Even the most seasoned traveller will always learn new lessons on their journeys.
So, whether you are a first-time visitor to Egypt or a liveaboard legend who knows the Red Sea like the back of their hand, there may always be a new trick learned long the way.
With that in mind, here are five things we think might ease you on your way when joining us at our Egypt-based liveaboards and dive centres.
Get yourself an e-Visa
Those who have travelled to Egypt before will know how much of a pain it can be having to queue to get your visa at the airport.
But there is an easy alternative to this – don’t queue!
Simply get yourself an e-Visa by applying online via the Egypt e-Visa Portal ahead of your travel time. It is open to residents from many countries (although check your home nation is eligible) and the process is straightforward.
A single-entry visa is valid for 30 days. Simply fill out the application form with personal and travel details (you’ll need a valid passport with at least six months’ validity from your entry date, a digital passport photo, a valid email address, and a credit or debit card for the visa fee) and the processing time is typically between three to seven business days.
Upon arrival in Egypt, present your printed e-Visa and passport to immigration officials making entry to the country for more hassle-free.
Get your Egyptian currency in Egypt
Getting your currency exchanged in Egypt rather than before you arrive offers several advantages.
Firstly, you will certainly get a better exchange rate in Egypt than those offered in your home country. It means more Egyptian pounds for your money – and who doesn’t want that?
It also much more convenient. You will have numerous options for getting currency in Egypt including banks, hotels, exchange offices and, of course, ATMs. There is no guarantee – depending on which country you are departing from – the bureau de change you track down will even have Egyptian money.
And, if you get your spending money on arrival, it also ensures you don’t have to travel carrying a chunk of cash on you.
Better all-round!
A clear road from Hurghada
Historically, many people have been reluctant visitors to the more southerly towns and resorts on Egypt’s Red Sea due to the long transfer time.
Unless you could fly into Marsa Alam airport, it was often considered somewhere to avoid.
But things are so much better now.
The new road which links Hurghada to places like Port Ghalib and Marsa Alam has literally knocked hours of the travel time when heading south.
It means these places are far more accessible from Hurghada offering a wider variety of travel options when coming into the country.
No more long and winding road, you can now easily do the drive to Marsa in around three hours.
So if you’re coming to our Ghalib or Wadi Sabarah centres or about to enjoy one of our great itineraries like Southern Solitude or South & St Johns, make sure you check out those Hurghada flights.
Check your flights and pick your days
….and talking of flights.
It might seem obvious, but it’s worth taking time to do a wide check of your flight options.
Although we all prefer to fly direct, sometimes it can be worth coming to Egypt on an indirect route – especially if you have a tight budget or want increased luggage allowance.
There are plentiful options of direct flights arriving throughout the week from most major European cities and, to make your arrival process easier, we always try to align our check-in days with the most frequent flight choices.
Indeed, from summer 2025 we will offering Saturday sailings on our liveaboards as this is a day that features prominently in the airline schedules.
It couldn’t work out better – fly in, check in, jump in!
Pack carefully
There are certain items that you will not be able to take into Egypt and can potentially be taken away from you when going through airport security.
This, of course, includes obvious things you wouldn’t take anywhere when you are travelling by air (weapons, certain foods, sensitive political or religious objects or texts etc) but also some electronic items.
Drones, for example, will be confiscated when baggage is searched as they are considered a security risk in Egypt. If you’re thinking of getting some lovely holiday footage of your liveaboard from the air – think again.
Drugs (and not just narcotics!) could also get you in trouble. If you are on any medication make sure you have your prescription with you to prove what you are bringing in to the country.