WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Egypt

Location

Climate

A trip to Egypt is an unforgettable experience that allows you to discover incredible cultural treasures and enjoy a pleasant climate.

Low and high season in Egypt

The number of tourists to Egypt varies throughout the year, with some low and high season distinctly different.

Low season: May to September

There low season generally extends from May to SeptemberIt's a very busy time of the year, with high temperatures that are sometimes difficult to bear for outdoor activities. However, this period also offers advantages. Prices are often lower, and tourist sites are less crowded. If you can stand the heat well and want to avoid the crowds, this may be the best option for you.

High season: October to April

There high season takes place between october and aprilThe summer months are more pleasant for sightseeing. Tourist sites are busier, but you'll be able to enjoy many cultural activities and events during this period. Prices can be higher in high season, so book in advance to get the best deals.

Public holidays and major cultural events

Egypt is a country rich in history and tradition, with numerous public holidays and cultural events all year round. Here's a selection of the most important ones to consider when planning your trip.

Labour Day (May 1)

This day celebrates workers and is an opportunity for Egyptians to rest and spend time with their families. Public institutions and banks are generally closed on this day.

Eid al-Fitr (date varies according to lunar calendar)

L'Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is one of the biggest celebrations in Egypt. The festivities last several days and include special prayers, family meals and donations to those in need. Many shops and tourist sites may be closed or have reduced opening hours during this period.

National holiday (July 23)

The national holiday commemorates the Egyptian revolution of 1952 and is celebrated with parades, fireworks and cultural events. Tourist attractions and transport may be affected by these festivities.

Eid al-Adha (date varies according to lunar calendar)

This religious festival is one of the most important for Muslims, and celebrates the sacrifice of Abraham. It lasts several days and is marked by prayers, family meals and donations to those in need. As with Eid al-Fitr, some tourist sites and businesses may be closed or have reduced opening hours during this period.

Victory Day (October 6)

Victory Day marks the anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Festivities and parades take place across the country, and public establishments are generally closed on this day.

When to go, depending on your interests

To choose the best period for your trip to Egypt, you should also take into account your interests. Here are a few suggestions based on the activities and sites you'd like to discover.

Cultural travel

For a trip focused on discover historical and archaeological treasures of Egypt, the high season (October to April) is recommended. Cooler temperatures make visits to open-air sites such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings more enjoyable.

Relaxation and beach travel

If you want to take advantage of Egyptian beaches and relax by the Red Sea, the period from April to November offers the best weather conditions for water sports and swimming.

Sports and adventure holidays

For fans of sports and adventureFor activities such as scuba diving or desert trekking, the ideal time of year varies according to region and activity. Diving is possible all year round, but April to November offer better underwater visibility and milder temperatures for trekking.

Immigration statistics for Egypt

According to official figures, the number of expatriates living in Egypt has increased in recent years. The main reasons why foreigners settle in this country include seeking employment, studying or setting up a business. The main nationalities represented are :

• Sudanese With around 5 million nationals, they are the largest expatriate community in Egypt.
• Syrians Nearly 500,000 people fled the civil war to find refuge in Egypt.
• Libyans Egypt: some 300,000 Libyans have settled in Egypt since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011.

Conditions for granting a residence visa in Egypt

To obtain a residence visa for Egypt, certain conditions must be met. These include:

• An employment contract It must be signed by both the Egyptian employer and the prospective immigrant.
• Health insurance This covers the medical expenses of the applicant and his/her family in the event of accident or illness.
• Police certificate It certifies that the applicant has no criminal record and will abide by Egyptian law.

These conditions may vary according to the type of visa requested (student, investor, etc.). So it's important to check with the relevant authorities to find out what you need to do.

Most popular visas in Egypt

With steady growth in recent years, here are the most popular visas in Egypt:

• Tourist visa The Egyptian Tourist Guide: granted for a period of up to 30 days, it enables foreign visitors to discover the cultural and historical riches of Egypt.
• Business Visa This visa is issued to entrepreneurs and businessmen wishing to set up or expand their business in Egypt. The duration of this visa varies between three months and one year.
• Student Visa This visa is issued to foreign students wishing to study at Egyptian universities. The visa is renewable every year.
• Temporary residence visa This is granted to foreign nationals for a maximum period of three years, enabling them to work or invest in Egypt.

Extension and change of status

It should be noted that the duration of stay in Egypt can be extended on application to the relevant authorities. Visa holders can also apply for a change of status (e.g. from a student visa to a work visa) if they meet the required conditions.

International tourism figures for Egypt

Egypt, with its exceptional archaeological sites and pleasant climate, remains a preferred destination for tourists from all over the world. Official data show a significant increase in the number of international visitors in recent years:

• 2016 around 5.4 million tourists
• 2017 over 8.3 million visitors
• 2018 : nearly 11.34 million people
• 2019 around 13.1 million tourists

This growth is due in particular to the Egyptian government's efforts to improve security in tourist areas and promote the country abroad. Despite this, certain regions are still not recommended for travellers due to the risk of attacks or kidnappings.

Main tourist attractions in Egypt

Here is a non-exhaustive list of must-see sites for any visitor to Egypt:

• Cairo The Egyptian capital abounds in historical treasures such as the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids of Giza and Saladin's Citadel.
• Luxor Karnak: this city on the eastern bank of the Nile is home to numerous ancient temples and monuments, including the famous Karnak temple.
• Aswan This peaceful town offers the ideal setting for relaxing on the banks of the Nile and visiting the temples of Abu Simbel.
• The Red Sea The seaside resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh offer a variety of water sports and diving among the coral reefs.

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