Is It Safe For Children To Visit Egypt?

Egypt is a popular destination for families traveling with kids, especially outside of the bustling and chaotic traffic of Cairo. The country has been on our list of must-visit places since moving to the Middle East, and with the right travel advice, including safety and security, insurance, entry requirements, and legal differences, it can be a safe destination for families.

Egypt is known for its incredible location, including the world’s longest river, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the Sphinx. However, the popularity of Egypt waned following political upheaval in 2011. Despite this, Egypt remains an incredible destination for kids, offering attractions like the Nile River, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the Sphinx.

To ensure safety, it is important to keep children nearby at all times and ask for their comfort when they are touched or uncomfortable. It is likely that the people in Egypt are not trying to bother you or your child, but rather a difference in cultures.

In Hurghada, Alexandria, Sharm el Sheikh, and Cairo, there are relatively safe areas for families to visit. Children below the age of 2 years can travel with their parents for free, while those aged 2-6 can travel for free.

The crime rate in Egypt is generally low, but visitors have reported armed robberies, muggings, sexual assaults, and break-ins to accommodation. Egypt is a great place to travel with kids due to its incredible history, amazing food, and some of the friendliest people.

As with any other country that relies on tourism, scammers may exist, but kids are adaptable and can be fine with sensible precautions. Some families have reported their kids wearing their normal clothing, such as t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers, and a hat as a crucial part of their safety gear.

Is Egypt a family friendly destination?

Egypt, a popular destination for families, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. The country’s rich history, including the birth of pharaohs, pyramids, and hieroglyphs, provides a unique opportunity for generations to bond over some of humanity’s oldest and greatest achievements. The well-developed infrastructure makes it easy to find suitable rooms for families, such as connecting rooms for children and grandparents, and separate rooms for teenagers.

This is not easily available in most countries or is prohibitively expensive, but in Egypt, it is simple and affordable if booked in advance. Additionally, families can choose to have a representative at the airport to assist with security and private drivers, making international travel easier for small children or large groups. This extra set of hands makes international travel with large luggage more manageable.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt with children?

To ensure safety during travel, it is crucial to ensure children and young people are accompanied by trusted individuals and not left alone with hotel or excursion staff. It is also important to read FCDO’s travel advice and regional risks advice. The UK faces a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, including from groups and individuals who view UK and British nationals as targets. Terrorism in Egypt is also a significant concern.

Is it safe to visit the pyramids with family?

Booking a guided tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza is recommended, especially for families with children. Experienced Egyptologists provide valuable insights into the site’s history and significance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Customize your tour by letting them know your interests. Most visitors start their trip from Cairo, which is approximately 20 kilometers away. Arrange transportation via taxi, tour bus, or private car hire. Keep in mind that traffic congestion and heat can affect travel times.

Look for family-friendly activities at the pyramids, such as camel rides, horse-drawn carriage tours, and interactive exhibits, to keep children engaged and entertained. Feeding dogs outside can also be a fun activity for children.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now in 2024?

Cairo is considered safe to visit by the Foreign Office, as per general travel advice. However, it is important to stay vigilant for petty crime and female travelers, as harassment and sexual assault can occur in other parts of the country. Sharm el-Sheikh, a resort in the Red Sea, reopened to British tourists in October 2019, four years after a bomb exploded on a Russian plane carrying 224 tourists and crew. Security measures at the resort include x-ray scanners in hotels, security walls, and high perimeter fences around the airport.

Is Cairo kid friendly?

The best places for children in Cairo are around the Citadel, where they can explore museums, mosques, and medieval courtyards. Al-Azhar Park is ideal for running, picnicking, and playing with the Pyramids. The market of Khan El-Khalili offers a family-friendly feast and a tanoura dance show. Al-Azhar Park is a great green space in the Downtown-adjacent area, while Family Park in New Cairo or Nasr City offers large open spaces and sandy play areas. Family Park is particularly popular with its mini zoo and rapids ride. It’s recommended to bring your own food.

Do girls have to cover up in Egypt?

Female tourists in Egypt are not legally required to cover their heads, but some do wear headscarves or hijabs to protect their hair. Shorts can be worn in beach resort towns like Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada on the Red Sea, but it’s rare outside these areas. Bikinis are also acceptable, but they are not typically worn outside resort towns. Tourists can wear one-shoulder one-pieces or cover-ups, but it’s not a requirement.

A scarf or shawl can be added to their bag for mosques that require a headscarf. Bikinis are not uncommon, but they are not typically worn outside resort towns. Tourists can also wear swimsuits, as seen in Sharm el-Sheikh, a beach town along the Red Sea on the Sinai Peninsula.

Can tourists kiss in Egypt?

In Egypt, public displays of affection are generally considered inappropriate, with couples kissing on the street or even a kiss on the cheek being considered unacceptable in some areas. Handholding and shaking hands are generally acceptable, but strict Muslims avoid physical contact with opposite-sex people. To ensure correct directions, ask for directions from at least three different people, as sometimes they may provide the correct information.

When crossing busy streets, wait for someone to cross with you or ask for help, as most Egyptians are willing to oblige. In cities like Cairo and Alexandria, where traffic is congested and signs are difficult to locate, cars may not stop to allow crossing, and leaving more than a few centimetres between cars is considered wasted space.

Is Egypt cheap or expensive?

Egypt is an affordable and incredible destination, offering a variety of attractions from the bustling city of Cairo to the mighty Nile, the marine life of the Red Sea, and the treasures and monuments left by ancient civilizations. This budget Egypt travel guide provides tips and insights on how to travel Egypt on a budget.

To explore Egypt on a budget, there are several budget-friendly ways to get around, depending on your destination. Cairo is often the best place to start, as it offers easy access to the country’s attractions and is a popular choice for those looking to explore the country on a budget.

What is the most safest city in Egypt?

Egypt offers a rich history and unforgettable civilization, making it a safe destination to visit. Cairo City, known as the capital, is the most popular destination, while Alexandria is known as the bird of the Mediterranean. Luxor, the ancient city, is a must-see for its historical landmarks. Aswan, the Nubian City, is another must-see. Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and El-Gouna are other popular destinations. Egypt is also known as “The Land of the Pharaohs”, and tourists come from around the world to witness its greatness. Book Egypt Vacation Packages now for up to 10% off.

What is the best age to visit Egypt for kids?

Egypt’s ideal age for visiting is not fixed, but children who have a basic understanding of ancient Egypt can enjoy the experience more. It’s recommended to wait until elementary school, as the pyramids are more interesting for those who don’t speak the guide’s language. Some tour companies have age restrictions, sometimes up to 12+ or 5+. It’s important to search for family tours that best suit your family and be prepared to carry your toddler around most of the time, as Egypt is not a stroller-friendly country.

How safe is Egypt for tourists?

Egypt is advised to avoid travel to certain areas due to increased risks of terrorism and serious crime. Terrorist attacks could target religious sites and tourist locations. The security situation in different locations is crucial, and landmines are present in certain areas such as the desert around El Alamein, Marsa Matruh coastline, the western shore of the Gulf of Suez, and the Sinai Peninsula.