Travel Q & A: Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Travel Q & A: Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

By Linda Zavoral

Mercury News

Posted: 01/09/2009 04:00:00 PM PST

Has the U.S. government posted advisories about travel to Egypt? I have a trip planned in May.

Egypt's top tourist draws are not affected by the current fighting in the Middle East, so it's business as usual, say tour operators based in Cairo and here in the United States.

The new wave of violence in the Middle East has prompted the U.S. State Department to issue travel warnings for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza — but not for Egypt.

While registering her concern for all those affected by the violence, Safaa Mohamed of Nile Melody Travel said, "The situation here is very stable, with many tourists in Egypt now — especially during the New Year's holidays."

Vince Cook, CEO of Overseas Adventure Travel, said he thinks the media have a habit of sensationalizing any event related to the Middle East and exploiting people's fears. "This is unfortunate," he said, "because Egypt is a destination no traveler should miss. And it's ironic, because perhaps more than any other country, Egypt not only embraces American travelers, it goes out of its way to protect them."

Since the mid-1990s, Cook explained, the Eygptian government has provided tourism police to patrol monuments and escort tour groups and cruises. "When OAT's river ship, the M/S Hathor, sails down the Nile, it does so with two armed security officers on board, and a police motorboat escort following in our wake."

Most important, he said, the people of Egypt depend on tourism."They especially like Americans," he said. "They see us as gregarious, generous and kind, even if they don't always like our politics."

So unless your travel plans include what the State Department calls Egypt's "frontiers" (border areas, off-road travel in the Sinai, etc.), no restrictions or warnings apply at this time.

For a full rundown on Egyptian travel safety, as well as updates if violence expands into this region, go to the State Department site, travel.state.gov, and click on "Country Specific Information" in the left-hand navigation bar.

Naturally, you should take the normal precautions you would take traveling anywhere: Guard your purse or wallet, passport and camera. Leave the valuables at home. Don't venture out alone or with a stranger. And increase your vigilance at nighttime.

Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/travelqa/ci_11400220

Edited January 10, 2009 by Olivia*

[JeanneVictoria 55]

If the State Dept hasn't issured travel warnings then the country is still on the safe list. You may want to check back with the site periodically. Egypt takes many security measures for their tourists.

Just be sure when you do go to register with the State Dept site. Of course Olivia, always be aware of your surroundings! Go and have a great time, but always with caution. Doesn't make a difference which country I am at, I'm always cautious.

Also, leave a copy of your passport, itinerary, addresses and phone numbers of where you will be staying with a family member. Advise the family members that you also have registered with the State Dept's site. Good luck!!

[Nagishkaw 510]

Great advice, Jeanne!

[Ihavequestions 419]

Yes, a copy of your passport, but also a copy of your license/state identification card, birth certificate, and social security card. Also, make copies of ALL of your credit/debit cards and health insurance cards. Then leave them with someone you trust in the United States ... just in case.

[doodlebugg 10]

I would be scared to go there if this war is still ongoing when I left. That being said in your situation you need to be with your husband. Just try to "blend" because I think Americans will be targeted. Egypt is not getting a warning on the US list but it's not well liked right now by an overwhelming majority of people for not opening the borders.

[JeanneVictoria 55]

Anywhere in the world is a hotspot! One can't just stop living because of the world situation....one just has to be cautious of what is going on around him.

Actually when I traveled to London I felt more uneasy than in Cairo or Alexandria.

Don't stop living and traveling.