The trip begins
before the runway.
Twelve things to sort out before you travel to Egypt, from the visa to the plug adaptor. Use it as a checklist in the weeks before departure.
Paperwork
first.
Passport
Valid for at least six months after you leave Egypt, with blank pages. Children need their own passports.
Visa
Check whether your passport allows an e-visa, a visa on arrival or needs an embassy visa. Apply early for embassy visas. More on visas.
Travel insurance
With medical cover and evacuation, and cover for any activities you plan, such as diving or the balloon flight.
Health
See a travel clinic about routine and recommended vaccinations, and any yellow fever certificate requirement for your route.
Money
and phones.
Cards
Tell your bank you are travelling. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels and larger shops.
Cash
Bring some US dollars or euros to exchange, or withdraw Egyptian pounds from ATMs on arrival. Keep small notes for tips.
Phone and data
Buy a local SIM or eSIM at Cairo airport, or check your roaming rates. WhatsApp is how we stay in touch during the trip.
Medication
Bring prescription medicine in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Some medicines are restricted in Egypt; check if unsure.
What to
bring.
Clothes
Light, loose layers that cover shoulders and knees; a warm layer for winter evenings and early balloon flights; a scarf for mosques.
Sun and dust
Hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream and lip balm. Comfortable closed shoes for uneven ground at the sites.
Plugs
Egypt uses European two-pin plugs (types C and F) at 220 volts. Bring an adaptor for South African, Nigerian, Kenyan and Ghanaian plugs.
Copies
Photos of your passport, visa, insurance and our itinerary, saved on your phone and in your email.
Your first hour
in Egypt.
At Cairo International, follow the signs for arrivals. If you are buying a visa on arrival, you do so before passport control. If you booked meet-and-assist with us, our representative will be waiting with your name and will walk you through each step.
After immigration and baggage claim, you pass customs and come out into the arrivals hall, where your driver will be waiting. Expect it to take 45 minutes to an hour from landing to the car, sometimes longer at busy times.
Good to know
- Egypt is on UTC+2, and UTC+3 in summer.
- Drink bottled water, including for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Photography is allowed at most sites; drones need a permit and are confiscated at the airport without one.
- Friday is the weekly holiday; some shops and offices close or open late.
All packed?
Let us plan the rest.
If you have not booked yet, send us your dates. If you have, message us any last questions on WhatsApp.