Do you have questions? We can help

If you’re traveling to Egypt, you may have questions related to this destination. We understand that planning the perfect trip can raise several doubts, which is why we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to guide you. Our answers are designed to make your trip perfect and stress-free. Consult them today to make the most of your journey.

Is it safe to visit Egypt?

Tourism is the main source of income for the Egyptian economy, so the government has taken exceptional measures to ensure the safety of tourists. With Sacred Moon, your safety, whether on water or traveling within the country, is paramount to us, and we are proud to ensure that your vacation in Egypt is peaceful and stress-free. Egyptian cities are generally very safe and frequently patrolled by police and military personnel, especially at airports and in any areas where tourists frequent.

Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?

Yes, to travel to Egypt, you need to have a visa. Most nationalities can purchase it at Cairo International Airport. Its cost is $25 for a single entry or $60 for multiple entries. To be able to purchase it, your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months. Another method of obtaining the visa is through the Egyptian Embassy in your country. Check your embassy’s website for requirements for your country.

Do I need vaccines to travel to Egypt?

Depending on the specific area you plan to visit in Egypt and your travel history, you may need vaccines, as some areas of the country are endemic to yellow fever and other diseases. We recommend consulting your airline for specific requirements for your country of origin with your flight to Cairo.”

What travel documents do I need to enter Egypt?

A valid passport and travel visa are required for most travelers to Egypt. A visa can usually be easily purchased at the airport upon arrival, but you should check your embassy’s website for specific requirements for your country. A single-entry tourist visa for 30 days costs $25 (or its equivalent in euros) or $60 for multiple entries and must be paid in cash (credit or debit cards are not accepted). Another method of obtaining the visa is through the Egyptian Embassy in your country. To be able to purchase it, your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months.

What types of money and credit cards are accepted in Egypt?

In tourist areas, major credit cards, euros, and US dollars are widely accepted. However, it’s good to have some Egyptian pounds for tips, minor purchases, and small shops. There are ATMs in banks in all major tourist areas where you can withdraw Egyptian pounds. Any currency exchange should be done at one of the many officially authorized kiosks at the airport.

What is the best time of year to visit Egypt?

It depends on what you’re looking for; our recommendations may vary. Here are some suggestions:

If your concern is the weather In summer, Egypt is a very hot country that can reach up to 43 °C. During the summer season (April to September), despite traveling with air conditioning, visits to temples or pyramids are not easy. It is highly recommended to always carry a bottle of mineral water to avoid dehydration. If you are sensitive to heat, we recommend visiting Egypt in winter as the trip will be cooler and more pleasant in open places without air conditioning. Winter in Egypt starts at the end of October and ends in February.

If your concern is places and the crowd of tourists If you are sensitive to crowds, it is best to avoid beach areas in summer. In Egypt, the summer season lasts from April to September. However, if you take a traditional trip to discover ancient Egypt, it is a fairly economical and less demanded time, especially on Nile cruises. In winter, historical visits are more crowded, especially Nile cruises, and it is also a destination to enjoy Christmas and New Year’s, so prices are less economical.

Is it safe for me to travel to Egypt alone as a woman? Can I visit the country if I belong to the LGBT+ community?

We consider Egypt one of the safest destinations to travel to; however, being a Muslim country, it is necessary to learn about its activities and customs. Therefore, we always recommend staying alert as in any new country, as well as wearing modest clothing to avoid uncomfortable looks. There are very safe areas for women to travel alone, such as Sharm el Sheikh and Dahab.

For the LGBT+ community, it is not a problem to visit the country as long as public displays of affection are not shown. Egypt is a very conservative country where physical displays of affection are seen as damage to public morals and order and usually carry jail sentences. Only discreet behavior is needed while in public.

What type of clothing do you recommend I wear when visiting Egypt?

Especially for women, in tourist areas like Sharm el Sheikh and Dahab, tourist women can dress as freely as in any European country, but in other areas, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan the atmosphere is much more conservative since Islam is their established religion and approximately 90% of the population is Muslim. The dress code is naturally conservative, and it is recommended that clothing be loose-fitting, long pants, and medium or long-sleeved blouses to avoid sunburn. If skirts are worn, it is advisable that they be long or at least below the knee. In hot weather, we recommend that your clothing be made of cotton so that your skin can breathe. In cold weather, we recommend that travelers bring a coat, sweater, or jacket, as nights can be quite cool.

For men, normal long pants, shirts with sleeves, and T-shirts are fine. Sleeveless blouses and shorts may not be acceptable in most areas, but they are fine in beach and resort areas.

Sturdy, comfortable closed-toe shoes are a good choice to protect your feet from sand, dust, or mud. Sandals are not a good option except in beach areas.

The temperature difference between day and night can be large in most areas, so packing an informal coat or shawl may be a good idea.

Are tips common in Egypt?

Tips for our Egyptian guides and collaborators on our trips are mandatory. The amount stipulated, depending on the size of the group, will be informed in the travel program.

As with most European and North American countries, tips are kindly accepted in Egypt. A 10% tip in restaurants, guides, and drivers is standard.

What currency is used in Egypt? Will my dollars be accepted in the country?

The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian pound. You can exchange your dollars at the airport upon arrival. We recommend that you do this, as it will be a bit difficult to exchange them later during your trip. However, there are tourist places that do accept dollars as payment.

How will ground transfers be for my trip booked with Sacred Moon?

The ground transfers for your trip booked with Sacred Moon will be in air-conditioned vehicles, both individually and in groups, depending on the number of passengers. All transports have air conditioning for greater comfort. In group trips, transportation is included in the budget as long as all participants arrive on the same date and time. In case additional transportation is required, an extra charge of $15 per person per trip will apply.

What type of food do you usually eat in Egypt? If I am a vegetarian or vegan, is it easy to find food?

Egyptian cuisine is rich and varied in both animal protein (beef, chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, and dairy) and plant-based protein based on legumes and cereals. Being a vegetarian poses no problem in Egypt. What may be rare to find is pork because it is a forbidden food in Islam. If you book your tour through a travel agency, it is always easier to indicate your preferences or nutritional needs.

What kind of food do people typically eat in Egypt?

Egyptian cuisine is rich and varied, featuring both animal protein (beef, chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, and dairy) and plant-based protein from legumes and cereals. Being vegetarian poses no difficulty in Egypt. However, it may be rare to find pork as it is prohibited in Islam. If you book your tour through a travel agency, it’s easier to indicate your preferences or nutritional needs.

Are there any special customs I should observe?

Yes, most Egyptian customs differ from Western ones due to cultural and religious differences, as shown below:

• Most women in Egypt behave conservatively with strangers. Out of respect, a man who is not family should not touch or give two kisses to an Egyptian woman.
• Normal contact is quite acceptable, but intimate actions in public, like kissing and caressing, may offend most Muslims.
• Most mosques require visitors to remove their shoes before entering.
• Use your right hand for eating and giving gifts.
• It’s not appropriate to discuss religions with Egyptians from an atheist or similar perspective.
• It’s not suitable to take photos of soldiers, tanks, or any other military property.
• In Egypt, haggling is a common practice in street shops. Sellers set high prices, and buyers negotiate for a better deal. It’s an integral part of the shopping experience, allowing buyers to get fair prices and connect with local sellers.

How can I enjoy Egypt during Ramadan as a tourist?

During Ramadan, the general pace of life in Egypt slows down compared to normal days. Shops, museums, and historical attractions officially close before sunset. Almost all Muslims try to get home or to a restaurant in time for iftar (the meal to break the fast) with family or friends.

Some restaurants and cafes only open after sunset and may stop serving alcoholic beverages. While almost all tourist hotels will be fully operational, including their restaurants and bars serving food and alcoholic beverages as usual, many tourists love to explore this incredible country during this special month.

Houses, mosques, and some streets are specially illuminated by Ramadan lanterns (Fanous Ramadan), creating a magical atmosphere. Some hotels may organize “parties” in the evening with a very friendly atmosphere, and everyone is welcome, even if you are not Muslim.