Expert: Mohamed Mostafa - 10/28/2009

Question
Having arrived in Alexandria as a passenger on a freighter ship in October 2009 I was told by the Port Agent that, under new Egypt Government rules I could not disembark in Alexandria until I booked a tour. I only wanted a taxi. Impossible. I had to "negotiate" a price for a tour with a tour agent who was called to see me on board the ship. I haggled and eventually paid 60 Euros for a return trip into the town. Was I correctly treated? Are there "new rules" which prevented me exploring Alexandria independently?

Many thanks.

Answer
Patricia

I'm sorry for the mis-behaviour you were subjected to. I do not know about these rules. However, It is not uncommon in Egypt to lunch new rules and apply them immediatley. In all cases, If you have a VISA, you are free to tour independently. Moreover. 60 Euros is unfair fare; half of this seems reasonable to me.
I advice to to write a complain and send it to the Egyptian embassy in Egypt. Dates and names are essentials.

Please accept my apologies on behalf of all Egyptians.
Best Regards