How to Visit Egypt from Germany: A Quick Guide for Travelers by Malafaat Business Directory

Visiting Egypt from Germany involves a few steps, including planning your travel, obtaining necessary documents, and making the necessary preparations for your trip. Here’s a general guide to help you:

1. Check Passport Validity

• Make sure your German passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Egypt.
• If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before you apply for any visas.

2. Visa Requirements

• Tourist Visa: German citizens do need a visa to enter Egypt.
  • E-Visa: You can apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) online before your trip.
  • Visit the official Egyptian e-Visa portal (https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg) to apply. It’s quick and often faster than going to an embassy.
  • Visa on Arrival: If you’re arriving at Egypt’s main airports (like Cairo), you can obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days.
  • This will cost around $25 USD (check for current rates).
  • Tourist Visa from the Embassy: Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at the Egyptian Embassy in Berlin or other consular locations in Germany. This may take longer but can be convenient if you need more flexibility or if you are traveling for reasons other than tourism.

3. Flight Booking

• Direct Flights: There are several direct flights between Germany and Egypt, primarily to Cairo (CAI), Alexandria (HBE), and other Egyptian airports.
  • Airlines such as Lufthansa, EgyptAir, and Condor offer direct flights.
• Flight duration: A direct flight from Germany to Egypt usually takes about 3.5 to 4 hours.
• You can search for flights on travel websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Expedia to compare prices and book your tickets.

4. Travel Insurance

• It’s highly recommended to get travel insurance that covers health issues, cancellations, and lost luggage while traveling abroad. Some visas also require proof of travel insurance.

5. Health and Safety

• Vaccinations: Make sure you’re up to date on any recommended vaccinations for traveling to Egypt (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and Tetanus).
• COVID-19 Regulations: Although most COVID-19 travel restrictions have eased, it’s advisable to check the latest COVID-19 entry requirements before you travel (testing, vaccination, or quarantine policies).
• Travel Advisory: It’s a good idea to check the latest travel advisory for Egypt from the German government or the German Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) for any safety warnings.

6. Currency and Payments

• Currency: The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While some places accept credit cards, it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller shops and markets.
• Currency Exchange: You can exchange your Euros (EUR) to Egyptian Pounds at airports, banks, or currency exchange offices in Germany or Egypt.
• ATMs: ATMs are widely available in major cities like Cairo and Alexandria, but be sure to check with your bank about international transaction fees.

7. Accommodation and Transport

• Accommodation: You can book hotels or resorts through popular websites like Booking.com or Airbnb. Major tourist areas like Cairo, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh offer a wide range of accommodation.
• Transportation: Public transportation, taxis, and ridesharing services (e.g., Uber) are available in major cities. For long-distance travel, trains and buses can also be an option.

8. Important Local Information

• Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
• Time Zone: Egypt is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is GMT+2.
• Climate: Egypt has a desert climate, so pack appropriately for the hot and dry weather, especially in the summer months.

9. Emergency Contact Information

• Embassy Contact: The German Embassy in Cairo is your primary contact if you need consular assistance.
• The embassy’s address is Talaat Harb St., Cairo. It’s always good to have this information with you in case of emergencies.

By following these steps, you can plan a smooth and enjoyable trip to Egypt from Germany!