badly affected by the war.

Wondering if anyone ever replied to the question of safety in Egypt and Jordan in October 2024?

From my own experience of travel in Egypt & Morocco when tourist numbers were way down, I’d look on this period as an opportunity to experience wonderful places & have them almost to yourselves. Also, since the Egyptian pound’s recent devaluation I suspect travel will be a real bargain. I know I’m in the minority given the few tourists in the country but I don’t believe Egypt is unsafe & would go in a heartbeat if I could. Safety, though, is as much a state of mind as anything & if one is asking the question then maybe wait.

I was in Cairo 2024 September. Solo. No problems at all. I had specific places I wanted to visit and asked my hotel for advice. Taxis and Ubers are cheap and easy. Everyone is keen to help. Hoping to go again this year.

Thanks and glad you had a good time. We leave on 10 days for 3 weeks I. Egypt.

Egypt is amazing. Have a great time!

I'm a little worried about the locals who come up and try to sell goods near tourist attractions. I'm an "I" person and I'm not good at dealing with this kind of situation.Sometimes I have to buy some things I didn't originally want to buy under their enthusiasm.

You do have to get used to firmly declining and moving on. I try to do this politely but firmly.

I agree with KTtravel: A simple, but firm, "No, thank you," should work.

Yes, a calm "no, thank you" and equally or more important, don't show any interest in what's offered. Keep moving & don't look as slowing & looking provokes the hard sell. It is possible, with a little practice, to cordially move on with neither party bothered.

I agree with the others. We’ve had similar experiences with aggressive merchants in India.

just say no, look straight ahead and keep on walking.

In light of the current instability in the region, I recommend that you carefully review the latest travel warnings and advisories before planning.

Yes. Now I'm much more accustomed to dealing with this kind of situation, but it's still hard for me to refuse children selling goods, especially when traveling to remote and underdeveloped areas.

Thanks for the reply. In most cases, this is simple and effective. Maybe there will be one or two persistent vendors occasionally.

One of the tour guides we had in India really encouraged us to say no to purchasing from or giving money or gifts to children on the street as he said parents will keep kids out of school if they think the children will be successful at begging/selling. Education for children is free and mandatory but families sometimes need to be encouraged to keep their kids in school.

Hello,

I grew up in Europe but live in Cairo for years now. It is just as safe as any other major city of the world, just be vigilant like anywhere else. Egyptians are respectful. I travel all over the Middle East and Africa alone. I guess it all comes down to perception. I feel much safer in Cairo than London or New York. You would meet pushy vendors in any tourist places of the world. What I want to say is don’t worry. Come visit this beautiful country with an open mind, if you love the Egyptians they will love you back.

Wonder how your trip went and how you felt about safety. Considering a trip for this fall? Thank you.

Speak Pig Latin to them. That's how I got rid of the peskey carpet salesmen in Turkey. Believe me, it works.