Travel Guide To Cairo, Egypt

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and, with a total population in excess of 16 million people, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East (the regions which it conveniently straddles). It is also the 19th largest city in the world, and among the world's most densely populated cities.

Situated on the River Nile, Cairo is famous for its own history, preserved in the fabulous medievalIslamic city and Coptic sites in Old Cairo. TheEgyptian Museum in the center of town is a must see, with its countless Ancient Egyptian artifacts, as is shopping at the Khan al-Khalili bazaar. No trip to Cairo would be complete, for example, without a visit to the Giza Pyramids, and to the nearby Saqqara Pyramid Complex, where visitors will see Egypt's first step pyramid built by the architect Imhotep for the third dynasty pharaoh Djoser.

Though firmly attached to the past, Cairo is also home to a vibrant modern society. The Midan Tahrir area situated in downtown Cairo area, built in the 19th century under the rule of Khedive Ismail, has strived to be a "Paris on the Nile". There also are a number of more modern suburbs includingMa'adi and Heliopolis, while Zamalek is a quiet area on Gezira Island, with upscale shopping. Cairo is best in the fall or spring, when the weather isn't so hot. A felucca ride on the Nile is a good way to escape from the busy city, as is a visit to Al-Azhar Park.

The best time to visit Cairo is during the winter from November to March, when daytime highs generally stay below 25°C, with nighttime lows around 10°C with occasional rain showers clearing the air. (Don't bother packing an umbrella: even the rainiest months of the year rarely top 5 mm.) If visiting during winter, be aware that not all buildings, including some hotels and hostels, are equipped with heaters. Visitors should always pack a few warm jumpers and a warm jacket for evening wear. The brief spring from March to May can be pleasant, but summer temperatures, on the other hand, can reach a searing 38°C, which is compounded by the city's terrible pollution which is at its worst in the fall before the rains.

Getting there and getting around

Cairo can be reached in from around 28 locations in UK and Ireland with airlines such as British Airways. British Midland International, Egypt Air, Emirates Airlines, Iberia, Itehad Airways, Swiss Airlines, Span Air, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Austrian, Air France, Al Italia, Singapore Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Afriqiya Airways, Air Al Gerie, Ethiopian Airlines, Libyan Arab Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Kenya Airways,Gulf Air, Oman Air, Syrian Air, Lufthansa, MEA, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, SAS, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Syrian Air and Tunis Air.

Cairo International Airport is the busiest airport in Egyptand the primary hub for Star Alliance member EgyptAir. The airport is located to the north-east of the city around 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the business area of the city. The airport has three terminals, with the third (and largest) opened on 27 April 2009.

Other modes of transport include train, bus, taxi and car with various economical choices and packages.

Places to see

Some of the must-see places in / around Cairo are Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Al-Azhar Mosque, Citadel, Ibn Tulun, The Coptic Museum, The hanging Church, Cairo tower, Al-Azhar park, khan al Khalily, Abdeen Palace, Pharaonic Village, Felucca, Giza Zoo, Hadiqat al Orman, Hadiqat Al Azbakiya, Genenet El Asmak, Merryland,El Hadiqa El Dawliya, Al-Azhar Park, Corniche el-Nil, Cairo Botanical Garden, Mena House Golf course, The Hilton Pyramids hotel, Dream park and The Magic Land, The Movenpick Hotel, Nazlet El Samaan Stables,FB Stables, The Culture Wheel,The Garden Theatre, Cairo Opera House, The Townhouse Gallery of Contemporary Art, Cairo Jazz Club and Kalimat Language and Cultural Centre.

Food & Drink

The renowned eateries in / around Cairo include, but are not limited to, DownTown, Zamalek, Mohandiseen, Kushari Tahrir, GAD, Felfela, Abou El Sid, Abou Shakra, Dar Al Qamar, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC, Mo'men Chain, Cook Door, Costa, The Marriot Bakery, Cilantro Beanos, TGI Friday's, Fuddrucker's, Lucille's, Maison Thomas, Mint, L'aubergine, Al Fishawy's Coffee Shop and Cedars.

When it comes to drinking Cairo has got even more to offer. E.g. Cairene Coffee House, Cilantro, Beanos, Cinnabon, Orangette, The Bakery and Coffee Roastery and DownTown.

Entry Requirements - Visas

British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally require a visa. However, the Egyptian authorities state that "British nationals travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts only, for up to 14 days, do not require a visa they shall receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of the mentioned areas or overstay, you must obtain a visa." Visas can be obtained from an Egyptian Consulate outside Egypt or on arrival by payment in Sterling or USD, for stays of up to a month. If you have travelled to the Sinai peninsular, entering without a visa and your plans change you can normally purchase a visa at Sharm El Sheikh airport to allow you to travel. Applications for visa extensions should be made at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. Further information is available from the Egyptian Consulate and any enquiries should be directed to the Egyptian authorities.

A visa does not guarantee entry into Egypt. The decision to allow or decline entry rests solely with the Egyptian immigration authorities and we cannot interfere in another country's immigration policy or procedures. We will, however, do all we properly can to make contact within 24 hours of hearing of the detention of a British national to offer advice and contact relatives in the UK if requested. You may have difficulties leaving Egypt with an out of date visa. You will not normally be allowed to leave if the visa is out of date by more than 14 days. For visas and further information on entry requirements, check with the Egyptian Embassy in your country of residence: the Egyptian Embassy in London.

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity

Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

Entry Requirements - Work Permits

Evidence of testing for HIV is required if you are applying for a work permit.

Entry Requirements - Customs Regulations

5,000 Egyptian pounds is the maximum amount of local currency you are allowed to bring in or take out of Egypt. There is no limit to the amount of hard currency that you may bring in, but sums that exceed USD 10,000 should be declared on arrival. Egyptian currency should not be sent through the post. Certain valuables such as electrical equipment, video camera etc must be declared on arrival. Satellite phones and radio communications equipment brought into Egypt without prior clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications are likely to be confiscated.

http://www.ntra.gov.eg/english/main.asp. Electrical items noted in passports must be produced on exit from the country. Failure to do so will result in payment of high rates of customs duty. It is advisable to contact the Egyptian embassy in your country of residence for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Egypt, Cairo, British Embassy

Address:
British Embassy
7 Ahmed Ragheb Street
Garden City
Cairo
Egypt

The switchboard number of British Embassy Cairo is (002) (02) 2791 6000 however if you have difficulty in accessing this number then please try the London Number 00 44 207 008 1500.

Fax:
(002) (02) 2791 6130 Trade & Investment
(002) (02) 2791 6131 Political
(002) (02) 2791 6132 Press
(002) (02) 2791 6133 Consular

Office hours:
GMT:
Sun-Wed: 0500-1230
Thurs: 0500-1100
Local Time:
Sun-Wed: 0800-1530
Thurs: 0800-1400

Email:
information.cairo@fco.gov.uk - Press & Public Affairs
economic.cairo@fco.gov.uk- Political & Economic
consular.cairo@fco.gov.uk - Consular
commercial.cairo@fco.gov.uk - Trade & Investment

Website: http://www.ukinegypt.fco.gov.uk/en

Country	Eygpt
Time Zone	EET (UTC+2)

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