Venezuela Egypt

Located in Northeast Africa, Egypt spans over 1 million square kilometres and has a population of around 105 million people, making it one of the largest countries in the world and the largest Arab country. Egypt is bordered by Israel, the Gaza Strip, Sudan to the south, and Libya. Cairo, the capital, is the largest city and serves as the political, cultural, and economic hub. The country operates on Eastern European Time (GMT+2).   It is famous for its monumental pyramids, sprawling deserts, and the life-giving Nile River. Egypt is a republic with a rich history dating back thousands of years, shaping its unique identity.

Egyptian cuisine reflects its ancient heritage and Mediterranean influences, featuring hearty dishes made from grains, legumes, and well-flavoured spices. Staples include koshari, a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta; ful medames, stewed fava beans; Koftah and kebabs. Grilled meats, particularly lamb and chicken, are popular, along with freshly baked bread like baladi. While Egypt has a winemaking history dating back to antiquity, modern vineyards produce local wines such as Omar Khayyam and Obelisque, complementing imported varieties. You are sure to find fruit drinks and herbal teas in shops around.

Egypt offers diverse outdoor activities across its varied landscapes. Exploring the Giza Pyramids, the Museion in Alexandria, and the Sphinx is a must for history enthusiasts. Boat rides through the Nile, desert adventures, hiking Mount Sinai, or visiting the Siwa Oasis add an adventurous touch to any trip.

Egypt’s landscape is a mix of fertile riverbanks, deserts, and clear seas. The Nile River sustains agriculture and major cities like Luxor and Aswan. The Red Sea is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, attracting divers from around the world. In the Western Desert, the White Desert has unique chalk formations shaped by the wind, while the Siwa Oasis offers palm groves and salt lakes.

The Sinai Peninsula blends rugged mountains with stunning coastlines, perfect for trekking and adventure. In the deserts, species such as the Dorcas gazelle, Rüppell's fox, and the Egyptian mongoose can be found. The Nile Delta supports animals like the Egyptian weasel and various rodents. The rock hyrax inhabits rocky terrains near oases and along the Nile.

Egypt’s festivals reflect its rich cultural and religious heritage. Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, is followed by Eid al-Fitr, marked by feasts and family gatherings. The Pharaonic Wedding Festival in Luxor celebrates ancient traditions, while Coptic Christmas and Easter are significant Christian holidays. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival, held in February and October, aligns with the temple’s solar phenomenon, attracting visitors to witness this unique event. Modern festivals like the El Gouna Film Festival highlight Egypt’s creative arts scene.

Travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine vaccinations, including Hepatitis A, B, Rabies, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Heatstroke is a concern during the summer months, so hydration and sun protection are essential. Healthcare in urban areas is of good quality, but medical insurance covering emergencies and evacuation is strongly advised. You should take precautions against the dreaded Schistosomiasis by avoiding swimming in lakes or walking barefooted.

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).

Egypt uses a 220-volt power supply with a frequency of 50 Hz. The standard plug types are Type C and Type F, featuring two round pins.

Egypt’s transportation network includes domestic flights, trains, and buses. Domestic airlines like EgyptAir connect major cities such as Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. The train service is useful for travelling between cities, especially Cairo and Luxor, and offers scenic views along its route. In cities, taxis, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem, and public buses are common. Renting a car is possible but not recommended due to congested traffic and unfamiliar driving norms. Ferries are also available for travel to the Red Sea region.

Arabic is the official language, with Egyptian Arabic being the most commonly spoken dialect. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

Egyptians are known for their hospitality and politeness. Greetings are important, and a warm “As-salamu alaykum” is customary. Modest clothing is advised, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Tipping, or baksheesh, is customary in restaurants, for guides, and for small services. Photography of people, particularly women, should only be done with permission, and sensitivity to cultural and religious customs is appreciated. When you visit mosques, avoid putting on footwear or walking around while praying. Avoid beckoning directly to any Egyptian, telling dirty jokes, or displaying public affection as they can be considered offensive.

• Winter (November to February): Cool and pleasant, with temperatures averaging 14–22°C. The coastal area has frequent showers.

• Spring (March to May): The season is characterised by mild weather, though occasional sandstorms can occur. 

• Summer (June to August): Extremely hot, especially in desert areas, with temperatures exceeding 40°C. 

• Autumn (September to October): Cooler than summer, with fewer crowds and ideal conditions for outdoor activities.

Egypt caters to a wide range of budgets, with most services moderately priced. Budget travellers can expect to spend $40–60 per day, covering hostels, street food, and local transport, if they are not holding back. Mid-range travellers might spend $100–150 daily, including comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and dining at restaurants. Luxury travellers can budget upwards of $250 per day for five-star hotels, private tours, and premium experiences. Entrance fees to major attractions, like the Giza Pyramids or the Egyptian Museum, range from $5 to $20, while Nile cruises cost around $35 to $50 per day.

• Turkish passport holders can get an Egypt Visa On Arrival if they are 45 years of age and above or 18 years of age and below.

• Sudanese passport holders can get an Egypt Visa On Arrival if they have a residence permit issued by Australia, Canada, the USA, or an EU Member State.

• Resident Permit holders issued by a GCC Member State who have at least six months left on their residence permit can get an Egypt Visa On Arrival.

You may also be exempt from an Egypt visa if you are from one of the following countries and you fulfil certain conditions:

• Afghanistan – only if you are 50 years of age and over or 16 years of age and under

• Algeria – only if you are under 14 years of age

• China: only if you have a return or onward flight ticket, a reservation in a 4- or 5-star hotel, and USD 2000 (or the equivalent in another currency).

• Libya – only if you are a woman or a resident of the Butnan District on Sundays and Mondays (6 months)

• Jordan – if you have an ordinary 5-year passport that is not stamped by the Jordanian Registration Office on the back cover

• Lebanon – only if you are 50 years of age and over or 16 years of age and under (for Alexandria and South Sinai, all ages can enter visa-free)

• Morocco – only if you are 14 years of age and under

• Sudan – only if you are 50 years of age and over or 16 years of age and under or you are a female national (6 months)

• South Sudan – only if you are 50 years of age and over or 16 years of age and under or you are a female national (6 months)

• Tunisia – only if you are 14 years of age and under

• Yemen – only if you are 50 years of age and over or 16 years of age and under or you are travelling for medical purposes (6 months)

• Palestine – you have a travel document issued by Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, or Syria, and you are over 40 years of age or under 18 years of age (30 days)

You are also exempt from an Egypt visa if you:

• Are travelling as part of a tourist group consisting of at least five people, have a return ticket, reserved accommodation, and a signed letter of guarantee from a travel agency and you are from one of the following countries:

  • Azerbaijan

  • Barbados

  • Belize

  • China

  • Costa Rica

  • El Salvador

  • Guatemala

  • Honduras

  • India

  • Jordan

  • Kazakhstan

  • Lebanon

  • Moldova (excluding women between the ages of 15 and 35)

  • Nicaragua

  • Russia

  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

  • Turkey

• You are the child of an Egyptian father (unless you are from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or Qatar).

• You are the child of an Egyptian mother born after 25 July 2004 (unless you are from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or Qatar).

• You are a woman married to an Egyptian man (unless you are from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or Qatar).

• A trip to Alexandria is recommended for you to know the history behind the famed citadel of intelligence.

• Your trip to Egypt is incomplete without a visit to the Giza Pyramids, the River Nile, the Valley of the Kings, and the Sinai  Peninsula.

• Consider traveling with your headset. Egypt can be very noisy as there is hardly any time to rest within cities.

• Another way of unwinding from the noise is lodging in private hotels.

• Egyptians are very proud of their iconic history, and giving positive remarks about it is a way of getting on the good side of the locals.