Egypt is widely considered to be one of the oldest travel destinations in the world, with its ancient civilization leaving a significant mark that is still evident today. The country offers the majestic Nile, magnificent monuments, a captivating desert, a lush delta, and a rich history, along with friendly and story-loving people. To make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it's important to gather all the necessary travel tips for Egypt.

Visa Requirements

Most international travelers visiting Egypt must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of entry. Additionally, a clear, color photocopy of the passport meeting Egyptian government standards is required when applying for an Egypt visa.

Please remember that an Egypt visa is required before traveling. The entire application process can be completed online with continuous assistance if you apply through Offvisa. You will need to fill out an application form and upload a photograph of your passport. After that, you will need to wait for a few days to receive the visa via email. We will take care of all the necessary processes, so you can rest assured. Once you receive the electronic visa, remember to print out a copy to present along with your passport.

Health Precautions

The mandatory vaccination for travel to Egypt is for yellow fever, but only if you are coming from or have traveled to a yellow fever-endemic country. Additionally, it is highly recommended to get vaccinated for polio, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, pneumococcal, and rabies, although it is not mandatory.

Staying Connected

It is crucial to have access to a reliable internet connection while visiting Egypt. However, most public WiFi networks require validation with an Egyptian phone number, which can be inconvenient for tourists. To avoid this issue, it is recommended to purchase a SIM card from reputable companies such as Vodafone, Etisalat, Orange, or WE. These SIM cards can be obtained at the airport, online, or at official stores, with the latter being the preferred option. Remember to bring your passport for registration purposes.

Vodafone is highly recommended due to its extensive and robust 4G network. They offer various bundles with prices ranging from 7 EGP to 65 EGP (approximately 0.2 euros to 2 euros). Alternatively, travelers can consider getting an e-SIM card, which can be processed online and activated by scanning a QR code. However, not all phone models support e-SIM cards, so it's important to check compatibility beforehand.

Before traveling to Egypt, it's advisable to download the country's map on Google Maps for offline access. This can be extremely helpful in areas with limited WiFi or 4G coverage.

Language

Arabic is the official language in Egypt, with English being widely spoken as a second language. English is commonly used at tourist sites, making it convenient for visitors. Additionally, other languages such as French, German, Russian, and Chinese can also be found at tourist destinations. Having the ability to speak Arabic would be advantageous.

When to Visit

Egypt is a country rich in culture and history, making it a desirable destination throughout the year. The best time to visit Egypt depends on your preferred activities.

The optimal times to travel are from March to May and from October to November, with minimum temperatures around 14°C and average temperatures around 20°C. The Egyptian winter falls in the months of December, January, and February, with average annual temperatures ranging between 16ºC and 9ºC. This season is ideal for exploring ancient monuments in arid areas, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the temple of Abu Simbel, and the Valley of the Kings.

It is not recommended to travel to Egypt from June to September, during the summer season, when temperatures can soar to 45º and 50º in the southern part of the country. However, visiting Egypt during the summer allows for enjoying its beaches, snorkeling, sailing down the Nile, visiting museums, and sampling local delicacies.

During the spring months, sandstorms from the desert may occur.

Getting Around

By train, the Egyptian train network is reliable and well-developed, connecting Cairo and Alexandria with most of the Nile delta area. It’s also very affordable, especially if you hold an international student card. Egyptian trains are generally air-conditioned and usually feature a 1st class and a 2nd class. Those that are not air-conditioned feature a 2nd and 3rd class.

The bus network is also well-developed, with several buses departing daily from Cairo to serve Alexandria, Faiyum, the major cities of the Nile Delta, the Suez Canal, Upper Egypt, the oases of the Libyan desert, or the seaside resorts of Sinai, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. Buses are usually air-conditioned and can be cheaper than traveling by train, while also being less comfortable.

Servees are collective service taxis or shared taxis, allowing tourists to travel anywhere in Egypt for a fairly reasonable price. They’re usually faster and more flexible than buses, unless traffic is chaotic, which isn’t uncommon in the big cities in Egypt. Avoid traveling by servee at night, as accidents are frequent.

Renting a car in Egypt can have many benefits, including allowing you to explore the country at your own pace and go wherever you want. The only requirements to rent a car in Egypt are to be over 25 years old, hold an international driving license, and have a valid passport. But if you decide to drive in Egypt, know that it can be dangerous. Avoid driving at night, as some drivers don’t use their lights when driving, and exercise caution on the road, as Egyptian drivers don’t always follow traffic lights and other road rules and can drive fast.

Currency

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), and currency exchange services are widely available throughout the country. While it is possible to exchange currencies at the airport, it is generally not recommended due to lower exchange rates.

It is advisable to exchange money at banks or official exchange establishments. While the Euro is accepted in the country, it is preferable to use Egyptian pounds for transactions. ATMs are available across the country for cash withdrawals, typically incurring a small fee.

It's important to note that Egyptian pounds cannot be taken out of Egypt. Therefore, any remaining banknotes should be exchanged before departing from the country.

Safety

It is generally safe to travel to Egypt, but it is advisable to take some security precautions. These include staying on tourist routes, avoiding demonstrations and crowded events, keeping belongings secure, not carrying large amounts of money, agreeing on taxi fares in advance, carrying sun protection, greeting Egyptians with the right hand, and refraining from public displays of affection if you are homosexual. Additionally, travelers are advised to obtain travel insurance to protect against unexpected events such as delays, trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage.

Customs and Etiquette

Visiting Egypt is made easier by the friendly and hospitable nature of its people. Egyptians are known for their joyfulness and love for celebrating with their loved ones, with food playing a central role in these events.

Religion holds a strong influence in Egypt, with Islam being the predominant faith, embraced by 90% of the population. As a result, it is important to dress appropriately:

- Men are advised to wear regular pants and shirts, avoiding shorts or sleeveless shirts.

- Women should ensure their shoulders and legs are covered up to their knees and should avoid tight clothing, shorts, and transparent blouses.

- When entering mosques, men should cover their knees and legs, while women should cover themselves up to their ankles.

It is customary to eat communal food with the right hand, as the left hand is typically reserved for personal hygiene. Alcohol is not commonly offered or consumed with food, and should only be offered to Egyptian companions if you are aware that they drink. In Islam, the consumption of pork and pig-related products is prohibited.

Conclusion

The country of Egypt offers a wide variety of unique tourist attractions. The itinerary features visits to iconic ancient Egyptian cities, including the Great Sphinx and the colossal pyramids of Giza, as well as the magnificent Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Moreover, there are ample opportunities to discover the beautiful beaches in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. So prepare your luggage, apply for an e-Visa, and get ready to explore the fascinating land of pyramids, ancient temples, and pharaohs!