Is Hurghada Safe in 2026? A Traveller's Guide to Safety, Scams & Local Advice
Last Updated: June 2026
Author's Note
We've visited Hurghada multiple times since our first trip to Egypt in 2018 and have spent several weeks exploring both Hurghada and El Gouna.
This guide is based on our personal experiences combined with current travel information available at the time of writing.
View of Hurghada Marina and mosque on Egypt's Red Sea coast
Quick Answer
Yes, Hurghada is generally considered one of the safest destinations in Egypt for tourists.
We've visited Hurghada multiple times over the years and spent several weeks exploring both Hurghada and nearby El Gouna. Throughout our visits we felt comfortable walking around during the day and at night, using local transport, shopping in supermarkets, and exploring beyond the resort areas.
Most visitors experience no safety issues during their stay. The biggest challenges are typically tourist scams, persistent sales tactics, and occasional taxi overcharging rather than serious crime.
If you're considering a winter escape, diving holiday, kitesurfing trip, or beach vacation, safety should not be a major concern when visiting Hurghada.
Our Safety Rating: 8/10
At a Glance
✅ Generally safe for tourists
✅ Safe for families
✅ Safe for couples
✅ Safe for solo travellers
✅ Strong tourism infrastructure
⚠️ Expect haggling and sales pressure
⚠️ Taxi pricing can be inconsistent
⚠️ Respect local customs outside resorts
Our Experience in Hurghada
Our first visit to Hurghada was during a six-week trip through Egypt in 2018.
Like many travellers, we weren't entirely sure what to expect. Egypt often appears in international headlines, and before booking we found ourselves asking the same question many people search today:
Is Hurghada actually safe?
After arriving late at night, finding transport, and settling into our accommodation, our concerns quickly faded.
What stood out most was how normal everyday life felt.
Families were out enjoying the evening, restaurants were busy, tourists filled the marinas, and locals were welcoming and friendly.
Since that first trip we've returned multiple times, particularly for kitesurfing safaris. We've walked around after dark, used taxis and Uber, shopped in local stores, booked excursions, and spent plenty of time outside the resort bubble.
Our experience has consistently been positive.
We spent one week on a Luxury Kite Safari on the Red Sea - Hurgada
Government Travel Advice
Before travelling, check your government's latest travel advice.
Hurghada is generally safe, but Egypt carries a higher travel advisory level than many European destinations.
However, millions of tourists continue to visit Red Sea destinations such as Hurghada each year, and most visits are trouble-free.
As with any destination, stay informed, monitor local advice, and avoid demonstrations or politically sensitive gatherings.
Is Hurghada Safe for Tourists?
For most travellers, Hurghada is one of the safest places to visit in Egypt.
Tourism is the lifeblood of the local economy and the city has been built around international visitors. Hotels, resorts, excursion operators, restaurants, and local businesses all rely heavily on tourism.
Crime
Serious crime involving tourists is relatively uncommon.
The most common issues visitors encounter include:
Taxi overcharging
Inflated tourist pricing
Aggressive sales tactics
Misleading excursion offers
These situations can be annoying, but they are rarely dangerous.
Basic travel precautions apply:
Keep valuables secure.
Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
Use hotel safes when available.
Book tours through reputable operators.
Walking Around at Night
During our visits we regularly walked around Hurghada and El Gouna after dark without feeling unsafe.
Popular tourist areas remain active well into the evening, particularly around marinas, restaurants, and resort districts.
As with any destination, avoid isolated areas late at night and use common sense.
Security Presence
Many first-time visitors notice the visible security presence around airports, resorts, and tourist attractions.
While this can feel unusual compared to some Western countries, these measures are largely designed to protect tourism and provide reassurance to visitors.
Common Tourist Scams in Hurghada
Taxi Pricing
Taxi pricing is one of the most common frustrations for visitors.
On our first trip, taxi drivers quoted prices several times higher than local rates.
When we first arrived in Hurghada, several taxi drivers offered to take us to our accommodation for around €15. Out of curiosity, we checked Uber and found the exact same journey was closer to €4.
That moment taught us one of the most valuable lessons in Egypt: always check local pricing before agreeing to a fare.
Our advice:
Use Uber when available.
Agree on prices before entering a taxi.
Carry smaller notes.
Don't assume a meter will be used.
Tourist Shops
Haggling is part of everyday life.
The first price is often not the final price.
If you're buying souvenirs or gifts:
Compare prices.
Negotiate politely.
Be willing to walk away.
Excursions
Hurghada is packed with diving trips, snorkelling tours, desert safaris, and boat cruises.
Book through:
Reputable operators
Trusted hotel providers
Businesses with strong reviews
Avoid anyone pressuring you into an immediate decision.
Is Hurghada Safe for Women?
Hurghada is generally safe for female travellers, including solo travellers.
However, cultural norms differ from Europe, Australia, and North America.
Women may receive more attention than they are accustomed to, particularly outside resort areas.
Our observations:
Resort areas are generally relaxed.
El Gouna feels particularly comfortable and family-friendly.
Modest clothing can reduce unwanted attention.
Most interactions are harmless curiosity rather than threatening behaviour.
Many female travellers visit Hurghada every year without issue.
Is Hurghada Safe for Families?
Yes.
Hurghada is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Egypt.
Reasons include:
Large resort infrastructure
Calm beaches
Warm weather
Family excursions
Reliable tourist facilities
Many visitors arrive on package holidays specifically designed for families.
Entry Requirements and Visas
Do You Need a Visa for Egypt?
Most visitors to Egypt will require either an eVisa or a Visa on Arrival.
For many nationalities, including Australians, a single-entry tourist visa can still be obtained upon arrival and is typically valid for up to 30 days. Egypt also offers an online eVisa system, which many travellers prefer to complete before departure.
Visa requirements and fees change periodically, so always check official government sources before travelling.
Getting To and From Hurghada
Located on Egypt's Red Sea coast, Hurghada is famous for its crystal-clear waters, year-round sunshine, world-class diving, and kitesurfing conditions.
The city is served by Hurghada International Airport (HRG), one of Egypt's busiest airports and the main gateway to the Red Sea region. The airport has undergone significant upgrades in recent years and now handles millions of international visitors each year.
International Flights
Hurghada is well connected to Europe, particularly during the winter season when travellers escape colder climates in search of sunshine.
Direct flights regularly operate from:
United Kingdom
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
France
Italy
Scandinavia
Depending on the season, airlines such as easyJet, TUI, Eurowings, Corendon, Wizz Air and several charter operators offer direct connections to Hurghada.
Domestic Flights
If you're already travelling within Egypt, domestic flights between Cairo and Hurghada are frequent and affordable.
The flight takes approximately one hour, making Hurghada an easy addition to a broader Egypt itinerary that includes Cairo, Luxor or Aswan.
Airport Transfers
Most hotels and resorts can arrange airport transfers in advance.
Alternatively, visitors can use:
Uber
Careem
Private transfers
Traditional taxis
As always, confirm the fare before starting a journey if you're using a traditional taxi.
Finding Flights
We recommend using Google Flights, Skyscanner, or FlightConnections to compare routes and check which airlines currently fly directly to Hurghada from your departure airport.
Getting Around Hurghada
Uber, Careem and Getting Around
Unlike our first visit in 2018, ride-hailing apps are now widely used in Hurghada.
Uber and Careem both operate in Hurghada and can be useful for avoiding fare negotiations and providing transparent pricing.
In El Gouna, many visitors simply use tuk-tuks for short trips. Depending on your location and travel dates, apps such as InDrive may also be available.
Our recommendation is simple:
Check Uber first.
Compare against local taxi prices.
Confirm fares before starting a trip if using traditional taxis.
Keep some cash available for shorter journeys.
What Should You Wear in Hurghada?
Hurghada is more relaxed than many parts of Egypt.
At resorts and beaches:
Swimwear is normal.
Shorts and summer clothing are common.
In public areas:
Dress more conservatively.
Cover shoulders and knees where appropriate.
Respect local customs.
Women do not generally need to cover their hair.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
One of Hurghada's biggest attractions is its weather.
Winter (November–March)
Pleasant temperatures
Popular with European visitors
Ideal for outdoor activities
Spring and Autumn
Warm and comfortable
Excellent conditions for diving and kitesurfing
Summer (June–August)
Very hot
Temperatures frequently exceed 35°C
If you're escaping winter in Europe, Hurghada is hard to beat.
Where to Stay
El Gouna
Our personal favourite.
Benefits:
Clean and modern
Family-friendly
Excellent restaurants
Great kitesurfing
Our AirBnB in El Gouna - A safe and secure gated estate in Hurghada
Hurghada Marina
Perfect for:
Restaurants
Nightlife
Walking access
Resort Areas
Ideal for travellers seeking an all-inclusive experience.
Is Hurghada Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
What we love:
Reliable sunshine
Warm Red Sea waters
Diving and snorkelling
Kitesurfing
Affordable prices
Friendly locals
Potential downsides:
Persistent sales culture
Dusty desert environment
Limited historical attractions compared to Luxor or Cairo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hurghada Safe Right Now?
For most tourists, yes.
Hurghada remains one of Egypt's most popular holiday destinations and receives millions of visitors each year.
Is Hurghada Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Generally, yes. Resort areas such as El Gouna tend to feel particularly relaxed and comfortable for solo travellers.
Is Hurghada Safer Than Cairo?
Most visitors find Hurghada easier and less overwhelming than Cairo.
Is Hurghada Safer Than Sharm El Sheikh?
Both destinations are considered safe tourist destinations with little practical difference in safety for most travellers.
Do I Need a Visa for Egypt?
Most visitors require either an eVisa or Visa on Arrival.
Can You Drink Alcohol in Hurghada?
Yes, although it is generally limited to resorts, hotels, bars, and some restaurants. Note: Cruises usually do not supply alcohol.
Can I Use Uber in Hurghada?
Yes. Uber operates in Hurghada and is one of the easiest ways to avoid fare negotiations.
What Currency Should I Bring to Egypt?
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). We recommend carrying a combination of card and cash.
How Much Cash Should I Carry in Hurghada?
Only enough for the day. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Is El Gouna Safer Than Hurghada?
El Gouna is often considered one of the safest and most relaxed areas on the Red Sea coast.
Final Verdict
After multiple visits, Hurghada remains one of our favourite destinations in Egypt.
It's warm, affordable, easy to navigate, and packed with activities. Most visitors experience no safety issues and leave wondering why they were concerned in the first place.
If you're looking for a beach destination with year-round sunshine, excellent diving, world-class kitesurfing, and good tourism infrastructure, Hurghada is a destination we would happily recommend.
Just arrive informed, use common sense, and enjoy one of the Red Sea's most popular holiday destinations.
Still Planning Your Trip?
If you're researching a trip to Egypt, these guides may help answer some of the next questions travellers typically ask.
Safety & Planning
→ Is Egypt Safe for Tourists?
→ Common Tourist Scams in Egypt
→ What To Wear in Egypt
Hurghada & The Red Sea
→ Hurghada vs Sharm El Sheikh
→ Is El Gouna Worth Visiting?
→ Where To Stay in Hurghada
Egypt Travel Guides
→ The Ultimate Egypt Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
