Egypt
Is Egypt safe?
We get asked this all the time! Yes, Egypt is safe. Just like travelling to any country, you need to take care of yourself and your possessions. You should always travel with comprehensive travel insurance.
What about the current situation in Palestine? The Egyptian border with Israel and Palestine is on the other side of the Sinai Peninsula, a long way from Cairo and the Nile Valley. Our tours do not go into the Sinai or near the borders.
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors to Egypt require a visa. A visa can be purchased on arrival for US$25, PS£25, or EU€25. You must pay cash in exact notes, after you land before passport control. Alternative, you can apply for an eVisa at least 7 days before departure from your home country. This is now the easiest way to obtain a visa for Egypt. You must also have a passport with at least six months validity from the date you plan to leave Egypt.
Inclusive Tours
At Archaeology History Tours we provide inclusive tours for all people, yet there are some important differences to be aware of when travelling in Egypt. For all visitors to Egypt, public displays of affection are not culturally accepted and certainly not for LGBTQIA+ visitors. Despite the legal and social differences, Egypt is safe for gay tourists and all of the rainbow family. If you are respectful, locals will not even realise. Please contact us if you have specific questions or concerns about being LGBTQIA+ and travelling in Egypt.
What to wear
Egypt is a conservative country and locals rarely wear shorts, even in summer. However, tourist are able too as long as you are respectful. When travelling around it is best to always have your shoulders covered and wear knee-length shorts. Women can carry a shawl or scarf to cover your hair, in case we visit a mosque or other religious site.
While the days are warm in winter the nights can be very cold, so please dress accordingly.
Swimwear is acceptable for days by the pool, but use a towel when coming and going to your room.
Accessibility
Navigating Egypt for less mobile people can be a challenge. While progress is being made to improve access to tourist sites for wheelchair users, footpaths and paving are often poorly maintained. Please contact us if you have specific mobility issues and we can discuss options.
When to go
You can travel to Egypt at any time, however it is best to avoid the peak of summer (June–August). The best time to travel is October to April. During December to February the days are lovely and cool (low 20's degrees C), but the nights can be cold so dress appropriately. March to May is a good time to visit the Red Sea as the weather is nice but the beaches are not too overcrowded.
Currency
Egypt use the Egyptian Pound as currency. You can easily exchange US dollars, Pounds Sterling, and Euro throughout most of Egypt. Australian dollars are harder to exchange, but you can withdraw Egyptian currency from local ATM's. Many places now also accept card payments, including many of the tourist sites. However, cash remains very popular in Egypt.
Language
Egyptian Arabic is the main language spoken, specifically the Cairene Arabic dialect which is slightly different from Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Many tourist sites and hotel employees will speak English or another major international language.
Vaccinations
There are no required vaccinations for Egypt, but please check with your doctor or travel health professional. Preventative medication for Malaria may be recommended for some travellers.
Getting around
Taxi and ride share services are readily available throughout Cairo and some major cities. If you are in Cairo, Uber and DIDI and other ride share apps are the easiest way to book and give your destination if the driver doesn't speak English. You can hail down the white taxis easily, but be careful of the prices they charge. Ride share services are usually fixed price.
During the tour, all transportation is arranged including transfers to and from the airport.