Tourist areas of Cairo see many visitors, but check the current US State Department advisory and use normal city precautions.
Overview
Cairo is a busy tourist destination. The US State Department rates Egypt at Level 3, Reconsider Travel, due to terrorism, with higher levels for the Sinai. Check for the latest.
Tourist areas
Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Islamic Cairo are heavily visited.
Risks
- Petty theft and scams.
- Traffic.
- Harassment.
Tips
- Use official taxis or ride apps.
- Dress modestly.
- Drink bottled water.
- Hire licensed guides.
Official advisory and context
The US State Department has issued varying advisories for Egypt. As of its recent notices, it advises caution, and a “Reconsider travel” level applies to North Sinai and some western desert areas, while Cairo, Giza and Luxor are at a lower level. Check the current advisory before travel since levels change.
- Egypt received about 14.9 million visitors in 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism, and the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza Pyramids opened in 2025.
- Tourist police patrol main sites and hotels, and bag checks are common.
- Petty crime, scams and aggressive touts are the most frequent issues in tourist zones such as Khan el-Khalili and around the pyramids.
Practical tips
Use licensed taxis or ride apps like Uber and Careem, and agree on fares in advance. Drink bottled water and eat at busy restaurants to reduce stomach illness. Dress modestly, especially for women, to reduce unwanted attention. Heat peaks in summer above 40 C (104 F), so visit sites early. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and carry copies of the passport. A tourist visa on arrival costs 25 USD for many nationalities, though the e-visa option exists.
Official advisory and context
Cairo is a city of more than 22 million people in its metropolitan area. The US State Department has issued a Level 3 or Level 2 advisory for Egypt at various times, with areas such as the Sinai and Western Desert having higher warnings. Tourist police operate at major sites such as the Pyramids of Giza.
Tips
Beware of scams, pushy touts, and fake taxis. Drink bottled water, and use reputable guides. Dress modestly. Traffic is chaotic, so cross roads carefully. Use apps like Uber for transport. Check current advisories before travel.
Health and logistics
Cairo is on the Nile, and visitors often see the Giza pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Khan el-Khalili. Summer highs reach 35 C (95 F). Travelers get diarrhea in a large share of visits, so drink bottled water and eat at busy places. The CDC recommends hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines and routine shots.
Tourist protections
The tourist police and the Ministry of Tourism provide help in English. Photo restrictions apply at military and government buildings. Women often report harassment, and modest clothing and ride hailing apps reduce hassle. Currency exchange is best at banks. Haggling is expected in markets.
Based on data from the US Department of State and the CDC
