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What are the Things to Know Before Traveling to Egypt?
Need a Visa or Not
Ascertain whether you require a visa in advance or qualify for visa-free or visa-on-arrival entrance for your Egypt vacation. Ensure your passport is valid for the entire time you are there. This is a must to do for your Egypt vacation. You may get permission for up to 30 days for a tourist visa, with the chance of extending it to another 30 days. Some countries are exempted from visas, such as Arab, some African countries, and others. You can also take an e-visa or visa on arrival for your Egypt vacation.
Researching the visa requirements unique to your country of residence is crucial before planning for an Egypt vacation and an Egypt travel guide. For the most precise and current visa information, contact your neighborhood Egyptian embassy or consulate or go online at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website.
Sufficient Days to Travel to Egypt
7 to 10 days tour is enough for an Egypt vacation. During this time, you can tour the country’s most well-known attractions and experience some of its fascinating history and culture.
Travel Advisory
Keep abreast of current travel warnings and inquire about any particular safety issues or alerts about Egypt with your nation’s government or foreign affairs department. It is advised to inform your embassy or consulate of your travel intentions.
Currency & Money
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the country’s legal tender. You should know the current exchange rates and carry some local cash with you for small purchases. Cities and towns have many ATMs, and larger enterprises typically accept credit cards. To avoid any problems using your card, let your bank know about your trip intentions.
Egypt is typically regarded as a budget-friendly holiday destination. The cost of living and travel expenses are often lower in Egypt than in many other well-known tourist destinations. 1 Egyptian Pound = INR 2.66 is considered cheaper irrespective of the higher cost destinations.
Arabic Language
The official language of Egypt is Arabic. Even though English is widely spoken and understood in tourist regions, learning a few basic Arabic words or carrying a phrasebook can simplify communication, especially in rural locations.
Desert Climate and Clothing
Egypt has a desert environment with hot summers and moderate winters. Consider packing lightweight, breathable fabrics for summer trips and pack clothes appropriate for the weather. When visiting mosques or other religious locations, it is advised to dress modestly and politely, covering your knees and shoulders. Modesty is valued, especially in religious and conservative areas.
Cultural Etiquette
Respecting local customs and traditions is vital because Egypt has a diverse cultural heritage. Learn Egyptian etiquette, which includes handshakes, taking off your shoes when entering houses or certain institutions, and asking for permission before taking pictures of individuals.
Health and Safety
Make sure you have enough travel insurance, including medical coverage for your health and safety. Before your trip, it is wise to speak with a healthcare provider or travel clinic to learn about suggested vaccines and safety measures for certain health concerns. In particular, drink bottled water, apply sunscreen, and guard against bug bites in more remote or arid places.
Local Customs and Laws
To avoid misunderstandings, become familiar with Egyptian laws and regulations. Respect regional traditions and be sensitive to cultural differences, especially where religion is practiced. Don’t do photography on sensitive locations, military bases, or administrative structures.
Historical sites and Opening hours
Egyptian museums and historical sites are well-known worldwide. Research the admission costs, operating hours, and other guidelines or limitations for visiting these locations. Hiring a certified tour guide can improve your trip and give you insightful information about Egypt’s history and culture.
What is the Best Time or Perfect Time to Visit Egypt?
It’s crucial to remember that some religious holidays, like Ramadan, can impact your Egypt vacation plans because different services and schedules might change during this time. It’s also a good idea to look out for any significant festivals or events in Egypt that can conflict with your trip schedule.
However, the ideal time to travel to Egypt to explore the things to do in Egypt will largely rely on your interests and the exact experiences and locations you want to have.
Spring (March to May)
It’s the perfect time of year to visit historical places and engage in outdoor activities, thanks to the beautiful weather and warm temperatures. Nile River cruises and desert trips are very popular right now.
Fall (September to November)
Autumn is another ideal season to travel to Egypt. The temperatures are reasonable, and there aren’t as many people around. Particularly in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, it’s a fantastic time to go sightseeing. During this period, beachgoers and divers visit the Red Sea’s coastal regions.
Winter (December to February)
Egypt had a mild winter with chilly nighttime temperatures. It’s the perfect time to visit historical locations and enjoy outdoor activities without the sweltering heat. Winter is thought to be the busiest time of year for tourists. Thus popular destinations and resorts may be crowded, and prices may be higher.
Avoid summertime, especially its scorching heat, relatively in the desert areas and southern parts. Temperatures are high and above 40°C (104°F), making it inconvenient for you to go outside for outdoor activities during the day. If you are planning things to do in Egypt in summer, you must go for coastal activities in resorts alongside the Red Sea, where you can do water sports and relax by the sea.
Must Try Cuisines on Egypt Vacation
The distinctive component combinations and intense flavors of Egyptian cuisine are well-known.
Here are some well-known foods from Egypt that you should try on your Egypt vacation:
Koshary
A combination of rice, lentils, and macaroni is used to make the dish koshary, which is then topped with spiced tomato sauce, fried onions, and chickpeas.
Ful Medames
Fava beans are slowly cooked in a meal called ful Medames, which is then seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. It usually comes with bread.
Mahshi
Rice, herbs, and spices are used to stuff veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant before cooking them in a tomato-based sauce. It is a tasty and healthy food.
Molokhia
This is a type of green, leafy vegetable often known as “Egyptian spinach.” It is prepared with coriander and garlic, typically eaten with rice or toast and occasionally with chicken or rabbit.
Shawarma
Even though shawarma is popular throughout the Middle East, the Egyptian version has its own distinctive flavors. Slices of beef, lamb, or chicken that have been marinated are roasted on a vertical spit and then served on bread or with rice.
Fatteh
This dish consists of layers of rice or crispy bread, yogurt, seasoned meat, and spicy butter drizzled on top. It is a filling and savory meal.
Umm Ali
A classic Egyptian delicacy comprising layers of puff pastry, almonds, and raisins that are baked till golden and creamy. It is comparable to bread pudding.
Basbousa
a sweet semolina cake drenched in flavorful syrup and frequently topped with nuts or coconut shreds. In Egypt and the Middle East, people love to eat this dessert.
These are some cuisines that your taste buds must be craving. Egypt is famous for its cuisines which you should dig into during your Egypt vacation.
How to Reach Egypt – Egypt Travel Guide
Domestic flights are the way better option if you are planning an Egypt vacation. For countries like the U.K., U.S., Europe, India, Australia, and New Zealand, non-stop or connecting flights are a much better option to visit Egypt.
Flying from Europe
When traveling from Europe, you have both the options of direct flight and connecting flights. Direct flights such as EgyptAir, Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Ryanair offer flights from London, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Rome to Cairo. The time frame ranges from 3 to 5 hours duration.
If there are no direct flights from your destination city, you can take connecting flights through major centers like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Istanbul, or Dubai.
Egypt has prime international airports that get flights from Europe. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) are famous airports on the Red Sea coast and connecting European cities during the holiday seasons.
Flying from other parts of the World
Irrespective of your region, it’s a budget-friendly option to take a direct or connecting flight to reach Egypt.
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