Egypt
The Facts
Population: 70.5 million
Capital: Cairo
Currency: Egyptian pound (1 Egyptian Pound = 100 piasters)
Language(s): Arabic (official), English and French widely understood
Approx. flight time: Around 5 hours flight time from London
Time Difference: GMT +2 hours
International dialling code: +20
Paperwork: British visitors need a visa. (Kuoni offers a visa service to help you obtain this and details will be sent to you with your confirmation invoice). Passports should be valid for at least six months. However, many Immigration officials will admit visitors providing the passport is valid for the duration of the intended stay.
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 and will be supplied free of charge during your activity days.
Cultural Awareness: 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.
