Egypt tourist information

Currency

The Egyptian pound is the national currency of Egypt . It is divisible to 100 units of piastres. Money comes in the form of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 pound denominations as well as 50 and 25 piastres notes. Coins are worth 20, 10 and 5 piastres.

Exchanging currencies is made easy. Most hotels will offer this service to their guests but are usually lower in value than local banks. There are also money changers or bureaux de change scattered through out Egypt . Only common international currencies such as the Euro and American dollar are convertible.  

Shopping

Street bazaars are common in Egypt . There is also a scattering of shopping arcades in the more modern districts. Shopping times in Egypt vary depending on the time of year and the observance of Ramadan. During winter, shops are commonly open Mondays and Thursdays at 9 AM to 8 PM and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 9 AM to 7 PM . In the summer time, shop schedules are changed thus; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays at 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM. Shops hours vary during Ramadan and are usually closed on Sundays.

Egypt Visas

To enter Egypt , visas are required from most foreign nationals including American, European, Canadian and Australian citizens. Furthermore, all visitors with the exception of American and European citizens are required to register their presence with the police within one week of arrival in Egypt .

Visa Applications

Foreign nationals wishing to apply for Egyptian visas may do so at the closest Egyptian consulate in their localities. You may also apply for an Egyptian entry visa directly from international ports of entry. Please confer with the local Egyptian consulate to confirm availability of this service for your nationality as well as learn the exact ports of entry where this service is available.

Visa Exceptions

European Union citizens may enter the country without visas if the point of destination is Taba, Sharm El-Sheikh, Newiba or Dahab for a duration of not more than 14 days.

Travelers passing thru may stay in Egypt for a maximum of 24 hours. Tickets to final destination must be produced to get a 24 hour entry stamp.

Cruise passengers with a maximum stay of three days may also enter Egypt without visas.

Validity Period

Standard Egyptian tourist visas are valid for six months starting from the issue date. Tourists may stay up to a maximum of 3 months with a valid tourist visa. Tourists may opt to extend their stay in Egypt by extending the validity of their visas. The extension must be done at an immigration center one week before the original visa expires.