Travel Informations on Egypt

Passport & Visas | Customs Regulations | Health | Climate | Access to Egypt | Currency | Photography | What to Pack

Egypt is the cradle of a deep-rooted civilization whose history goes back to more than 5000 years. It is the museum of history and the melting pot of the greatest civilizations throughout the ages. On its land the Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Christian and Islamic civilizations flourished. Every inch on its land tells a tale or a legend and leaves a riddle that perplexes scientists and thinkers throughout time. On its land there lie treasures which reveal everyday one letter of the alphabet of civilization and mysteries of human miracles in all fields such as mummification and astronomy. In its land arts grew, sciences flourished and holy religions found a safe haven away from persecution, and received a warm embrace of the monotheism until they took root and blessed the world with the light of faith. Tourist attractions that Egypt possesses have placed it in the vanguard of world countries and the most attractive to tourists by virtue of the plenitude the tourist longs for, where he finds a vast tourism variety, including :
Cultural Tourism., Relgious Tourism, Recreational Tourism, Safari and Adventure Tourism, Ecotourism, Therapeutic Tourism and Sports Tourism.

Religion :
The official religion is Islam and the spirit of tolerance and amity prevails among the Egyptian people, Muslims and Christians.

Language :
The official language is Arabic. A considerable percentage of the Egyptians command foreign languages, foremost among them are English and French.

Passport Procedures and Entry Visas.:
Visas: Most western countries do not need to obtain a visa before arrival, and it is easier and cheaper to get it upon arrival at Cairo, Hurghada or Luxor airport ($US15 or equivalent). However it always pays to check with your travel agent or embassy before departure and ensure your passport is valid for atleast six months.

All the consulates of Egypt abroad are authorized to grant entry visas for fees. Transit or entry visas may also be granted by immigration authorities at ports of arrival directly without the provision of previous entry visas for fees except the subjects of some states. Some foreign tourists should register within 7 days of their arrival in the country. Registration can be done at the nearest immigration department or police station. Requests of residence renewal should be submitted to the Department of Passports and Immigration in Tahrir Square.

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Customs Procedures for Passengers :
On Arrival:
Passengers belongings are exempted from customs duties: typewriters, calculators, radios, cassettes, binoculors, CD's, videos, cameras and jewellery etc. regardless of value. Mentioned items should be listed in their passport or in the custom declaration form and the passenger keeps the original. Food items, one litter of alcohol, beverages , tobacco and medicine are personal use and new personal belongings are exempted. Duties will be collected on extras.

Purchases from the duty free shops in the customs area are exempted for 200 dollars and that is within 24 hours of arrival.

On Departure :
On departure tourist and transit visitors are allowed to take al belongings that they brought with them which are registered in their customs declaration, and also the gifts they brought in EGypt, provided that they are for personal use and not for trade.
The tourist is entitled to leave artifacts of Khan Al-Khalili with the Egyptian shops or with the travel agencies to be exported to him by them provided that the arrival of the tourist is verified.
On departure it is allowed to carry Egyptian currency not exceeding one thousand ( 1000 ) pounds.


Health:
Vaccinations are not required to travel Egypt, although a hepatitis A booster and gamma globin for reinforcement are recommended. For the greater Red Sea - typhoid, paratyphoid and tetnus are all recommended; the three are normally combined in one vaccination, known as TABTA. Cholera and polio vaccinations are also highly recommended. Maleria is endemic in many countries around the Red Sea and Western visitors are advised to embark on a course anti-malaria medication before arriving.

As with travelling to most new countries a change in diet often results in stomach upsets, and the prudent traveller will avoid drinking tap water and come supplied with dihorea tablets. The sun in the Red Sea is very strong and even people who don't normally burn should be aware of the dangers. Also, drink plenty of water or isotonic drinks to avoid dehydration, especially in the summer.
Many of the larger Hotels in the Red Sea have a doctor on call, however direct contacts are available as follows:
Hurghada
Hospital --Tel. No. : 065 546740
Ambulance -- 065 546490
Recompression Chamber . -- 065 442621-8
Other Health Related Tel. Numbers -- 065 442621-8 -- 065 442621-8 -- 065 442519 -- 065 442350
Queseir
Hospital -- 065430070/04
Dr Saber, Movenpick -- 065 430574/1
Sharm El Sheik
Hospital & Ambulance --062 600425/554
Recompression Chamber -- 062 600922-3
Pharmacy, Sharm El Sheik (9am-2pm & 6:30-11pm) -- 062 600388
Pharmacy, Naama Bay (10:30am-2:15pm & 7-11pm) -- 062 600779

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Climate :

Egypt enjoys an ideally moderate climate, for the sun shines most of the year on average of eight hours daily. Rainy days are few, even in summer ( June / August ), for the north wind blowing from Europe cools off the weather. Although the climate of the desert areas of the country is hot, the Nile Valley retains its well-balanced moderate climate throughout the year. Old sources mention that many of the Egyptian cities have been noted, since the Pharaonic reigns, for their great importance from the wholesome and therapeutic point of view. The ancient Greek Scientists, founders of therapeutics have referred in their works to the importance of Egypt in this respect. Herodotus mentioned that the reason for the sound health and well-being of the Egyptians is due to the ever-shining sun of Egypt.

Most of the year, except for the winter months of December, January and February, it is Hot and Dry. In the evenings during the winter months it is sometimes necessary to wear a sweater, otherwise it is 'shorts and t-shirt' conditions all year around.

Average Air Temperature:

Jan
Feb
Mar
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
�C
25
26
26
32
35
38
40
43
38
32
27
26


Average Water Temperature:

Jan
Feb
Mar
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Year
�C
15.6
16.5
18.9
22.4
25.8
28.5
29.5
29.6
27.7
25
20.7
17.1
23.2
�F
60.1
61.7
66.0
72.3
78.4
83.3
85.1
85.3
81.9
77.0
69.3
62.8
73.8

Average Rainfall Temperature:

Jan
Feb
Mar
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
mm
0.1
0.4
1.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
0.4
1.2
3.9
inches
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2

Average Wind Strength ( Beaufort ):

Jan
Feb
Mar
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
4-8
4-6
4-8
4-6
4-8
4-9
4-6
4-7
4-8
4-7
4-7
4-8

Access to Egypt :
Airlines :
Egypt is connected with capitals of the world by a network of airlines represented by Egyptair besides international airline companies. Egyptair operates regular domestic flights from Cairo to the major tourist cities also. The major international airports are Cairo Airport, Alexandria Airport, Luxor Aiport, Aswan Airport, Hurghada Airport, Sharm El-Sheikh Airport and Saint Catherine Airport.

Railways :
Cairo is connected with other Egyptian cities by a network of railways. Most trains are air-conditioned and provide food service and wagons-lits. In all trains there are super, first and second class carriages. The Railway Organization offers passengers of the first and second class tickets including fare , hotel residence at a suitable discount. These tickets usually cover the tour between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan through travel agencies. These tickets are available throughout the year. The Railway Organization grants to groups belonging to acknowledged organizations or coming from abroad discounts for the ordinary second and third classes. The Organization also grants a 50% discount to foreign students coming to Egypt either in groups or individually who present student I.D card.

Taxi:
The easiest means of transport between the main cities. Most cabs working in the main cities are equipped with taximetres showing the required fare.

Vehicles :
Tourists can bring along with them their vehicles or motorcycles which provide easy access for touring the country. The main roads connecting the main cities have been well paved and maintained. Along the roads are gas stations and rest areas.

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Post and Telecommunication Services :
The post, telegraph and telephone offices are open for the public daily. The central post office in Attaba Square renders its services night and day. The cable service work 24 hours. Post, telegraph and phone rates are fixed according to the decree of the International Post Union.

Egyptian Currency :
Egypt circulates the pound as currency. One pound is equivalent to 100 piastres.
1 US Dollar is equivalent to aproximately 3.4 Egyptian Pounds (LE). Some cash can be converted directly at the airport. There are many local banks and a Thomas Cook in both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheik. Also, most of the larger hotels have banks to exchange travellers cheques or advances on credit cards.

Emergency Numbers
American Express Diners Club Mastercard/Visa 02 5703153/3/ 7 -- 02 3416006 -- 02 3571148

A visitor is only allowed to carry 1000 Egyptian pounds on arrival or departure.

Foreign Currency :
A Tourist is allowed to carry any amount of foreign currency, whether bills, travellers cheques, money orders, bank transfers or credit cards.
Filling in the customs declaration is essential in case of carrying money that will wholly or partly go out again or for crediting a current account.

Photography :
Egypt mild climate, clear sky and sunny weather offer photographers unique opportunities for taking superb pictures. Rare antiquities of Egyptian temples, historic monuments and museums are available to take pictures for fees. But it should be observed that it is strictly prohibited to photograph military areas, telecommunications premises or public utilities such as water, power stations and dams.

Government Offices are open daily from 8.30 am till 2.30 pm, except on Fridays and public holidays.
Banks open daily from 8.30 am till 2pm. Weekend is Friday and Saturday. Bank branches in deluxe hotels and Cairo airport are open 24 hours.

What to Pack :
We suggest to bring cotton clothes in summer and woolen clothes in winter. Also in Cairo and the main cities there are shops well stocked with super quality clothes and gear required by the visitors exhibited at reasonable prices. Egypt is well-known for its superb cotton products sold at bargain prices.

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Please Note:

1) The rates, tel. numbers & timings given above are subject to change without prior notice.
2) Please contact the Egyptian Embassy / Consulate for updated visa rules.