All what you need to know before traveling to Egypt.

- Egypt.

Egypt's official name is the Arab Republic of Egypt. The country is situated in the north-east part of Africa, although the Sinai Peninsula forms a land bridge with south-west Asia, and so Egypt is also called a Middle East country. Therefore it's a transcontinental country, which helps it in being a major power in Africa, the Middle-East, the Mediterranean, and the Muslim world.

- Map

Map of ancient Egypt, showing the major cities and archaeological sites along the Nile River, from Abu Simbel in the south to Alexandria in the north .
image

- Egypt tourist e -Visa

Foreign nationals visiting Egypt on holiday need a tourist visa. Tourists from just 10 countries can travel to Egypt visa-free for a limited time.

The most convenient way to get an Egypt tourist visa is using the online application system. Passport holders from 74 countries are not eligible for the Egypt eVisa.


- Online tourist visa for Egypt

The Egypt e.Visa is the best option for foreign tourists. Passport holders from 74 countries are now eligible to apply.

The electronic tourist visa is valid:

  • Up to 30 consecutive days
  • Single or multiple entries
  • For all tourist activities

It’s quick to apply for an Egyptian tourist visa online. Applicants fill out the eVisa form with basic travel information and upload a copy of their passport. Travellers receive the approved tourist visa by email, usually within 4 business days.


 - How do I get a Tourist Visa for Egypt?

Travellers from eligible countries can get a tourist visa for Egypt online. They need to complete the Egypt eVisa form, pay the visa fee, and submit the request.

Successful applicants receive the approved tourist visa for Egypt by email. They must print the visa ready to present to Egyptian immigration officials.

Visitors from these countries can also get a tourist visa on arrival, however, all eligible passengers are advised to apply online in advance.

Foreign nationals who are not eligible for the tourist eVisa or visa on arrival need to apply through the Egyptian embassy. It can take several weeks to get a tourist visa through the embassy.


-How long is a Tourist Egypt e-Visa Valid for?

- Single entry tourist visa for Egypt

  • The single-entry tourist visa is valid to enter Egypt once for up to 30 days. Tourists must enter Egypt within 3 months of the arrival date indicated on the application form.

- Multiple-entry tourist visa for Egypt

  • The multiple-entry tourist visa is valid to enter Egypt more than once during the validity period. Each stay in Egypt must not exceed 30 days.

- Can I get a visa on arrival in Egypt.

Once you land, you need to go to the visa on arrival window, after getting in the queue at the immigration office. Keep in mind that when you pay for your Egypt visa on arrival, you need to pay in ($) US dollars - you aren't allowed to use any other currency, and it is preferable if you have the exact amount. Also, you need to pay in cash because credit or debit cards are not accepted. the normal rate for entry visa to Egypt is between 25 $ to 30 $ depending on the exchange rate.

image


Egypt is visited all year round. However, depending on your preferences, there are certainly times when it’s better to go than others. In the summer, from June to August, temperatures get extremely high, sometimes unbearably so. If you aren’t able to handle extreme heat, it’s best to avoid this time. If you can visit during the summer months, you will avoid crowds and get lower prices. To get some relief from the high temperatures its a good time to visit the Red Sea . Cooler temperatures occur between September and May throughout Egypt.

image

Egypt is a safe country

Egypt has served as one of the best and safest tourist destinations for many years. Surrounded by warm hospitality, courteous and kind-hearted locals – you’ll feel at home and as safe as you’ll ever be. With some sensible precautions and preparations, you will be able to explore Egypt with ease. Visitors are advised to stay in areas frequently visited by tourists.

image

It is difficult to determine an exact amount of spending money to take on a trip to Egypt. However, we recommend that you budget for around  50 USD per person per day (at a minimum). Your extra expenses will include items like drinks, gifts, tips, and laundry. You can pay with cards or some foreign currencies at many places; however, it’s highly recommended that you exchange your money for Egyptian pounds and keep cash and change on you when out sightseeing. 

PLEASE NOTE:  Excluded entrance fees, can only be paid by credit card.

image

- Tipping

Generally in Egypt, it is common to tip between 10-15% if you are pleased with your service. If the service was exceptional, then tip closer towards the 15% mark and if you were not pleased with your service then tip closer to the 10% mark or less depending on the service that you received.

image

- Can i drink tap water

It is preferable not to drink tap water. In general, in all regions of Egypt it is recommended to rather stick to drinking  bottled water in order to avoid an upset stomach. Although, the tap water is safe for cleaning your teeth and so there is no need for bottled water when brushing your teeth, but this of course is a personal choice.

image

- what female tourists should wear

In less touristic places, relatively modest dress is recommended. Women should avoid very tight clothing, keep their shoulders and knees covered, and avoid very revealing necklines. Men should also avoid particularly revealing clothing. wearing shorts is not very common among Egyptians. Dressing with relative modesty is a way of respecting the local culture. The metro in Cairo has separate cars for women that might be more comfortable, especially during rush hours when the cars can be very full.

image

- Taking pictures on sites.

Photography is allowed in most of the historical sites and museums in Egypt, but some of them have extra charges for taking in a camera. in some museums, like the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, and some historical sites, like the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, photography is prohibited and visitors are asked to leave their cameras at the reception before entering.

image

- Food cost.

The cost of food in Egypt is relatively affordable in comparison to other countries, depending on the type of food you are looking to purchase. For example, a meal at a high-end establishment such as a hotel, dinner would cost around 900LE per person. An average lunch in Egypt such as a sandwich and a coffee/soft drink or a pizza is around 300LE per person. The Egyptian pound fluctuates on a daily bases, so its hard to give accurate rates of exchange.

image

At frequently visited tourist areas, you will find Egyptians speak basic English. 
French, Italian, Spanish and German speaking guests, would be advised to be accompanied by their guide.

image

- Monuments opening hours:

Most of the monuments, historical sites, and museums in Egypt open from 09:00 AM until 05:00 PM. Open-air historical sites, like the Pyramids of Giza, are open from 08:00 AM until sunset. Some museums have morning opening hours, from 09:00 AM to 04:00 PM evening opening hours, from 05:00 PM to 09:00 or 10:00 PM during Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, be aware that these hours will change significantly.

image

- Shops' opening hours :

Most of the shops in Egypt open from around 10 AM and stay open until 10 PM; however, many shops, cafes, and restaurants especially in major cities stay open much later and some facilities and shops are open 24 hours.

image
Sunrise Tours can provide you with all your transportation needs!

At the airport and throughout Egypt local taxis and Uber are available, but we do advise that you are clear about the cost of your journey before you entre the car. Also ask the local taxi owners if their meter is working before you get into the car.
The streets in Cairo are very busy both with people and traffic, so the metro is the quickest form of transportation in Cairo. BUT during rush hour it is very busy, but still the easiest form of transport. 
image