General Information Location: North Africa Local Time: From 25 Apr 08 to 28 Aug 08 GMT +3 Form 28 Aug 08 to 24 Apr 09 GMT +2 From 24 Apr 09 to 24 Sep 09 GMT +3 From 24 Sep 09 to 01 May 10 GMT +2 From 01 May 10 to 23 Sep 10 GMT +3 Capital City: Cairo Population: 72 million Area: 1,001,450 square km, 386,660 square miles. Language(s): Arabic, English, French, Spanish Dialling Code: 20 Emergency: Police: 122 (Cairo), 22147 (Aswan), 960151-122 (Alexandria), 23929 (Suez). Fire: 125 (Cairo). Ambulance: 123 (Cairo) Directory Enquiries: TV Standard: Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit required Electricity: 220V AC 50Hz
Business & CurrencyCurrency: Egyptian Pound (EGP 1 = 100 Piastres) Notes: EGP: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 Coins: Piastres: 5, 10, 20, 25, 100
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted. Exchange of foreign currencies is allowed at banks and exchange offices Opening Hours Bank: 0830-1400 Sun-Thur Office: 0900-1500 Sat-Thur Shops: 0900-1900 Tue-Wed & Fri-Sat, 0900-2000 Mon & Thur (winter), 0900-1230 & 1600-2000 (except Mon & Thur)(summer) Public Holidays 2008 Dec 29 & Jan 10 Islamic New Year, Mar 20 Birthday of the Prophet Mohammed, Apr 27 Sham El Nassim (Egyptian Easter), Apr 25 Sinai Liberation Day, May 1 Labour Day, Jun 18 Liberation Day, Jul 23 Revolution Day, Oct 6 Armed Forces Day, Oct 2-4 Bairam Feast, Dec 9-12 Eid ai Adha Dates may vary according to the lunar calendar
Business/Social Hints: Women should dress conventionally. A headscarf may be useful if visiting a religious or more traditional area. Business is conducted in Arabic, many executives speak English or French. Business cards to have Arabic translation on reverse side. Islamic conventions apply. At meetings it is polite to drink coffee or tea, when offered. Smoking is becoming unacceptable in government and some private offices. Alcohol is available in most major hotels, cafe-style bars and international restaurants. On social occasions dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated Tipping: Service charges are normally added to restaurant & hotel bills, however additional tips around 5% are customary. Tips for taxis are around 10%
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AirportsCairo International (CAI) Hurghada International (HRG) Luxor (LXR) Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF)
Passport & VisaThe following details relate to holders of adult normal passports (requirements for children may be different), if any other type of passport or travel document is held, entry requirements should be checked with the relevant embassy or consulate PassportsRequired, but NOT by the following: 1) Holders of a United States re-entry permit provided country of birth is Egypt 2) Holders of Laissez-Passer issued to Palestinians by Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates & Yemen Passport Validity: Passports must be valid 6 months beyond intended length of stay Passport Notes: VisasThe following DO NOT require a visa: 1) Nationals of Egypt 2) Nationals of Bahrain, Djibouti, Guinea, Jordan (if holding a passport valid for 5 years) Libya, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates & Yemen 3) Nationals of Malaysia can stay for up to two weeks without a visa, after this time usual requirements apply 4) For stays upto 14 days a) All nationals from the United Kingdom & EU b) Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden 5) Holders of a re-entry permit 6) Palestinians holding a residence card provided that their stay outside Egypt did not exceed 6 months
Notes: Turkish nationals now referred at the embassy. Air TransitRequired by all except those as noted above and: 1) Persons continuing their journey to a third country within 24 hours without leaving the airport, provided holding confirmed tickets 2) Nationals of Afghanistan, Iran, Lebanon, Philippines & holders of Palestinian documents may transit Cairo Airport, provided not leaving the airport transit lounge & continuing by the same or first connecting aircraft 3) Holders of South African passports must obtain a stamp in their passport from the consulate prior to travel to allow them to transit Exit PermitsSpecial Notes1) Nationals of the following countries must register at the Office of Foreigners & Nationality within 7 days of arrival (normally handled by hotels on visitor's behalf): Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Chad, Congo Dem Rep, Ghana, Honduras, India, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkmenistan, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Yemen & holders of Palestinian documents 2) Nationals of the following countries require approval from Authorities in Cairo prior to issuing a visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Moldova, Morocco, Somalia, Tunisia & Vietnam 3) Nationals of Bangladesh, Congo Dem Rep, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Somalia, Sri Lanka & Tanzania must hold onward/return tickets |