EGYPT
TIME ZONE
GMT+2
GENERAL
Famed for its pyramids and spectacular past – Egypt is on the bucket list of almost any traveller. Filled with ancient wonders and thousands of years of history, visiting Egypt feels like visiting another time. But anyone that’s been to the country will tell you, the pyramids are just the start. It’s a place filled with rich textures, welcoming locals and an incredible landscape. 100 foot high sand dunes, the river Nile and a stunning coast line – there’s something for everyone.
GEOGRAPHY
Due to the extreme heat and dryness of Egypt's climate, the population is solely concentrated along the narrow Nile Valley and Delta, meaning that about 99% of the population uses only 5.5% of the total land area. Apart from the Nile Valley, the majority of Egypt's landscape is desert, with a few oases scattered about. Winds create prolific sand dunes that peak at more than 100 feet (30 m) high. Egypt includes parts of the Sahara desert and of the Libyan Desert. These deserts protected the Kingdom of the Pharaohs from western threats and were referred to as the "red land" in ancient Egypt. The largest cities in Egypt include Cairo (the capital), Alexandria, Giza and Shubra El Kheima.
LANGUAGE
The official language is Arabic.
CURRENCY
Egyptian Pound is the currency (abbreviation E£). Cash can easily be exchanged in hotels, authorised banks and travel agencies. International credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. The exchange rate varies and must be checked at the hotel front-desk.
WEATHER
Weather in Egypt in March is sunny with little chance of rain. Days average 30 degrees along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor with a cooler 23 degrees in Cairo.
HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS:
We strongly encourage you to discuss any required vaccinations for your travel with
your GP.
Water-borne, food-borne, insect-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, filariasis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time-to-time.
- Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water.
- Avoid ice cubes.
- Avoid uncooked and under-cooked food.
- Don't swim in fresh water, including the River Nile, to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis).
- Avoid contact with dogs and cats and seek urgent medical attention if bitten.
Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning, have a fever or suffer from diarrohea.
Mosquito-borne illnesses
In 2017, there were a number of cases of dengue fever reported in Aswan and Hurghada. There is a risk of malaria in El Faiyum governorate from June through to October. Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses:
- Ensure your accommodation is mosquito proof
- Take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent and wearing long, loose-Fitting, light-coloured clothing
- Take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary.
Vaccines or boosters usually advised: Tetanus.
Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Typhoid.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
There is no reciprocal health agreement with the Egypt. Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory and a copy of your policy must be provided to CWT M&E.
CWT M&E are offering all AHA Study tour attendees 20% off travel insurance. Please email AHA@cwt-me.com or call 1300781 011 for a quote.
Medical facilities outside Cairo and other major cities and resorts can be basic and in case of emergency you are advised to seek treatment in Cairo or the nearest town/city. In an emergency dial 123 and ask for an ambulance.
FOOD AND DRINK:
Boil all drinking water or drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes. Avoid uncooked and undercooked food.
VISAS:
1. Please note that Australians and most European citizens are entitled to obtain an entry visa to Egypt on arrival. We have organised for this process to be easy on arrival and the fees have been included in the package price.
2. Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. We will keep you notified of any changes.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS:There’s a limit of 5,000 Egyptian pounds that you are allowed to bring in or take out of Egypt. There is no limit to the amount of hard currency that you may bring in, but sums that exceed USD 10,000 should be declared on arrival. Certain valuables like electrical equipment, video cameras etc must be declared on arrival. Satellite phones and radio communications equipment brought into Egypt without prior clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications are likely to be confiscated. Electrical items noted in passports on entry to Egypt must be produced on exit from the country. Failure to do so will result in payment of high rates of customs duty.