(Egypt)

Best Time to Travel:

Thanks to its subtropical climate, a visit to Egypt may be enjoyed the whole year round, although the months from October to April are particularly recommended.

Entry Requirements:

British Citizens need a passport which is valid for at least six months. British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally require a visa. However, the Egyptian authorities state that "British nationals travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts only, for up to 14 days, do not require a visa, they shall receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of the mentioned areas or overstay, you must obtain a visa." The visa can be obtained from an Egyptian Consulate outside Egypt or on arrival by payment in Sterling or USD. The visa allows visitors to stay for up to one month. For further information on exactly what will be required please contact the appropriate representation in the UK. A visa does not guarantee entry into Egypt. The decision to allow or decline entry rests solely with the Egyptian immigration authorities.

Security measures for all passengers departing from UK airports
Some liquids are allowed through airport security check points. There are however, restrictions on the quantity of liquids that can be taken through: Passengers may carry small quantities of liquids, but only within separate containers each of which with a capacity not greater than 100 ml. These containers must be brought to the airport contained in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (about the size of a small freezer bag), which itself must not exceed 1 litre in capacity (approximately 20cm x 20cm). The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the bag sealed. Each passenger may carry only one such bag of liquids. The bag must be presented separately for examination at the airport security point. Please note:
Any containers larger than 100ml (excluding essential medicines, see section below) will NOT be allowed through the security search point. Most liquids of any amount may still be carried in hold baggage. One lighter per person may be carried through central search. Lighters form part of the allowance of liquid in the litre bag and can either be placed inside the litre bag or screened separately provided they would fit into the bag. It is very important that passengers do not place the lighter into their cabin bag after screening - it must be carried on the person for the duration of the flight. Lighters are NOT permitted in hold baggage.
'Liquids' includes:
- All drinks, including water, soup, syrups
- Creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara etc.
- Sprays and pressurized containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants
- Pastes, including toothpastes
- Gels, including hair and shower gel
- Any other solutions and items of similar consistency.
Please note that liquids can usually be purchased beyond airport security search points, in the departures area, as these liquids are subject to a separate screening process. Liquid baby food or sterilised water, sufficient for the journey, can be taken through airport security. The accompanying adult will be required to verify by tasting. Liquid dietary foodstuffs which are deemed essential can be taken through airport security and will be subject to verification by the passenger. For information concerning essential medicines and medical equipment, cabin baggage and size allowed, laptops / electrical items and outsize items please visit www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity/requirements.

Global Security Advice
Travellers should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in public places anywhere in the world. Be vigilant, and take sensible precautions.

Specific Advice of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office indicates that there is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, such as hotels and restaurants.
The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza is currently open daily between 09:00 and 19:00 for humanitarian aid providers and those with prior clearance.
You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, and respect any advice or instruction from the local security authorities.
Egypt has introduced strict entry regulations at all crossings from Libya to Egypt following confirmation by Libyan Authorities of an outbreak of bubonic plague in the Al-Tarsha ara, approximately 40km south of Tubruq. Severe delays at these crossings are likely. No cases of bubonic plague have been reported in Egypt.


Please ask the appropriate embassy in time before travelling if there are any current changes of the entry requirements, or inform yourself on the homepage of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office: www.fco.gov.uk. You find the addresses of the embassies down below on this website.

Vaccination requirements:

A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from an endemic zone, except for infants under the age of one year. Air passengers in transit but coming from these countries or areas without a certificate will be detained in the precincts of the airport until they resume their journey. All travelers arriving from Sudan are required to have a vaccination certificate or a location certificate issued by a Sudanese official center stating that they have not been in Sudan south of 15° N within the previous 6 days.

Please inform yourself in time before travelling if there are any current changes of the vaccination requirements, e.g. on the homepage of the Department of Health and Human Services: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Vaccination recommendations:

General: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid fever. Risk groups/regions: Hepatitis B, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies.

Malaria:
Very limited risk in El Faiyûm area only. No risk in tourist areas, including Nile River cruises. Risk is very limited; therefore, prophylaxis is not recommended.

Food and Waterborne Diseases:
Make sure your food and drinking water are safe. Food and waterborne diseases are the primary cause of illness in travellers. Travelers' diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout North Africa and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting (E. coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis).

Advices for healthy behaviour:
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Drink only bottled or boiled water.
Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed.
To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, even on beaches.
Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors.
- Use insect repellents that contain DEET (N, N-diethylmethyltoluamide).
- If no screening or air conditioning is available: use a pyrethroid-containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night-time hours; sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide-treated ones.
Do not eat food purchased from street vendors or food that is not well cooked.
Do not drink beverages with ice.
Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.
Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as schistosomiasis.
Do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague).
Avoid poultry farms, bird markets, and other places where live poultry is raised or kept.

Please inform yourself in time before travelling if there are any current changes of the vaccination recommendations, e.g. on the homepage of the Department of Health and Human Services: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.

Geographical position:

Longitude: 25-36° east
Latitude: 22-32° north

Official language:

Arabic

Currency:

Egyptian Pound

Country code:

0020

Time Difference to Central European Time:

GMT +2h (in summer +3h)

Power supply/voltage:

Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz, an adaptor is recommended.

Embassy address:

Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
2 Lowndes Street
+44 20 72359777
+44 20 72355684
info@egyptianconsulate.co.uk
London SW1X 9ET
www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk