News
Getting there:
You will need to fly into Cairo(CAI). There are nonstop flights from the USA on Egypt Air from New York(JFK) and Washington IAD. Those flights operate on certain days of the week. Cairo can also me reached by several major European gateways. You can access this link for all entry points.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cairo_International_Airport
Entry Requirements :
US citizens need to purchase a visa to enter Egypt. You can purchase the visa on arrival and the cost is $30. Another option is to go on the official Egyptian site and secure your visa in advance. https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/Home . If you choose to get your visa on arrival make sure you have American cash or Euros on you when you land so you can get your “visa” stamp. There are no ATM machines that let you withdraw American dollars or Euros in the airport and they only except those two currencies.
Covid Entry Requirements
The Egyptian Government has announced that all passengers traveling to Egypt must be in possession of a negative PCR test certificate for COVID-19, taken a maximum of 72 hours before their flight departure time. However, passengers traveling from Japan, China, Thailand, North America, South America, Canada, London Heathrow, Paris, and Frankfurt will be allowed to provide the test certificate performed at a maximum of 96 hours prior to flight departure, due to the long travel and transit period from these airports. Passengers must present paper copies of the test results; digital copies will not be accepted. Children under the age of six of all nationalities are exempt.
While the government has recently announced that US citizens who are fully vaccinated can arrive into Egypt without testing, however they also require QR codes and do not except paper vaccination cards. For this reason you will need to bring a paper copy of your PCR test with you even if you are vaccinated.
All passengers arriving in Egypt will be subject to temperature checks and must complete a passenger locator form with contact details.
Trip Insurance
All arrivals must have proof that they hold medical insurance, which will cover the cost of treatment for COVID-19. There are many travel insurance providers. We recommend Travelex. The basic plan will get you the covid coverage needed and you can get a free quote by clicking on this link. Please note the Travelex basic and select plans are not a cancel for any reason plan.
https://www.travelexinsurance.com/home?location=43-0656&go=bp
If your test result is positive, the Egyptian authorities are likely to ask you to self-isolate for up to 14 days in a separate room allocated for quarantine within your hotel. If symptoms persist, you may be transferred to a public hospital. You may also choose to go to a private hospital, under the supervision of the Ministry of Health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover.
Face coverings, covering the mouth and nose, must be worn when entering enclosed public spaces such as supermarkets, banks and offices and while on public transportation.
Restaurants, cafes and tourist sites are currently operating at reduced capacity and with restricted hours.
Health status approved hotels are currently limited to 50% capacity and are required to follow certain regulations.
Covid Testing For Travel Back to the USA
Leaving Egypt US citizens will need to need to take an antigen test 72 hours before returning home. We have a plan in place to test everyone the evening before our trip ends. Pricing and details will be emailed to you. You may pay for tests with cash or credit cards.
Language: There are several languages spoken in Egypt, but the primary language is Egyptian Arabic, also known as Masri/Masry. Our guide will speak English.
Currency: The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). The current exchange rate is 1 USD is equivalent to 16.55 EGP.
Credit Cards & ATMs: In Egypt, you will find that the trendier clubs, bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels will take major debit and credit cards. Some shops will have a sign near their entrance that tells you whether or not they accept foreign cards. To be safe, it’s always worth asking a cashier or waiter if cards are accepted before ordering or purchasing anything. If you’re looking to carry some cash during your visit, you can find many ATMs throughout big cities like Cairo and Alexandria. They are less common in smaller cities and almost impossible to find in rural areas.
Plugs: In Egypt, the power plugs are type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter (make sure it has surge protection) and using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools. Our hotels have hairdryers so leave them at home.
Clothing Recommendations
March temperatures in Cairo are between 70-75 highs - 50-55 lows and Luxor temps will be between 85-65. When packing for a trip to Egypt, feel free to choose clothing in which you would feel comfortable doing outdoor activities at home such as going on a long walk around a city. While you don’t need athletic clothing, you do want to be comfortable while walking over sand and rocks at some points, such as on the Giza Plateau and in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. You don’t need a track suit, but you don’t want to wear a ball gown or suit either. That’s why we like to invoke analogies of clothing suitable for walking comfortably around an urban area.
The Sun
Many of the pros in Egypt wear long sleeves, collared shirts, and long pants for maximum protection from the sun. Even a light scarf for both men and women is a good idea. You’ll notice that traditional local attire includes these themes for very good reason.
Culture
While Egypt is very much a traditional Islamic country with conservative social norms, it is also very much a country that has thrived on tourism and foreign trade for thousands of years. So while most Egyptians tend to be conservative in their dress and appearance, they don’t expect foreign guests to do the same. This means that women do NOT need to cover their heads in public while in Egypt, as is the case in other countries in the region.
It is also unusual for men in Egypt to wear shorts. While it is ok for tourists to do so, especially at tourist sites, it is seen as a little odd for anyone to wear shorts while walking casually around a city in Egypt, although no one would ever comment on this to a tourist.
Leave Behinds
Cairo is one of the largest cities in the world, so although Egypt is still very much a developing country, Cairo and even Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, and the Red Sea resorts still have everything you could possibly want or need to survive on a trip to Egypt.
If you’re the type of traveler who absolutely needs your specific type of shampoo or soap, then by all means you should feel free to bring those. However, Egypt’s five-star hotels often have better quality shampoo and soap than many of us use back home on a regular basis. Also things like hand sanitizer and sunscreen can easily be purchased locally in Egypt rather than wasting luggage space.
Eating and Drinking Water
Tap water should 100% be avoided at all times. Bottled water is readily available. Food is safe at restaurants, but you should avoid the temptation eat street foods to avoid stomach issues on our short visit.
Safety and Security in Egypt
Avoid excessive jewelry and do not openly show or carry large amounts of cash. You will notice that all group tours will have an armed guard. Armed guards are employed by tour operators so do not be shocked to see this practice throughout Egypt.
Gay and Lesbian travelers
For the most part Egypt is gay friendly, but its not a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers who wish to openly express sexuality. Public displays of affection for any travelers are advised against as they can draw unwanted attention.
Recommended Podcasts
https://www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com
Recommended blogs
https://theworldtravelguy.com/destinations/egypt-travel-guide-the-best-egypt-travel-tips-blog/