Menu Close

Do you dare to travel to Egypt? - experiences from Sharm el Sheikh

Do you dare to travel to Egypt? We have received many different reactions both before and after our trip to Sharm el Sheikh. Some love the snorkelling and all that Egypt has to offer. Others are worried about everything from demonstrations to stomach flu. Here are our thoughts on travelling to Egypt.

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
Share

Our experience

Egypt is a large country and conditions are different in different parts of the country. We are writing this post primarily for those who are thinking of visiting one of the tourist resorts, and from our own experience. We visited Sharm el Sheikh in the last week of September this year (2019) and felt like very safe. To answer the questions below, we have also done some reading, including on Sweden Abroad and on 1177 Vårdguiden.

Vågar man resa till Egypten?

Are there demonstrations?

Recently there have been reports of demonstrations in Egypt and we were asked whether we saw any demonstrators. We can say that any demonstrations seemed very far awaya, where we were in Sharm el Sheikh.

Egypt is very big and it takes at least 6 hours (maybe more like 7 in reality) to drive by car from Sharm el Sheikh to Cairo. According to our guides, it is unlikely that anyone would want to demonstrate in the tourist resorts, where everyone lives by and for the tourists.

Sharm el Sheikh

Is there concern?

There have been previous terrorist attacks in Egypt, including in Cairo and the north of the country. Egypt is a large country and there are areas that are not recommended to visit. Today, large parts of the country, including tourist resorts (such as Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh) safe for visitors. Of course, security situations can change (as they do in all countries), and it is of course wise to check the current security situation before travelling at Sweden Abroad.

Sharm el Sheikh
The Peace Monument in Sharm el Sheikh

What about crime?

We neither saw nor heard about crime during our trip. According to the Finnish Embassy in Cairo, there is relatively little crime in Egypt, although theft, for example, can occur in the larger cities.

What about security?

Egypt is ruled with an iron fist, and there is a lot of investment in security in the form of roadblocks, security guards and security checks outside hotels and attractions. For a Swede it feels a bit unusual, but eventually you get used to scanning your bag ... again. "Safety first" seemed to be almost a concept among guides, and they were always careful to provide you with life jackets or whatever.

Båttur i Sharm el Sheikh

Is it Muslim - and what does it mean?

Egypt has freedom of religion, but the majority of the population is Muslim. Around 5 per cent (or more according to some sources) are Christians. The fact that the country is Muslim is mainly reflected in the fact that far more men than women work (we saw women working at Vodafone, at the airport and in a hotel reception), that most people do not drink alcohol (alcohol is mainly served in the tourist hotels) and that outside the tourist areas you should be a little more "modestly dressed" than we are perhaps used to in Western Europe.

Our experience was that all the Muslims we met were very open and tolerant of Christianity. Several of them guided us knowledgeably in Christian churches and one of them took enthusiastic photos in the big beautiful church in Sharm el Sheikh. The men drink tea in the restaurants in the evenings instead of alcohol, which in many ways makes the atmosphere feel calmer and safer than in most places where we have holidayed.

Moské

Can you travel in Egypt as a single woman?

We have travelled in Egypt as a couple, so it is perhaps a bit difficult for us to answer this question, but we saw a lot of female tourists in Sharm el Sheikh travelling alone or with a friend/group of friends.

We saw them in the hotels, on the streets, in the restaurants and on the excursions, and couldn't see any problem, at least not in a tourist area like Sharm el Sheikh. When going outside of the hotel areas and beaches, it may be appropriate for women to dress a little more "dressy", with clothes that cover the shoulders and knees.

Sharm el Sheikh

Can you travel in Egypt as a homosexual?

Homosexuality is not prohibited by law, but is considered by many to be taboo and can be referred to the country's 'morality law'. We spoke to a guide on a boat who was upset that he had seen two men in a romantic relationship. Others may be able to answer this question better, but some caution should probably be exercised.

Are there dangerous animals?

Poisonous jellyfish are rare, but if you do see a jellyfish, it's a good idea not to touch it. On the other hand, when snorkelling or diving, you should be careful about touching things at all, as nature should be protected. Many years ago, sharks were triggered into unnatural behaviour due to feeding and the like, but today such activities are strictly forbidden in Egypt. The only animals we saw were colourful fish, small lizards, camels, goats and cats ...

Vågar man resa till Egypten?

Is it dangerous in traffic?

Travelling in traffic is probably one of the most dangerous things you do when travelling at all, regardless of your destination (including at home in Sweden). From a safety point of view, it is of course good to wear a seatbelt in a car/bus and a helmet when riding a moped/motorbike.

If you rent a vehicle, it is important to check what insurance is included. The roads we saw in the southern Sinai Peninsula were of excellent quality, and the roads were quiet. Driving in Cairo is certainly much more challenging.

Vågar man resa till Egypten?

Do you get sick to your stomach?

When travelling to Africa or Asia, there is always a certain risk of getting diarrhoea or stomach flu, as you will encounter a different bacterial culture. You can't eliminate the risk completely, but there are many ways to reduce the risk of getting sick:

  • Choose foods that are well cooked or boiled
  • Avoid raw fish and shellfish
  • Avoid food left out in the heat for a long time
  • Peel fruit and possibly be a little careful with fresh vegetables.
  • Drink only bottled water and avoid tap water.
  • Avoid ice cubes in your soda or drink (unless you are sure where the ice comes from).
  • Be sure to wash your hands
Vågar man resa till Egypten?

Are there other health risks?

At certain times of the year (especially in summer!) the days can be very hot. It is important to drink plenty of fluids and you may also need to use sunscreen. Remember that young children are particularly sensitive to the sun and heat.

In some places there may be sea urchins, for example, which can be painful to step on. If you wish, you can wear swimming shoes.

You may want to protect yourself from mosquito bites. While malaria is not present in the country, some other diseases can be spread by mosquitoes.

Vågar man resa till Egypten?

Which laws should be observed?

You should avoid photographing or filming military installations, security guards and roadblocks, as this can be a criminal offence. For example, we avoided bringing our drone... You should also avoid publishing insults about the government, the state or the country's religion. Moreover, the penalties for drug offences are severe, and driving under the influence of alcohol is considered a serious offence.

So, do you dare to travel to Egypt?

We experienced our trip to Egypt as particularly calm and safe. Sharm el Sheikh is a quiet little tourist resort where you meet social and friendly Egyptians, and of course other tourists. The fact that tea is served on the outdoor terraces instead of wine and drinks makes it feel safer than other resorts, if possible. Of course, it is always wise to check the current security situation, especially if you are planning to travel to a completely different part of the country.

Vågar man resa till Egypten?
All our top tips on Egypt. Click on the image!

Subscribe to our newsletter