Before your trip

Egypt

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS & THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP

EGYPT

(Updated March 2025)

PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP
As you prepare to embark on your upcoming Affordable World journey, please log on to your My Affordable account and click on your trip confirmation ID to review the most up-to-date trip details including hotel information, flight schedules, and ticket number(s).  Please make sure you have all travel documents*, passports, and necessary visas ready before you depart for your trip. 

CHECKING IN AT THE AIRPORT
Be sure to bring your passport and all required travel documents* as you will need to present them when checking in at the airport.  Please be advised that not all airlines assign seats in advance.  Some airlines assign seats at the airport during check-in.  We recommend all travelers arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to the flight departure time.  You will receive boarding passes at the airline counter when you check in for your flight.

UPON ARRIVAL IN EGYPT
Please go through Customs and Immigration on your own.  Our airport assistant will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall. Please look for the Affordable World representative holding an Affordable World sign.  Please wear your Affordable badge for easy identification.

Airport Transfers upon Arrival
Affordable World guides/airport assistants will wait for arriving tour members in the arrivals hall for up to 90 minutes* after the landing time of the tour member's flight before departing from the airport with transportation to the hotel.  If for any reason a tour member does not meet the Affordable World representative within 90 minutes after the landing time of the tour member's flight, the tour member will be responsible for his or her own transportation from the airport to the hotel, along with all associated expenses.

Please call the emergency contact numbers if you have any trouble finding the representative upon arrival at the Cairo airport.

Land Only & Extended Stay Travelers
Land only packages do not include airport transfers.  Please arrange your own airport transfer to the hotel as listed in your travel documents.  Airport transfers are not included for those who have chosen to extend their stay at the end of the tour or depart early.  If you have purchased an airport transfer service from us, please provide all flight information to Affordable World prior to your trip departure date.
 
DAILY ITINERARY
Upon arrival in Cairo, a tour guide or representative will provide you with a detailed day-to-day itinerary with transfer schedules for the city and optional tours as well as any necessary vouchers required for the trip.

Land Only Travelers - an envelope with the above information will be left at the front desk in the Cairo hotel. 
 
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the return date of your trip and have at least a blank page. You will be denied entry into Egypt if there is not enough space for entry and exit stamps in your passport. 
• U.S Passport Holders - Visa on Arrival (VOA): is required for U.S. citizens to visit Egypt. A Visa on Arrival (VOA) is required for your stay up to 30 days. Travelers can apply for a VOA for Tourism purposes after arriving through immigration control at CAI airport (Cairo International Airport). Travelers are responsible for purchasing their own VOA upon arrival and must present the following requirements for a VOA for Tourism at the immigration counter: A passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket from Egypt or a connecting ticket to continue traveling onward to another country and proof of hotel accommodation.  At the time of publication, the VOA costs $25 USD per person for a single entry (applies to both adults and children). Payment can be made upon arrival via card only.  Please note a service fee may apply when paying with a card.
  • Electronic Visa On Arrival (E-VOA):  We recommend all travelers apply for E-VOA to avoid the long line at the airport.  You may apply for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) in advance if you are entering Egypt at Cairo International Airport in Cairo. An account is required to complete the application. Please click here to learn more about the E-VOA and to apply online.
  • Obtaining A Visa Prior To The Trip Via Mail or In Person
    • Requirements & Instructions:
    • Two 2″ x 2″, recent high definition personal passport photos on white background.
    • Passport (valid for at least 6 months) and has an empty Visa page.
    • Round-trip flight booking.
    • Fees: Payments are in Cash or Cashier Check only (payable to the Consulate of Egypt) – Please be advised the Consulate does not accept personal Money Orders or checks – your application will be returned if the payment is neither Cash nor Cashier Check
    • $2 Non-refundable Visa Application Fee (applicable on all visa applications & pre-approvals) Payment must be in the form of cashier check, money orders or cash (coins will not be accepted)

Please visit the Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in New York for more information. Please note that consulates and embassies provide visa services only for certain states, and this varies depending on the consulate or embassy location. Be sure to check the list of states and apply accordingly.

• Non-U.S Passport holders – Please check with your local Egyptian consulate or embassy for Visa requirements for your trip.  
• All travelers must ensure they are eligible to enter Egypt and produce all required entry documentation for this vacation. Requirements and restrictions may depend on different factors including but not limited to: your country of residence, passport nationality, transit points, as well as previous travel history.
• For detailed passport and visa requirements, all travelers are advised to check with the related embassy or consulate.
• Please note that the information provided in this document is based on the time of print/publication and a country’s requirements can change at any time. It is the responsibility of the traveler to check all updates and obtain all necessary documents and tests prior to departure, as well as entry back into the US. Affordable World is not responsible if you are denied entrance for any reason in any country, even if you hold a valid passport and entry visa.

BAGGAGE
Baggage allowance for international flights varies by airline and is subject to change at any time.  For up-to-date baggage allowance restrictions, please check with the appropriate airline for their latest regulations. Additional baggage charges may apply. 
Please keep in mind within Egypt the baggage limitation on all flights varies by airline. Generally, the baggage allowance on domestic flights is limited to 1 checked-in of 50lbs with a combined total dimension of 62 inches and 1 carry-on of 17lbs with a combined total dimension not exceeding 45 inches. Please check directly with the corresponding airline to confirm baggage allowance policies.

Important Luggage Info & Tips

• Baggage is the sole responsibility of the traveler.  We recommend using a TSA approved luggage lock and Affordable World luggage tags (enclosed) showing the name and contact information of the owner. Baggage without a lock may be refused for transport 
• DO NOT pack medicine, valuables, and other personal necessities in checked luggage. Keep these items in your carry-on bag
• Consider packing a change of clothing, a set of undergarments and toiletries in your carry-on bag to avoid inconvenience caused by delays or lost luggage.
• Power bank chargers over 20,000 mAh are restricted  from carry-on and check-in luggage 
• Power bank  mAh capacity must be clearly labeled by the manufacturer on the charger
• Please visit www.tsa.gov for USA carry on restrictions
• Please visit Egypt Air for baggage restriction items 
• No porter service will be provided throughout the tour.  During the tour please always keep an eye on your personal belongings and valuables. Be aware of your surroundings when going out on your own.  

CURRENCY
Egyptian currency is called Egyptian Pound (EGP). As of March 2025, the exchange rate is $1 U.S. dollar to 50 EGP.  We suggest you bring a combination of cash and credit cards for your trip.  Most stores, hotels and restaurants will accept major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard.   However, it is more convenient to use cash especially if you are planning to shop and eat in smaller shops.  Please always keep your currency exchange receipts as you may need to present these when changing EGP back to your own currency at the end of your trip.

TIPPING
An important note on tipping - please note gratuities are not included in your tour cost. They are customary and their purpose is to encourage and reward quality service. Our guides greatly appreciate any tips you would like to give them. Our recommended tip amount is $10 USD per person per night.

HEALTH & MEDICAL MATTERS
Medical and vaccination requirements vary between countries. It is important you check with your family doctor or a qualified medical professional for the most up to date travel health information for the region you are visiting.  Due to the length of the trip, it is strongly advised you consult your doctor for existing medical/dental conditions before departure. It is advised to pack any prescription medicine in your carry-on hand luggage. Please make sure prescription medicine is fully labeled. It may also be useful to bring aspirin, over-the-counter medicine for the flu, indigestion, motion sickness, etc. In case of illness during the trip, please immediately notify your tour guide for assistance. Our Itineraries include city tours and these involve a decent amount of walking. Be prepared for many steps, uneven pavement and walking up steep inclines (especially in temples) – comfortable walking shoes with grip are strongly recommended.

WALKING
Our itineraries include city tours and these involve a decent amount of walking. Be prepared for many steps, uneven pavement and walking up steep inclines (especially in temples) – comfortable walking shoes with grip are strongly recommended.

ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENT
Egypt’s electrical system operates at 220 volts / 50hz so a converter is needed to operate a normal 110-volt American appliances. Egypt uses the Type F plug. The line and neutral plug contacts for Egypt Type F plugs are two round pins with a 4.8 millimeter diameter. It is recommended travelers bring their own voltage converter and adapter. 

TIME DIFFERENCE
The time difference between major cities in North America and Egypt is as below:
Los Angeles + 9 hours
New York + 6 hours

MEALS
Meals are included in Egypt as per itinerary. Tap water is not potable in Egypt.  Bottled water may be purchased from the hotel or convenience store.  We regret to inform you that Affordable World is unable to confirm any special meal requests as it is based on the availability of restaurants, hotels, and airlines.  Please contact the airlines directly to place special meal requests for your flights.

SHOPPING
Although Affordable World’s national guides will be happy to assist you with any shopping requirements, Affordable World does not assume responsibility for any items purchased at shops while on tour. You are never required to purchase any items while on tour and thus must be responsible for your own purchases. Any after sales correspondence must be between the passenger and the shop in question.

OPTIONAL TOURS
Optional tours may be added up to 7 days prior to the departure date. Optional tours may also be purchased while on the tour. All on-site optional tour purchases are up to an additional $10 per person and must be payable in USD cash (credit cards are not accepted for on-site optional tour purchases). Optional tours that have a “pre-book” icon are only available for purchase up to 7 days prior to the departure date and are not available for on-site purchase. Unused services, including optional tours are non-refundable.

CLIMATE & CLOTHING
Cairo - Cairo's climate is basically hot and dry.  Average temperatures range from 14°C/56°F in January to 28°C/80°F in July and August. October to May is the best time to visit as it is the coolest. During the summer months, it can get very hot – into the high 80s and beyond. The coldest it gets is around 8°C/45°For 9°C/48°F at night time during the winter months. In winter daytime highs are mild at around 20°C/68°C, much more pleasant for sightseeing.
Luxor - July is the hottest month in Luxor with an average temperature of 33°C (91°F) and the coldest is January at 14°C (57°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 13 in August. The wettest month is October with an average of 1mm of rain.
Ensa - July is the hottest month in Esna with an average temperature of 34°C (92°F) and the coldest is January at 15°C (59°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 13 in August. The wettest month is October with an average of 17.3mm of rain.
Aswan - July is the hottest month in Aswan with an average temperature of 34°C (93°F) and the coldest is January at 16°C (61°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 13 in July. 

Clothes should be light and loose; natural fibers or blends are best.  Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and light hats are essential. Dress modestly and don’t wear shorts or tank tops when visiting religious buildings. 

LANGUAGE
The official language of Egypt is Arabic, and most Egyptians speak one of several vernacular dialects of that language. As is the case in other Arab countries, the spoken vernacular differs greatly from the literary language. English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.

EGYPT EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
ASHRAF           0020122.317.85.71
MOHAMED      0020122.319.55.16

U.S. Embassy Cairo
Consular Section
5 Tawfik Diab Street
Garden City, Cairo
Egypt
Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300
Fax: +(20) 2-2797-2472
Email: ConsularCairoACS@state.gov 

GOVERNMENT & INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES
We’d like to remind all guests to check their local state travel guidelines regarding travel restrictions when arriving from international destinations or other US States, as this may vary state by state.
US State Department
WHO
U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt 

Our experienced staff of Egypt specialists takes pride in providing you with the very best in service and planning.  Thank you for choosing Affordable World as your partner in travel.  We are confident your trip will be happy and rewarding!

Bon Voyage!