Ah, the “Safety Question.” It is the first thing my friends from Europe ask me when they book their tickets. “Salem, is it really safe? I heard stories on the news…”
Let me pour you a virtual cup of tea and speak to you frankly, not as a tour guide selling a trip, but as someone who walks these streets every day, buys bread from the local bakery, and raises a family here.
💚 The Short Answer
Yes, Hurghada is incredibly safe. In many ways, I feel safer walking here at 2 AM than I do in London or Paris. Violent crime against tourists is practically non-existent.
But I know you need more than just my word. You need to understand why it is safe, what those police checkpoints are for, and what the reality on the ground looks like for a tourist in 2024/2025.
🛡️ The “Security Filters”: Why So Many Checkpoints?
When you arrive, you will notice something immediately: Police. They are at the airport entrance, at the entrance of your resort, and sometimes on the roads between towns.
For a first-time visitor, seeing an armed policeman can feel intimidating. In Europe, seeing police usually means something bad has happened. In Egypt, seeing police means nothing bad will happen.
✈️ Airport Checkpoints
These are standard “security filters” to ensure only authorized people enter the tourist zones. They check IDs and drivers.
👮 Tourist Police
A specific branch dedicated solely to you. Often fluent in English or German. Their job is to ensure no one bothers you.
🛑 The “Ambush” (Kamin)
Traffic checkpoints looking for licenses and criminals. Tourists usually get a smile and a wave through.
🌙 Walking at Night: The “Vibe” of Hurghada
Is it safe to leave your resort after dinner? Absolutely. In fact, I insist you do. Hurghada comes alive at night. Because of the heat during the day, Egyptian families, teenagers, and couples go out late.
The only “danger” you face here is looking at the wrong pedestrian crossing. Crossing the street in Hurghada is an extreme sport.
Pro Tip: Wait for a local to cross, and shadow them like a ninja.
⚖️ Hassle vs. Danger: Knowing the Difference
This is the most important distinction to make. Egypt is not a violent country. However, Hassle exists.
😰 Hassle (Annoying)
- ❌ Shopkeepers calling out “Hey friend!”
- ❌ Taxi drivers honking repeatedly.
- ❌ Persistent sales pitches.
⛔ Danger (Threat)
- ✅ Physical aggression (Extremely Rare)
- ✅ Mugging/Theft (Very Low)
- ✅ Walking alone at night (Safe)
👩 A Note for Women Travelers
My female friends often ask if they can travel alone. Yes, you can. Thousands do every year. Will you get stared at? Probably. But is it dangerous? No.
Dress modestly when you leave the beach zones (cover shoulders and knees) to reduce attention—not out of fear, but out of cultural respect. If someone bothers you, raise your voice and say “Haram!” (Shame/Forbidden) or simply “Police!” The Egyptians around you are very protective; the crowd will often step in to defend a female tourist.
The Verdict: 2024/2025 Outlook
Hurghada remains a sanctuary of peace. While the world watches news about the Middle East, we are here, 500km away from typically reported hotspots, diving in the Red Sea and eating fresh mangoes.
Don’t let the news cycle rob you of a sunset over the Red Sea mountains. We are open, we are safe, and we are waiting for you. ☀️