Hello, I was wondering the best way to travel Egypt safely and efficiently. I've already been to Europe several times and would like to explore Giza, Aswan, Luxor, and beyond. My first question is could I get in trouble with the U.S government for travel to a destination like this? My next question, is it safe? My final question is how does the tourist visa system work? I know that these questions seem silly but please, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
Posted by
Folsom
2738 posts
On safety-nobody who answers can assure you of your safety. Read this: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/egypt-travel-warning.html
Posted by
not here anymore
631 posts
UK Government advice is clearer but not much more hopeful!
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt
and never mind getting in trouble with your government, what would your insurers say (apart from "get lost, your not our problem any more").
Posted by
CA
2152 posts
We took a tour in Egypt in 2008. We had armed men with our group at all times. Some were on the bus while others followed us in a different vehicle. We were told by the guide they were there due to an agreement with the US government to protect US citizens or they would stop US citizens from travelling to Egypt. I have no idea if that was the case but they were always with us. I don't think I would travel in Egypt alone.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
I am not exactly sure of the year (all my travel journals and photos were lost when I moved last year so I have to rely on my memory) but it was likely 2008 or 2009. We were with a group of city and regional planners and went everywhere city planners would want to go, as well as all the wonderful tourist sites in Egypt. The only time I saw armed guards was at Giza, and they were ensconced on camels, watchful and eye catching, but who knows how efficient. We were everywhere from Cairo to Luxor to Alexandria without armed guards. I expect tour groups are provided with armed guards to quell their fears.
Posted by
Chicago
8178 posts
We went to Egypt in 2010. Cairo, Luxor, Deir el-Bahari, Aswan, and Abu Simbel and back. We flew to Rome and then Cairo on Delta Alitalia code share. I paid about 950 dollars for January. But that does not really matter as it depends when you plan to go. It is safe but not for women as two women I traveled with were constantly groped on the crowded metro which is why there is a separate metro car for women out on the town un-escorted. I did not see it and in retrospect I remember whenever it happened there was a diversion like when the train stopped. The only time we had a guard was from Aswan to Abu Simbel and we were in a motorcade. The visa is issued either at the airport when you arrive or if you live in Chicago or New York then you can just get it it from the consulate before you go. Just an FYI you will not get in trouble going to countries that you can make travel arrangements to online. For example you can not reserve a hotel in Cuba online from the USA.
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
2684 posts
We were in Egypt in January of this year and felt safe everywhere. They were very happy to see American tourists. The crowds have been down there in recent years but were starting to pick up a bit around the time we were there. We had an fantastic trip! We were on a private tour with a company called Egypt and Beyond Travel so we were usually with a guide. We did wander around a bit on our own in Cairo and then again in Aswan. I would not wander by myself but I was okay with my partner. With our tour guides, I never worried at all. The trip was an absolute blast - I loved it.
Posted by
Alexandria, MN, USA
175 posts
We went to Egypt/Jordan with Odysseys Unlimited in Nov. 2015. They cancelled out trip in 2013 because it was unsafe. We had armed guards, police escort and a fabulous guide for our group of 20. It's the most amazing place we have been!! We had a total of 5 days in Cairo, a 3 day cruise on Lake Nasser, a 4 day cruise on the Nile and 1 night in Luxor. We were as far south as Abu Simbel. Tourism was down 90% so they were glad to see us. Our group of 20 were the only people on the Nile Cruise! I felt safe, but we were with a group. Didn't venture off on our own. The Paris terrorism happened when we were there, and the plane went down in the Sinai right before we left so people were worried about us. We went to Jordan for 4 days as a post trip. Another amazing place!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
justin,
The Canadian government website currently has an "Avoid non-essential travel" warning for Egypt, with specific "Avoid ALL travel" warnings for several areas. That's not an area I'd feel safe travelling to at the present time, especially as a solo traveller.
One other point to note is that some travel medical insurance policies will be void for those who travel in areas that have been designated as Avoid ALL travel. Read the fine print on your policy.
Posted by
8322 posts
I lived in the Middle East for five years and visited Egypt twice, back in the 80s. It was a wonderful experience and I would love to take my wife too see Egypt's wonders.
Yes, the Egyptian government provides armed guards with tour groups (you don't want to go on your own). They started doing this about 20 years ago when terrorist attacked a bus filled with German and Swiss tourist, killing many.
I am not privy to the latest intelligence, but my sense is that Egypt is still somewhat risky.
Since the Muslim Brotherhood President was removed from office, the government is trying to clean up the terrorist, but still has a way to go. Christians and Christian churches have been targets of terrorists and tourists are as well.
Still, many people go to Egypt and aren't attacked. However, my sense is that the risk of attack is there. Now, the same thing is happening in Turkey, with terrorists targeting Western tourists. Terrorists do this to hurt the economy and the governments in charge.