Is it safe for americans to travel to egypt......would love to plan a trip, but a little scared.?

Answer 1

I am an Egyptian tourist guide. I am among tourists all day long. I never felt insecure nor unsafe. Criminals who did nasty things in the past were caught. And to guarantee the safety and peace of mind for all, there is protection around the clock in all places where tourists go. At hotels police presence is high and all cars approaching hotels are examined by modern measures. At museums, the pyramids, bazaars, tempels, tombs etc, all cars are checked, data gathered, cameras recording, police in plain clothes or uniform are present. Tourist cars are told to use certain routes where protection is at its maximum degree. I did not like it frankely at the beginning that my bag was checked everywhere, but it is now routine and police proved to us that they are concerened only about our safety- we in the tourist field are among tourists all the time- They do not bother us the least and their presence is welcomed since it takes away any responsibility off my shoulder. The big surprise to us all is that they are nice smiling to us all and they try to make their presence appreciated in spite of the fact that they work very hard but they do it in high spirits.
I wish you book through an agency to be free from extra duties besides sightseeing. Trust your agency, and trust your guide, they are all well trained and trustworthy. They are all licenced and approved by the authoroties. Let us hear from you when you decide and when you are back home.

Answer 2

Well your question has two aspects...

First: Criminal threats (including terrorist threat), from this angle I guess there is nothing to fear... Egypt is a very safe country... one of the few benefits of living in a "police" state is the high security presence every where and the rapid action whenever is neede... So crime levels are extremely low... and terror cells have been pushed to the background if not totally dismanteled by now.

Second: what I call post 9/11 Americophobia (started appearing in most Moslem countries with the rise of Islamophobia in the west) and it can be manifested in a psychological barrier, mistrust or even some rudness that you might encounter with the common people who disagree with American Policies and Politics in the Middle East. This might cause you some discomfort and start some heated political debates but will never go beyond that and is in no way dangerous... Any way its nothing a "I'm Canadian" T-shirt can't fix.

Unfortunately this second problem most Americans will encounter now not only in Moslem countries but even in some European countries... with the popularity of America at its lowest after almost "4 more years" of Bush.

So unless you choose the isolationist approach and decide to lock yourself inside the USA... not visiting anyone and not allowing anyone to visit... Egypt is as good a destination as any (if not better). And as long as you are travelling within an organized group... you won't encounter any problems... Not the first and not even the second points mentioned above.

So you are welcome to Egypt... and enjoy your time.

I hope I haven't offended you... I was just trying to be as frank and candid as possible.

Answer 3

No reason to be nervous or scared. I've been to Egypt three times as a single female American traveler and it's one of my favorite travel destinations! My last trip was just a couple months ago :)

I noticed other people are advocating going with a travel agency but to tell you the truth, I booked everything on my own and had a grand time. If you do decide to go, I can give you the contact info for my tour guide, a certified Egyptologist that spoke wonderful English. He does private tours for around US$30 a day and will take you anywhere you want to go!

If I had to give you one piece of advice as a female traveler, I would suggest you to dress more conservatively in Cairo. I'm not talking about completely covering up but looser casual clothing is one way to show respect to local culture. Wear something similar to short sleeved shirts and capris. Plus if you plan on visiting some of the mosques, you'll need to be wearing appropriate clothing or else you'll have to wear a huge bright blue toga thing that some tourists are asked to wear...doesn't look good in photos :o)

Have a great time!

Answer 4

I just returned from Egypt and it was a wonderful trip. Not once was I even slightly uncomfortable or worried about my safety. The Museum in Cairo was one of the highlights of an around the world trip and the Pyramids are just stunning. You can't believe how big they are.

So don't believe the "Press" on this subject. If you work with a reputable Travel company you are not going to have any problems and you are going to have the best trip ever. I promise. Good luck and Happy travels

Answer 5

Simply I can tell you it's more safe than many other places in the world including USA itself. This is at least what I see now,I can't tell about the future.
Just make good choices to find a good travel company to get the quality of service you like and to have a trip without any problems.

Good luck and welcome in Egypt

Answer 6

I think it would be better for you to travel with someone or find a local to guide you. There are so many friendly Egyptians willing to help you make your trip an enjoyable one. I suggest reading books about travelling to this country. I've read one that's really helpful and informative. It gives you an overview of the country, it's culture and tips to make your trip safe and enjoyable. It's called "Culture Shock! Egypt". Check the link below for you to see how it looks like. You should be able to find one in a public library. Good luck to your trip!

Answer 7

I certainly understand your anxiety -- the attacks on tourist destinations in 2004, 2005, and 2006 (which resulted in deaths and injuries of many Westerners including Americans) are definitely alarming.

That said, it might be worth noting that, as of today, there is currently no travel warning from the Department of State urging Americans not to visit Egypt. You can check that out here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html) There is, however, a public announcement that has been issued about the Middle East and North Africa, and you might want to have a look at that before you make your decision: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1165.html

It does seem a shame to let fear keep you away from somewhere you really want to travel, I know, but it's definitely worth weighing all your options before you decide whether or not to go to Egypt. A few more resources for you are this Consular Information Sheet from the Department of State: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1108.html
And also this link to the U.S. Embassy in Cairo for the latest safety and security information: http://cairo.usembassy.gov/

Good luck with your decision -- remember to avoid large crowds, if you do decide to go, and to be as vigilant and alert as possible.

Hope this helps!
--Holly

Answer 8

I'm like you...I would love to see Egypt, but i'm scared. i personally dont think it's safe to travel anywhere, but i don't know it may be ok to travel to Egypt...

Answer 9

I'm an american and have been to the Philippines. It's not as bad as you think, going to a hot country like Egypt. I highly suggest drinking a lot of water, though! Go for it! Youre chances of getting killed is very slim, expecialy if you watch out.

Answer 10

No need to be afraid I went to Egypt a few years ago it's great. Nothing like seeing the pyramids up close. I loved it there have to go back one day.