Is El Gouna safe?
A gated, tightly secured resort town with very low crime. Sun, wind, kitesurf collisions and traffic on the Hurghada road are the main risks.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-07-14.
- Homicide rate in Egypt: 1.3 per 100,000 people (2017, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Egypt: 10.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 122 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 180 · Tourist police 126.
Safety in El Gouna at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Very little crime; occasional petty theft from beaches or rooms and overcharging for taxis outside the town. |
| At night | Downtown and the marina are lively and very safe. Other areas are quiet, so use the town shuttles or tuk-tuks after dark. |
| Solo women | One of Egypt's most comfortable places for solo women, with little harassment. Dress modestly when going to Hurghada or local markets. |
| Other risks | Wind and collisions at kite spots; Strong sun; Highway traffic to Hurghada |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxis on the Hurghada road quoting inflated fares
- Pushy vendors on the beaches
- Dive and kite operators with unclear insurance or safety standards
Take care
- Kitesurfing: use certified instructors and avoid crowded launch areas
- Hurghada highway at night: trucks and poor lighting
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing people needs their consent; children, officials and military sites, including the Suez Canal, are off-limits.
- Importing or flying a drone without Defence Ministry permission can mean up to 7 years in prison.
- Criticising the government, including in social media posts, can lead to detention.
How El Gouna compares in Egypt
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Hurghada | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Aswan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dahab | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Marsa Alam | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| El Gouna | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Siwa Oasis | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cairo | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Luxor | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Alexandria | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is El Gouna safe for solo female travelers?
One of Egypt's most comfortable places for solo women, with little harassment. Dress modestly when going to Hurghada or local markets.
Is El Gouna safe at night?
Downtown and the marina are lively and very safe. Other areas are quiet, so use the town shuttles or tuk-tuks after dark.
What is the crime rate in El Gouna?
Very little crime; occasional petty theft from beaches or rooms and overcharging for taxis outside the town. Nationally, Egypt records 1.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2017).
What number do I call in an emergency in El Gouna?
Police 122 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 180 · Tourist police 126.
More about El Gouna
Going to El Gouna solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in El Gouna meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
- El Gouna
- UK FCDO travel advice: Egypt
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.