Best time to visit Egypt

Throughout Egypt, days are commonly warm or hot, and nights are cool. Egypt has only two seasons: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. The only differences between the seasons are variations in daytime temperatures and changes in prevailing winds. In the coastal regions, temperatures range between an average minimum of 14° C in winter and an average maximum of 30° C in summer. Temperatures vary widely in the inland desert areas, especially in summer, when they may range from 7° C at night to 43° C during the day. During winter, temperatures in the desert fluctuate less dramatically, but they can be as low as 0° C at night and as high as 18° C during the day. It all depends on the final destination that you wanted to travel.

• If you are going to Luxor or Aswan, December to March is the best time as it is extremely hot otherwise.

• Cairo is usually very hot and humid so probably you’ll enjoy it more from January to March.

• April could be risky if it is the Khamaseen season (dust storms).

• Sharm is usually colder than Cairo or Luxor giving you more date choices most of the year, but not in winter. Best time around May to July and September to November.

• Hurghada is usually windy most of the year making it a great Red Sea beach/water sports destination in the hotter season and September to November

What to Pack

Egypt is a very conservative country and visitors need to respect this. For instance, absolutely no topless or nude sunbathing is permitted. Just use your head. On the practical side, leave your synthetic clothes at home; they will prove to be too hot in summer and not warm enough in winter. You want to bring materials that breathe. Since the Egyptian summer can be blazing hot, it is advisable to wear cotton. In winter, you'll appreciate having layers that can be removed during the heat of the day and put back on for the cooler evenings.

Follow the example of the locals and wear loose and flowing garments. Not only are these appropriately modest, but they are also very practical in the hot climate. And, importantly, protecting your head and neck from loss of moisture helps prevent heat stroke.

• Before you leave for Egypt, go to the beach toy section and find one of those water bottles that come with an attached battery-operated fan.

• Scarves or similar apparel, not only to protect from the sun, but for visiting religious sites where such attire is expected.

• Remember, much of Egypt is desert . . . real desert. Water is scarce. Because staying hydrated is critically important for your comfort. Carry bottled water.

• Sun burn is a major concern. Carry Sunscreen lotion with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

• Good pair of sunglasses with an ultra-high UV rating

• Pair of Shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking, and temple floors are far from even.

• Credit Card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, and Eurocard are accepted)

Health Care / Security / Insurance

Do not drink tap water or use it to brush teeth. Use bottled water instead. Do not drink unbottled beverages and never have ice in drinks. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk should only be reconstituted with pure water. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Precautions against hepatitis E should be considered. Immunization against hepatitis B and tuberculosis is sometimes advised. Dengue fever occurs in epidemics. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in the Nile Delta and the Nile Valley; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Public hospitals are open to tourists. Health insurance is strongly advised.

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas. Those arriving in transit from such areas without a certificate will be detained at the airport until their onward flight departs.

Shopping in Egypt

Egypt is a wonderland of shopping opportunities. The most interesting shopping area for tourists in Cairo is the old bazaar, Khan-el-Khalili, specializing in reproductions of antiquities. Jewelry, spices, copper utensils and Coptic cloth are some of the many special items.

Shopping hours: Winter: Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat 0900-1900, Mon and Thurs 0900-2000. During Ramadan, hours vary, with shops often closing on Sunday. Summer: Tues, Wed, Fri-Sun 0900-1230 and 1600-2000.

Entry Formalities and Egypt Visa:

Non-Egyptian visitors arriving in Egypt are required to be in possession of a valid passport and an Entry visa.  It is, however, possible for most tourists and visitors to obtain an entry visa at any of the Major Ports of Entry. Please check with your nearest Egyptian Consular mission for more details concerning visa regulations applying to your citizenship.

Citizens of the following countries are required a pre-arrival visa:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Lebanon, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, The Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri-Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries.

Visa fees: The Tourist Visa fee is INR3,000.00 which is subject to revise.

"Note: The Tourist Visa is usually valid for a period not exceeding three months and granted on either single or multiple entry basis."

Required Documents for a Egypt Tourist Visa on a Package Tour for Indians

• Egypt Visa Application Form.

• Passport Valid for 6 months excluding onward and return travel

• 4 Passport Size Recent Photographs for each applicant with White background

• 6 Months Bank Statements

• 3 Years IT Returns

• Covering letter addressing to Visa Officer

Important:

• If any change has occurred in this regard an adequate proof of residence needs to be submitted (bank account, telephone/electricity bill etc.)

PLEASE NOTE: In case the above documents are found insufficient, the Embassy/Consulate reserves the right to request any other proof of the applicants’ financial status/sources of revenue (properties/investments etc.).

Further more applicants could be requested to appear for interview: At the time of submission, photocopies of all documents to be returned need to be produced. The originals of the documents produced may be requested for totally at the Embassy’s /Consulate’s discretion.

Time required to issue Egypt Visa: From 4 working days to 2 weeks. It is advisable to allow plenty of time.