Egypt is traditionally one of the most popular tourist destinations among residents of the former Soviet republics: acceptable service, relatively low prices, good beaches, sun, many attractions, and from most resorts you can drive to Israel for an excursion in one day! It's just when you find yourself in Egypt, it is important to remember that a number of things in this one are strangely treated with increased attention.
Note: most of the listed rules are found in one form or another in most countries, including resort ones. Nevertheless, given the popularity of Egypt among the inhabitants of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, it is worth mentioning a few things in its focus.
1. Ban on photography
No, most things can be photographed in Egypt. However, due to the local regional specifics, the presence of seriously armed policemen on the street is by no means uncommon here. In large cities, as well as on the borders with resort areas, you can definitely meet the military and their equipment. All of the above is strictly prohibited to shoot and photograph. If a patrol gets into the frame, then the military will most likely just politely ask you to remove everything that was filmed. But if a military column appears in the frame of the unfortunate tourist, then serious problems with the law cannot be avoided. At best, this is a fine. In the worst case, even arrest pending clarification of the circumstances.
2. Ban on criticism of the authorities
The resorts of Egypt are mostly calm. Largely because today they are carefully guarded. However, visitors should not even try to get into the internal political life of the country. Here it is, frankly, quite stormy. Conversations on slippery topics, criticism of the authorities and the Egyptian system are unlikely to end badly for a tourist, but if you chat about something like this with the locals and hang yourself up, then they may already have problems with the police. The Egyptian state is especially nervous about this in large cities.
3. Prohibition of swearing
Swearing loudly and publicly in Egypt is prohibited, including for tourists. Such an incident is a reason for someone from the local to contact the police. In the most difficult cases, you can fly into a fine for violation of public order. It is also worth showing increased vigilance, some annoying traders, disappointed that they never bought anything from them, like to provoke a scandal, and then they themselves complain to the police about the "violent" foreigner.
4. Illegal entry
There are a lot of ancient sights in Egypt. Many of them are extremely fragile, as they are thousands of years old. Therefore, approach to most of these objects is allowed only as part of special groups or accompanied by specialists from among local residents and workers. Unauthorized entry into the territory of historical and cultural sites can easily result in arrest, a fine and expulsion from the country, restricting visits to Egypt for several years.
5. Indecent behavior
Egypt is far from the most "hardcore" Muslim country, and they try to treat the antics of tourists here as softly as possible. In any case, this rule applies within the boundaries of the resort areas. But the defiant, shocking and frankly interfering with the quiet life of those around them, behavior in cities or near attractions can end not only with a fine, but also with imprisonment (arrest). You need to monitor not only how you behave, but also how you are dressed. Walking naked is definitely not worth it.
6. Harm and removal of corals
Anything, including unintentional damage to coral plantations in Egypt, is a criminal offense. This is because any damage to corals is a serious ecological injury to the marine ecosystem. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to take corals out of the country. After such a trick, you can end up in an Egyptian prison, face a very serious fine and lose the right to enter the country for many years.
7. Drinking alcohol
You can drink under the sheet! Joke. But in Egypt, there is indeed a law that criminalizes the use of alcohol. Of course, in practice it is rather formal. However, it is still not worth breaking it. For being drunk in a public place, as well as for using in public, a hefty fine can come. Of course, there are some indulgences for tourists. However, it is best to drink in special establishments: restaurants, bars and hotels. There it is officially allowed to do this.
If you want to know even more interesting things, then you should read about 7 museums in the worldwhose buildings can be called works of art.