Practical Frequently Asked QuestionsThis page provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about visa's, important traveling documents, discounts and our travel services. If you don't find what you're looking for you visit our Egypt General FAQ's page or contact us.
Try our FAQ search!When is the best time to travel in Egypt?Avoid high seasons for tourism in Egypt when possible! If your travel dates are flexible we suggest you book your vacation in shoulder or low season. If you must travel in high season plan as far in advance as possible, especially if you want to have the best choices and options of hotels, cruise ships and domestic flights. Shoulder and low season rates are cheaper, tourist sites are less crowded, services are better and there's far less chance for last minute changes in your program itinerary or cancellations due to over bookings.
High, low and shoulder seasons are different for land tours and Nile cruises Red Sea diving or liveaboard safaris; some periods may even overlap.
High Seasons In general, high season for tourism and Nile cruises are January through April (Easter) and again in December (Christmas holidays season). Christmas season is one of the highest peak periods, followed by New Years and Easter.
September through November is high season for liveaboard safaris. Easter is also high season for liveaboard safaris. If you want to avoid crowded dive sites, have a better selection of boats, if possible, avoid these periods. Again, if your travel dates are not flexible plan well in advance! All other months throughout the year are generally considered shoulder or low season.
Local Holidays The longest, and what most people consider the most important local holiday in Egypt, is Ramadan. It comes every year, at different times each year, and last about 4 weeks. Then, right after Ramadan comes the feast (the following week). During this time most everybody fast during the day and business hours are limited including all government offices, banks and all major businesses. Some travelers find Ramadan very interesting to experience while others may find it problematic and inconvenient.
During Ramadan it can be difficult for travelers; there may be longer than normal delays, most tourist sites close early so it usually means guided tours must be stick to a rigid schedule and there's less time for independent exploration. Back to TopDo I need a Visa to travel in Egypt?The Egyptian government requires all travelers to obtain a tourist VISA when visiting Egypt. Tourist visa's are valid for one month from the day it was issued. The average cost for a tourist visa is about $15 US dollars and most nationalities can purchased at Cairo or Hurghada international airports upon arrival. Exceptions to this policy are travelers from South Africa, India and China. They must obtain pre-arrival Visas from their embassy.
With restriction to a few nationalities, visitors can obtain Visas upon arrival at the airports. For more information on Egypt Visa and entry requirements including a list of embassies click here. Back to TopWhere can I get a Visa to travel in Egypt?We strongly recommend you check with your embassy in your country regarding Visa requirements. If you don't get a Visa before arriving in Egypt, most nationalities can get one at the international airports upon arrival. Travelers with South African, Indian and Chinese passports must obtain pre-arrival Visas from their embassies at home to clear passport control and customs in Egypt airports. Back to TopWhat other important papers do I need to travel in Egypt?Citizens of Commonwealth, USA and most European countries require a Visa and must have a valid passport that is valid, won't expire, for at least six months from the date of arrival.
To participate in any diving activities with us we require all divers to show us their diving certification card; it must be from a recognized certifying agency and proof of logged dives. We strictly adhere to this policy for all divers who want to go on liveaboard safaris.
Although we don't require you to present a health statement from your doctor, we highly recommend you carry one when you travel to Egypt. In the unlikely event of an emergency, it may be helpful for medical treatment especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or have serious allergies.
What should I know about airport customs in Egypt?Passing through customs at International airports in Egypt is conventional. Upon arrival at the airport the first thing you must do is present your passport and visa to the customs authorities. Then, continue through to the baggage claim area to pick up your luggage. Once you have your luggage proceed to the last check point where they sometimes ask questions concerning the contents of your baggage.
To re-enter the airport you must have your passport and boarding ticket.
Is it okay to travel with children in Egypt?Absolutely, however special care for infants and smaller children should be taken into account.
In the summer months it can get very hot in Egypt and the sun rays are very strong year round. They must be protected from the sun at all times.
When making hotel reservations or Nile cruises be sure to inquiry about sleeping arrangements. Be sure also to select appropriate activities that are suitable for children; avoid long trips in the deserts, take special care with meal preparation (avoid contact with local water for their food) and if you plan to visit the Red Sea for water activities take additional care for their safety in and around the water.
The best advice we can offer is to use common sense when traveling with children and bring along a good supply of not so easy to find items. Back to TopAre children entitled to any discounts?With most hotels, domestic flights, ground transportation, Nile cruises and entrance fees for sightseeing tours, children 10 years old or less are entitled to discounts. Sometimes in high seasons children discounts are invalid. Any time children are entitled to discounted rates, we inform you.
Can students get discounts on travel services in Egypt?In order to receive student discounts, an International Student Identification Card (ISIC) must be presented. If you're a student, you can get many discounts as an ISIC holder, including half-price entrance to most archaeological sites and museums. You also can get discounts on rail and air travel, accommodations in most hotels, many restaurants and even some local merchants.
Valid in 85 countries throughout the world, the benefits of an ISIC card are well worth the cost which is about $15 US dollars. If you're no longer a full-time student but are under 26 years old you may qualify for an International Youth Travel Card (IYTC), which offers similar benefits. Alternately, if you're a full-time teacher the International Teacher Identity Card (ITIC) may be best for you.
In Egypt, you can obtain any one of these cards from the Cairo office of the Egyptian Student Travel Services. Their office is located in El-Roda, directly above the National Bank of Egypt, two blocks south of El-Roda Square, near the el-Giza bridge. It is within walking distance from El-Malek-El-Saleh metro station. There's another issuing office at the Campus of the AUC just off Tahrir Square.
The address for the main office in Cairo is:
Egyptian Student Travel Services - Headquarters El-Mamalek Square - 23 El-Manial Street El-Roda, Cairo
Telephone: +20 2 53 10330
Be prepared to provide a legitimate
student identity
card and a letter from your college or university
professor as verification of student status. Your
passport and two passport-sized photographs may also be
required. Then, all you need to do is complete an
application form and a card will be issued
for you. This usually takes around half an hour if the
office isn't busy.
The office is open Saturday through
Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Fridays from
9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The current cost for an ISIC
is about 50 Egyptian pounds.
There is also an issuing office in Alexandria, in front
of El-Raml police station; telephone +20 3 58 44324. In Luxor you can now obtain an ISIC card in Ahmed Orabi
Street. The office is located beside the Hotel Institute;
telephone +20 95 382163.
For students of archaeology who are serious about seeing many sites, especially those which are not usually open to visitors, it may be helpful to apply for an antiquities permit. This can be obtained from the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Abbassiya in Cairo, if you provide an introductory letter from your college or university. It is advisable to contact the SCA
before you go to make an appointment. You also will need three
copies of a letter from your college or university.
Their
office is open (in the morning) Saturday through Thursday. With
an antiquities permit students may be given free entry to many
sites and museums but you'll still need travel permission from
the tourist police as well for some out of the way regions.
Can you assist me with flight reservations?We only book domestic flights (inside Egypt). If you book your holiday plans with us and require domestic flights inside Egypt we're happy to make your reservations on Egypt Air for you.
If you need international flights we suggest that you contact your local tour operator or travel agent for assistance. Be sure to inquire about any flight / hotel combination package specials available. Another source to check for international flights is the Internet. Many companies advertise online special rates or packages. Back to TopCan I choose specific travel services I want from your company?We offer a full range of travel services inside Egypt, including Red Sea diving and liveaboard services. You can book a fully personalized VIP holiday package with us or let us make reservations only for specific travel services such as domestic flights, diving, snorkeling, Nile River cruises, sightseeing tours, hotel accommodations, ground transfers, desert safaris, mountain trekking or a combination of the above travel services you need.
What type of transportation is available in Egypt?Various transportation services are available throughout Egypt; domestic flights between most major cities, trains (between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan only), public buses to nearly all cities in Egypt, and the fast ferry boat between Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Private ground transfers are also available and, although we strongly advise against it, you can rent a private car from major car rental companies in most major cities in Egypt.
For additional information including schedules and rates on various options to get around inside Egypt visit our Transportation page. Our Egypt General FAQ's page also has a section on how to get around in major cities in Egypt.
Do you offer VIP travel services?Back to Top
How do I get to Egypt?Back to TopHow do I get to Hurghada?
Hurghada has an international airport. It's feasible to get flight reservations on charters and major airlines from most major European countries. If you want to book a flight or flight/hotel package we suggest you check with your local tour operator or last-minute travel specials on the Internet.
The only option to transfer between Luxor and Hurghada is public bus or private transfers by mini-bus.
The public bus is available between Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada but we do not recommend this journey because it is very long (over 10 hours). The most feasible way to transfer between Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada is the fast ferry boat. We suggest you visit our Transportation page for current schedules and rates on transfers options to Hurghada. Back to TopWhen I arrive in Egypt how do I get to my hotel?Back to TopHow can I book my holiday with you?Back to TopHow much will my holiday package cost?
Our goal is inform, guide and help you create the best holiday itinerary that meets your personal travel needs and is within your budget. Our online inquiry forms are a great place to start and designed to help us collect the information we need to give you a free price quotation. Back to TopDoes it cost more to personalize my travel itinerary?Back to TopHow can I pay for my holiday if I book with you?Back to Top
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