Egypt travel information
Getting There
Egypt has several international airports, the main in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan. There are also domestic airports and airfields that connect major towns and destinations. The national airline is Egyptair. Depending on your arrival time, you may need to spend a night in Cairo.
Passport and Visas
You need a current passport with six months’ validity from the date you return home and two blank pages. You also need a return air ticket and a tourist visa. Visas are available in advance online here: www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. Alternatively, you can get a visa on arrival.
Weather and Climate
The dry, arid desert climate of Egypt guarantees hot temperatures almost year round. Inland summer (May-October) temperatures can vary from 10°C at night to 45°C during the day. A mild winter (November-April) sees temperatures of 0°C at night to 25°C during the day. In April, the khamsin blows in from the Sahara, bring hot dusty winds and sandstorms. Rainfall is Egypt is very low, with some desert regions only receiving rain once every several years. Cairo receives an average of 29mm a year.
Getting Around
Most of our itineraries involve flights between destinations, along with road transfers with a private guide and 4×4 vehicle. A Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor is also recommended.
Health
Consult your GP or a travel doctor at least six weeks before you travel. You may be required or recommended to get vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, and hepatitis A & B, among others. A Certificate of Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required for those entering Egypt from the following countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and also South America. You may be denied entry into Egypt if you do not have proof of vaccination, so please carry your certificate with you and present to immigration. Malaria is present in some regions of Egypt, so malaria prophylactics are recommended.
Currency
The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). US dollars and euro may be accepted, though Egyptian pound is preferred. Credit cards are also accepted in cities and accommodation.
Language
Arabic is the official language in Egypt, with most Egyptians speaking one of the several dialects. English and French are the most widely spoken foreign languages.
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