Tips to Prepare for a Trip to Egypt from the USA
The ancient civilization of Egypt has captivated people across the globe. Egypt is the second-largest economy in Africa and many expats live in the country without any significant issues. Therefore, planning a trip to Egypt can be a good choice for U.S. citizens.
Egyptian culture contrasts with the first-world culture of America. Hence, exploring the land of pyramids would be a fascinating journey. Egypt has always remained a popular tourist destination. The key factor is its storied past which offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore thousands of years of Egyptian culture.
You can explore the iconic pyramids of Giza, the river Nile which is the gift of Egypt, the stunning Red Sea resort, the greatest open museum in Luxor, or Aswan city. We have mentioned some must-visit attractions in Egypt for the citizens of the USA and made a suitable itinerary.
The guide will also help you know about how you can apply for an Egypt online visa, the prerequisites, and the plan for a successful trip to Egypt.
Visa & Entry Requirements
The Egypt visa for US citizens is available. So, obtain a tourist visa to visit Egypt.
There is more than one visa option available for U.S. citizens and these are:
- Egypt eVisa
- Visa on Arrival
- Embassy/Consulate visa
The application process for Egypt eVisa
The citizens of the United States have the option to apply for an Egypt online visa. They need to complete the online application process through a reputed online eVisa portal which has high authority. The process for Egypt eVisa involves creating an account, filling out the application form, and paying the visa fee.
The application process for Visa on Arrival
This type of visa can be obtained at major International airports in Egypt, which include, Cairo International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, and Sharm El Sheikh International Airport. After arriving at any major international airport in Egypt, tourists need to wait in a queue at the visa-on-arrival section and fill out the application form. They need to pay the visa fee in cash.
The application process for an Embassy/Consulate visa
The visitors need to submit a completed visa form, a valid passport, passport-sized photos, and other supporting documents to the Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Apply for an Egypt online visa which is one of the easiest ways to obtain a tourist visa without going through any complicated procedure.
Best Time to Visit Egypt
Americans should consider dodging the intense heat in Egypt. Hence, visiting Egypt between the months of October to April would be a perfect time. During this period the weather remains cooler and drier which makes exploring comfortable.
People who are willing to plan a trip to the Red Sea vacation should visit Egypt between the months of May and September. These are the summer months, though the weather turns hotter but it is a perfect time to experience the Red Sea.
The temperatures remain low between October to April but this is also a peak season where prices may skyrocket for tourists due to high demand. Tourists who are preparing a cost-effective vacation should land in Egypt during the off-season which is from August to early September.
Flights & Transportation
American tourists get a diverse range of airline options to fly to Egypt. There are 42 airlines that fly from the USA to Egypt. The most common route is from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Cairo International Airport in Egypt.
Here are the names of all the main arrival airports in Egypt:
- Cairo International Airport (CAI)
- Luxor International Airport (LXR)
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
- Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
There is a broad range of transportation mediums available for interstate travel after landing in Egypt. You can avail domestic flights, trains, buses, and taxis.
Renting a car gives tourists the freedom to explore at their own pace and reach different locations independently. However, hiring a local guide provides them with deeper cultural insights, assistance navigating language barriers, and insider knowledge.
Packing Essentials for Egypt
You would not pack the same things in your luggage for visiting every country. Thus, we have mentioned the type of clothes and travel accessories you should carry.
Clothing
In Egypt, wear light fabrics like linen, and breathable clothes made of cotton because the country is usually hot and dry, with a hot desert climate. That’s why wearing loose-fitting and lightweight garments made from breathable fabrics would be comfortable.
Dressing modestly is also important in Egypt. Avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothes applicable both for men and women. Last but not least, wear comfortable walking shoes so that you can explore the country as much as you want without causing discomfort to your feet.
Travel accessories
To keep your smartphone and other portable electronic devices like laptops and tablets recharged you should not miss carrying chargers which people often forget in a hurry.
Carrying sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat is a must if you are planning a trip to Egypt, especially during the summer season. Keep yourself protected from the harsh and harmful UV rays of the bright sun in Egypt.
If you have a certain type of medical condition then you must carry your medicines. Remember, you should carry the correct doctor’s prescriptions for your medicines as evidence. You will need to show it during the security check at the airport.
Health & Safety Tips
Discussing health and safety is extremely important. We have provided some tips which you need to follow to stay safe.
Recommended Vaccinations
Tourists traveling to Egypt should be vaccinated depending on their medical conditions. The recommended vaccinations for travelling to Egypt are mentioned below:
- Routine vaccines
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (influenza)
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Shingles
- COVID-19
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Measles
- Polio
- Rabies
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever
Food & Water Safety
In general, tourists must focus on food and drink considerations when travelling abroad to prevent themselves from food poisoning or other stomach issues.
Avoid eating raw foods if you are in a foreign land. Only prefer drinking bottled mineral water, and eating foods that are well-cooked and served hot and fresh. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meat and fish if served at room temperature.
Travel Insurance
It’s important for foreign tourists to get travel insurance. Travel insurance covers risks during travel such as a loss of personal belongings or passport, checked-in baggage, etc. Travel insurance will cover these risks and keep you protected. So safeguard yourself with an additional layer of protection against financial loss.
Currency & Budgeting Tips
Tourists want to ensure they are aware of the local currency and the way to obtain it. In addition, they also want to keep track of the current exchange rates and the venue to change their money to the local currency. You need to have some local currency on hand to avoid any sort of financial inconvenience. Currency exchange offices are a great place to exchange foreign currency for Egyptian Pounds. There are exchange offices throughout Egypt where tourists can take foreign currency in cash and exchange it for Egyptian Pounds.
The estimated range of daily budget for accommodation, food, and tours will vary depending on the preferences and standard of living. That’s why you should spend on the type of accommodation, dining choices, and tour activities depending on your budget.
Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences
Cairo
The place is popular because it is the capital and largest city of Egypt. The city is vibrant and often the cultural capital of the Arab Middle East which has a unique blend of ancient history and modern living. Cairo offers an exciting and dynamic lifestyle.
Pyramid of Giza: The iconic wonder is known for the gigantic triangular stone structures that look unreal. The Great Pyramid is the world’s tallest human-made structure which was built around 2560 B.C.E.
Egyptian Museum: Perfect place to explore the treasure of artefacts from the rich history of Egypt.
Khan El Khalili Bazaar: Tourists go shopping in this vibrant marketplace to buy traditional crafts and spices.
Luxor & Aswan
These two places are enriched with history, culture and stunning landscapes. Luxor is a destination where it transports visitors back to the time of the Pharaohs because the place has several ancient sites. Aswan is nestled along the banks of the river Nile which is a breathtaking setting.
Valley of the Kings: This place is popular because it is considered to be the final resting place for many pharaohs.
Karnak Temple: It is the grand temple complex which was dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.
Nile Cruises: A river which has provided a source of irrigation to transform arid land with no crops into lush agricultural land and supported the entire Egyptian civilization.
Red Sea Resorts
This option is often considered high-end and luxurious by tourists. Red Sea resorts usually have beautiful designs, spacious villas, top-notch services, and amazing views.
Sharm El-Sheikh & Hurghada: Here tourists enjoy snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear waters.
Western Desert Adventures
One of the largest deserts in Egypt stretching over 700,000 square kilometres. The destination has mesmerizing landscapes which include dramatic sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and unique rock formations.
White Desert: It is an otherworldly landscape which is characterized by striking chalk rock formations. The formations are composed of limestone.
Siwa Oasis: The place is popular for its natural springs and historical sites.
Before planning your trip to Egypt you should apply for Egypt online visa.
Prepare Your Adventure to Egypt and Make the Most Of It
First, apply for Egypt online visa, obtain it and then plan your trip. Know the best time to visit Egypt, book flights and other transport mediums according to your convenience. Don’t forget to pack the essentials for your trip and take the required measures to stay healthy and be safe financially. Set a budget and know the venues to exchange currency. You must visit the top destinations in Egypt to enjoy every bit of your trip.
