Egypt Pyramids Warning is Called 'Baseless' by Egyptian Antiquities Ministry

The U.S Embassy in Egypt issued a warning to American visitors about vendors around the Pyramids of Giza becoming increasingly violent towards tourists, USA Today reported.

The embassy said vendors stationed near the pyramids, about 12 miles from downtown Cairo, were becoming overly aggressive and were nearly behaving criminally.

"U.S. citizens should elevate their situational awareness when traveling to the pyramids, avoid any late evening or night travel, utilize a recommended or trusted guide, and closely guard valuables," the U.S Embassy's warning stated.

Egyptians who work in the tourism industry are reportedly surrounding tourists' taxis and cars and pounding on the vehicles presumably to get them to ride in their horse drawn carriages. There have been instances where angry vendors open the vehicle's door, frightening the tourists.

Egypt's Antiquities' Ministry called the warning "baseless" and the Minister Ahmed Eissa has insisted the Giza pyramid complex is safe.

Graham Harman, associate provost for research administration and professor of philosophy at the American University in Cairo, has lived in Egypt for 13 years. He told USA Today that tourists should not visit the pyramids unless they are part of an organized tour.

"It's a new level of frightening," he said.

Graham said his wife was harassed by vendors when the two visited in March and police asked for money. He said vendors have become increasingly aggressively ask for money for nothing in some instances.

Egypt's economy is still struggling since overthrowing their military dictatorship and the election of an Islamist government. Unemployment is still high and income is still low.

Since Hosni Mubarak was removed in 2011, security has lessened and tourism dipped harshly, but Eissa maintains that Giza is "totally secure" and tourism conditions have improved.

The United Kingdom has also issued tourism warnings about the area. The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against any non-essential travel to parts of South Sinai, while North Sinai is restricted.