Egypt Travel Advice: Your Questions Answered | My Late Deals
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9th January 2019 by Dan Cross

Egypt Travel Advice: Answering Your Most Common Questions


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Since the 2011 Arab Spring, Egypt has been in and out of the news on a regular basis. Consequently, Egypt travel advice has been mostly negative. Stories of protests in Cairo and terrorist groups at the border regions has impacted tourism numbers. Sadly, with many potential travellers still unsure about how safe Egypt is, the number of holidaymakers visiting each year remains low.

Yet, Egypt is a very large country and is far safer than people realise. While any tourists should demonstrate preparation and care before travelling, this fascinating and ancient country remains the perfect holiday destination for year-round sun, world-class beach resorts offering amazing deals, and some of the most iconic landscapes in the world.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) reported in 2017 that 319,000 British Nationals visited Egypt with most visits being completely trouble free. The government’s prime Egypt travel advice is that there are terrorist groups operational in Sinai (at the border with Gaza and Israel) and the Western Desert (areas west of Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions). Thus, the FCO advises against travelling to these regions.

Fortunately, the majority of the main tourist regions lie along the Nile, towards the centre of the country and along the west coast of the Red Sea; far away from these other problem areas. Security in the populated areas is greater and the UK and Egyptian governments work closely to ensure internal flights are safe.

Is it safe to visit the Pyramids?

While irregular protests continue in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, the rest of the city is generally deemed safe for tourists and few encounter any trouble. The Pyramids of Giza are at the northern boundary of the city and are easily accessible from the city and, so, should not be missed.

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The Pyramids are easily accessible by road.

Yet, while risk of violence is low in Cairo, the Pyramids are the country’s most popular tourist attraction. So it is normal to expect the surrounding area to be rife with pickpockets or scam artists. Only carry essentials with you, be vigilant of your belongings, and be wary of scams.

(Hint: A popular scam is for tour guides to tell tourists the Pyramids are several miles from the road. They insist you will need to hire a horse, camel or car to reach them. In reality, taxis can drop you off five minutes from the entrance.)

Where should I go in Egypt?

The central regions—between the Nile Valley and Nile Delta to the west and the Red Sea to the east—are deemed safe. Fortunately, this is where you will find the majority of the popular tourist spots. Including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphynx (Cairo), the Valley of the Kings (Luxor), Alexandria, Abu Simbel Temples, the River Nile, and the Red Sea beach resorts.

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Tour the Nile by cruise ship for the best way to travel the country safely and see its main sites.

Do I need a visa to go to Egypt?

Yes, although you can get the visa when you land at the airport. However, our top Egypt travel advice is that it is faster and less hassle to purchase it online at Visa2Egpyt; complete the application at least seven days before travelling. A tourist visa for British citizens costs $25 and lasts for up to three months.

Some travel agents may try to encourage you to let them purchase your visa on your behalf. If they claim you cannot get a visa without the agency sponsoring you, or charge more than $25, say no and purchase it independently.

What injections do I need to visit Egypt?

There is little to no risk of yellow fever in Egypt. However, the Egyptian government require all travellers to present a yellow fever certificate.

Besides yellow fever, there are no other required vaccinations. However, the National Travel Health Network and Centre recommend ensuring your MMR vaccinations are up-to-date. They also advise travellers have the following vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, and Typhoid.

If you are unsure, book an appointment to see your GP at least eight weeks before travelling.

What should I wear in Egypt?

Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country and it is expected that all tourists respect their customs. Women should dress modestly and always cover their legs and upper arms. Likewise, men should never show their chests and it is advisable not to wear shorts which expose the knees.

Egypt travel advice: When should I visit?

As Egypt receives year-round sunshine, it is the perfect destination if you crave winter sunshine. While the summer and autumn months are the busiest for tourists, this is also when the temperature is at its hottest. Consequently, winter is not only the most comfortable time to travel, but it is also when many of the airlines and hotels offer their best deals.

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The Red Sea Coast has some of the best beach resorts and diving spots in the world.

Any holidaymakers seeking Egypt travel advice should be wary of scammers, pickpockets and avoid areas with warnings against travelling. However, the country is largely safe otherwise and a wonderful holiday destination for travellers of all types. Fewer tourists mean there are some great holiday deals available and the popular activities, resorts, and landmarks are more accessible. This means your photos will be better, there are fewer crowds, and queues are much shorter. So, with the winter season now here, there has never been a better time to visit Egypt and its wonders!

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