Before You Depart

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing customs and immigration if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least three-and-a-half hours. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT

EgyptAir does not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged at the airport upon check-in. If you have a preferred seating choice, please make sure you check-in for your flight as early as possible. EgyptAir does not offer frequent flyer miles.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Cairo and ends in Cairo. We recommend that you:

• Fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI)
• Fly out of Cairo International Airport (CAI)

BOOKING YOUR OWN TRANSFERS

In Egypt, taxis are a reliable way to get to/from the airport. Black taxis usually do not have a meter and prices should be negotiated before traveling. We recommend you use the new white taxis as they have meters and air-conditioning.

TOUR MEETING POINT

When and where you’ll meet the rest of the group depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: Upon arrival in destination, please proceed through customs and immigration. Our Tour Director will be waiting for you at the airport upon arrival in the arrivals area near the point you clear customs with a smarTours sign.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.

TOUR ENDING POINT

The final end point for your tour depends on if you purchased our air-inclusive package with group flights from/returning to the U.S. or our tour-only package.

• smarTours Group Air Travelers: On our last day, we’ll transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.
• smarTours Tour-Only Travelers: The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

Travelers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel with at least one blank visa page. A visa is required for U.S. passport holders. Apply for an e-visa online in advance of travel or obtain a tourist visa on arrival for $25 USD. Clients who purchased the air-inclusive package in 2024 with group air will be charged $28 at the Cairo International Airport. This fee includes the Egyptian visa and facilitation service upon arrival. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are not currently required; however, you should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.

CLIMATE

Night and day temperatures can vary greatly. Here’s what you can expect:

• December–February: Highs in the mid to low 60s with nighttime as low as 48˚F.
• March & November: Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s with nighttime lows in the mid-50s.
• April & October: High 70s and low 80s with nighttime lows in the mid-50s to mid-60s.
• May–September: Average highs in the low 90s with nighttime lows in the high 50s to high 60s.

CULTURE AND DRESS

Given Egypt’s wide range of temperatures, we recommend you bring a sweater and/or layer to accommodate cooler morning/evening temperatures. Egyptians typically dress more conservatively. If you are exploring independently, please note that religious centers such as mosques will often require ankle-length pants, skirts or dresses, and, for women, a scarf to cover their hair.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

U.S. dollars, Euros and Canadian Dollars are accepted at Egyptian banks and money-changers, which can be found at most of the places that you’ll visit throughout the country. It is typically recommended that you ask for small bills when exchanging money. The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

You may dine at the hotels or restaurants recommended by your Tour Director. The average cost for a hotel dinner (excluding drinks) in a casual restaurant is about $20-25 per person.  Restaurants outside the hotel may be less expensive.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.