Travel information

Entry

BY AIR: There are direct scheduled flights from all European capitals to Cairo, and cheaper chartered flights to Luxor, Sharm-el Sheikh and Hurghada. Egypt Air flights arrive at Cairo's Terminal 1 of the old airport.

BY SEA: Adriatic Lines runs regular ferries from Venice, and Piraeus in Greece to Alexandria, while cheaper but erratic ferries operate from Istanbul to Alexandria via Piraeus. There are daily ferries between Aqaba in Jordan and Sinai.

Immigration

Egyptian consulates abroad and the immigration authorities at the port of entry will issue visas to visitors. A transit visa is sufficient for a stay of less than 7 days. Passports should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Visitors are advised to carry their passports at all times.

Customs

There are no restrictions onforeign currency. Items like jewellery and video cameras have to be declared on entry. Visitors are requested to confirm return flights on arrival. There is no departure tax. Every foreigner must register with the authorities within seven days of arrival.

Currency

The Egyptian pound is divided into 100 piastres. Exchange rates are available at any bank or exchange office. There are notes of 25 and 50 piastres, and of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 100 pounds. Travellers cheques are accepted by banks and hotels.

Climate

Egypt enjoys a mild climate. However, temperatures increase as you travel due south. Cairo can be chilly between December and February, and very hot between June and September. But the heat in Egypt is made bearable by the northerly breeze that leads to a drop in temperature at night. Peak temperatures in Upper Egypt occur between May and October, and are accompanied by extremely low humidity.

Dress

The best way to deal with Egypt's summers is to dress light. Cotton garments are ideal. Woollens are advisable for the winters. Egypt does tend to get chilly in the evenings, so a light sweater may be needed. But for all seasons, light walking shoes and a hat are absolute necessities. Avoid scanty dresses, as the norm is conservative attire.

Language

Arabic is the language of Egypt. However, tourists will rarely face a communication problem, as Egyptians speak a number of languages, including English, French, German and Italian.