Expedition to North Africa – safe or not – inquiry about touristry

Tunisia and Egypt – two of the most attractive target for summertime 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 holidays. Tunisia – paradise for tourists, warm sea, marvelous sights, lots of luxury hotels.

Tourism is veryserious thing for Tunisia, because it provides 6,5 % of its GDP. Nowadays Tunisian authorities do whatever they can to convince tourists to keep coming to the country (there are lot of police patrols on the streets and public service announcement in the media). Unfortunately for them most of the European ministries of foreign affairs warn 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 places, which are visited by plenty of people (hotels, shopping centers, tourists sites and restaurants). Travelers have to stay focused and constantly carry a copy of their passport in case of fickle cases. Nowadays holidays in Tunisia are very economical, but they are also a lottery: you can go there and have a brilliant time, but also you can get injured lying on the beach or visiting the monuments.

Egypt – country of Sphinx and ancient history, desire of many foreign travelers. In Egypt situation is safer than in Tunisia. The risk of terrorism attack is lower than in other countries in the locality, but the governmental situation is unstable. There have been demonstrations since 2011. They can occur without signal anywhere in Egypt (in big towns like Cairo and Alexiandria – tourism places, but also in Luxor, Fayoum, Ismailia and other).

Strikes are often peaceful, but they can also be very risky, you can’t foresee 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 finished sit-in strike in Cairo (many people were killed). Being in Egypt tourists should follow the news on television, radio and Internet. It is advisable to take local guide to see the Sphinx and other ancient attractions. Seaside resorts are mostly secured, although you should be heedful. Nowadays travelling to northern countries of Africa is low-cost, but not reliable. There is a high risk from terrorism in Egypt and in Tunisia. It is believed that terrorists will go on attacks. It is not advisable to go there in nearest time.