Egypt Travel Information
Egypt is one of the most popular destinations for travelers eager to experience the wonders of the ancient civilizations. Egypt travel offers the chance to see the archeological wonders of the pyramids, deep-sea diving in resorts off the Red Sea, and even sailing on the Nile River. When traveling to Egypt travelers should take precautions to ensure their health, safety, and security.
Visa
Egypt travel requires a visa and passport to enter the country. Depending on country of origin, travelers can purchase a 30-day renewable visa once arriving at the airport. Travelers of certain nationalities must have a visa before arriving. To prevent long delays at border passing and the airports purchase a visa in your local Egyptian consulate before arriving. Marvelous Egypt offers a list of Egyptian Consulates worldwide.
Health
Travelers should visit a health care professional specializing in travel medicine at least 6 weeks before they plan to visit Egypt. A yellow fever immunization certificate is required if entering the country from an area with a recent outbreak. Other vaccinations are likely to be recommended based on planned activities and area of the country visiting. Typically, a rabies vaccine and tetanus update will be recommended to protect against infections spread by animals.
A typhoid vaccine is usually given when traveling in North Africa, as a precaution against contacting Salmonella, an illness spread through contaminated food and water. Diarrhea is also a serious concern for visitors to the country. Purchase anti-diarrhea medication, avoid drinking tap water (or ice) and only eat peeled and cooked vegetables. The Center for Disease Control offers information on vaccine preventable illnesses for visitors to Egypt.
Hospitals
If medical attention is needed while in Egypt public hospitals located in Cairo and Alexandria offer access to English speaking physicians who can handle routine problems. Few Egyptian hospitals, however, can handle emergencies and intensive care situations. Travelers should purchase travelers insurance to cover the cost of airlift out of the country. The U.S. Embassy at Cairo offers a list of doctors that can be contacted for medical assistance. International hotels usually have a physician on staff or can suggest acceptable local hospitals. Cruise ships will also provide a physician for routine care during Egypt travel.
Transportation
Public transportation is a cheap way to get around Egypt with buses and taxis available in all major cites. Seat 61 offers assistance with understanding the train system in Egypt. Visitors can even use ferries for travel to resort areas. EgyptAir domestic flights offer an affordable and safe way to quickly get around to major tourist areas.
It is not recommended that tourists drive themselves while visiting Egypt, intercity roads are generally well maintained but roads in other areas may not be. Many of the traffic lights in Cairo do not work and road signs are often badly marked. Natives are aggressive drivers, driving without lights at night, traveling at excessive speeds, and ignoring traffic rules. Visitors who do choose to drive themselves must be at least 25 years old. Tourists have been killed by old landmines in the Sinai and the western coast of the Mediterranean; speak to local authorities for assistance if driving into these areas.
Crime
The majority of Egyptians are Muslims and the population is conservative. Violent and nonviolent crimes are rare in the country. The biggest threat to most visitors is the chance of pickpockets in Alexandria and other areas. Their have been terrorist attacks in Egypt but tourist have not been targeted. The Egyptian government has taken additional steps to ensure the safety of visitors including heightened security at airports, tourist attractions and international hotels. Tourist police are available at every tourist site in Egypt, identified by their white uniforms and black berets these man work to ensure the safety of foreigners in the country.
Restricted Areas
There are areas of the country where tourists should avoid or use extreme caution; traveling with an escorted tour guide will make this easier. The Egyptian-Gaza border is normally closed and travel to the country is not recommended for U.S. citizens. Terrorist threats mean foreigners should avoid traveling to the Sinai area. Permission from the Travel Permits Department of the Ministry of the Interior is required to travel to areas near the border of Libya, Israel, and the Sudan. Tourist should take care to avoid public demonstrations and avoid discussing sensitive topics, such as politics, religion, and Israel during Egypt travel.
Photography
Permission is required to take pictures of many buildings in Egypt including government buildings, military personnel, bridges, and airports. Photos are allowed in most exhibits though visitors might have to pay a photography fee. Visitors could end up having their camera and film confiscated, pay a fine or face jail time for taking photos of restricted areas.
Women Travelers
For Egypt travel, women should take care not to travel alone or after dark. Foreign women often receive light hassling from Egyptian youth and men in the street. Covering cleavage, midriff, and legs is a good idea for women traveling outside of major tourist areas in order to show respect for Egyptian culture. In nightclubs and hotels, a more Western style of dress is not frowned upon. Women should also take care to cover their heads when entering places of worship.
U.S. citizens can register for free with the U.S. Department of State for emergency aid due to crimes, accidents, illnesses, terrorist outbreaks, or natural disaster assistance occurring overseas.
Information on Tourism from Egypt Guide
Cairo Hotel & Travel Information
Egypt at the World Travel Guide
Egypt Travel Health Information
Getting Around From Tour Egypt Monthly
Egypt Basic Travel Information
Stay Informed with News from Egypt Daily
Egypt State Information Services