Safety in Egypt for Tourists: Areas to Avoid and Travel Advisories

Egypt is generally safe for tourists, but there are some areas that should be avoided due to the risk of terrorism and crime. The Sinai Peninsula, including the border with Gaza, is considered a high-risk area. The Western Desert, including the border with Libya, is also considered a high-risk area. The US Department of State has issued a travel advisory for Egypt, warning of the risk of terrorism and advising travelers to exercise caution. It is recommended to stay up-to-date with the latest travel advisories and to avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

Exploring Egypt: A Guide to Tourist Safety and Travel Advisories

Egypt is a country that is rich in history and culture, and it is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. However, when planning a trip to Egypt, one of the most important things to consider is safety. While Egypt is generally a safe country for tourists, there are certain areas that should be avoided, and there are also some current travel advisories that should be taken into account.

One of the first things to consider when planning a trip to Egypt is the political situation in the country. Egypt has experienced a great deal of political turmoil in recent years, and this has had an impact on the safety of tourists. In particular, there have been a number of terrorist attacks in Egypt in recent years, and these have targeted both tourists and locals.

The most high-profile of these attacks was the bombing of a Russian passenger plane in 2015, which killed all 224 people on board. This attack was claimed by the Islamic State, and it led to a significant drop in tourist numbers in Egypt. Since then, there have been a number of other attacks, including a shooting at a tourist site in Luxor in 2018, which killed four people.

Despite these attacks, however, Egypt remains a relatively safe country for tourists. The Egyptian government has taken steps to improve security in tourist areas, and there is a strong police presence in many of the country’s major tourist destinations. In addition, many of the attacks that have taken place in Egypt have been targeted at specific groups or locations, rather than being random acts of violence.

That being said, there are still certain areas of Egypt that should be avoided by tourists. The Sinai Peninsula, in particular, is considered to be a high-risk area, and the UK government advises against all travel to this region. The Sinai has been the site of a number of terrorist attacks in recent years, and there is also a risk of kidnapping in this area.

Other areas that should be avoided include the Western Desert, which is located near the border with Libya, and the border areas with Sudan and Israel. These areas are considered to be high-risk due to the presence of armed groups and the risk of smuggling and trafficking.

In addition to these specific areas, there are also some general safety tips that tourists should be aware of when visiting Egypt. For example, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times, and to avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables with you. It is also a good idea to avoid travelling alone, especially at night, and to stick to well-lit and busy areas.

Another important consideration when planning a trip to Egypt is the current travel advisories that are in place. These advisories are issued by governments around the world, and they provide information about the current security situation in Egypt, as well as any specific risks that tourists should be aware of.

For example, the UK government currently advises against all but essential travel to certain areas of Egypt, including the Sinai Peninsula and the Western Desert. The US government also advises against travel to the Sinai, as well as to certain areas of Cairo and Alexandria.

It is important to note, however, that these advisories are not always based on the same information, and they can vary depending on the country issuing them. For this reason, it is a good idea to check the advisories issued by your own government, as well as those issued by other countries, before travelling to Egypt.

In addition to these general safety considerations, there are also some specific safety tips that tourists should be aware of when visiting certain tourist sites in Egypt. For example, when visiting the pyramids at Giza, it is important to be aware of the risk of scams and touts. These can include people offering to take your photo with the pyramids, or trying to sell you souvenirs or camel rides.

To avoid these scams, it is a good idea to book a tour with a reputable company, or to hire a guide who can help you navigate the site safely. It is also important to be aware of the risk of pickpocketing and theft, especially in crowded areas.

When visiting other tourist sites in Egypt, such as the Valley of the Kings or the temples at Luxor, it is important to be aware of the risk of heatstroke and dehydration. Egypt can be a very hot and dry country, especially during the summer months, and it is important to stay hydrated and to take breaks in the shade when necessary.

In conclusion, while Egypt is generally a safe country for tourists, there are certain areas that should be avoided, and there are also some current travel advisories that should be taken into account. By being aware of these risks, and by taking appropriate safety precautions, tourists can enjoy all that Egypt has to offer while staying safe and secure.