Cairo & Sharm El Sheikh Beach Escape

The ideal time to visit Egypt is during the months from October to April when you can expect pleasant temperatures and abundant sunshine. Among these, the winter months of November to February are the most popular for tourists seeking to escape colder climates and explore attractions like Cairo and the pyramids.

Spring and autumn also offer excellent weather conditions with fewer crowds, making them great choices for planning your Egypt holiday packages. The shoulder months of October, March, and April, in particular, provide pleasant weather and fewer tourists, ideal for visiting the main attractions and enjoying a Nile River cruise.

On the other hand, the summer months, from May to September, can be quite hot with temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to over 100°F. During this time, tourist numbers decrease due to the harsh daytime sun, but it’s a good period to explore Egypt’s coastal areas and relax at seaside resorts.

Tourists from many countries, including the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and EU nations, can easily obtain a renewable, single-entry visa upon arrival at select Egyptian airports (listed below). These tourist visas typically allow for a 30-day stay and cost $25. Alternatively, travelers have the option to apply for a multiple-entry visa for $60. Currently, there are no mandatory vaccination requirements for entering Egypt.

However, guests who travel with us receive visa services as a standard inclusion in their trip. For all nationalities eligible for visa on arrival, the visa fee is already included in the trip price. Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will assist in getting your passport stamped, allowing you to proceed directly to the luggage carousel.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official Egyptian eVisa website or contact the nearest Egyptian consulate or embassy.

To apply for an Egyptian tourist visa, you will need a passport with at least six months of validity and at least one blank page. Visa on arrival entry points in Egypt are available at the following airports:

1. Cairo International Airport
2. Hurghada International Airport
3. St Catherine International Airport, St Catherine
4. Borg El Arab International Airport, Alexandria
5. Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
6. Luxor International Airport

Egypt had been actively working to ensure the safety of tourists, and many areas in the country were considered safe for travel. However, it’s important to note that the safety situation can change, and it’s advisable to check the latest travel advisories and updates from your government’s foreign affairs department or embassy before planning your trip.

Here are some general safety tips for traveling to Egypt:

1. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the current political and security situation in Egypt through reliable news sources and government travel advisories.
2. Follow Local Advice: While in Egypt, follow the advice of local authorities and respect any curfews or safety measures that may be in place.
3. Be Cautious in Certain Areas: Some regions, particularly near the border areas, may have specific safety concerns. Research your itinerary and exercise caution in these areas.
4. Secure Your Belongings: Like in any other destination, take precautions to secure your belongings and avoid displaying valuable items in public.
5. Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs, traditions, and dress codes, especially when visiting religious sites.

Before traveling to Egypt, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or travel medicine clinic to ensure that you are up to date on routine vaccinations and to discuss any additional health precautions. Here are some health considerations and precautions for traveling to Egypt:

1. Routine Vaccinations: Ensure that your routine vaccinations, such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), influenza, and polio, are up to date.
2. Hepatitis A and B: Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, as these viruses can be transmitted through contaminated food, water, or bodily fluids.
3. Typhoid: Typhoid vaccination is recommended, especially if you plan to eat street food or visit rural areas where sanitation may be an issue.
4. Rabies: Depending on your activities and travel plans, a rabies vaccination may be advised. It’s particularly relevant if you’ll be in close contact with animals or plan to explore remote areas.
5. Traveler’s Diarrhea: Traveler’s diarrhea is a common issue in Egypt. Carry diarrhea medication and practice good hygiene, such as handwashing and avoiding tap water.
6. Food and Water Precautions: Be cautious about consuming food and beverages from street vendors. Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in your drinks.
7. Mosquito-Borne Diseases: While the risk is generally low in Egypt, consider using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants to protect against mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases like Zika and dengue.
8. Sun Protection: Egypt’s climate can be extremely hot and sunny. Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated to avoid sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
9. Medical Insurance: Ensure that you have comprehensive travel medical insurance that covers emergency medical expenses and evacuation.
10. Medications: Bring any necessary prescription medications in their original packaging, along with a copy of your prescription. Also, carry a basic medical kit with essentials like pain relievers, bandages, and antiseptics.

The duration of a flight from the United States to Egypt can vary depending on your departure city and the specific flight route. On average:

• From New York to Cairo: It takes approximately 11 to 15 hours, depending on the flight route and any layovers.
• From Los Angeles to Cairo: The flight duration is typically around 22 hours, including layovers.

The exact duration may vary based on factors such as the airline, flight route, and layover times. It’s advisable to check with airlines for specific flight options and schedules. Delta, Air France, and other major carriers often operate flights to Egypt from various U.S. cities.

The best way to travel across longer distances in Egypt, such as from Cairo to Luxor, is by taking a domestic flight. For shorter distances and local exploration, it’s convenient to use private cars with a guide or choose organized tours.

Another popular and scenic way to explore Egypt is by taking a cruise along the Nile River. A Nile cruise typically runs between Luxor and Aswan, allowing travelers to discover the ancient civilizations and historic sites that flourished on the banks of the Nile. It provides a unique perspective on Egypt’s rich history and culture while offering a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

The time zone in Egypt is UTC+2 from October to April and UTC+3 from April to October.

When planning your trip to Egypt, here are some must-visit destinations and attractions:

1. Cairo: Start your journey in the capital city where you can explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Don’t miss the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, home to countless ancient artifacts.
2. Luxor: Visit Luxor to delve deeper into the wonders of ancient Egypt. Explore the Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, and the impressive Temple of Ramesses III.
3. Aswan: Aswan is known for its serene beauty and historic sites. Explore the Temple of Philae, Edfu, and Kom Ombo temple complexes.
4. Red Sea Resorts: Consider adding a beach stay in Hurghada or El Quseir, where you can relax, swim, and snorkel in the stunning coral reefs of the Red Sea.
5. Alexandria: Head north to Alexandria to discover its Greco-Roman history, including sites like the Qaitbay Citadel and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
6. Optional Jordan Extension: Many travelers combine their Egypt trip with a visit to Jordan to explore the ancient city of Petra and other historical sites.

The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (LE or EGP), and it is divided into 100 piastres (PT). Banknotes are available in denominations of LE5, LE10, LE20, LE50, LE100, and LE200, while coins come in LE1, PT50, and PT25 denominations. You can use credit cards in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for transactions in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available in major towns, and currency exchange can be done at banks and Forex outlets.

Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of Egypt. However, you’ll predominantly hear people speaking the Egyptian dialect, a colloquial variety of Modern Standard Arabic with some distinct words and pronunciation. Egyptian Arabic is widely understood across the region because Egyptian cinema and soap operas are popular in the Arab world.

English is also commonly spoken in tourist areas, and many guides, hotel staff, and service workers are proficient in English. In larger cities and towns, you should have no trouble communicating in English. However, in more remote areas, especially in Upper Egypt, English proficiency may be limited, and it’s helpful to have some basic Arabic phrases for communication.