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Egypt solo female travel: what travel advice says and how to plan

Egypt solo female travel is possible, but five governments warn about the harassment of women in Egypt. This page gives what each government says and the precautions that they recommend. Before you go, plan your transport, your evenings and your visits to the sites.

On this page
  1. What government advice says
  2. Precautions from the advice
  3. Plan your visit to the pyramids
  4. What to wear
  5. If you have a problem
  6. Questions
  7. Sources

What government advice says

Five governments give advice for women who visit Egypt. Each one warns about harassment.

  • United States. Harassment of women, including foreigners, is a problem in Egypt. It can include vulgar comments, gestures, indecent exposure and unwanted physical contact.
  • United Kingdom. The British Embassy has had reports of sexual assaults. Most of the reported cases took place in tourist resorts in the Red Sea region. The attacker was often a person whom the victim had already met, for example a hotel worker or a member of excursion staff. Women who travel alone should be careful, particularly at night and in taxis.
  • Canada. Women, particularly foreigners, often get unwanted male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. This can be staring, remarks, catcalls and touching. The risks are higher around public holidays, when more men are in the streets.
  • Australia. Women who travel alone should take extra care. Women can be harassed or assaulted, for example on public transport and in public areas. Sexual harassment of women by taxi drivers is common.
  • Ireland. Sexual harassment is common on the street and in taxis. It can quickly become sexual assault. Where possible, women should not travel alone.

The advice above is for Egypt in general, not for one site. We found no official data about harassment at the Giza pyramids.

Precautions from the advice

SituationWhat the advice says
TaxisAvoid a taxi alone (UK). If you must take one, share the details of the driver, the trip and your live location with a friend (UK, Ireland). Sit in the back seat (Canada, Ireland). The Australian advice says to avoid taxis, especially if you are a woman alone
Ride appsThe Australian advice says that ride apps can be safer than taxis, because you can track the driver and share the trip. The Irish advice says that a ride app can be safer, but you must stay alert
MetroUse the women-only cars where they are available (Ireland). Most metro lines have cars for women only (Canada)
HotelsWhen you are alone, do not let hotel staff enter your room. Try to have a friend or relative with you (UK)
Tours and excursionsUse reputable providers for services and excursions. Before you book, do research (UK)
Contact detailsDo not give your personal contact details or social media details to people whom you meet (UK)
NightBe careful, particularly at night (UK)
Public holidays and protestsThe risks are higher around public holidays (Canada). The Canadian advice also warns of a serious risk of sexual assault during demonstrations

The UK government also has general advice for women who travel abroad. It tells you to research the local culture before you go.

Plan your visit to the pyramids

At the Giza plateau, visitors report many offers of rides, photos and "help". A plan for the day makes it easier to say no:

  1. Plan your transport before the day. Use a car from your hotel, a ride app or a tour company. For the options, see How to get to the pyramids from Cairo.
  2. Buy your ticket from an official seller. Do not accept help with tickets from strangers.
  3. Decide your route before you arrive. Then you can say "No, thank you" quickly to all other offers.
  4. Think about a licensed guide. A guide can speak for you in Arabic and plan the route. Before the day, ask the tour company for the name of the guide.
  5. Leave the plateau before dark. Then you do not need to find transport at night.

For the tricks that visitors report and how to say no, see Egypt scams at the pyramids.

What to wear

The Australian and Canadian advice tell visitors to dress conservatively. For what to wear at the pyramids, in Cairo and in mosques, see What to wear in Egypt.

If you have a problem

  • Call the tourist police on 126. The UK and Australian advice both give this number.
  • The Australian advice gives 122 or 123 for the police.
  • The UK advice says to report a crime before you leave Egypt. After you leave, it is difficult to prosecute.
  • Contact your embassy. Your government's travel advice gives the contact details.

For the general safety advice for the pyramids, see Is it safe to visit the pyramids?. For the tour options, see Pyramids of Giza tours.

Questions

Is Egypt safe for a woman who travels alone?

Government advice warns women about harassment in Egypt. The US advice says that harassment of women, including foreigners, is a problem. The Irish advice says that, where possible, women should not travel alone. If you travel alone, plan your transport and your evenings before the trip.

Where should a woman sit in a taxi in Egypt?

In the back seat. The Canadian advice says that women should not sit in the front seat of a taxi. The Irish advice says to sit behind the driver. It also says to share your live location and the trip details with friends or family.

Does the Cairo metro have cars for women only?

Yes. The Canadian advice says that the metro has cars for women only on most lines. The Irish advice tells women to use the women-only cars where they are available.

Sources

Last checked