Egypt Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Egypt
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated July 15, 2025
Egypt recorded 1.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2017, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Egypt #134 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.8 per 100,000 in 2007, 1.3 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Egypt at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
1.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#62 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2017
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2017)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (0.8 per 100,000 in 2007, 1.3 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Egypt Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Egypt, the homicide rate for men is 7.6× higher than the rate for women — 4.1 vs 0.5 per 100,000 (2012).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Egypt has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
231(2022)
Military Spending
0.7% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Egypt:
Updated to reflect a change in Travel Advisory level. Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to terrorism, crime, and health. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: The Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula due to terrorism . The Western Desert due to risk to safety and security unless traveling with a professionally licensed tour company. Egyptian border areas due to military zones . Country Summary: The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to help dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Egypt
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 11, 2025).
Emergency phone numbers
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. For all emergencies in Egypt dial 123 . For the U.S. Embassy in Egypt dial +20-2-2797-3300 to report crimes or emergencies (after calling local authorities). You may also report crimes to the U.S. Embassy in Egypt here .
Areas to avoid
U.S. citizens should avoid traveling to these areas: Northern and Middle Sinai Peninsula: Terrorist attacks on security forces and civilians still occur but are becoming increasingly rare. The U.S. government can only provide limited emergency services. U.S. Government employees may only travel to Sharm-El-Sheikh and nearby areas along the Red Sea coast due to limited emergency infrastructure in Middle Sinai Peninsula. All Egyptian border areas: Under military control. Movement of non-military people and vehicles is restricted, and in some cases, prohibited. Parts of the Western Desert Libyan and Sudanese borders Be cautious and check the news if traveling to Southern Sinai, along the Red Sea. Sharm-El-Sheikh Dahab and Taba St. Catherine’s Monastery/Mt. Sinai You should only travel to the Black Desert and White Desert with a licensed tour company.
Terrorism
Globally, terrorist groups and their supporters aim to attack U.S. citizens abroad with methods such as knives, firearms, and vehicles. Terrorists target crowds with little or no warning at: Religious sites (mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling there) Local government buildings, and diplomatic facilities (embassies) Tourist spots Transportation centers Shopping malls Restaurants and Western businesses Resorts Urban areas The Egyptian government has boosted security at tourist sites to address safety concerns. But challenges remain, and the threat of terrorism exists.
How to stay safe
U.S. citizens must always be aware of their surroundings: Check local news and reports. Avoid demonstrations. Keep a low profile. Carry copies of your passport and visa and a cellphone with service in Egypt. Save the U.S. Embassy’s phone number +20 2 2797-3300 . It is illegal to photograph police stations, military barracks, and certain other sensitive public buildings. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Egyptian borders
Travelers must get permission and a travel route from the Egyptian Military Intelligence and the Tourist Police to access: Borders with Libya Borders with Sudan Borders with Israel Parts of the Sinai Peninsula off paved roads Arrangements must be made through a local or overseas travel agency.
Landmines
There are World War II-era unexploded landmines in these areas: The Sinai Peninsula Mediterranean coast west of Alexandria Eastern Desert between Cairo and the Suez Canal Pay attention to warning signs in these areas.
Crime
Crime levels in Cairo and Alexandria are moderate. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching and pickpocketing. Harassment of women, including foreigners, is a problem in Egypt. It can include vulgar comments, gestures, indecent exposure, and unwanted physical contact. Tourists should beware of overcharging and scams in tourist areas. You may encounter aggressive vendors in shops, at temples, and archaeological sites. Some will offer “free” gifts that lead to money demands. Most sites have tourist police available to help in uncomfortable situations.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations happen occasionally and are unpredictable. They occur as a result of political or economic issues, on holidays, and during international events. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
International scams
Internet romance and financial scams are common in Egypt. Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams and learn how the FBI can help. How to avoid scammers: Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to. Instead of helping, refer them to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. We will work with local authorities to assist them. Common scams include: Romance/online dating Money transfers If using dating apps or websites: Inform friends and family of your location. Meet in a busy public place. Avoid eating or drinking anything suspicious. Set up a video call in the initial stages. Do a reverse image search on the profile picture. Don't go to bars or nightclubs alone. Look for red flags such as: People who say they live in a remote location. Profiles that were recently created or seem too good to be true.
Technology use abroad
Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safety practices: Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving. Use reputable, U.S. based VPN/VoIP applications. Don’t connect to unknown public Wi-Fi networks. The Egyptian government does not allow visitors to enter with drones or satellite phones. Any drone or satellite phones brought into Egypt will be taken by the Egyptian government and not returned. Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Egypt Population & Demographics
Population of 116,538,258, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Egypt safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Egypt at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). The homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Egypt?
Egypt has an intentional homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 people (2017, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #134 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Egypt?
Egypt is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Egypt compare to other countries?
Egypt's homicide rate of 1.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.