Egypt is a breathtaking country with millennia of history and some of the most outstanding landscapes of the world, visited by millions over the years. The richness of the Nile coupled with the semi-isolation of the deserts to the east and west allowed for the development of one of the worlds greatest historical civilisations.
The Red Sea Riviera is a National Park where both marine and desert life is protected. The natural coastline of the Red Sea provides splendid relaxation facilities and leisure resources.
Language - Official: Arabic, others: English and French are widely understood.
People - The majority of the population are of Eastern Hamitic origin. There are some Bedouins.
Climate
- Mainly desert except for a strip approximately 80 km/50 miles wide along the Mediterranean coast which does have a reasonable rainfall (100 to 200 mm/4 to 8 in per year).
- A dust laden wind called the khamsin brings very high temperatures out of the Sahara Desert to the coast between March and June.
- Annual rainfall is less than 50mm/2 inches except on the coastal strip 100-200 mm/4-8 inches per year.
- Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year.
- During the winter months - December, January and February - average daily temperatures stay up around 20°C (68°F) on the Mediterranean coast and a pleasant 26°C (80°F) in Aswan. Winter nights only get down to 8°C (45°F), a very Egyptian version of chilly.
- Maximum temperatures get to 31°C (88°F) and 50°C (122°F) respectively.
- Alexandria receives the most rain, with 19cm (7.5in) each year, while Aswan is almost bone-dry with just 2mm annually.
- Between March and April the khamsin blows in from the Western Desert at up to 150kmph (93mph).
Currency
- Egyptian pound LE is divided into 100 piastres and is usually around LE11 : £1 GBP
- Credit Cards: Acceptable in most tourist establishments - American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa, Access.
- Banking hours: 8am-2pm Monday to Thursday.
- Currency restrictions: The importation and exportation of local currency is limited to 100 Egyptian pounds for non-residents. The importation of foreign currency is not limited and the exportation of foreign currency is permitted up to the amount imported and declared on arrival.
Visas
- Countries whose nationals do not require a visa include: All Arab countries, except for Libya.
- Countries whose nationals do require a visa include: Everyone except Arab countries and Libya.
- Visas are obtainable at Egyptian Embassies situated in most major capitals of the world. A valid passport and entry visa is required. Tourist visas are obtained from all ports of entry.
Visas Overview
All visitors to Egypt, except nationals of Malta, South Africa and Zimbabwe are required to have a visa and a passport (which must be valid at least one week beyond period of intended stay). Visas can be arranged through Egyptian embassies worldwide. Visitors from the US, Canada, EU and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries may be able to purchase a visa stamp upon arrival at many large airports if the visit is for tourist purposes. One-month visitor's visas can be extended.
Military permits issued by either the Ministry of Interior or Border Police are needed to travel in the Eastern Desert south of Shams Allam (50km south of Marsa Allam), on or around Lake Nasser, off-road in the Western Desert and on the road between the oases of Bahariyya and Siwa. These can be obtained through a safari company or travel agency at least a fortnight in advance of the trip.
Getting there
The main gateway airport: Cairo International, new airports include: Luxor International, Sharm El Sheikh International, Hurghada International & Marsa Alam International Airports.
- Check in time: Recommended 2 hours for international flights.
- Airport to Cairo City: Airport bus approximately 60 minutes. Taxi approximately 60 minutes.
- Airport tax: International flights 21 Egyptian Pounds.
- Airline Companies operating flight to/from Egypt: BUS services operate from: Cairo to Tel Aviv.
- TRAIN services: There are no international train services.
FERRIES operate:
- From Pireaus, Greece to Alexandria.
- From Aqaba (Jordan) to Suez.
- From Aqaba (Jordan) to Nuweiba in the Sinai peninsular.
- Saudi Arabia to Suez.
- Wadi Helfa (Sudan) to Aswan across Lake Nasser.
- Other connections from elsewhere in Africa and the Middle East include the bus from Israel via the Gulf of Aqaba or the southern edge of the Gaza Strip, and ferries from Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Internal Transport
AIR
- Scheduled airlines flying internal flights from Cairo with their direct, scheduled destinations, include:
Air Sinai (to/from Sharm el Sheik)
Egypt Air (to/from Abu Simbel, Hurghada, Luxor, Mersa Matruh, New Valley, Sharm el Sheik, Sidi Barani)
ZAS Airlines of Egypt (to/from Aswan, Luxor) - Scheduled airlines flying internal flights from Hurghada with their direct, scheduled destinations.
- Egypt Air (to/from Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor, Sharm el Sheik)
- Scheduled airlines flying internal flights from Luxor with their direct, scheduled destinations, include:
Egypt Air (to/from Aswan, Cairo, Hurghada, New Valley, Sharm el Sheik).
ZAS Airlines of Egypt (to/from Aswan, Cairo) - Scheduled airlines flying internal flights from Aswan with their direct, scheduled destinations, include:
Egypt Air (to/from Abu Simbel, Cairo, Luxor)
ZAS Airlines of Egypt (to/from Abu Simbel, Cairo, Luxor) - Scheduled airlines flying internal flights from Alexandria with their direct, scheduled, destinations, include:
Egypt Air (to/from Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheik)
ZAS Airlines of Egypt (to/from Cairo) - Scheduled airlines flying internal flights from Sharm el Sheik with their direct, scheduled destinations, include:
Egypt Air (to/from Alexandria, Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor)
Air Sinai (to/from Cairo)
TRAIN
- There are trains between:
Cairo and Aswan
Cairo and Luxor
Cairo to Alexandria
Cairo to Port Said
Cairo to Suez
On the major routes, sleeping cars operate and this is a popular way to travel Cairo-Luxor-Aswan for example. The famous 'Wagons-Lits' operate between Cairo and Aswan; air-conditioned, hot and cold water in each compartment, lounge and meals are available.
BUS
Buses and minibuses operate throughout the country. They are cheaper than trains.
TAXI
Taxis are plentiful in the main towns and cities. Agree the fare before the journey starts. Many taxis traveling from town to town, operate under a share system and wait until they are full before departure.
CAR RENTAL
Driving: Driving is on the left (as in UK, Japan, Australia etc.). Roads are poorly signposted. There are areas of the country which cannot be entered without specific permission such as much of the Western Desert and the area south of Aswan, near the border with Sudan. Apart from roads connecting major cities, the roads are not sealed and fuel supplies are often far apart.
Car rental is fairly expensive and self-drive hire is not common. Traffic conditions are chaotic, but you can hire a driver with the car.
- Car rental companies:
Avis, Cairo - Tel: 291 4255 extension 4249
Hertz, Cairo - Tel: 291 4255 extension 3629
There are many boats plying the Nile from basic sailing feluccas to luxurious cruise boats. Glass bottom boats operate from Hurghada for viewing the coral reef. Dive boats operate from Hurghada.
Health & safetyPLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOUR TRIP TO CHECK YOU HAVE TAKEN THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS
Compulsory immunisations:
Yellow Fever
Infection caused by a virus carried by monkeys, transmitted through mosquitoes that carry the virus from the monkey to the human. The symptoms are a short, mild fever often leading to jaundice, failure of the liver and kidneys and eventually death. The vaccine is effective. The vaccination is valid for 10 years and is usually only available in specialist clinics or hospitals. A valid Yellow Fever inoculation certificate is required if arriving from or via an infected area having passed through that area by any other means than a scheduled flight. If arriving from or via an infected area. Infants under 1 year old are exempt.
Recommended immunisations:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A, also called 'infectious hepatitis' is basically an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus A. The virus is picked up from contaminated food and water. The symptoms are a slight febrile disorder, loss of appetite and jaundice. Almost everyone recovers within about 2 months. Precautions include immunisation and avoiding salads, unpeeled fruit, sharing crockery and cutlery.
Polio
Polio or Poliomyelitis is an infection caused by a virus. It affects the motor neuron cells in the spinal cord mainly. The symptoms are fever and headache, weakness in a group of muscles, then widespread paralysis. Sometimes there is respiratory paralysis and rapid death. There is an effective vaccine taken by mouth.
Tetanus
Tetanus (also known as lockjaw) is a disease caused by infection with 'clostridium tetani' which is present in soil and in the intestines of humans and animals. Infection can enter the body via cuts after which bacteria produce a toxin affecting the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. This is followed by convulsions and muscle spasms. The vaccine is effective and the disease can also be treated by an antitoxin and penicillin.
Typhoid
Typhoid or 'enteric fever' is caused by infection with 'salmonella typhi'. The infection is passed from infected water, milk or food or by people preparing food or drinks. Symptoms are a rapidly fluctuating temperature, drowsiness, diarrhoea, abdominal rash, delirium and coma. Immunization is effective. The disease is treatable with antibiotics.
Malaria
Malarial mosquitoes live only in certain areas in the El Faiyum region, the oases and in Upper Egypt. From June to October there is a risk of contracting malaria in these areas.
Rabies: There is rabies in Egypt.
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
Come prepared. Bring plenty of effective insect repellant. Investigate the immunization timescales required.
Food Precautions:
Avoid - unpeeled fruit, badly cooked meat, ice cubes, untreated milk, ice cream if made from untreated milk. Take - Extra salt if in hot climates. Drink Precautions.
Purify water, there are many purifying tablets on the market, or make sure it is from a clean source. If you are not sure avoid it. Bottled water, soft drinks (sodas) and beer are usually widely available.
Crime
There is probably less street crime in Cairo than in most other African cities but there are plenty of people trying to trick you out of your money or generally hassle you to buy something. Always carry your wallet/passport etc in a safe manner. It is wise not to wander about on your own after dark.
Tourist offices
UK, LONDON - 168 Picadilly, London, W1V 9DE, Tel: (0171) 235 9777, Fax: (0171) 235 5684
CANADA, MONTREAL, PO Box 304, Place Bonaventure, 40 Frontenac, Montreal, H5A 1B4, Tel: (514) 861 4420, Fax: (514) 861 8071
USA, NEW YORK, 630 Fifth Avenue, New York 10111, Tel: (212) 246 6960, Fax: (212) 956 6439
EGYPT, CAIRO, Misr Travel Tower, Abasseia Square, Tel: (2) 823 570, Fax: (2) 282 9771, Tlx: 20799
