Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and some of the world’s most famous monuments, including the Giza Pyramid and the Great Sphinx; the southern city of Luxor contains a particularly large number of ancient artifacts such as the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
Egypt is the oldest tourist destination on Earth, beginning with the Ancient Greeks to the modern day visitor. A wealth of awe-inspiring monuments attract thousands of visitors every year but these are just part of this country’s fascination.
Combining the great monuments, the hospitality of the Egyptian people and the natural beauty of the country all make for a holiday to remember.
Are you fascinated by pyramids and ancient civilisations? Do you dream of sun-drenched beaches or superb diving?
A full 10 year passport is required for everyone entering Egypt and be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
All visitors to Egypt need a tourist visa. How you obtain yours depends on the airport you arrive into.
The Egyptian authorities have launched a new QR code visa system at Cairo International Airport. If you reach Luxor or Hurghada via a connection in Cairo, you will go through passport control in Cairo, so this guidance applies to you. There are two ways to get your visa.
Go to the official Egyptian Visa on Arrival website, visaonarrival.gov.eg, or use the official Visa on Arrival Egypt app for iPhone or Android.
Prefer to see it first? Watch the official one minute video of how the new QR code visa works.
The same US$36 fee, paid by card, and it takes just a few moments in the arrivals hall. If you are beginning your holiday in Cairo, our representative will meet you and help should you need it. If you are connecting straight onto another flight, our representative is unable to meet you in transit, so if your connection time is tight we strongly recommend option 1.
The QR code system has not yet rolled out to these airports, so on arrival two options remain available:
On arrival (except for transit connections), you will be met by a Classic Holidays representative who has security clearance to be on the airside of passport control in the immigration hall. We will update this page if the new system is extended to further airports. For the full picture, including eligibility and common questions, see our Egypt Visa Guide.
No compulsory vaccinations are required by UK residents at present. You should however, take advice from your doctor as to which, if any, may be advisable. Protection against Hepatitis, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio are recommended.
It is advisable to pack a small first aid kit containing remedies for short term stomach problems, dehydration and small cuts. Use of a repellent cream or spray is usually sufficient to keep mosquitos at bay. Try to avoid ice in drinks and use common sense when deciding what and where to eat and drink.
The local currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE) with an approximate currency exchange of 35.00 Egyptian Pounds to Pound Sterling. Credit Cards are accepted on board the cruisers for bar bills for individual drinks settled at the end of your cruise. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, local shops and restaurants. The exchange rate is applicable at time of publishing. Many street traders and shops will accept English pounds, Euros and Dollars for your purchases.
The voltage in Egypt is 220v. Therefore, a two pin plug is required. We recommend that a travel plug adaptor be taken as part of your holiday requirements.
You will find that bartering is the order of the day and expected when visiting the local bazaar or souq. There you will find crafts, antiques, jewellery, spices, clothing, and leather goods, all memories of your stay in Egypt.
We will endeavour to meet special requirements but no guarantee can be given.
Classic Holidays when selling travel arrangements is a trading name of Co-op Travel Services Ltd. Classic Holidays is an Accredited Body Member of Co-operative Travel Consortium. (ABTA P7508, ATOL 12904).
Your Financial Protection: Book with Confidence. Classic Holidays is a Member of ABTA. ABTA and ABTA Members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist when things don’t go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct.
All of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme but ATOL protection does not apply to non-flight holiday and travel services offered on this website. Classic Holidays will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each holiday and travel service offered before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk