Egypt Frequently Asked Questions
Egypt is one of the most exciting and vibrant countries in the world—and, not surprising, most first-time visitors have a few questions before they arrive. We have compiled a brief FAQ here to answer some of the basic questions our clients have had about Egypt.
How do I find out about visa requirements?
You can get a visa before you travel from the official Visa2Egypt portal or your nearest Egyptian consulate. Tourist visas granted using the e-visa system are valid for a maximum of 3 months. It is advisable to get a visa before you travel, particularly if travelling for work or business.
If you wish to get a visa on arrival, you can do so at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. The visa fee is US$25, payable in in pounds sterling, US dollars or euros. Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days. There’s no need to buy a visa from an agent. In many cases agents will charge more than US$25 for a visa. If you’re harassed by an agent, report the incident to the tourist police in the airport terminal.
If you’re travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must get a visa.
If you have travelled to one of the South Sinai Red Sea resorts, entered without a visa and your plans have changed, you can normally purchase a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport to allow you to travel elsewhere.
Applications for visa extensions should be made at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. You may have difficulties leaving Egypt with an out of date visa. You will not normally be allowed to leave without paying a fine if your visa is out of date by more than 14 days.
For further information and enquiries, contact the Egyptian Consulate home.
Do I need travel insurance?
In case of illness or accident, in case of cancellation of trips or overnight stays, or if you lose some belongings when you travel with Ramses Travel, it is your own private travel insurance that will cover the costs, so it is good to bring insurance documents or the like.
Unfortunately, we can not advise you on where to take out the best travel insurance. Contact if necessary. your own insurance company and hear about their coverage. Otherwise, there are other travel insurances that are independent of the regular companies.
What about the entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Entry to Egypt
The Egyptian authorities have advised that all arrivals into Egypt will be subject to health measures. Passengers from all countries will be required to complete a health declaration with personal details, and will need to provide confirmation of valid health insurance policy to airport authorities. Passengers arriving from countries where C19 variants of concern have been identified may be required to undertake a rapid COVID-19 test (ID NOW) on arrival, which if positive will lead to a subsequent PCR test to determine if isolation at a government hospital is necessary.
All persons (including those who hold Egyptian nationality) arriving from overseas must have proof of one of the following:
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A full course of COVID-19 vaccination (completed at least 14 days prior to arrival in Egypt); or
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A negative PCR test (taken within 72 hours prior to departure)
Children under the age of 6 are exempt. Proof of COVID-19 recovery will not be accepted.
Some airlines are imposing special requirements, such as the wearing of face masks. You should check specific requirements with your airline before you travel.
Vaccination Certificates
The Egyptian authorities have advised that COVID-19 vaccination certificates must be issued by an accredited laboratory in the country of issue and linked with a QR code. Vaccinated passengers must have received the full course of either the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik V, and Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines at least 14 days prior to arrival in Egypt. Passengers arriving from countries where COVID-19 variants of concern have been identified may still be required to undertake a rapid COVID-19 test (ID NOW) on arrival, which if positive will lead to a subsequent PCR test to determine if isolation at a government hospital is necessary.
PCR Test Certificates
The Egyptian authorities have advised that PCR tests must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure. Passengers arriving from London Heathrow only are permitted to have their PCR test conducted no more than 96 hours prior to flight departure. PCR certificates must be issued by an accredited laboratory in the country of issue, and must be stamped or have a QR code.
You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.
Is Egypt a safe destination?
The Egyptian people are still very kind to foreign visitors - the revolution and the protests in 2011 - 2013 were / are not aimed at tourists. Very few violent or terrorist incidents have taken place in recent decades, and the overall crime rate is very low, so tourists can safely travel around the country.
There is a high presence of police and military for increased protection. Many millions of tourists enjoy a hassle-free vacation in Egypt every year and therefore we recommend you take the same precautions as in a European city. To be completely sure and learn about the current situation, we suggest that you read more on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website.
Still have questions? We want to hear from you!
Information about Egypt
You’ve Got Questions - We’ve Got Answers
Here you’ll find a number of frequently asked questions about the services and products at Ramses Travel | Egypt and Red sea packages. If you still have questions after going through the FAQ page, please get in touch with us directly.
Where can I find your office?
On this page you can find information about Egypt and about Ramses Travel. Our head office is located in Hurghada. We have contacts in all the major tourist cities like Aswan. Luxor. Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh. In addition, in all major cities we have representatives at airports. Bus stations. Ports, at the hotel or on the ship that will help you.
Who should I contact in case of problems during my holiday or excursion in Egypt?
We are available 24 hours a day. 7 days a week while in Egypt. Usually there are no problems. We always give you our contact information when you arrive in case of emergency. However, do not try to solve major problems. Therefore, do not hesitate to call us. Tell us about the problem right away. Not until after you have been taken home. We are here for you.
What is the Local Time in Egypt?
Egypt is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +2). Daylight saving time was abolished in 2011. This means that in summer, Europe and Egypt are in the same time zone. In winter, Egypt is an hour ahead.
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Time Zone Converter (Time Difference Calculator)
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What's the weather like in Egypt?
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
The best time depends on your mood and your plans. Egypt can be visited all year round. If you want to go on the Nile or sail to many sights, the winter season from October to March is best because it is not as hot as in summer.
If you travel in March-April (excluding Easter) or in October-November, it is less busy. The temperatures are still comfortable. Diving and beach holidays are available all year round. In the winter months, the evenings can be a bit chilly. Especially during the spring there can be strong winds or sandstorms. In summer, the temperature is quite high. A pleasant breeze is almost always present. Summer is not as humid as in Europe, so it is still acceptable.
What to wear when I travel Egypt?
Generally, Egypt has a desert climate, but the Mediterranean coastal areas enjoy a moderate temperature thanks to the prevailing wind. The climate features a hot season from May to October and a cool season from October to May. In the hot season, it is dry and hot in most parts of the country, and humid in the Nile Delta and Mediterranean coastal areas. So sun protection is the most important consideration for this season, especially for the fair-skinned. Pure cotton clothes and sunhats are essential. In the cool season, the weather is mild with some rain; it is bright and sunny in most days but usually cold in nights.
The most humid area lies along the Mediterranean coast. The precipitation declines sharply from north to south. It may rain once in a few years in many desert areas.
The dress code is naturally conservative, especially for women. Some women wear a hijab (a headscarf covering the head and neck but not the face), some wear a niqab (a veil covering the face but leaving the eye area clear), and few don't cover their heads at all. Female tourists are not required by law to follow the dress code. But dressing conservatively and modestly is a way to show your respect to their religion.
Clothes recommended are high-necked and sleeved blouse, loose trousers or below knee skirt perfectly made of cotton or linen. Tight or transparent clothes shall be avoided. For formal occasions, smart clothes with a shawl covering bare shoulders may be an excellent choice.
While for men, normal long trousers, sleeved shirts and T-shirts are fine. Sleeveless tops and short shorts may not be acceptable in most areas, but they are ok in beach areas and resorts.
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Currency and Tipping in Egypt
You’ve Got Questions - We’ve Got Answers
Here you’ll find a number of frequently asked questions about the services and products at Ramses Travel | Egypt and Red sea packages. If you still have questions after going through the FAQ page, please get in touch with us directly.
What Currency and Tipping in Egypt Do You Use?
We recommend that you bring Euro or USD from home. You can withdraw Egyptian pounds when you arrive in Egypt. Most banks in the states today do not have Egyptian pounds.
Where can I find ATMs in Egypt if I want to withdraw cash?
There are ATMs all over Egypt. Especially in larger cities, in tourist places and in many hotels. ATMs accept major credit cards and often your private debit card. You can also exchange money but only euros or USD in the machine.
The money is in Egyptian Pounds.
We also suggest that you inform your bank when you travel. So they know you may be withdrawing more money than usual.
How much money should I bring on my holiday to Egypt?
It is entirely up to you how much money you want to bring. However, we recommend that you always carry between 100 and 500 Egyptian pounds on you if you will come across something at the local market. When you are visiting papyrus factories, perfumes and alabaster factories or for extra gratuity.
Can I pay by credit or debit card in Egypt?
In most cases yes. Most restaurants, shops and hotels accept Visa and Master Cards.
Ramses Travel Egypt & Red Sea FAQ
BOOKING
Why should I book my trip with Ramses Travel Egypt?
There are actually many reasons to book your trip through Ramses Travel Egypt. We are Egypt's experts in the fact that we will customize your holiday to meet your needs. Having vast experience of the various Nile cruises available, single, couples and groups catered for, all tailored to fit your wishes & dreams everywhere in Luxor, Aswan, Cairo and the Red Sea Riviera. Our tourist guides are licensed, experienced, professional, qualified and knowledgeable in their field, providing you with accurate information on Egypt's magnificent history and achievements that have captured the imagination of the world ever since
Is there a special price for private groups booking with Ramses Travel Egypt?
Off course, Ramses Travel Egypt & Red Sea Packages is making a very special discount for private trips booked with small groups. For groups of ten or more, there will be a very special discount.
Ramses Travel is making a very special price for our Culture & Red Sea Diving Safari Trips and Packages.
How can I contact Ramses Travel Egypt to book my trip to Egypt?
Ramses Travel Egypt is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive your booking inquiries via email, telephone, or live online chat. You can also submit a booking request form describing the trip you want to take, its length, and any other details you can provide and you will receive a reply promptly with a proposal from our representatives. -Our phone number, email, and a link to our chat service can be found at the bottom of our homepage.
What do I need to book a tour and confirm my reservation?
Booking a tour is very simple. All what you need to do is to contact our representatives via one of the methods listed above. You will receive a prompt response outlining the options available to you and then you can build a tour that will fit your wishes & dreams in terms of budget, number of days, and points of interest with the help of one of our travel consultants. Once a plan has been decided, Ramses Travel Egypt & Red Sea Packages will send you a detailed itinerary that includes all necessary information and plans for your trip. At this point, you will have to confirm your reservation with payment of a deposit. Your reservation will not be confirmed until payment of this deposit is received by Ramses Travel Egypt.
How much do I have to pay as a deposit? How shall I pay?
What about Cancellation & Refunds
The deposit required will be 25% of the total price of the tour, except during peak travel times around Christmas and New Years, when the deposit will be 50% of the total price. You can pay the deposit Online by credit card Or by Western Union or Bank Wire Transfer is accepted. Our representatives will be willing to provide any additional information or support you need to complete this payment. - If payment of the deposit in one transaction is not possible, please contact Ramses Travel Egypt to enquire about the possibility of making the payment in installments.
Book your trip with a confidence and enjoy Ramses Travel Egypt Flexibility to change your departure up to 30 days.
A refund will normally be made to the same account and using the same method used for the original payment. No refunds are possible in the event of a no show for an existing reservation.
Refunds will be done only through the Original Mode of Payment.