Contributed by Katrina Juan
Egypt had been on my travel bucket list for years. So when I finally got the chance to visit Cairo, Luxor, and Sharm El-Sheikh, seeing the pyramids, ancient temples, and the Red Sea in person felt surreal. But as a Filipina traveling alone for the first time in Egypt, I also experienced some things I wasn’t completely prepared for. So, is Egypt safe for solo female travelers? My answer is: Yes, you can travel to Egypt as a solo female traveler, but personally, I would not recommend traveling there completely on your own without planning and support.
If you’re visiting major tourist attractions, I highly recommend booking with a reputable tour company or guide. And if you’re traveling with friends, I would personally feel more comfortable having a male friend or another man in the group. This isn’t because Egypt doesn’t have incredible things to offer. Quite the opposite. My trip was amazing. But the scams, aggressive selling, unwanted attention, and transportation experiences can be exhausting, particularly when you’re traveling alone.
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My First Trip to Egypt as a Filipina
One of the first things I wanted to see was, of course, the Pyramids of Giza. Like many people, seeing the pyramids had been a dream of mine for years. Standing in front of them was honestly one of those “I can’t believe I’m actually here” moments.But the experience around the pyramids was also where I really started understanding why preparation matters. There were scams, aggressive selling, and people constantly trying to offer rides, tours, or other services.
One important tip: don’t assume you need to pay for a camel or carriage ride to get close to the pyramids. There is a free bus shuttle inside the pyramid complex. For a solo traveler, I strongly recommend arranging a reputable guide or tour beforehand rather than trying to figure everything out once you’re already there.
Flying From the Philippines With Turkish Airlines
I also flew with Turkish Airlines for the first time during this trip. Even though I was traveling in Economy Class, I was pleasantly surprised by the overall experience. The food, entertainment, service, and flight experience were all highlights for me. Another bonus was my long layover in Istanbul. During the layover, I was even provided with a complimentary meal, which made the long journey a little easier. For a first-time traveler going all the way from the Philippines to Egypt, the journey itself was already part of the adventure.
Egypt Visa for Filipinos
For my trip, I paid $30 for a visa on arrival. I was also able to use my valid Japan ME visa. However, my immigration experience wasn’t completely straightforward. Both the Philippine and Egyptian immigration officers had to verify my documents, so the process took some patience. My advice is simple: don’t cut your connection or airport arrival time too close.
Give yourself plenty of time for immigration and document verification, especially when traveling internationally with supporting visas or permits. The visa process and requirements can change, so Filipino travelers should verify the latest requirements before their trip.
Should You Stay in Giza?
Staying in Giza wasn’t originally part of my plan because I had heard so many different things about the area. After experiencing it myself, I personally think Giza is most useful if your main priorities are the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum. If those are high on your itinerary, staying nearby can make sense. But don’t expect the experience to feel like a typical relaxing tourist district. You should be prepared for a much more intense environment, especially around major attractions.
Is Uber Safe in Egypt?
My experience with Uber in Cairo and Giza was okay. However, my experience using Uber and inDrive in Luxor and Sharm El-Sheikh was very different. I encountered situations where the amount shown in the app wasn’t the amount the driver wanted to charge me. Some drivers also tried to offer tours repeatedly or asked for additional money after the ride. One driver even wanted me to give him a five-star rating immediately after the ride.
Because of these experiences, I would personally recommend arranging reliable transportation or tours in advance when visiting Luxor and Sharm El-Sheikh rather than depending entirely on ride-hailing apps.
If You Have Extra Time, GO TO LUXOR
Visiting the Valley of the Kings was incredible. There is something completely different about seeing thousands of years of history in person. The tombs, hieroglyphics, temples, and preserved artwork make it feel like you’re walking directly into another chapter of history. For solo travelers, I would recommend booking a day tour or organized tour rather than trying to arrange everything independently. Luxor was also the Egyptian destination I would most want to return to.
Ending the Trip in Sharm El-Sheikh
After moving around Egypt and dealing with the intensity of traveling between different destinations, ending the trip in Sharm El-Sheikh was exactly what I needed. Staying at an all-inclusive resort allowed me to finally slow down. There was breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a poolside bar, and easy access to the beach. I also got to snorkel and experience the beautiful waters of the Red Sea, which was one of the most relaxing parts of the trip.
After the crowds, tours, transportation, and constant movement, Sharm El-Sheikh gave me the opportunity to simply enjoy Egypt.
The Most Uncomfortable Part of My Egypt Trip
Unfortunately, not everything about my trip was positive. The most serious incident involved harassment by someone who was actually working at the airport. I won’t share all of the details publicly, but I think it’s important to mention this because solo female travelers shouldn’t automatically assume that being inside an airport means they are completely protected from inappropriate behavior.
I reported what happened, but at the time of writing this, I still haven’t received a satisfactory resolution regarding my complaint. I’m currently looking into whether I can escalate the matter through the appropriate authorities or embassy. For me, this experience reinforced something important: Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong or uncomfortable, don’t worry about appearing rude. Remove yourself from the situation and seek help from an appropriate authority or someone you trust.
Based on my experience, these are the things I would keep in mind:
- Plan your major tours ahead of time.
Especially for the pyramids and Luxor. - Use reputable tour operators and guides.
Having someone knowledgeable with you can make navigating major tourist sites much easier. - Arrange transportation in advance when possible.
My ride-hailing experiences were different depending on the city - Expect aggressive selling around tourist attractions. Don’t be surprised if people repeatedly approach you.
- Learn to say no—and don’t feel guilty about it.
Actually, sometimes you don’t even need to respond. Just keep walking and don’t engage. - Keep your important documents secure.
Have copies of your passport, visa-related documents, bookings, and other important information. - Give yourself extra time at immigration.
Document verification can take longer than expected. - Trust your instincts.
If a situation feels uncomfortable, leave. - Consider organized tours if you’re traveling alone.
You don’t have to prove that you can do everything independently. - Don’t let the difficult moments erase the good ones.
Egypt is an extraordinary destination, and I still had an incredible trip especially for the pyramids and Luxor.
Would I Go Back to Egypt?
Yes. Despite the difficult experiences, Egypt gave me memories I’ll never forget. I saw the pyramids I’ve dreamed about for years. I explored ancient tombs and temples in Luxor. I experienced the Red Sea. I stayed at a beautiful resort in Sharm El-Sheikh. I flew Turkish Airlines for the first time. And I experienced a completely different culture and environment from what I’m used to in the Philippines.
Would I recommend solo travel in Egypt to every woman?
Probably not. But if you’re a Filipina dreaming of visiting Egypt alone, I wouldn’t tell you to automatically cross it off your bucket list either. Just go prepared. Research your destinations. Book reputable tours. Arrange transportation when possible. Give yourself enough time at the airport. Be aware of scams and aggressive selling. And most importantly, listen to your instincts. Egypt was intense, beautiful, exhausting, fascinating, frustrating, and unforgettable—all at the same time. And honestly? I’d still go back.
Hu
