We have composed a list of Egypt FAQ’s which you can look through…
When is the best season to go?
Along the Nile: December to February (the cruise season). In March/April and October/November, things are less busy and the temperatures are mild.
To the Red Sea: spring and autumn are the best seasons (be wary of the sandstorms and intense heat of the desert climate. Cold nights in winter).
What are the formalities? Do I need a visa?
A tourist visa is required to enter Egypt. These are issued at the airport when you arrive in the country and are valid for 90 days. Your passport must not expire until at least 6 months after the end of your stay.
Where are the finest diving spots in the Red Sea?
In the Sinai:
- Dahab and the surrounding area: Blue Hole, the Canyon, the Islands
- Sharm-El-Sheikh and the surrounding area
Along the coast:
- Near Hurghada: Shaab Abu Ramada
- Giftun island: Carless Reef
- Qosseir and the surrounding area: Green Hole, Beit Goha, Sirena Beach Home Reef All year round, professional diving clubs run by qualified instructors (PADI or CMAS) organize introductory or sport dives (limited to a depth of 30 metres). A medical certificate may be required. There are also plenty of lovely things to see simply by snorkelling out from the beach.
Where can I play golf easily?
If you haven’t booked a golf theme holiday, you can still play golf once you arrive. The big hotels offer daily services, including a shuttle service, which are also available to people not staying with them.
In Cairo: Mena House Oberoi (founded in 1902), Gezira Club (9 holes) Katameya Heights (27 holes), Mirage City, Pyramids Al Soleimania (27 holes).
- the Royal Valley in Luxor, the Sporting Club in Alexandria.
- on the Red Sea: in Hurghada, the Cascades Golf Resort(18 holes), in El Gouna (18 holes), in Sharm El-Sheik: Jolie Ville Golf Resort (18 holes).
Where can I have fun when the sun goes down?
In the seaside resorts of Hurghada, Naama Bay and Sharm El-Sheik. In Cairo, bars in the Zamalek and Mohandissen districts, Cairo Land and along the Mediterranean Coast in Alexandria and Agami.
Where are the finest beaches?
On the Red Sea and in the Sinai, where mountains run all the way along the coastline. The beaches are often narrow and rocky, but they have been well developed.
Along the Mediterranean coast, there are an increasing number of resorts along the Marsa Matrouh road.
Is it easy to go hiking or trekking in the desert?
Specialized local agencies and the main hotels in Cairo, Sharm El-Sheik and Hurghada organize 4 x 4 discovery excursions to the Sinai and to the oases in the western desert: Egypt Exploration Society.
Which locations can be visited in the Sinai?
Moses Mountain, Saint Catherine’s Monastery, the Ras Mohammed National Park, Colored Canyon near Nuweiba…It is also possible to go hiking and climbing in the natural mountain ranges.
Is it possible to rent a car and is it easy to drive around?
Driving in Egypt is fairly “adventurous”. The traffic is not very organized and is very dense. In town, it is better to use taxis. For day trips, hire a chauffeur-driven car. In the desert, off-road driving is not recommended. It is better to go with a guide.
What is the best way to travel long distances?
Flying is the quickest way to get to the main tourist locations. Inner-city buses and trains are cheaper.
What is the best way to get around in Cairo and other large cities?
In town, taxis and minibuses are an easy way to get around, and in Cairo there is also an underground rail system. In Sharm El-Sheik, only by taxi.
Is it possible to stay with the local inhabitants?
For the price of a small hotel, family boarding houses offer the advantage of a relaxed atmosphere and well-kept rooms.
What type of clothes should I wear?
When sightseeing, wear light cotton clothing, a hat, suncream and sunglasses to make the weather conditions bearable. When visiting religious buildings and when in town, dress correctly. Women must cover their heads, shoulders and legs. Take off shoes before going into mosques.
Where can you find real Egyptian cuisine?
- In Alexandria: Mohammed Ahmed, Kadura, Zephyrion
- In Cairo: Felfella, Andréa’s, Alfi Bey, Samakmak.
- In Luxor: Muhammad Cafeteria, Peace Abuzeid.
- In Aswan: Al-Masry.
- In Sharm El-Sheikh: Fish Restaurant.
What is the best way to visit the major attractions?
For security reasons, visits to the main attractions are closely guarded (under military protection between Luxor and Aswan). If you are not traveling as part of a group, you can organize your route when you get there with agencies in Cairo or Luxor, or else hire a car with a guide.
Is it possible to book a Nile cruise once in Egypt?
Travel agencies in Cairo and Luxor offer cruises combined with tours of the main attractions (Thomas Cook is the longest-running agency). Possibilities include a trip in a felouk, a trip along the Nile at sunset, or a several-day cruise (minimum 5 people).
Is it a problem if I take photos of people?
In museums, buy a permit to film or take photos. In the streets, always ask for permission, especially before taking photos of women or religious people, as well as in rural areas. If not using digital cameras, make sure you take plenty of film rolls with you, especially highly sensitive ones, because they are very hard to come by in Egypt.
Where are the best places in Cairo to enjoy the genuine Cairo atmosphere?
- The cafés in the small streets of the town centre: Ash-Shams, Fichaoui, Horreyya, etc.
- The old cinemas: the Metro, the Radio, Diana Palace, etc.
- Cairo stadium, during the soccer season (September to May)
What souvenirs should I bring back home?
Gold and silver jewelry and semi-precious stones, Bedouin embroidery from the Sinai, basketware, cotton linen, papyrus, rugs, blown glass, spices, etc.
Is it safe to swim in the Nile?
Swimming is not recommended, more because of the bilharziosis parasite than because of crocodiles.
Where are the best places to shop?
- For craft goods and clothes, go to the souks or to boutiques run by organizations that support traditional craftsmanship.
- In Cairo, go to the town center shopping centers, the Nomad and the Egypt Craft Center, to the fine boutiques and the “Souvenirs” souk in Khan al-Khalili street.
- Luxor souk: spices, fabrics
- Aswan souk: Nubian baskets, shawls embroidered in Aswan.
- In El Arish: Bedouin crafts, jewelry, etc.
- In Alexandria, El-Attarine souk, which specializes in ancient objects and antiques. (ancient Egyptian antiquities are not allowed to leave the country).
Which airlines fly to Egypt?
International airlines – EgyptAir and the main charter airlines fly to Egyptian airports: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheik, Taba, Saint Catherine, Borg-el-Arab, Assiut, etc.
Can credit cards be used without any difficulty?
Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted in the main hotels and large boutiques. Most tourist stores also accept foreign currencies. Remember to keep a certain amount of small notes and change (25-piaster coins) handy for tips.
And…what if I have a problem?
Complaints should be made to the Tourism Police.