Egypt is one of the world's most enduring tourist destinations, with 5,000 years of history on display. It contains the sole remaining "wonder of the Ancient World " (the Pyramids of Giza), the iconic Valley of the Kings, the enormous Temple of Karnack at Luxor, and the glittering gilded collection of Tutankhamen.
Unfortunately, although Egypt itself is a peaceful country, and Egyptians are extremely welcoming to visitors, Egypt lies in a troubled region. Current violence in the West Bank, which borders the Sinai, and other events in the Middle East, inflame extremists, and there have been attacks against tourists. However, such attacks are rare in a country that is, on the whole, safe and friendly toward visitors.
Risk For Tourists Traveling in Egypt
Although Egypt is one of the safest places for western tourists to visit in North Africa and the Middle East, it has experienced several attacks against foreigners. The massacres in Luxor in 1997, when 50 tourists were killed, sparked worldwide outrage and Egyptian condemnation. There were massive repercussions, public outrage, and major crackdowns on groups that supported terrorism. The government's response included increasing security in major tourist areas and establishing mandatory convoys (no longer in effect) for tourist travel in some sections of the Nile.
The major Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Taba, and Dahab also suffered attacks from an Islamist group; killing 130 people between 2004 and 2006. And most recently, in February, 2009, a bomb in the crowded Khan el-Khalili market, which is popular with souvenir-hunting tourists, killed one tourist and injured about 20..
Practically speaking, those events need to be measured against the number of tourists traveling without incident: A record 12.8 million visitors traveled in Egypt in 2008. Being the victim of a terrorist incident in Egypt, while newsworthy and tragic, is rare.
Note also that tourism is one of Egypt's largest industries, accounting for approximately 11 billion dollars annually and 11 percent of gross domestic product. It is second only to Suez Canal tolls as a source of hard currency, So the Egyptian government takes tourist security extremely seriously: Major tourist sites are guarded and tourist itineraries are closely monitored.
Safety Tips and Information for Tourists
- Travel on a group tour. Groups are escorted by guards and guides who know about current conditions or any areas where it might be unsafe to travel. 80 percent of tourists to Egypt travel on guided tours.
- Major tourist hotels are guarded, with metal detectors and X-ray machines.
- When exploring on your own, go out in pairs or groups.
- Women, especially women traveling alone, should be aware that harassment against women is an issue in Egypt, and is particularly a problem for younger women. Dress modestly, wear a wedding ring, and be firm in rebuffing unwanted advances.
- Violent crime is not a major problem in Egypt, but in crowded markets, stealth crime such as pick-pocketing is not unheard of. Keep a close watch on valuables, use hotel safes, or use travel security products such as carrying cases that lock or money belts.
- Check U.S. State Department bulletins for the most recent information.
Unfortunately, a very small minority of fanatics have tarnished Egypt's reputation. The fact is that western tourists in Egypt will find the majority of people friendly. An American walking the streets of Alexandria or Cairo is greeted with a smile, and when eye contact is made, is often told "You are welcome in Egypt." And that welcome, rather than a tragic but isolated terrrorist incident, condemned by the majority of Egyptians, seems to be the true face of Egypt.
Resources for Egypt Travel.
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