Egypt is geographically located in Northeastern Africa. It is further divided into Upper Egypt in the South and Lower Egypt in the North. This is because the Nile flows from the South to the North, eventually meeting the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. While Upper Egypt is mostly desert, with a few low mountains, Lower Egypt has more urban spaces, wide valleys and the mouth of the Nile, near Cairo.
The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP/E£ or ج. م in Arabic), and is further sub-divided into smaller currency denomination known as qirsh/piaster or millimes, where 1 EGP = 1 qirsh/piaster = 1000 millemes. The Egyptian currency comes in denominations of EGP 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 notes, as well as in coins available for EGP 1, and 10, 25, and 50 qirsh/piaster.
The principal international airport in Egypt is Cairo International Airport. Most major Middle Eastern carriers offer connections to Egypt, including Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad.
Over 180 nationalities qualify for getting a visa upon entry provided the passport holder has a valid and used visa for the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area (Schengen visa), Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Additionally, 78 nationalities qualify for visa on entry or an electronic visa. For Singaporeans traveling for tourism, leisure, or to visit family or friends, for less than 30 days, an Egyptian electronic visa can be obtained online. It is important to note that Singaporeans are not eligible to obtain a Visa-on-arrival to Egypt. They must have a valid eVisa or a traditional visa before entering the country.
The following goods in their respective quantities and values can be carried in duty-free:
- Tobacco products, regardless of age: 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco
- Alcohol and beverages containing alcohol, of maximum 1 litre
- Perfume or Eau de cologne, of maximum 1 litre
- Non-commercial articles with a total value of under USD$200
- Non-commercial item are of an occasional nature and consist exclusively of goods for the personal or family use of the traveller, or of goods intended as presents. The nature and quantity of the goods must not be such as to indicate that they are being imported for commercial reasons
- Goods for personal use
- Medicinal products. Any medications brought into Egypt must be accompanied by a prescription and an official letter from a doctor specifying that the medication is for personal use only. Any medication containing methadone, even with a prescription, is strictly prohibited
Strict duties apply on the importation of expensive electronic items. It is also prohibited to export any antiquity or any item older than 100 years without a license.
Entering or exiting Egypt with more than USD 10,000, or its equivalent in freely convertible currency, or EGP 5,000 in cash is prohibited.
It has only two seasons: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October.
