Rabat – Travelling to Egypt has never been easier as most travelers simply require a visa and the desire for adventure.
From the world famous pyramids of Giza to the lesser known sandy shores of Dahab Lagoon, Egypt has an abundance of sights to make for the best vacation the Middle East has to offer.
Here are the top five places to visit in Egypt while visiting on a 90-day tourism visa.
Khan el-Khalili Souk
Any Egyptian will tell you that no trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Khan el-Khalili market in the center of Cairo. The market, which is the largest of its kind in Egypt, dates back to the 12th century.
Windows above souk
Above the merchant’s stalls, the windows of ancient residences overlook the busy market’s corridors. During the early years of the Khan el-Khalili’s operation as a center of commerce, many of the merchants would store their wares in their personal residence above the market. Additionally, the market features many old hotels (fondouk) that used to host travelers during the market’s heyday.
After visiting Cairo’s beautiful Khan el-Khalili souk, head north to the mesmerising waterfront of Alexandria.
Corniche of Alexandria
Walking along the Alexandria corniche will transport you back to 19th century Egypt as the sunset reflects off of the waters of the Mediterannean Sea onto the walls of the buildings that span along the corniche. The juxtaposition of British architecture mixed with Arabesque design tells the story of Egypt’s diverse history.
At nearly 3 kilometers long, the corniche offers numerous waterfront cafes and seafood restaurants. Alexandria is known for its high quality seafood and the corniche is the perfect setting to enjoy a bite.
The White and Blue restaurant is a local favorite for waterside fine dining. Enjoy the view of the boats passing by Egypt’s northern coast while devouring a plate of freshly caught fish.
Aswan on the Nile
If you head ten hours south of Egypt’s capital, you will arrive at the shores of the Nile River in the small town of Aswan. If you are visiting Egypt on a tourist visa, be sure to visit the region towards the end of your trip to allow for maximum relaxation before heading home.
Aswan was recently in the international spotlight after the Egyptian drama, The Grand Hotel, began streaming on Netflix.
The series took place in Aswan’s Old Cataract Hotel, which still stands and welcomes guests to this day. Now owned by the Sofitel Hotel chain, the Old Cataract Hotel is Aswan’s top 5-star accommodation and serves delicious Egyptian cuisine alongside a wide array of luxurious cocktails.
After visiting the hotel, head to the banks of the nile and search for the Felucca sailboats. Boat captains welcome guests all day long and span the entirety of Aswan’s corniche. Tours can last hours and offer views of the city from the Nile River, while also exploring nearby islands and villages.
Dahab Lagoon
Those wishing to venture further into the depths of the Egyptian desert are invited to visit Dahab Lagoon. Located on the Gulf of Aqaba, the body of water that feeds into the Red Sea, Dahab Lagoon is Egypt’s premier location for a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of Cairo.
Hotels such as the Tirana Dahab Resort offer views of the Red Sea while laying poolside with a cool drink in-hand. As the lagoon is located on the southern peninsula in between Egypt and Israel, the climate is often extremely arid. Additionally, the lagoon’s geographic position makes it a more low-key spot for a relaxing Egyptian vacation.
As the region is notorious for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, thrill seekers will surely enjoy themselves on land and sea.
Pyramids of Giza
No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza. If you are transiting through Cairo to return to your home country, make sure to allot some time to visit the pyramids that lie just 45 minutes outside the city of Cairo.
Local guides ride atop camels and roam in the vicinity of the pyramids, offering reasonable prices for history-filled tours and an all inclusive camel ride.
In the Giza Necropolis, you can also view the Great Sphinx of Giza, which dates back to the days of Ancient Egypt in 2500 BC.
Visa Requirements
The visa requirements for travel to Egypt as a tourist are extremely straightforward. Egyptian authorities require that your passport has at least eight months of validity before it expires. In addition, the passport must be a standard passport as emergency passports and residency documents are not considered during the visa administration process.
Other requirements include a travel itinerary and a letter of invitation (if visiting family or friends).
The Egypt visa is valid for 90 days and travelers may spend 30 days in-country. For those that wish to travel for other purposes aside from tourism, additional documents and steps may be required.
