Introduction

Hello!

I'm so excited to have you joining us for this incredible journey! Our upcoming adventure through Egypt is going to be unforgettable - packed with ancient wonders, bustling cities, peaceful desert landscapes, and vibrant culture, food, and history. And of course, you'll be sharing it all with an amazing group of fellow adventurers.

This Pre-Departure Pack has everything you need to feel prepared - from flights and visas to packing tips, safety info, and local customs.

If you have any questions, I'm just a message away.

Let the countdown begin!
Tia

Flights

We will start the trip in Cairo. Please book your flights into Cairo International Airport (CAI) or Sphinx International Airport (SPX). If you arrive through means other than a flight, please let us know so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Please aim to arrive by 15:00 (3PM) on Day 1.

We will end the trip in Luxor. From here you can fly out of Luxor International Airport (LXR). If you wish to fly in and out of the same airport, from Luxor we can help you arrange transport back to Cairo (bus, train, or domestic flight). Any transport out of Cairo should be booked for the following day, to allow time to travel back to Cairo. If you plan to travel onwards in Egypt (Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm El Sheikh, etc.), we can assist with arrangements.

The trip will end by 12:00 (Noon) so flying or onward travel should be booked from any time after this.

Travel Insurance

You must have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, personal belongings and trip cancellations/delays. You will need to provide proof of insurance as part of the Final Details form.

For our UK and European guests, we recommend True Traveller, as they are very helpful and pay out quickly when needed.

For guests outside of the UK and Europe, we have heard good things about Safety Wing.

Visa Process

Check Visa Eligibility

Travellers from over 70 countries (including the UK, EU nations, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) are eligible to apply for an Egyptian e-Visa online.

If your nationality is not on the eligible list, you will need to arrange a tourist visa through your nearest Egyptian consulate or embassy in advance.

Gather Required Documents

Before starting your application, ensure you have the following ready:

  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Egypt, with at least one blank page.
  • Passport bio-data page scan: A clear, colour digital photo or scan of your passport details page (JPG or PNG format, under 2 MB). Ensure all text is legible with no glare or cropped edges.
  • Travel dates: Flight arrival and departure details.
  • Accommodation details: Our starting hotel information (detailed below).
  • Payment card: Credit or debit card to pay the government fee.

Apply Online (e-Visa)

To complete your online application:

  1. Visit the official Egypt e-Visa Portal. (Please only use this official government link; avoid third-party agency sites that charge inflated service fees).
  2. Click Sign Up to create an account, then verify your registration via the confirmation link sent to your email.
  3. Log in to the portal and select Apply Now.

Application Information

  • Application Type: Single (or Group if you are applying together with a partner or family member)
  • Visa Type: Tourism
  • Visa Entry Type: Single Entry (valid for 90 days from issue, permitting a stay of up to 30 days)
  • Travelling From: The country you are flying from or permanently reside in
  • Expected Arrival Date: The date your flight lands in Cairo
  • Expected Departure Date: The date your return flight departs

Personal & Passport Information

  • Full Name: Enter your first, middle, and last names exactly as they appear on your passport.
  • Gender, Date of Birth, and Place of Birth: Enter matching your passport details.
  • Nationality: Enter your relevant nationality details.
  • Profession / Occupation: Enter your current job title.
  • Marital Status: Enter your marital status.
  • Passport Type: Ordinary
  • Passport Details: Enter your passport number, issue date, and expiry date. Double-check this carefully, as any typos will cause issues at immigration.
  • Have you visited Egypt before?: Select Yes or No (provide approximate dates if applicable).
  • Have you been deported from Egypt or any other country?: Select Yes or No.
  • Contact Details: Enter your phone number, email address, and home address.
  • Upload Passport Scan: Upload the image or scan of your passport bio-data page.

Host Information

  • Host Type: We will confirm this with you via email.
  • Host Name: We will confirm our starting hotel details with you via email.
  • Host Address: We will confirm these details with you via email.
  • Host Contact Number: We will confirm these details with you via email.
  • Host Email: We will confirm these details with you via email.
  • Who is paying for travel/stay: Self

Review & Payment

  • Review: Check that all names and passport numbers match your physical document precisely.
  • Payment: Pay the visa fee online with your debit or credit card.

Wait for Approval

  • Processing time: e-Visa applications generally take 3 to 7 working days to process. We recommend submitting your application 10 to 14 days before your departure date to allow buffer for any delays.
  • Print your visa: Once approved, download the e-Visa PDF from the portal or approval email. You must print a physical paper copy to carry with you. Egyptian border control officers require a physical printout upon arrival alongside your passport.

Visa on Arrival (Alternative Option)

Eligible travellers can also obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport by purchasing a visa stamp at the airport bank counters before passport control for $36 USD cash.

However, we strongly recommend securing the e-Visa online in advance to avoid bank queues, cash currency requirements, and any avoidable hold-ups before meeting your airport transfer.

Embassy/Consulate Visa (if applicable)

If you hold a passport from a country not eligible for the e-Visa or visa on arrival, please contact your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate well in advance of departure to arrange a tourist visa.

Money

Currencies used:

  • Egyptian Pound (EGP)
  • US Dollar (USD)
  • Some places may accept British Pounds (GBP) or Euro (EUR), but EGP and USD are best.

Cash vs Card: Cards work well in most cities and tourist areas. Small shops, markets, or rural cafes may only accept cash.

ATMs: Widely available, but they don't always accept foreign cards. We recommend bringing some EGP or USD from home if possible.

Tipping: Tipping is common in Egypt and generally expected. You may be asked for tips frequently; tipping is discretionary and you should not feel pressured.

Food & Water

Expect rich, flavourful Egyptian cuisine - grilled meats, falafel, koshari, lentil soups, fresh salads, and a variety of flatbreads and dips.

Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in cities. We'll help accommodate dietary needs.

Tap water in Egypt is generally not safe to drink. We'll provide bottled or filtered water throughout the trip - bring a refillable bottle for convenience.

Connectivity

SIM cards are cheap and easy to buy at the airport or in major cities like Cairo. We recommend getting one on arrival if you want mobile data.

You can also use a regional or Egypt-specific eSIM. We personally use Nomad - use code TEETRAVELS for a discount on your first purchase.

Wi‑Fi is widely available in hotels and many cafes, though speeds vary. In remote or desert areas, connection can be limited.

Packing List

Clothing

  • Lightweight, breathable tops
  • Long-sleeve shirts (sun protection / cooler evenings)
  • Light jumper or fleece
  • Warm jacket for cooler evenings or early starts
  • Loose-fitting trousers or long skirts (modesty & comfort)
  • Casual shorts (knee length)
  • Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
  • Sandals or flip-flops
  • Hat or cap (sun protection)
  • Sleepwear
  • Swimwear (for Siwa)
  • Comfortable clothing for downtime
  • Outfits for evenings out

Gear

  • Small daypack for daily outings
  • Large bag or suitcase for main luggage
  • Water bottle (at least 2L - filtered/bottled provided)
  • Eye mask (for overnight transport)
  • Ear plugs (for overnight transport)

Electronics

  • Phone + charger
  • Power adapter (Plug type C or F - standard EU)
  • Power bank
  • Headphones

Documents

  • Passport (6+ months validity)
  • Travel insurance policy
  • Flight details
  • Visa (if needed - most nationalities can get an e-visa)

Health

  • Painkillers
  • Motion sickness tablets (for bus or boat rides)
  • Sunscreen
  • Plasters + antiseptic wipes
  • Any prescription medication

Pre-Trip Checklist

  • Fill in the Final Details Form once you have inbound/outbound transport, travel insurance and visas. We will send this to you via email and WhatsApp.
  • Ensure you have everything from the packing list.

During the Trip

Each night we'll share the next day's plans - what to bring, meeting times, and any other details.

Questions? Contact Us Anytime