As a gay couple planning to go to Egypt, the experience can be thrilling, but at the same time, it comes with certain challenges. Let me help you with tips on how to enjoy this ancient country to the best of your ability and safely.
Egypt, home to the phenomenal pyramids, beautiful temples, and a rich history, has been on the list of desires of many tourists. However, for gay couples, the adventure comes with a unique set of considerations.
In this guide, we will provide you with a detailed description of Egyptian people, laws, and useful tips on how to have a safe trip to Egypt. From where to stay to how to behave in public, this guide will provide all the information you need to get by in this interesting country when you are in a same-sex relationship.
Can Two Men Share a Room In Egypt?
Two men can share a room in Egypt, but it is always wise to exercise a lot of caution and take certain things into consideration. While it is not against the law for two men to share a room, Egyptian culture, in general, has rather a conservative attitude towards homosexuality. Most hotels, especially those that host multinationals, are used to people of all sorts and will not bat an eyelid at two male guests sharing a room. Nevertheless, it is essential to keep in mind that kissing or holding hands with a partner of the same sex is socially inappropriate and could lead to harassment or even legal troubles.
When selecting your hotel, you should go for well-known global hotel franchises or hotels that advertise themselves as gay-friendly because they are likely to understand the needs of gay tourists. Such places are likely to be secret, and you would not mind the kind of condition you are in.
When checking in, it is probably more effective to just ask for two beds without having to elaborate any further. Much of the time, hotel employees in Egypt are taught to be polite and not to intrude into people’s affairs. If you are going to rent a room in the small guesthouse, or if you are traveling with your partner and are going to rent a room in a conservative area, you might want to take separate rooms to avoid any discomfort or suspicions.
As with all destinations, remember that your safety is of utmost importance. I wrote this article with some helpful hints and tips to keep you safe whilst travelling
Can I Stay in a Hotel With My Boyfriend in Egypt?
Yes, you can stay with your boyfriend in a hotel in Egypt, but it is advisable to choose a hotel carefully and avoid conspicuousness. Although there is no express provision of law in Egypt that bans same-sex couples from occupying a hotel room, social acceptance of homosexual relations remains low, and therefore, to avoid complications, couples should be very careful when occupying a room in a hotel.
In choosing the hotel, try to choose hotels which are known to be friendly to the members of the LGBTQ community, or those which are popular among the foreigners. These places are more likely to be used to different kinds of guests and are less likely to make people question your relationship status. Most gay visitors in Egypt discover that many foreign-operated luxury hotels in tourist districts are more receptive and less flagrant.
In your own room, you are free to express your personality and be comfortable, yet, housekeeping personnel may come in at any time, so some level of privacy must still be observed. If you are going to visit off-the-beaten-path or stay at small family-owned hotels, you may wish to book separate rooms just in case. Although it may not be the best, it can serve as an added security and privacy measure in a more orthodox environment.
Is Hurghada Safe for Gay Couples?
Gay couples can feel relatively safe in Hurghada, but it is always better to be prepared and careful while visiting the country. Hurghada is one of Egypt’s leading seaside resort cities, and as such, the people are more used to tourists and are usually less aggressive than in other areas of the country. However, it’s crucial to remember that Egypt as a whole remains a conservative society where public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not accepted.
In that sense, Hurghada is a tourist city, so hotels, restaurants, and attractions are usually more likely to interact with a more diverse audience. Most of them, particularly those who deal with international guests, are likely to be more understanding and secretive when it comes to gay and lesbian couples. The city depends mostly on tourism, so it is relatively more liberal than other conventional Egyptian cities. However, this does not imply that one can relax so much and not be cautious anymore.
You may find yourself being more relaxed in terms of dressing in Hurghada than in other parts of Egypt but this does not mean that you should go about half naked in public places. Do not be too affectionate, or touch each other in ways that might provoke the curiosity of other people. The beach resorts in Hurghada are normally less invasive and allow you to spend quality time together, though bear in mind the etiquette of the situation and other people.
Nevertheless, Hurghada does provide several bars and clubs for the tourists to enjoy their night out. However, these venues may be somewhat more tolerant of your interest in the opposite sex, but it is still safe to avoid flaunting your relationship. Security in Hurghada, as is the case with most travel destinations, includes preventing simple crimes such as theft or tourist fraud. Be wary of your surroundings, protect your belongings, and avoid getting into contact with any person you do not know, whether heterosexual or homosexual. It should also be added that although Hurghada can be considered safer, discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in Egypt is still legal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to add that if you are a gay couple, traveling to Egypt is possible, yet such a vacation should be well-prepared, and you should be ready for possible prejudices and homophobia. As for the historical places, beautiful sceneries and friendly people, the country is great to visit, but you should also be wise when traveling in the country. Remember that while many tourist areas may be more accommodating, Egyptian society as a whole remains conservative when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues.
Staying safe abroad is paramount, and I encourage you to read more about navigating cultural sensitivity as gay male travelers in our comprehensive guide. This resource offers additional insights and tips to help you make the most of your international adventures while prioritizing your safety and well-being. Egypt is just one of many fascinating destinations waiting to be explored, and each comes with its own set of considerations for LGBTQ+ travelers.
