1. Is it mandatory to have a visa to enter Egypt?
Yes & no, for some nationalities Yes and for others No. This depends on international agreements between countries. The same goes for where and how you can get the visa. Some nationalities can get it upon arrival at any port, while others must obtain it via the Egyptian consulates in their countries. For more details kindly visit the website of Ministry of Forgiven Affairs - Visa section.
N.B: - The Free South Sinai visa allows tourists to travel all through south Sinai Peninsula, however it doesn’t allow them to travel to the other Egyptian cities.
2. Exchange foreign currency & credit cards?
It is very smooth to exchange foreign currency in Egypt. Exchange companies are widely spread across the country, especially in shopping areas. All Egyptian banks also provide these services, as well as easy-to-find ATMs that accept credit cards. The common types of Credit cards like Visa, Master Card, and American Express are widely used in Egypt even in some small shops.
3. Is there any Fast track and VIP services in Egyptian airports?
In cooperation with the airports of tourist cities, especially Cairo Airport we, as a licensed Travel company, are authorized to provide different types of "VIP" fast track services. These services include, receiving guests at the aircraft entrance, assisting them, and managing their transfer by private car to the "VIP" waiting lounge. That is not all, but we also finalize all airport regular procedures on our gusts’ behalf such as, visa, passport control and luggage pick up. A warm smile and good bye is the end of our services with best wishes. You can send us a request for this service while you reserve your other services.
4. What is the suitable dressing code in visiting Egypt?
Since time immemorial, Egypt has been, and continues to be, a civilized Middle Easten, African country, welcoming all religions and cultures. Even when it became officially an Islamic state, you can still identify all kinds of common international clothing everywhere. Though it is not mandatory for expat women to cover their body, head and hair as most of the Egyptian women do, it is a must for them to cover their body from shoulders to at least knees in holy places like synagogue, churches or mosques.
For men, Egyptian society etiquette requires them to dress up properly and not wear anything that is extremely short, such as cycling shorts and boxer shorts, in public. Of course, on the beaches all international swimming clothes are allowed.
5. What about Purchasing Alcohol and Cigarettes in Egypt?
The Egyptian law strictly forbids the intake of alcohol in public places and while driving. However, alcohol consumption is permitted in bars attached to hotels, clubs, restaurants, and in private places.
Travelers are allowed to bring their own supply of cigarettes and alcohol with them in Egypt within 3 liters of alcohol and up to 200 cigarettes. They can also buy the same amount upon arrival from the duty-free shops in all international airports.
6. Discount & Extra charge?
- Egypt Travel Booking offers 5% discount for “Early Bird” reservations and payment. If the full payment for your tour is received six months before the date of your arrival, we will gladly reduce the quoted cost of your trip by 5%. “Early Bird” rates require full, non-refundable pre-payment. Discounted tours will not be eligible for date changes or refunds.
- Groups 10 + adult enjoy 5% discount on the published rates
- Egypt Travel Booking online payment has no extra surcharge on transactions completed using a debit or credit card?
7. Cancellation & refund policy?
Full refund is guaranteed for whatever amount you have paid in advance in case of force cancellation which is beyond your control like earthquakes, bad weather, war etc.
Personal circumstances cancellation policy depends on how far we are notified in advance about the cancellation.
Please read detailed refund policy is in our Terms and Conditions.
8. Securities and Safety
Is it safe to visit Egypt? Any advice for women travelers to Egypt?
Those are the most common questions and the answer is very simple based on facts not only feelings
Emotionally: - Since centuries, Egypt has welcomed numerous guest travelers, and the famous positive opinion and the good reputation that Egyptians gained are due to warmth and kindness toward visitors. Egyptian cities are generally very safe, notably in the areas where tourists are more frequent.
By facts: - Egypt generally has a very low crime rate and considered a safe destination if compared to other countries in the world. Travelers will be very safe in Egypt if they take sensible precautions that would apply to any tourist destination around the world.
In most of the touristic areas in Egypt, there are no special concerns necessary for all tourists even solo female travelers but in a few touristic places, relatively convenient 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 as all Egyptians generally dress more modestly than in many parts of Europe and America. For instance, wearing shorts is not very common among Egyptians. Dressing with relative modesty is a way of respecting the local culture.
9. Languages
People working in tourism speak your language. On the other hand, English language is a part of all school grades, so everywhere you go even in villages, someone will understand and help you.
10. Photography, video and cell phone pictures
Photography is permitted in most of the historical sites and museums in Egypt, but some sites charge extra fees for taking a camera and video camera into them. 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 outside or in the cars. Cell phones are allowed in some places for free, as well as photos of people. Of course, it is always polite to ask permission before taking a photograph of people, especially women, and stores or products. Photography is non-permitted around army bases, airports, dams, bridges, and in the subway. In most places where photography is prohibited there are signs to notify you.
11. Health Issues
No compulsory vaccinations have to be taken before travelling to Egypt, but it should be recommended that elderly persons and young children take vaccination against what they believe they need. Generally, no specific health issues or dangers should worry the visitors to visit Egypt! However, travelers might common minor health issues due to climate changes, (like example hot weather, and cold drinks). Travelers occasionally experience some gastric disturbance resulting from drinking tap water or eating from a local restaurant not recommended by their tour guides or the hotel front desk staff. Some travelers might suffer sunburn or heatstroke during the summer if they are not careful, not keeping hats or using sun creams. In a nutshell, taking the proper precautions and drinking bottled water can eliminate any health risks.
12. Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Egypt. but it is customary as everywhere in the world specially in tourist places, it is like part of the services staff income, and sure it depends on the guest satisfaction and the services staff efforts to reach their guests satisfaction. The normal amount is between 5-10 % from the invoice.