More and more travelers are reporting dishonest behavior from Egyptian tour guides. This was revealed by Agne Naseviciute, a Lithuanian businesswoman who lives in Egypt and runs a local travel company. According to her, guides have recently started using new tactics to confuse tourists and pressure them into buying additional services.
Naseviciute explains that upon arrival at hotels, tourists are often invited to attend so-called information meetings. Guides claim that participation in these meetings is mandatory, otherwise guests supposedly won’t be “registered” or even transported to the airport for their return flight.
Another common trick is asking tourists to sign documents without proper explanation. Guides warn that traveling around Egypt without these papers is “dangerous” and that travel insurance supposedly becomes invalid if excursions are booked through another agency or a local operator.
In some cases, tourists are told that they need a special “travel pass” to leave the hotel — a document that, in reality, does not exist. According to Naseviciute, some guides even claim that without this pass, travelers won’t be allowed into the airport or onto their flight.
She emphasizes that participation in such meetings is not mandatory, and travel insurance is valid throughout Egypt, regardless of where the excursion was purchased.
“No guide has the right to forbid you from leaving the hotel or choosing another agency. You are free to book excursions either through your tour operator or any licensed local company — the choice is entirely yours. Don’t let anyone intimidate you or pressure you into quick decisions. Keep all your tickets, contracts, and insurance documents — they are your guarantee of safety and a smooth journey home,” she said.