Egypt
Capital:
Cairo
Official Language: Arabic
Religions:
94% Muslim and 6% Other
Currency:
Pound = 100 piastres
Placements:
Lodge by the Red
Sea
Map
Background
In the fifth century BC Herodotus wrote of Egypt that 'nowhere are there so
many marvellous things...nor in the world besides are to be seen so many things
of unspeakable greatness' - and not too much has changed. The Sphinx, the Nile,
ancient Luxor, the pyramids - Egypt's scope is glorious.
It's not just the Pharaonic monuments that have drawn travellers to this
country since long before the birth of Christ - it's the legacy of the Greeks,
Romans and early Christians, and the profusion of art and architecture
accumulated from centuries of successive Islamic dynasties.
Special Events
The Islamic (or Hejira) calendar is a full 11 days shorter than the Gregorian
(Western) calendar, so public holidays and festivals fall 11 days earlier each
year. Ras as-Sana is the celebration of the new Islamic year, and
Moulid an-Nabi celebrates the Prophet Mohammed's birthday around May.
These celebrations include parades in the city streets, with lights, feasts,
drummers and special sweets. Ramadan is celebrated during the ninth month
of the Islamic calendar. It was during this month that the Quran was revealed to
Mohammed, and out of deference the faithful take neither food nor water until
after sunset each day. At the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) the fasting
breaks with much celebration and gaiety.
Eid al-Adha is the time of the pilgrimage to Mecca, and each Muslim is
expected to make the pilgrimage (haj) at least once in a lifetime.
Streets are decorated with coloured lights and children play in their best
clothes. The ritual of Mahmal is performed in each village as passing pilgrims
are given carpets and shrouds to take on their journey.
Climate
Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year. During the winter months -
December, January and February - average daily temperatures stay up around 20°C
(68°F) on the Mediterranean coast and a pleasant 26°C (80°F) in Aswan. Maximum
temperatures get to 31°C (88°F) and 50°C (122°F) respectively. Winter nights
only get down to 8°C (45°F), a very Egyptian version of chilly. Alexandria
receives the most rain, with 19cm (7.5in) each year, while Aswan is almost
bone-dry with just 2mm annually. Between March and April the khamsin
blows in from the Western Desert at up to 150kmph (93mph).
Travel Info
There is a variety of good options for getting to Egypt, with good
connections between Cairo and many European cities. Bargain holiday packages
including hotel vouchers can work out cheaper than booking a flight
independently, and you can just chuck the vouchers away if resorts aren't your
style. Flights from elsewhere can be expensive and it's worth looking at making
your way to Egypt via Europe, as this is often a cheaper option than flying
direct.
Egypt's national air carrier is EgyptAir, and Air Sinai also has good
connections in Egypt. Most travellers come into Egypt through Cairo, although
people are increasingly disembarking at Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada
(Al-Ghardaka) and Sharm el-Sheikh. These airports are serviced by a number of
smaller carriers and charter companies with direct connections to Europe.
Visas
All visitors to Egypt, except nationals of Malta, South Africa and Zimbabwe
are required to have a visa and a passport (which must be valid at least one
week beyond period of intended stay). Visas can be arranged through Egyptian
embassies worldwide. Visitors from the US, Canada, EU and Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC) countries may be able to purchase a visa stamp upon arrival at
many large airports if the visit is for tourist purposes. One-month visitor's
visas can be extended.
Military permits issued by either the Ministry of Interior or Border Police
are needed to travel in the Eastern Desert south of Shams Allam (50km south of
Marsa Allam), on or around Lake Nasser, off-road in the Western Desert and on
the road between the oases of Bahariyya and Siwa. These can be obtained through
a safari company or travel agency at least a fortnight in advance of the
trip.
Safety
Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt.
The Egyptian security services have tightened security throughout Egypt.
Egyptian police may insist on escorting travellers in some areas.
There
were three roadside explosions in northern Sinai in August 2005. These damaged
two police vehicles and one Multinational Force and Observers’ vehicle, killing
two policemen and injuring seven others. Egyptian security forces have been
carrying out counter-terrorist operations in some areas of Sinai.
On 23
July 2005, three bombs exploded in Sharm al-Sheikh in the Sinai Peninsula.
According to the Egyptian authorities 63 people were killed and 124 injured. 11
British nationals were killed.
There were two terrorist attacks in Cairo
on 30 April 2005. The three perpetrators were killed and seven people injured,
including four foreign nationals. On 7 April 2005, there was a terrorist attack
in central Cairo near the Khan El Khalili bazaar, which is frequented by
tourists. Three tourists and the perpetrator were killed and 19 people were
injured. The Egyptian authorities believe that the perpetrators of the three
Cairo incidents are linked.
On 7 October 2004, three terrorist attacks in
resorts and hotels in Taba and near Nuweiba in the Sinai peninsula killed 34
(including tourists) and injured 159. Prior to these attacks the last terrorist
attacks in Egypt were in 1997.
You should be aware of the global
risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian
targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Crime
The crime rate in Egypt is low but you should take
sensible precautions. Take care of your passport and valuables. Use hotel safes
and be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers. If you are travelling alone or in
small groups, you are advised to take extra caution, as there have been reports
of harassment, the majority targeting women, especially on the streets of busy
cities or at the beach resorts. If you are the victim of any crime you must
report it to the Tourist Police immediately. Failure to report crimes before you
leave Egypt will make it impossible to seek a prosecution at a later
date.
There have been attacks by armed pirates against ships in the
southern Red Sea. Travellers in small boats should move in convoy and obtain
detailed advice from Maritime Agencies before travelling through the
area.
Political Situation
Opposition in Egypt to Western
and British policy in the Middle East is widespread. The conflict in Iraq
triggered demonstrations across the country and the conflict between Israel and
the Palestinians continues to provoke public anger and
demonstrations.
You should follow news reports and be alert to
developments in the Middle East that might trigger public disturbance. Any
increase in regional tension might affect travel advice. You should avoid
political gatherings and demonstrations, and respect any advice or instruction
from the local security authorities.
Local Travel
There
remains a small risk from unexploded mines in certain desert areas in the north
west of Egypt near to Alamein, and on some limited stretches of the
Mediterranean coast near MarsaMatrouh and on the Red Sea coast south of Suez.
Danger areas are usually well marked with signs and barbed wire fencing.
Visitors should exercise caution and follow local advice.
Road
Safety
Local driving conditions and poor vehicle maintenance make
road travel outside the main cities hazardous. Avoid driving on country roads at
night and observe the local speed limit. Make sure you obtain third party
insurance. In the event of an accident emergency medical facilities are
limited.
There have been two serious bus crashes since 1 January 2006, in
which 46 people were killed.
By law, seatbelts must be worn when
travelling in the front of a vehicle. Where available, seatbelts should be worn
at all times. Child car seats are available locally.
Foreign residents
must apply for an Egyptian driving licence. Visitors need an international
driving licence.
Only certain categories of foreign residents may import
vehicles. Vehicles of visitors should be temporarily imported with a valid
“carnet de passage” available from the Automobile Association.
Pavement
and pedestrian crossings are not always present and drivers do not give right of
way to pedestrians.
If travelling off road, a qualified guide should be
employed.
River and Sea Safety
There have been a number of
accidents involving Nile cruisers during the last couple of years. An Egyptian
ferry sank in the Red Sea between Duba, Saudi Arabia and Safaga, Egypt in
February 2006.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Egypt is a conservative society. You should dress modestly and especially
when visiting traditional areas like mosques and souqs (markets). Women's
clothes should cover their legs and upper arms. Public displays of affection are
frowned upon.
You should be aware that during Ramadan (which in 2006
falls between end September and end October) eating, drinking or smoking between
sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims (though not for children under the
age of eight). Although alcohol will be available in some hotels and
restaurants, drinking alcohol elsewhere may cause offence. As a courtesy you may
wish to avoid drinking, eating and smoking in public places during
Ramadan.
Possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs is a serious
offence and can, even for possession of small amounts, lead to long prison
sentences (25 years) or the death penalty.
Photography of or near
military official installations is strictly prohibited. Don’t photograph
officials without their consent.
Egypt is an Islamic country. The
government does not interfere with the practice of Christianity, but conversion
to the Christian faith is frowned upon and encouraging conversion is
illegal.
Although homosexuality is not in itself illegal under Egyptian
law, homosexual acts in public are illegal and practising homosexuals have been
convicted for breaching laws on public decency.
Women are advised to take
extra caution when travelling alone as there have been isolated incidents of
harassment.
It is becoming more common in Egypt for hotels and medical
facilities to seek payment in hard currency.
Health
You are strongly recommended to obtain comprehensive travel and medical
insurance before travelling. Make sure it covers the cost of local
hospitalisation and medical repatriation to your country of residence. Medical
facilities outside Cairo can be basic and in case of emergency you are advised
to seek treatment in Cairo. You should check any exclusions, and that your
policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Come prepared for the heat. Use a high factor sun block and drink plenty of
water to guard against exposure and dehydration, which can result in serious
health problems.
Contact your GP for medical advice about current inoculation requirements,
including Hepatitis A. Contact your insurer if you have had a previous health
condition, including mental illness, which may not be covered if it
recurs.
In general tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is cheap and
readily available.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus,
Poliomyelitis,
Hepatitis A,
Typhoid,
Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Tuberculosis,
Hepatitis B,
Rabies
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
