The Very Best of Egypt

Frequently asked questions

• What will the weather be like in Egypt?

  Generally, all our tours operate when it is considered the best time to travel, although it is important to note that climates may vary between different regions and countries, if visiting more than one, so climates may change throughout your tour. As weather patterns around the world become less predictable the information we provide should be used as a guide only and is no guarantee of the weather at the time you travel. We also recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you depart.

  During the main travel seasons in Egypt, spring and autumn, temperatures are warm to hot and usually dry. From October to April, temperatures range between 20 to 30 degrees, with the nights being much cooler.

• What’s the best way to pay for things in Egypt?

  Cash in Egyptian pounds is the preferred method in smaller local shops and restaurants although USD, GBP and Euros are widely accepted particularly in hotels, shops and for tipping. It is best to withdraw cash from an ATM after arrival. Visa and Mastercard are the most common cards accepted.

  Please note the following general advice:

  • ATMs are generally available in major cities, less so in rural areas

  • Credit cards are generally widely accepted in the majority of hotels, cruises, larger international restaurants and shops, although be aware credit card payments may incur an additional fee

  • If buying small items or purchasing from local shops, restaurants and markets, or when outside of major cities, with the exception of hotels, local currency is always recommended

  • If you are planning to use your debit or credit card whilst travelling, advise your bank of your travel plans so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash or make a payment

  • When you change money, ask for some small bills and keep these, along with coins, separate from larger ones - this is also handy for tipping

  • It is always worth carrying a small amount of UK Sterling or US Dollars as these can usually be readily exchanged

  • Keep your exchange receipts as these may be needed if you want to exchange any remaining currency you have at the end of your trip

• How much should I tip in Egypt?

  Tipping in most countries is a way of showing your appreciation for good service, and whilst not compulsory, it is now an accepted practice in many of the countries we visit on our tours and in many, very much a way of life.

  Tipping remains discretionary, although at the end of your tour, if you are happy with the services provided by your Tour Manager, local guides, coach drivers and assistants, we would suggest showing your appreciation for the services offered.

  We have included a number of gratuities in your tour. Tipping for your Tour Manager, local guides and drivers are not included.

  We would suggest the following amounts:

  • Tour Manager, who is also a certified Egyptologist: USD $5-$7 per person per day
  • Drivers: USD $2 per person per day
  • Nile Cruise Crew: USD $10 per person per day (this will be divided between all the crew/staff members including reception, housekeeping, restaurant staff as well those behind the scenes such as laundry, stewards etc.)
  • Sailors/boat porters: USD $2 per piece of luggage at check-in/out

• Do I need to renew my passport for my trip to Egypt?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all our holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document.

  A full British passport presently takes approximately up to ten weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and have not yet arranged a passport, you should apply for one at least 10 weeks before your departure from the UK. The UK Passport Service has to confirm an applicant’s identity before issuing their first passport and may ask them to attend an interview in order to do this. Please note, if you need to apply for visas after you receive your new passport, you will need to factor in additional time for this.

• Will I need a visa to enter Egypt?

  British citizens require a visa to visit Egypt. It is highly recommended you allow for a minimum of two blank pages per visa. If a visa is being purchased locally, we recommend you have the correct amount, in the relevant currency, as change is not always available.  The below information provides guidance on how to apply for your visa.

  Alternatively, if you would prefer to have assistance with your visa and have the application process managed by a visa company, we recommend The Travel Visa Company. 

  You can apply for an e-visa online for $30 USD per person before travelling which is valid for up to 3 months after being issued. Alternatively, you can obtain on arrival at Cairo airport for $30 USD per person in cash.

• Do I need to have any vaccinations for my trip to Egypt?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel.

  In addition to the UK government’s own travel advice website, we also recommend visiting the NHS Travel Vaccinations website for more information on any required vaccinations.

• What is the time difference between the UK and Egypt?

  GMT +3

• What is the currency in Egypt?

  Egyptian Pound

• What clothing should I take to Egypt?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. Evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm.

  It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions – remember it will be cooler at higher altitudes – and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof, good insect repellent, a high factor sunscreen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

  Bear in mind in some of the countries you will visit, the local people adopt a more conservative standard of dress than we are used to in the UK and we suggest dressing modestly. When visiting sacred places, or active religious sites, it is recommended that arms and legs are fully covered, so consider wearing long trousers, or skirts. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their head and shoulders. Taking off your shoes is also a prerequisite before entering many sacred places – and commonplace when entering many buildings.

• What are the entry requirements for Egypt?

  The information provided on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British Citizens only. Any visa information covers visa requirements for the duration of our tour stays in any given country. If you intend to stay longer you should seek additional information before booking.

  Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

  It is important to recognise that whilst the information provided is correct at the time we go to print, all requirements may change and all clients must check the up-to-date position in good time before departure with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to.

  We also suggest referring to the UK government’s Foreign Travel Advice website for advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

• What will the weather be like in Egypt?

  Generally, all our tours operate when it is considered the best time to travel, although it is important to note that climates may vary between different regions and countries, if visiting more than one, so climates may change throughout your tour. As weather patterns around the world become less predictable the information we provide should be used as a guide only and is no guarantee of the weather at the time you travel. We also recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you depart.

  During the main travel seasons in Egypt, spring and autumn, temperatures are warm to hot and usually dry. From October to April, temperatures range between 20 to 30 degrees, with the nights being much cooler.

• What’s the best way to pay for things in Egypt?

  Cash in Egyptian pounds is the preferred method in smaller local shops and restaurants although USD, GBP and Euros are widely accepted particularly in hotels, shops and for tipping. It is best to withdraw cash from an ATM after arrival. Visa and Mastercard are the most common cards accepted.

  Please note the following general advice:

  • ATMs are generally available in major cities, less so in rural areas

  • Credit cards are generally widely accepted in the majority of hotels, cruises, larger international restaurants and shops, although be aware credit card payments may incur an additional fee

  • If buying small items or purchasing from local shops, restaurants and markets, or when outside of major cities, with the exception of hotels, local currency is always recommended

  • If you are planning to use your debit or credit card whilst travelling, advise your bank of your travel plans so you do not encounter potential problems when trying to withdraw cash or make a payment

  • When you change money, ask for some small bills and keep these, along with coins, separate from larger ones - this is also handy for tipping

  • It is always worth carrying a small amount of UK Sterling or US Dollars as these can usually be readily exchanged

  • Keep your exchange receipts as these may be needed if you want to exchange any remaining currency you have at the end of your trip

• How much should I tip in Egypt?

  Tipping in most countries is a way of showing your appreciation for good service, and whilst not compulsory, it is now an accepted practice in many of the countries we visit on our tours and in many, very much a way of life.

  Tipping remains discretionary, although at the end of your tour, if you are happy with the services provided by your Tour Manager, local guides, coach drivers and assistants, we would suggest showing your appreciation for the services offered.

  We have included a number of gratuities in your tour. Tipping for your Tour Manager, local guides and drivers are not included.

  We would suggest the following amounts:

  • Tour Manager, who is also a certified Egyptologist: USD $5-$7 per person per day
  • Drivers: USD $2 per person per day
  • Nile Cruise Crew: USD $10 per person per day (this will be divided between all the crew/staff members including reception, housekeeping, restaurant staff as well those behind the scenes such as laundry, stewards etc.)
  • Sailors/boat porters: USD $2 per piece of luggage at check-in/out

• Do I need to renew my passport for my trip to Egypt?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all our holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document.

  A full British passport presently takes approximately up to ten weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and have not yet arranged a passport, you should apply for one at least 10 weeks before your departure from the UK. The UK Passport Service has to confirm an applicant’s identity before issuing their first passport and may ask them to attend an interview in order to do this. Please note, if you need to apply for visas after you receive your new passport, you will need to factor in additional time for this.

• Will I need a visa to enter Egypt?

  British citizens require a visa to visit Egypt. It is highly recommended you allow for a minimum of two blank pages per visa. If a visa is being purchased locally, we recommend you have the correct amount, in the relevant currency, as change is not always available.  The below information provides guidance on how to apply for your visa.

  Alternatively, if you would prefer to have assistance with your visa and have the application process managed by a visa company, we recommend The Travel Visa Company. 

  You can apply for an e-visa online for $30 USD per person before travelling which is valid for up to 3 months after being issued. Alternatively, you can obtain on arrival at Cairo airport for $30 USD per person in cash.

• Do I need to have any vaccinations for my trip to Egypt?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel.

  In addition to the UK government’s own travel advice website, we also recommend visiting the NHS Travel Vaccinations website for more information on any required vaccinations.

• What is the time difference between the UK and Egypt?

  GMT +3

• What is the currency in Egypt?

  Egyptian Pound

• What clothing should I take to Egypt?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. Evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm.

  It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions – remember it will be cooler at higher altitudes – and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof, good insect repellent, a high factor sunscreen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

  Bear in mind in some of the countries you will visit, the local people adopt a more conservative standard of dress than we are used to in the UK and we suggest dressing modestly. When visiting sacred places, or active religious sites, it is recommended that arms and legs are fully covered, so consider wearing long trousers, or skirts. Women may also wish to take a shawl to cover their head and shoulders. Taking off your shoes is also a prerequisite before entering many sacred places – and commonplace when entering many buildings.

• What are the entry requirements for Egypt?

  The information provided on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British Citizens only. Any visa information covers visa requirements for the duration of our tour stays in any given country. If you intend to stay longer you should seek additional information before booking.

  Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in any way should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

  It is important to recognise that whilst the information provided is correct at the time we go to print, all requirements may change and all clients must check the up-to-date position in good time before departure with the embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to.

  We also suggest referring to the UK government’s Foreign Travel Advice website for advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.