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EGYPT VISAS
Visas are required by all visitors to Egypt. Contrary to popular belief, the Embassy of Egypt advises all travellers to procure their visa prior to entry into Egypt. It is possible for nationals of some countries to procure their tourist visa upon arrival at Cairo International Airport but please note that in the event of visa refusal at port of entry, GOBUS cannot be held responsible.
Upon confirmation of your holiday GOBUS will supply you with application forms for an Egyptian tourist visa. In London we provide a visa service to take the inconvenience out of having to queue at the Embassy. Please call us for information regarding Egyptian tourist visas for all nationalities.
Special note: FOR RSA PASSPORT HOLDERS - an Egyptian visa must be procured before departure. The visa is free but you cannot obtain your visa on arrival and may be refused boarding if you do not have a visa.
To download the visa form, please go to http://www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk/visa.pdf
Click here for instructions on how to complete your visa form. |
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voltage
220 Volts. Sockets are of the European, 2 pronged variety. If taking a camera, mobile phone or hairdryer, be sure to pack a power adapter. |
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health advice
Please visit your local GP or health clinic for professional up to date advice on what vaccinations you need, but generally if visiting Egypt it is recommended that you be vaccinated for Tetanus and Polio, if you haven't had a booster in the last ten years. Food and waterborne diseases are more common, so we recommend vaccinations for Typhoid (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A (validity varies). Lastly, there have been several cases of Meningitis in Egypt so it's wise to get yourself vaccinated against that too. Remember, a healthy traveller is a happy traveller so check with the professionals and be sure you're covered against the unexpected! |
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climate
In summer, temperatures in Egypt are generally high, particularly during the summer months from May to September, when the sun can be fierce and temperatures are at industrial levels, so take sunscreen and make sure you drink plenty of water!
Winter in Cairo and the Nile Delta region (October to February) can be cooler - so take a jacket, long-sleeved tops and pants for the cooler evenings. The south remains warm during this time but again, temperatures do drop in the evenings. Always pack a sleeping bag for the felucca - this does not need to be a 4-seasons job, just a standard sleeping bag with do the trick, you can always layer up with t-shirts and a fleece if it is chilly! |
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time
Egypt is 2 Hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. From April to September, Egypt is 3 hours ahead of British Summer Time. |
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money
EGYPT - GBP£1 = £10.56LE USD1 = £5.35LE AUD$1 = £5.12LE
(Subject to fluctuation)
Exchange facilities are available at various bureau de changes and banks in major towns and most towns have ATMs. If visiting Dahab, have a supply of cash on you as ATMs are more scarce. |
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food glorious food
Egyptian cuisine is not unlike the cuisine of Turkey, Syria and other Middle Eastern countries.The basic staple centres on pulses - fuul medames (fava beans) and ta'amiyya (chickpea patties). These tend to be the centrepiece of a meal that will normally include salads, seasoned vegetables and meats. Houmous and other yoghurt based dips, coupled with fresh pitta, schwarma (similar to a Turkish doner kebab), kofta (a skewered spiced meat dish) and fiteer (a kind of pizza) are other popular dishes. The lunchtime bargain has to be kushari, though. A curious mix of noodles, rice, lentils, fried onion and spicy sauce. It's very tasty and exceedingly cheap at less than a cool 50p a bowl! Exotic juices freshly squeezed from the fruits of mango, guava and other seasonal varieties are also widely available along with your regular tea and coffee. Vegetarians will have no problems in Egypt as there is always plenty of fresh fruit and boiled eggs, pittas & fig jam available for brekkie, dips & bread are served in abundance and stunning veg dishes with rice or pulses for mains and oodles of impossibly sweet desserts available for afters! It might not be 'food-heaven' as you know it but hey, when in Rome..... |
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shopping
Egypt is a virtual Aladdin’s Cave. Khan al-Khalili bazaar in Cairo is cavernous and full of unusual and everyday objects. Souks and bazaars abound in other towns, too. Top buys include - perfume concentrate, carpets and rugs in innumerable hand-loomed designs, backgammon boards, hand-crafted sheesha pipes, Pharaonic objects fashioned in marble and alabaster, Egyptian cotton sheets, clothing and of course - authentic papyrus. If you're a fan of retail therapy then Egypt certainly won't disappoint, just remember to haggle! | |
Experience wonderful Turkey without breaking the bank! Visit stunning Istanbul, Gallipoli, Roman ruins, the gorgeous Aegean coast, hot springs of Pammukale and magical Cappadocia.
It's almost that time of year again. Not that an excuse to raise a stein of fine German beer is ever needed but here's one anyway. Oktoberfest only comes once a year and its almost upon us so get in fast.
This short tour of Egypt takes in all the best sites in 9 intoxicating days. Visit the Pyramids, sail down the Nile, check out amazing Abu Simbel and explore the Valley of the Kings!
