Travelling to North Africa – protected or not – query about touristry

Tunisia and Egypt – two of the most attractive target for summer in North Africa. After terrorism acts in Tunisia (26th of June 2015, 38 foreign tourist were killed) and facts about ISIS (The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) growth a lot of Europeans are wondering is it safe to choose these countries for their vacations. Tunisia – paradise for tourists, warm sea, beautiful sights, lots of luxury hotels.

Tourism is extremely important for Tunisia, cause it provides 6,5 % of its GDP. Nowadays Tunisian experts do whatever they can to persuade tourists to keep coming to the country (there are lot of police patrols on the streets and public service announcement in the newspapers). Unfortunately for them most of the job (see european trademark attorney) ministries of foreign affairs predict their citizens from travelling to Tunisia.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to South Tunisia, the Tunisia-Algeria border crossing points, 5 km of the Libya border area and against all but essential travel to the rest of Tunisia. U.S. Department of State recommends U.S. citizens maintain a high level of vigilance, especially in areas, which are visited by plenty of people (hotels, shopping centers, tourists sites and restaurants). Tourists have to stay focused and always carry a copy of their passport in case of uncertain situations. Nowadays trips to Tunisia are low-cost, but they are still a lottery: you can go there and have a wonderful time, but also you can get injured lying on the beach or visiting the museum.

Egypt – country of Sphinx and ancient history, wish of many foreign tourists. In Egypt situation is safer than in Tunisia. The possibility of terrorism attack is lower than in another countries in the region, but the political situation is unstable. There have been strikes since 2011. They can become without warning anywhere in Egypt (in big towns like Cairo and Alexiandria – tourism centers, but also in Luxor, Fayoum, Ismailia and other).

Demonstrations are usually peaceful, but they can also be very risky, you can’t predict people’s behaviour at those meetings. Police may use water cannon, tear gas, birdshot and live ammunition to control the crowd. On 14 August 2013 security forces brutally ended sit-in strike in Cairo (many people were killed). Being in Egypt travelers have to follow the news onmedia. It is advisable to take local guide to visit the Sphinx and other historical attractions. Seaside resorts are mostly safe, although you should be heedful. Nowadays travelling to northern countries of Africa is cheap, but not reliable. There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt and in Tunisia. It is believed that terrorists will go on attacks. It is not desirable to go there in nearest time.