Before You Depart

COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.

Please note destination entry requirements are changing rapidly. smarTours will communicate entry requirements in your Tour Documents 10–14 days prior to departure. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.

• Entry requirements
• State Department Travel Advisory Updates (Egypt, Jordan)
• Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (Egypt, Jordan)

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.

2024: All DatesEgyptAirTBATBA

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.

LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS

International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.

Generally, check-in at hotels is not before 4:00 PM and check-out is prior to 12:00 PM. If arriving early or departing late, hotels usually allow travelers to store their luggage in the luggage room.

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country to review 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. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates for current visa requirements to all their travel destinations.

A visa is required for U.S. passport holders traveling to Egypt. Travelers who book air with smarTours will be charged $28 at the Cairo International Airport. This fee includes the Egyptian visa and facilitation service upon arrival. Travelers who book the tour-only program may apply for an e-visa online in advance of travel or obtain a tourist visa on arrival. Tour-only travelers may also consider using a visa processing service like sherpaº or CIBT to facilitate the process. A visa is required for U.S. passport holders traveling to Jordan and is included.

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 may wish to consult your personal physician or local health authorities for their suggestions. The CDC recommends you stay up to date on routine vaccinations, and consult your physician at least one month prior to travel. Learn more about the CDC’s destination-specific recommendations.

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.

RAMADAN

Ramadan is from March 10, 2024- April 9, 2024. Traveling to Egypt and Jordan during Ramadan is a unique and special time with the ability to immersive yourself in local culture. Tourists should be confident that the religious month will not negatively affect their trip. Many aspects of the tourism industry continue business as usual.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. 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 local currency in Jordan is the Jordanian dinar (JD). Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards with Visa being the most widely accepted followed by MasterCard, though there may be a service fee. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency (some markets may accept U.S. Dollars). Note that while available, there are few ATMs. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.

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.