Egypt is a land of mystery and diversity, full of ancient monuments, temples and pyramids, brimming with nature and desert destinations—and several popular seacoasts, beaches, resorts and golfing attractions.
The Mediterranean laps on her northern shores, while the legendary Red Sea and Israel lie to the east. Libya borders the west, with Sudan to the south. Other Egyptian waters include the Nile River dividing the nation, and the Suez Canal dividing the Sinai Peninsula.
As with most desert lands, the waters define the more populous areas. Egypt’s main cities include Cairo, the largest and the cultural center; Alexandria, the second largest with a Mediterranean atmosphere; and Luxor, full of the relics of ancient civilization. The city of Aswan offers a resort getaway, and is the site of a large dam that provides electricity and holds back the Nile from its former annual flooding.
Egypt’s primary watersport destinations include Safaga, Hurghada, El Gouna, Dahab, and Ras Sudr.
Several scheduled and charter carriers serve passengers flying into Egypt through its three main airports: Cairo International (CAI), Borg El Arab (HBE), and Luxor (LXR).
Departure tax
None
Summers are hot and dry; winters are mild with cooler night temperatures. There is a nominal amount of rainfall except on the coast. Although the heat of spring is not as overbearing as the summer’s, April brings arid winds in from the Sahara.
Country code: 20. Outgoing international code: 00. Major cities including Cairo, Alexandria, Dahab, and Luxor have Internet cafes. Visitors may also connect to the Internet at most hotels.
Currency: Egyptian Pound (L.E.) divided into 100 piastres. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Travelers are also advised to take travelers checks (in U.S. dollars, Euros, or Pounds Sterling) so as to avoid extra exchange rate fees.
Except for travelers from the USA and the EU, visitors must register with the police at least one week prior to arrival in Egypt; however, the hotel often undertakes this service.
Passport and Visa
All travelers require a passport valid for at least six months. Visas are also required by all except the following:
- Nationals of Kuwait who are given a residence permit for 6 months upon arrival.
- Palestinians with an Egyptian residence card as long as their stay outside Egypt is 6 months or less.
- Nationals of Libya, Djibouti, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Guinea, Jordan, and Yemen for stays up to three months.
- Malaysians can stay for visits up to 15 days.
- Travelers proceeding to a third country within 24 hours provided that they hold confirmed tickets.
Visas may be extended at Immigration one week before termination of the allotted stay in Egypt and cannot be post-dated.
Egypt operates on a 220v/50Hz AC. Sockets are standard European style (two pins). Travelers may want to bring an adapter; sometimes they can be hard to locate in Egypt.
Health insurance is definitely recommended. Public hospitals are available to tourists.
Immunizations
- Yellow Fever: All travelers aged 1 year or more who are coming from contaminated areas must have a vaccination certificate
- Cholera: Although Egypt is not listed as infected, random cases have been reported; travelers may deem it wise to take precautions
- Typhoid and Polio: vaccinations advised
- Malaria: Small risk of this disease exists from June to October in the El Faiyoum region, with negligent risk in Cairo and Alexandria
- Hepatitis A, E and Diphtheria: Advised but not required
- Hepatitis B: Sometimes advised
- Dengue: Only occurs in epidemics
Official language: Arabic. English and French also commonly spoken
Although the crime rate is low, Egypt?s location in the Middle East exposes visitors to potential terrorist attacks. Travelers need to use common sense and be vigilant and aware of surroundings at all times. Americans may wish to contact the U.S. Embassy?s Consular Section in Cairo for further information concerning updated security status in Egypt.
Standard time zone: GMT+2. Daylight saving time is observed from May till October.
As many people rely on tips as part of their income, it is customary and courteous to tip well for even the most inconsequential services. Hotels and restaurants add a 12% service charge to the bill, and patrons should add 5% to this charge. Taxis may include a tip?but adding 10% is customary. Be sure to tip bellhops and porters as well.
