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Travel advice for Cairo

Everything you need to know before you travel

Facts about Cairo

Currency

Egyptian Pound

(EGP)

Language

Arabic

Time zone

GMT +2

Flight duration

5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes from Gatwick

Cairo, Egypt

Best time to go to Cairo

Cairo’s a year-round destination for sun seekers, with the mercury rarely dropping below the mid-teens. June, July and August are the hottest months, when the average temperature’s in the high 20s. If you prefer it a bit cooler, you can expect it to be in the high teens and low 20s during spring and autumn.

Passports & Visas

If you’re a British passport holder, visit the FCDO website to check if you need a visa. If you hold a different type of passport, you should check the consulate of the embassy of the countries you’re travelling to.

You don’t need a visa if you’re visiting Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days – instead you’ll receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival.

If you intend to travel out of the Sharm El Sheikh area or stay longer than 15 days, you must buy a tourist visa.

You can apply for an e-visa online through the Egypt Visa E-visa Portal, or buy one on arrival if you hold a full British passport. The visa currently costs $30 USD per person, including children and infants, when purchased from the local authorities, or £28 GBP if purchased from our local partner Travco (you'll see them in the arrivals hall with a TUI and Travco sign). Just so you know, visas purchased on arrival are cash only, and cards are not accepted.

You can also apply for an e-visa online through our visa partner, Sherpa.

We recommend you buy your visa before you travel to avoid queues. Online visas should be applied for at least 10 days before departure.

For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit the FCDO website where you can also register for travel updates.

Health & Safety

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/health

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