The major airport in Egypt is: Cairo International Airport. There are several additional airports but most American flights are directed towards Cairo.
Egypt Air – There are 2 direct flights to Cairo from the United States. They are both Egypt Air and fly out of NYC and Washington D.C.
From all other parts of the United States: The majority of the airlines listed fly throughout the U.S. If the airport you would use is not listed please contact the Chacana Center and we will work with you to find the airline servicing your city. In addition, we may refer you to a travel agent.
Layovers
Since there are not many direct flights from the US to Cairo, there is a possibility you will have a layover. If the layover is long enough there may be a hotel, rest rooms or pods you can book within the airport. Dubai, Istanbul, London Heathrow and Gatwick, and some American airports have some kind of sleep pod or rest rooms to rent.
Peru Travel Tips: General Information and Additional Tips
*Information taken from the U.S. Department of State unless indicated otherwise.
Passport
Must have six months validity at time of entry.
Additionally need one page for entry stamp.
Tourist Visa
Visas can be bought upon entry or you may order them in advance. The cost is between $27-70 USD. If you pay upon entry you must pay in USD.
There is also a new e-visa process. There are many tourist agencies that will charge you a fee, but using the Government of Egypt’s web site will be the most affordable.
Currency Restrictions for Entry
You may not carry in more than $10,000 USD.
U.S. Embassy InformationCairo: Consular Section 5 Tawfik Diab Street Garden City, Cairo Egypt +(20) 2-2797-3300 ConsularCairoACS@state.gov Embassy web siteAppropriate Dress and Behavior when Visiting Sacred Sites Egypt is a primarily Muslim country with different cultural norms than what we practice in the United States. When visiting sacred sites take the following tips into consideration:
Cover your shoulders, chest, and knees and wear loose fitting clothes.
Many tourist mosques and Coptic churches will provide head scarves for woman but if you prefer you can bring your own. This scarf could also double as a wrap for your shoulders if you choose to wear a sleeveless top while not in a mosque. Shoes are often removed upon entry to a mosque.
Above all else, remember that we are a guest in a different country and it’s important to respect their cultural and religious beliefs.
General Travel Tips
Bring a hat with a wide brim to shield yourself from the sun.
Wear breathable materials to stay cool.
Lighter clothing will reflect the heat.
The desert can get cool in the evening so bring a light jacket or long sleeved shirt if you tend to get cold.
The ground in the desert can get very hot in the sun. If you choose to walk in the desert you may consider wearing closed toe shoes.
Make sure your plug adaptor works in the country your are traveling to and consider buying a power converter for items like electronic toothbrushes, hair dryers and electric razors.
Egyptians will often accept the US dollar but they use the Egyptian pound and it is the primary form of monetary exchange. Many US banks will convert currency for you in advance but you can also convert when you are in the airport or arrive in Egypt. It’s important to be prepared because depending on the town or city we are in there might not be access to an ATM or cash converter.
Bartering is acceptable in many shops.
Tipping is common in Egypt and is called “baksheesh.” Baksheesh is given in smaller amounts but more frequently than American culture.
Historic Artifacts and Removal of Natural Objects
It is illegal to remove antiquities from archaeological sites and other places in Egypt.
Intentional damage to antiquities, such as inscribing, painting, or attaching ads, is illegal.
The trade, sale, or export of antiquities is heavily regulated.
Travelers can be prosecuted for looting, damaging, showing disrespect at cultural or governmental sites, or smuggling antiquities out of Egypt. Buying antiquities is also illegal. Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment.
Medical Care
No vaccinations are required.
If you have American health insurance, emergency international coverage may be built into your plan. Check with your carrier for details.
Carry your medications in the original bottles with the prescription labels attached if needed. Also carry a letter from your doctor as not all medications legal in the US are legal in Egypt.
Americans have been arrested for bringing medical marijuana and CBD items into Egypt, even if they have a prescription. Do not bring these items with you when traveling Egypt.
Women specific: Every country has its own healthcare system. When you travel, bring health items that might be hard to find where you’re going, such as feminine hygiene products or birth control.
Can I drink the water? Check with the US Embassy web site but unless it’s a developed country it’s safest to only drink bottled water and avoid ice.
Laundry Services
Most hotels offer laundry services or can connect you with a business that will pick up your laundry and return it to you.
Laundry services may be available on the Nile River Cruise but its not guaranteed.
Cell Phone Service
Your American cell phone company may offer service in Egypt. Call to check the cost and if there are any additional considerations.
Sim cards allowing you to use your phone internationally are available to purchase in Egypt, most commonly found in airports. To use an Egyptian sim card with your cell phone: call your mobile carrier to ensure your phone is unlocked, if it is locked you will not be able to switch out the sim card; some mobile carriers do not lock cell phones but it’s best to check in advance. When you purchase the new sim card in Egypt either ask the person who sold you the sim to help change the card or watch a YouTube video or read an article or manual in advance describing how to switch the sim yourself. Depending on your phone you may need a paper clip or some other small tool to push a button on the side of your phone.
