Can I go to Egypt now? When to go to Egypt?

Some time ago Egypt was the most popular tourist destination. But the constant clashes of protesters with the police and the death of participants in the riots did their job.

But now, when the situation has stabilized a bit, tourists are again drawn to the warm shores of the Red Sea. Can I now go to Egypt and how dangerous is living in local hotels? Let's try to find out.

General picture

In 2013, a wave of demonstrations took place across the country, in which several million people took part. The protesters were supported by the army, which helped quickly to remove the incumbent president from office.

Over time, members of the Brotherhood of Muslims and Islamists began to express their dissatisfaction with the new government, demanding the return of the old government.

The incumbent president took all appropriate measures and took the situation under his personal control. Thus, in some cities a curfew was introduced . Measures to disperse the demonstrators have become more severe, which led to mass arrests followed by the confiscation of property of many detainees.

Such a turn of events could not but cause a negative reaction on the part of other countries. The rulers of some states recalled their ambassadors, and tourists were advised to choose another, more peaceful place for recreation, since it is dangerous now to go to Egypt.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of our country asked tourists to avoid traveling to this place, and Rosturizm insists on the return of money by agencies for vouchers that have already been purchased.

Is it worth it to take chances?

Strict measures aimed at combating the indignant residents helped to improve the situation. So, after a while the situation in the country stabilized, and our government sent experts who were supposed to make their conclusion about whether it is possible to go to Egypt now.

The official delegation, which included representatives of the Association of Tour Operators and Rostourism, after visiting a number of resorts, noted that the situation in the cities is safe, and therefore the life of tourists is not threatened. They submitted their report to the Foreign Ministry. This made it possible to believe that soon Russians will again be able to travel without restrictions.

In the first days of October, Egypt was again shaken by the terrible events, and during clashes between the military and the demonstrators, more than fifty people per day perished from both sides. This was the reason for a massive decrease in the influx of tourists from other countries (and Russia in particular).

In order not to lose money, tour operators (without the permission of the relevant authorities) continue to actively send vacationers to stay in local hotels and organize even off-site excursions to other cities. This entitles the authorities to bring to the criminal responsibility the director of the agency, if a misfortune occurs with a tourist on vacation, connected with the resumption of confrontations between the authorities and the protesters.

It is dangerous now to go to Egypt to such cities:

• Cairo.
• Aswan.
• Alexandria.
• Luxor.
• Port Said.
• Taba.
• Suez.

Places for tourists

You can now go to Egypt to the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. They remain under the tight surveillance of the local police and private security, so that the lives of holidaymakers are not endangered. To avoid any unforeseen situations, tourists are not advised to spend time outside the hotel territory.

Large tour operators have the opportunity to take care of the safety of our citizens. Field trips are accompanied by several cars with the police. What can not be said about the small travel agencies, whose clients go on a journey in the minivan. Visiting large cities can be life threatening.

Egypt-2014, is it worth it to go?

The situation in the country as a whole was described above. As for the resort towns, everything is quite calm here. The crime rate has even been reduced to a minimum, because the basic income of these residents directly depends on the number of visitors.

Now all the hotels have resumed their work. On the streets, as before, there are kiosks with all sorts of souvenirs and ornaments, and from the local restaurants comes the divine flavor of traditional dishes.

Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to go to Egypt now is already not so acute. After all, many tourists have got used to the idea that in this country some citizens periodically express their discontent very aggressively.

Precautionary measures

Those who want to go to rest in the Arab Republic of Egypt, but are afraid to witness such speeches, it is desirable to bear in mind the following. The bigger the hotel, the better it's guarding. In such institutions, the infrastructure is well developed, and you do not have to go out for their territory to buy souvenirs for friends.

Money, decorations, documents, hide in the safe. If the number does not, then valuables can be put in a special cell at the administrator. However, here there is one thing: for the loss of the key from the safe you will be discharged a large fine (several hundred dollars), so it's worth to be very attentive.

If you decide on a field trip, then try to avoid places of great congestion and communication with aggressively minded individuals.

Respect the people in whose country you came to, and their customs. Do not use foul language and insulting words about the city residents and do not argue with them.

Rumors that Islamists are traveling around the city and shooting infidels is an insolent lie. In Egypt, there are many people who do not practice Islam. In Sharm-al-Sheikh, a Christian church was built, where tourists and residents of the city pray.

As for taxis, it is better to use the vehicle from the hotel. Local drivers often cheat, so if you leave somewhere and do not stipulate the fare in advance, be prepared for the fact that you will eventually have to pay 2-3 times more expensive.

On public transport and not worth talking about. It frankly ignores the rules of traffic on the road. Therefore, a person who is not prepared morally can get a lot of stress, having traveled at least once by bus, the driver of which considers it his sacred duty to "cut" someone on the track or not to pass traffic at a crossroads.

Just in case

This paragraph deals with women, or rather, their manner of dressing. If you are going to go to a neighboring city, then the outfit should be free cut and cover your arms and legs. At the entrance to the local shrine, it is desirable to put a scarf or headscarf on your head. This rule should be followed without question, because very many women had to get into unpleasant situations because of their appearance.

In local nightclubs, girls in outspoken clothes should be patient. After all, men can afford a couple of indecent compliments to them. In order not to incandesce the situation, try to calmly react to such statements.

Conclusion

Of course, one can not unambiguously answer the question: "Do you go to Egypt now?" After all, much depends on the purpose of the visit, on what cities you will visit and how personally you feel about the events taking place there. If you belong to people who need only a chaise longue, water and a few meters of the beach for rest, in this case you are surely not threatened.

If you are afraid for your life and even do not want to hear about that, in a country where the confrontation is periodically aggravated, there can be a good rest, then, of course, it is dangerous to go to Egypt. And not only in him, but in any other country.

Parents often wonder whether it is possible to go now to Egypt with children? But agree, if you follow the rules described above, then why not. After all, in the resort towns there is no hint of a confrontation between the authorities and the protesters.