Is Hurghada Safe? What you Need to Know Before Your Trip

We’re often asked ‘Is Hurghada Safe’ and it’s understandable that this is something people will want to know, particularly if they’re visiting Hurghada for the first time.

We’ll hopefully put your mind at rest throughout this guide, as the Egyptian authorities take safety extremely seriously in Hurghada, El Gouna and Makadi Bay. Why wouldn’t they – it’s a multi-million pound industry for the local area!

Police presence is high, and as a result, tourists report feeling safe while enjoying the area’s beaches, markets and tourist attractions. But like anywhere you go on holiday, it remains really important to be aware of your surroundings and take some precautions.

Is Hurghada Safe?

Hurghada is considered to be one of the safest places in Egypt to visit. Just because you’ve heard a scare story from another part of Egypt, doesn’t mean it’s the same here. After all, you wouldn’t go to Edinburgh because of something that happened in London!

According to the local authorities, the rates of crime in Hurghada are low. What crime does happen usually involves theft or scams. But incidents are rare.

The same advice that applies to any form of travel remains in place here. You can protect yourself by not wearing expensive jewellery in public, keeping your money and passport in a secure place, only using reputation guides and tours and being aware of what’s happening around you.

This advice is even more important if you’re travelling solo. And don’t forget basic acts – just like you would in a new UK destination – like locking your hotel door, avoiding deserted streets in the dark, watching out for pickpockets in crowded areas and keeping control of your senses.

The Current Situation in Hurghada

If you’re planning a trip to Hurghada, you may be wondering about the safety of the city. While there have been some security concerns in Egypt over the years, the overall situation in Hurghada has significantly improved and remained stable in recent times.

Here’s what you need to know about the current situation in Hurghada:

• Low crime rate: Hurghada has a low rate of street crime, and most tourists generally feel safe while visiting the city. However, it’s always a good idea to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and not carrying large amounts of cash.
• Tourist police presence: To help ensure the safety of tourists, Hurghada has a significant tourist police presence, especially in popular areas such as the Old Town and main tourist spots.
• Political stability: While there have been incidents of political instability in Egypt in the past, Hurghada is relatively stable.
• Terrorist threats: Egypt has faced security threats from terrorist organisations, and while there have been reports of terrorist activity in some parts of the country, Hurghada has remained largely unaffected.
• Natural disasters: While Hurghada is located in a seismically active area, earthquakes and other natural disasters are rare.

In summary, Hurghada is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, with a low rate of street crime and a significant tourist police presence.

Security Measures and Precautions in Hurghada

When traveling to any new destination, you can often wonder what to expect. We remember the first time we went to Hurghada and initially the police presence, which included an escort from the airport, felt a bit overwhelming.

But you soon get used to it and realise it’s there for reassurance, rather than to deal with a specific threat.

Here are some of the security measures and precautions we noticed when visiting Hurghada:

Police presence

The Egyptian government has a significant police presence in Hurghada, particularly in tourist areas. You’ll notice more police patrols and checkpoints in the city and along the beaches.

Security checks

Security checks are a common occurrence at various locations such as shopping centres, hotels, and tourist attractions. You’ll often need to go through metal detectors and bag checks before entering hotels or malls.

Tourist police

Hurghada has a dedicated tourist police force responsible for ensuring the safety of tourists. They patrol popular tourist areas and are available to assist visitors if needed.

Hotel security

Hotels in Hurghada take security seriously and have implemented various measures to ensure the safety of their guests. These measures include security cameras, gates, and guards.

Safety tips

While in Hurghada, it’s always best to take a few safety precautions. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid going out alone at night and in deserted areas.
• Keep your valuables safely locked up.
• Don’t carry a lot of cash or wear expensive jewelry in public.
• Only use licensed taxis and tour guides
• Follow the local laws and customs.

According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, there is a low threat from terrorism in Hurghada. However, visitors should always remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.

Tips for Staying Safe in Hurghada

To ensure that you stay safe during your visit to Hurghada, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Be aware of your surroundings – While Hurghada is generally a safe city, it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. This is especially true in crowded areas or at night. Avoid dark and deserted alleys or streets where possible.
• Avoid public displays of affection – Although Egypt is an open-minded country, it’s still considered impolite to display affection in public. Try to avoid holding hands or any other display of public affection, as it might attract unwanted attention.
• Respect the local culture and customs – Egypt is a Muslim country and visitors should respect the country’s customs and traditions. Dress conservatively in public places, especially places of worship. Don’t wear shorts or skirts that end above the knee or sleeveless tops if you visit mosques, for example.
• Use authorised taxis – Using authorised taxis is one of the safest ways to travel in Hurghada. Negotiate a price before getting in, and ensure the driver turns the meter on. Avoid unlicensed or unmarked taxis, which have been known to overcharge and sometimes take visitors to the wrong destination.
• Beware of scams – It’s important to be wary of scams in Hurghada, as they can come in many different forms. Some common scams include overpriced souvenirs and fake tours, so make sure you’re getting value for your money before parting with any cash.
• Be cautious regarding personal hygiene – Egypt is a hot country, so it’s especially essential to remain hydrated and use sunscreen. Avoid drinking tap water, be attentive to what you eat, and wash hands thoroughly more frequently to avoid falling sick
• Stay connected and informed – It’s always best to stay connected and informed while on vacation in Hurghada. Keep your phone charged, store the embassy’s phone number, and keep an eye on media outlets for any advice related to your safety.

Political Stability in Hurghada

As a popular tourist destination in Egypt, you might be curious about the political stability of Hurghada. The good news is that despite some instability in the country over the years, Hurghada has remained relatively safe for tourists.

Here are some important points to consider:

• The Egyptian government takes the safety of tourists seriously and has taken steps to increase security in tourist areas. There are regular police patrols, security checkpoints, and surveillance cameras across Hurghada making it a safe destination for tourists.
• The British Government’s Foreign Office has not issued any travel advisory against visiting Hurghada, which further indicates the general safety of the region.
• Although there have been protests and occasional unrest in other parts of Egypt, such events have not been reported in Hurghada for many years.
• The Egyptian authorities have taken stringent measures to ensure the safety and well-being of tourists in Hurghada, like tight security at airports, hotels, and tourist spots. Therefore, visitors can enjoy their holiday without any fear.

Even though the political climate in Egypt may change at any moment, Hurghada has been able to maintain a considerable level of stability, attracting tourists from different parts of the world every year.

The combination of increased security measures and the relative stability of the country makes Hurghada an excellent choice for a safe and relaxing holiday.