The Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea
Sinai is about contrasts. This is a desert interior full of history: here Moses received the Ten Commandments en route to the Promised Land; the Pharaohs found gold and searched for their gods; and the Bedouins still camp beside ruins of Crusader Forts. Christianity, Judaism and Islam all consider Sinai a holy land and over the years prophets, saints, pilgrims and warriors have crossed this vast nothingness in search of the divine. Mount Sinai and St Catherine’s Monastery, at its foot, are frequently visited.
The desert comes to an abrupt end at the Red Sea, where exquisite coral reefs provide a fine underwater playground for divers and snorkelers from around the world. The coral reefs along the Sinai coastline are among the best in the world and ‘diving tourism’ is the most recent catchphrase on the peninsula. The Red Sea has one of the highest volumes of marine life variety in all the tropical seas. There are numerous popular beach resorts along the Red Sea coast which offer all sorts of activities and sightseeing excursions out into the desert.
Visitors come to Sinai and the Red Sea to experience the simplicity of sun, sea and sand, and surround themselves by rugged mountains, history and modern Bedouin culture. It is a fascinating region and well-equipped for hedonistic resort holidays as well as religious and historical pilgrimages to ancient sites.
Health Notes when travelling to Egypt
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Egypt from travellers over nine months of age coming from infected areas. No other vaccinations are required but vaccinations are commonly recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Travellers to Egypt should come prepared to beat the heat with a high factor sunblock and drink plenty of water to combat dehydration. Tap water in the main cities and towns is normally chlorinated but it is still advisable to drink only bottled water or tap water that has been boiled or filtered. Visitors should only eat thoroughly cooked food and fruits they have peeled themselves to prevent travellers’ diarrhoea. The waters of the Nile are contaminated and should not be consumed.
Medical treatment can be expensive and standards vary (private and university hospitals are excellent; others are patchier) so comprehensive travel health insurance is strongly advised, including evacuation insurance. Medical facilities are generally adequate for routine ailments in the big cities and main tourist areas but outside of the main centres medical facilities can be very basic in Egypt.
Safety Notes when travelling to Egypt
The US Department of State and the British Foreign Office advise caution when travelling to Egypt, as there is a high threat from terrorism. All travel is advised against in North Sinai. All but essential travel is advised against in South Sinai, however the area within the Sharm el Sheikh perimeter barrier (including the airport, Sharm el Maya, Hadaba, Naama Bay, Sharks Bay, and Nabq) is protected by enhanced security measures and has experienced little violence. The resort areas in Hurghada have similar measures in place, although isolated incidents in non-tourist areas have been reported. Other areas under travel advisories include the border with Libya and swathes of Egypt’s western desert (west of Cairo and the Nile Valley). Travellers should stay up to date on travel warnings and advisories.
Terrorist attacks have been ongoing, with several bombings taking place in Cairo and other regions in the last few years. Attacks against tourists have been reported.
Demonstrations are common near foreign embassies and around Tahrir Square in Cairo, and in other cities, including Alexandria. There have been incidents of foreigners, including British Nationals, being targeted and attacked during protests. There have also been reports of sexual assaults on women during demonstrations. Tourists are advised to avoid all street protests and gatherings and not to attempt to cross roadblocks.
Visitors to markets and major tourist sites will experience a fair amount of hassle from touts and are advised not to carry more money on them than needed, as petty crime is a concern. Women should be extra cautious when travelling alone as incidents of harassment and sexual assault are not uncommon. Women should be particularly alert when visiting spas and doing other tourist related activities, and should be careful to dress conservatively. Racism towards black and Asian people is prevalent and considered acceptable. Egypt also has a poor train safety record with several fatal accidents each year.
Customs in Egypt
Egypt is a conservative society and visitors should respect local customs and sensitivities. Homosexuality is solemnly frowned upon and homosexual acts are illegal. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Religious customs should be recognised, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours is forbidden by Islam. During Ramadan travellers should be discreet in public places or choose to partake in the custom themselves. Travellers to Egypt should dress modestly (women’s clothes should cover the legs and upper arms). Photography of military institutions is prohibited and the Suez Canal counts as a military institution. Egyptians can be sensitive about any photography of infrastructure and it is best to ask for permission if in any doubt.
Duty Free in Egypt
Travellers over 18 arriving in Egypt do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g tobacco; one litre of alcoholic beverages; and perfume for personal use. The import and export of local currency is limited to EGP 5,000. Banned items include firearms, cotton and drugs.
Doing Business in Egypt
Egyptians are friendly and approachable at work, and personal relationships are very important when conducting business. Business is usually conducted formally in Egypt. However, meetings may not take place in private and it is normal for them to be interrupted with other matters. Punctuality is important for visitors doing business, though foreigners shouldn’t be surprised if their contact is late or postpones the meeting. It’s important to remain patient. Dress should be formal and conservative; suits and ties are standard and women should dress modestly. Women may encounter some sexism in the business world. Most Egyptians are Muslim, so business people should be mindful of Islamic customs. English is widely spoken and understood, although attempting to speak some basic Arabic will be highly appreciated. The normal working week runs from Sunday to Thursday. Business hours vary, but in the private sector they are usually 9am to 5pm and in the public sector, 8am to 3pm. It’s wise to avoid scheduling business trips during the month of Ramadan as working hours are minimised during the holiday period and many key players will not be available.
Communication in Egypt
The international access code for Egypt is +20. Most hotels, cafes and restaurants around major tourist centred areas provide free wifi access. International calls made from hotels have high surcharges; travellers can cut costs by purchasing local SIM cards.
Tipping in Egypt
Tipping is known as ‘baksheesh’ and some small change is expected for most services, though small change can be hard to come by. ‘Baksheesh’ can be a useful practice in order to gain entry to seemingly inaccessible places, or for extra services – a small tip can open doors, literally. A service charge is added to most restaurant and hotel bills but a tip of about 10 percent is normally given directly to the waiter. Taxi drivers are tipped about five percent.
Passport/Visa Note
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Egypt, if travellers are arriving from or transiting through infected areas. Persons without a valid yellow fever certificate, if one is required, will be subject to quarantine. The wives and children of Egyptian men and the children of Egyptian women born after 25 July 2004 are exempt from visa requirements upon presentation of a birth certificate, passport or National ID Card of the relative. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Egypt. A visa is required, except for tourists arriving at Sharm El Sheik (SSH), Saint Catherine (SKV) or Taba (TCP) airports, and staying in the Sinai resort area only for up to 15 days. Visas can be obtained on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days. E-visas can be obtained online at www.visa2egypt.gov.eg
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Egypt. A visa is required, except for tourists arriving at Sharm El Sheik (SSH), Saint Catherine (SKV), or Taba (TCP) airports, and staying in the Sinai resort area for up to 15 days. Visas can be obtained on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days. E-visas can be obtained before departure at www.visa2egypt.gov.eg
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Egypt. A visa is required, except for tourists arriving at Sharm El Sheik (SSH), Saint Catherine (SKV), or Taba (TCP) airports, and staying in the Sinai resort area for up to 15 days. Visas can be obtained on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days. E-visas can be obtained before departure at www.visa2egypt.gov.eg
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Egypt. A visa is required, except for tourists arriving at Sharm El Sheik (SSH), Saint Catherine (SKV), or Taba (TCP) airports, and staying in the Sinai resort area for up to 15 days. Visas can be obtained on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days. E-visas can be obtained before departure at www.visa2egypt.gov.eg
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Egypt. A visa is required, except for tourists arriving at Sharm El Sheik (SSH), Saint Catherine (SKV), or Taba (TCP) airports, and staying in the Sinai resort area for up to 15 days. Visas can be obtained on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Egypt. A visa is required, except for tourists arriving at Sharm El Sheik (SSH), Saint Catherine (SKV), or Taba (TCP) airports, and staying in the Sinai resort area for up to 15 days. Visas can be obtained on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport valid for six months beyond the period of intended stay in Egypt. A visa is required.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
