Tourism is the primary source of revenue for the Egyptian economy, therefore the government has taken exceptional steps to ensure safety and security for tourists. With Dragonfly Kite Safaris, your safety—out on the water or traveling within the country—is paramount to us and we take great pride in ensuring your Egyptian vacation is smooth and stress free. Egyptian cities are generally very safe and frequently patrolled by police and military, especially at airports and in any area where tourists frequent (such as the Red Sea resort towns of El Gouna and Hurghada). Egyptians have a well-earned reputation for warmth and kindness, and hold no negative feelings toward foreign visitors. Tourism numbers dipped considerably after the 2011 Revolution, but now, as the political and economic situations have stabilized, tourism numbers have rebounded as visitors have happily and safely returned to Egypt to experience this magnificent country and all of its incredible wonders.
For the vast majority of travelers to Egypt, a valid passport and a travel visa is required. A visa can easily be purchased at the airport when you arrive. The cost for a single-entry, 30-day tourist visa is $25 (or equivalent in Euro), must be paid in cash (no credit or debit cards accepted), and your passport must be valid for at least six months. Citizens of all European countries, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, South Korea, Macedonia, New Zealand, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and United States can obtain a visa upon arrival. (Egypt does allow visa-free access for certain countries such as Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macao, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia.) Visas can also be purchased beforehand through Egypt’s Visa e-Portal: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg. Forty-one different nationalities are eligible to purchase the e-visa, however, it’s far easier to simply buy the visa at the airport.
In tourist areas, all major credit cards, Euros, and US dollars are widely accepted. However, it’s nice to have a few Egyptian Pound notes and coins for tipping, minor purchases, and small shops. There are ATMs at banks throughout all the major tourism areas where you can withdrawal Egyptian Pounds. Any currency exchange should be taken care of at one of the many officially authorized kiosks at the airport.
As with most European and North American countries, tipping is graciously accepted in Egypt. A 10% tip at restaurants and to guides and drivers is standard. Unfortunately, at major tourist sites like the Pyramids of Giza or the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, touts aggressively hustle for tips by allowing you to take photos in areas where it’s clearly posted as prohibited (such as inside the tombs). Please refrain from perpetuating this problem by not paying to take pictures.
Egypt has a voltage supply of 220V and the plugs are the 2-round pin type that are common throughout Europe.
Egypt is a Muslim country and visitors should, as with any foreign country, make an effort to be respectful of the country’s customs and culture. There are many touristic Red Sea areas in Egypt, such as El Gouna and Hurghada, where clothing concerns are not necessary—in these areas you can wear any sort of beach attire you want. At other inland tourist areas, such as Cairo or Luxor, however, relatively conservative attire is recommended as Egyptians generally dress more modestly than in many parts of Europe and North America. Women especially should avoid tight clothing and revealing necklines, and keep their shoulders and knees covered. Men should avoid wearing shorts anywhere outside of Red Sea tourist areas. In general, in order to be respectful of local customs in Egypt, when visiting the sites of Luxor or Cairo, it’s best to wear loose-fitting pants and long-sleeve shirts.
As noted previously, Egypt is a Muslim country, therefore alcohol is not readily available outside of tourist areas and western-style hotels/resorts. Beer and wine is available for purchase on all Dragonfly Kite Safaris.
