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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Travelers require a visa to visit Egypt for tourism. eVisa offers the quickest and simplest method for obtaining a visa, as applications and supporting documents can be submitted online. Once approved, travellers will receive their eVisa confirmation electronically.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Overall Climate: Generally hot with significant regional variations.
Mediterranean Coastline: Milder temperatures, rare snow.
Nile Valley and Delta: Hot in summer, more bearable; home to 99% of the population.
Desert Regions: Extremely high temperatures, arid heat.
Rainfall: Very low, mainly in winter.
Winter: Mild, rarely hits cold season lows.
Travel Considerations: Avoid outdoor activities during peak summer due to extreme heat.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | Egypt |
| Capital City: | Cairo |
| International Airports: | Cairo International Airport (CAI) Hurghada International Airport (HRG) Luxor International Airport (LXR) Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) Aswan International Airport (ASW) El Alamein International Airport (DBB) |
| Area: | 386,662 square miles (1,001,449 square kilometres) Land: 995,450 sq. km Water: 6,000 sq. km |
| Population: | 106,647,000 (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone: | EET: Eastern European Time (UTC +2) Daylight Savings: UTC +3 |
| Religion: | 90% Sunni Muslim 10% Coptic Orthodox Christian |
| Language: | Arabic (fluent) English or French (common) |
| Currency: | Egyptian Pound (LE), divided into 100 Piasters (PT). |
| Exchange Rate: | Refer to banks or foreign exchange bureaus for current rates. International currencies can be exchanged for Egyptian Pounds at banks, forex bureaus, and some hotels. Rates don’t vary much at airport exchange outlets. |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Cash is advisable; credit card acceptance is not guaranteed. Visa & MasterCard accepted in hotels, major restaurants, and shops. |
| ATM Accessibility: | ATMs available 24/7 at banks and in most commercial areas. Spread throughout major cities; limited in between Cairo and Luxor or in oasis areas. |
| Dialling Code: | +20 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | Voltage: 220 volts Plug Type: Two-prong rounded Adapters: Power converter may be needed in addition to an adapter. |
| Water: | Safe but bottled water with an intact seal is recommended. Stay hydrated; carry a canteen or use a bag with water bottle holders. |
| Business Hours: | Embassies: Closed on Friday & Saturday or Saturday & Sunday. Shops: Typically, 9:00 – 21:00; some close on Sundays. |
| Banking Hours: | Open Sundays to Thursdays: 8:30 – 14:00 Closed on Fridays and Saturdays. |
| Photography Restrictions: | Ask permission before taking photos. No flash photography inside monuments; ASA 800 film recommended. Use wide-angle lenses for large monuments. Prohibited at military installations, public works, and government buildings. |
| Tipping: | 10-15% at cafes and restaurants. Generous tipping expected for various services and at tourist attractions. Loose change encouraged for street vendors and markets. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | Check current guidelines before travel. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | Summer: Light cotton clothing. Winter: Woolens or an overcoat for evenings. Cultural Considerations: Avoid very brief clothing. Use sun protection. Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | Enter new places with the right leg first, following ancient traditions. Physical contact norms vary; follow local customs. |
FESTIVALS
- Coptic Orthodox Christmas
- Abu Simbel Sun Festival (February & October)
- Coptic Orthodox Easter
- Sham Ennessim
- Ramadan
- Sandbox Music Festival
- Eid al-Adha
- El Hijra (Islamic New Year)
- Coptic Orthodox New Year
- Mild un Nabi
MAP
“Egypt. There seems to be something mystical about that place.”
– Shamita Shetty