Even before the tragic incident at Hatshepsut in November 1997, where about 90 tourists were massacred by Islamic fundamentalists, security of tourists was an important issue in Egypt. Since then however, the authorities have introduced heightened security measures aimed at protecting visitors, and therefore the all-important tourist industry.

The impression you receive as a tourist is that your safety is of paramount importance and that no risks will be taken. This has naturally taken on even greater significance in the current international crisis. Now, at all the main sites there are greater numbers of police, although compared to some other countries their presence is by no means overbearing.

Within Luxor town itself it is perfectly safe for tourists to wander round, although it is unwise to linger in or around the town of Qena, considered to be a fundamentalist stronghold. For trips to other towns such as Hurghada or Aswan, tourists must now travel on specific police-escorted convoys. There are sometimes just two or three convoys per day, so if driving yourself make sure you know the departure times or you will be turned back at the first checkpoint.

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