Safety in Egypt
Safety in Egypt is still a concern for both locals and foreigners, but overall, the situation has markedly improved since the conclusion of the violent political uprisings early in the year (2011) that ended former President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year autocratic rule.
Many countries, including the UK and the USA, have lifted travel bans that were instated in February 2011, and are now merely advising citizens to exercise caution, to avoid places of public protest, and to stay away from the Sinai area, a high-risk terrorism region.
In line with these warnings, expats choosing to return to Egypt for work, or those considering accepting a job offer to Egypt, should be mindful that the nation is still in a state of flux and remains unstable. Elections have yet to occur, and sporadic incidents of sectarian violence between Christians and Muslims continue to take place.
Similarly, it’s essential that expats living in Egypt keep abreast of high-profile events that could incite potentially dangerous public demonstrations, like Mubarak’s December-scheduled trial and the parliamentary elections planned to begin in late November. Consulate web sites often contain details of these events, and can advise on which vicinity is best avoided.
Apart from these isolated situations though, a November Gallup poll revealed that residents of Egypt feel less safe than they did prior to the revolution. Understandably, it will take some time for perceptions of fear to recede after a heightened period of political unpredictability.
In the meantime, expats are advised to take the following safety precautions:
- Avoid all places of public protest (namely, Tahrir Square in Cairo, and universities and mosques where routine protests take place after Friday prayer)
- Do not walk alone unaccompanied after dark
- Keep all valuables out of sight, and lock both car and home doors and windows
- If travelling to Sinai, be mindful that areas with high tourist traffic have been designated as potential terrorist targets
Safety for women in Egypt
Women are often concerned about their safety in Egypt, as the nation’s opposite sex holds a reputation for being forward and even aggressive.
And unfortunately, there is some truth to the statement, as incidents of sexual harassment have been on the rise in recent years.
Unescorted western women, especially those dressed “provocatively” as compared to the conservative Muslim females, are often the victims of verbal assualt, like catcalls and illicit comments. Furthermore, more aggressive behaviour, like groping and fondling, has been reported in situations where there are large groups of people and identity is more likely to remain anonymous.
One 2008 western newspaper poll found that 78 percent of male participants had engaged in some form of sexual harassment.
Thus, it’s essential expat women living in Egypt take the following necessary safety precautions:
- Dress modestly, covering your legs and shoulders when engaging in a busy public place
- Do not walk alone unaccompanied at night
- Be firm and specific when approached by men who are strangers, a “NO” or “LEAVE ME ALONE” is a better response than one of silent avoidance.
Driving safety in Egypt
Egypt claims one of the highest road fatality rates in the world and expats are more likely to encounter danger behind the wheel of a car than in any other environment.
An estimated 30,000 people are injured in road-related accidents annually, and just over 6000 are killed.
Though Egypt’s former government tried to crack down on poor driving with legal measures in 2008, the reforms seem to have little effect.
Drivers regularly ignore traffic laws, unlit vehicles are commonplace on the roads at night, and animals mid-intersection (outside of main cities) and malfunctioning traffic lights are normal parts of driving in Egypt.
Expats should think twice before taking to the streets in their own vehicle, and should drive defensively and obey all traffic laws if they do. Furthermore, pedestrians should also exercise extreme caution, especially in urban areas where there are high volumes of traffic.
Health Safety in Egypt
Tap water is generally not safe to consume, but expats will find that bottled water is cheap and is readily available.
