Security Is Tight

In Egypt, security is omnipresent. Buses are halted when they approach hotels so that they may be examined. Every time you enter a huge hotel lobby, you must go through a metal detector (though the checks themselves are not always so thorough). And every tourist bus is accompanied by an armed guard who follows you everywhere you go. Armed military police are visible, especially in Aswan. Is all of this making you feel safe?

To be honest, you are probably more at risk in Cairo from traffic than from crooks or terrorists, and you may stroll outside your hotel at any time of day or night. The Egyptian government is acutely aware of its security issues, and while some places in Egypt are not safe (in particular, parts of the Sinai other than Sharm El Sheikh and parts of the Western Desert), most tourist areas feel as safe as any other part of the world. Significant government efforts to enhance security and public image of Egypt as a safe destination have resulted in tourism numbers steadily improving, reverting to pre-2011 levels.

Visitors must now go through an identity check and a metal detector scan to enter any of Cairo's major museums or obtain access to the pyramids. Bag checks in museums in both London and Paris have been implemented in the aftermath of terror incidents in major European cities. Furthermore, the police are vigorously enforcing an existing requirement requiring tour operators to retain and report their tour group itineraries.