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.

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 possess a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Your passport must contain at least one blank page. For U.S. passport holders, a tourist visa is required and may be obtained upon arrival in Cairo for $25 USD. Clients who book air with smarTours will be charged $28, which includes the visa and facilitation service upon arrival. The visa facilitation service is not available for land-only clients and forfeited. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. 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.