Having a rich history that dates back to ancient times, and boasting one of the only remaining seven wonders of the ancient world, Egypt is on the bucket list of many travellers from Pakistan. According to Egypt’s Ambassador to Pakistan, the Egyptian Embassy in Islamabad issued nearly 4,000 visas to Pakistanis who were eager to visit the country in 2019. Want to be among the people who will visit Egypt this year? Awesome! Here are all the whats, whys, and hows answered to help you plan a perfect trip to Egypt from Pakistan.
How to Travel to Egypt from Pakistan?
The most common and frequented entry point to Egypt is via the Cairo International Airport. Several carriers such as Saudi Arabian Airlines, Gulf Air, Emirates, Oman Air, Air Arabia, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad fly from Pakistan to Cairo via different airports in Pakistan, making one or two stops. The average cost of a round trip can be between PKR 75,000 to PKR 95,000.
How Do I Get a Visa for Egypt from Pakistan?
The process of applying for a single entry tourist visa to Egypt is simple, and most tourists from Pakistan are granted a 14-day visit visa. Egyptian visit visas are only processed at Egyptian diplomatic missions, which are located around the world, and for Pakistan, the closest is the Egyptian Embassy in Islamabad. You can choose to hire a travel agent to process the application for you, or you can do it yourself, provided you are good at taking care of documentation requirements. Here are the documents that you will need to apply for Egypt’s tourist visa:
- A complete and accurately filled visa application form
- Three passport size photographs
- Your bank statement for the last six months as well as an account maintenance certificate
- Confirmed hotel bookings for all of the days you will spend in Egypt
- A return flight ticket
- Your original passport as well as all previous passports, with the current passport being valid for up to 6 months.
- A copy of your CNIC
- A polio vaccination certificate
- A cover letter, typed on your employer’s letterhead, requesting the visa, and mentioning the details of your visit. Also, include information about where you work. Businesspersons must state information about their business and print this document on their company’s letterhead.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Visa?
The visa process is lengthy, taking around 4 to 6 weeks of processing time. Thus, it is advised that you apply well in advance.
Planning Your Trip to Egypt from Pakistan
Now that you know how to apply for Egypt’s tourist visa, let’s move on to planning your tour to Egypt from Pakistan.
What is the Best Time to Travel to Egypt?
Having a desert climate, summers can be scorching, especially in southern parts of the country. Thus, the best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when the weather is relatively bearable. Remember though that as is characteristic of a dessert, no matter how hot the day might be, the nights will be considerably cooler, and you should pack for your travel accordingly. A light jacket, hoodie, or shawl can be sufficient for the purpose, but it is best to check the weather forecast before you travel to ensure you are well prepared for the chilly nights.
Currency
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound, abbreviated as EGP. As of writing this blog, E£1 equals around 9 Pakistani Rupees. However, it is recommended that you take dollars or pounds with you when you travel and convert them into Egyptian currency at any bank or money exchange in any of the major cities. Local money is preferred over foreign currency, and as tipping is a norm, it is best to keep change at hand.
How Much Will It Cost?
A trip to Egypt from Pakistan can cost around PKR 2 lakh per person, including visa fees, flight bookings, hotel bookings, entry fees of attractions, shopping and inter-city travel to 6 of the major cities.
Which Cities Should You Travel To?
Cairo is Egypt’s capital and its largest city, followed by Alexandria and Giza, and all of these are worthy of a visit due to their historic charm. Aswan, Luxor, Abu Simbel, and Sharm el-Sheikh are other cities that should not be missed.
Inter-City and Intra-City Travel
Use domestic trains for travelling inter-city within Egypt. They are in decent condition and if you are worried about the service they offer, book first-class tickets.
You can use Uber for travelling within Cairo and Alexandria as it is cheaper than local taxis. For all the other cities, hire local taxis and bargain with them before you get in. They will generally charge 300 to 350 EGP to cover 3-4 sites in a day.
Availability of Halal Food
Since Egypt is a Muslim country, halal food is readily available. Koshari is the national dish of Egypt, but as is typical of Middle Eastern cuisine, it might be a bit bland for your taste buds. The food is reasonably priced, though.
Local Destinations and Where to Stay in Each City
Hotel-booking sites can make it super easy to plan your itinerary and book your stay in the above-mentioned cities. However, we will guide you with regards to some of the best areas to book your stay in each city.
Cairo
As the capital of Egypt, you might be expecting this city to amaze you, but it may fall short on expectations slightly. This is because Cairo is a busy and crowded metropolis, much like Karachi. The older section of Cairo is where tourists enjoy themselves the most. However, it is recommended to opt for self-guided tours rather than hiring one of the many guides that are offering their services.
What to See in Cairo?
Following are some destinations to visit in Cairo:
Museum of Cairo
Also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities as well as the Egyptian Museum, it houses artefacts dating back five thousand years. It contains the largest collection of Egyptian antiquities, mummies and of course, King Tutankhamun’s treasures, excavated from his nearly-intact tomb along with the world-renowned death mask made of solid gold.
Entry Cost: 60 EGP for a regular ticket, 100 EGP additional for Mummies room
The Citadel
A medieval fortress in the older part of town, it is now home to several mosques and museums reflecting an extensive collection of Islamic architecture. The three mosques located in the complex are Muhammad Ali (Pasha) Mosque (also known as Alabaster Mosque), Al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque, and Sulayman Pasha Mosque. The museums located here include Al-Gawhara Palace Museum, Carriage Museum, and the Egyptian Military Museum.
Entry Cost: 100 EGP (provides entry to all the sites inside the Citadel)
Coptic Cairo
An old locality in Cairo, this is a major religious destination for people of the Christian faith. It encompasses a number of churches, including the Church of St. Sergius, the Church of St. George, and the Hanging Church. You can also visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Coptic Museum while you are in the area.
Entry Cost of Coptic Museum: 100 EGP. The churches and synagogue are free.
Al-Azhar Mosque
This is one of the oldest mosques in the city of Cairo and a reflection of the Islamic history of the region. It is also home to the second-oldest continuously operating university in the world, Al-Azhar University, which primarily focuses on imparting Islamic teachings to its pupils.
Entry Cost: Free
Khan-el-Khalili Market
Located close to Al-Azhar Mosque, this is the major souk or bazaar in Cairo for both tourists and locals. Local artefacts and souvenirs are available here but make sure that you are choosing a reliable seller for your purchases. You can also enjoy local delicacies at the cafes here during your shopping spree.
Entry Cost: Free
Where to Stay in Cairo?
There are a lot of hotels as well as hostels in Cairo as it is the stopping point for all tourists eager to see the pyramids in the nearby city of Giza. It is best to stay near Tahrir Square and the bank of the River Nile as you may face severe traffic jams if you choose to stay in the newer parts of the city.
Giza
Giza is across the River Nile from Cairo and is the most visited destination in the country as it holds one of the only remaining seven wonders of the ancient world, namely the Great Pyramids. While there is a lot of mystery surrounding these structures, it cannot be denied that they are one of the top historical places to see in the world.
What to See in Giza?
Here are some places that you must visit in Giza:
The Giza Pyramid Complex
Also called the Giza Necropolis, the complex contains three pyramids, namely The Great Pyramid of Giza or the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. There are two entrances to the internal complex, and once inside, you can explore the tombs within. A word of caution—it can become quite claustrophobic underground.
Entry Cost: A combined ticket is available for 500 EGP, (including The Sphinx)
The Sphinx
The Sphinx guards the area, sitting a short distance away from the pyramid complex. It is a massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the face of a human.
The Sound and Light Show
A fabulous sound and light show is also held every evening at the pyramids. You will need to reserve your tickets for the show in advance. It is an hour-long show that focuses on the history of the pyramids and the Pharaohs.
Entry Cost: Around 250 EGP or $15 for an adult
Where to Stay in Giza?
Most people stay in nearby Cairo and visit Giza on a day trip via a bus, Uber, or metro. These local means of transport will bring you closer to the complex, from where you can choose to walk or take a camel or horse ride to the nearest entrance.
Alexandria
Alexandria is a port city and is at a 4-hour train journey from Cairo. Life is laid back here, and it is mostly a summer beach resort, set amidst ancient architecture and history. Tourists generally head to the area to relax, enjoy some amazing seafood, and chat the day away with the locals at one of the many Qahwa Khanas in town. It is also the starting point for the Cross Egypt Challenge, a cross-country motorcycle and scooter rally in which international enthusiasts participate.
What to See in Alexandria?
Aside from the ancient architecture of the city, you can visit:
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is an attempt at recreating the famed Library of Alexandria, one of the greatest collections of knowledge in the ancient world. It was due to this library that Alexandria came to be known as the capital of knowledge and learning in a bygone era. Its modern counterpart is trying to bring back that glory to the city. The stylish disc-shaped structure is tilted at an angle and barely visible above ground, hiding the library’s central reading room beneath it, underground.
Entry Cost: Free (there is a separate entry ticket if you wish to visit any of the small museums located inside the library)
Where to Stay in Alexandria?
The best place to stay in Alexandria is Crescent Beach, along the beachfront road, where several 3 to 5-star hotels are located. This will give you quick access to the beach, which is the highlight of this town.
Luxor
Known as the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor offers several sites of historical significance. Thousands of tourists visit the city every year as both the city’s east and west banks are worthy of a visit.
What to See in Luxor?
Some of the top attractions in Luxor are:
Luxor Temple
Located in the centre of the city, this temple is quite easy to reach. It was built over a time span of 500 years and boasts huge statues of Tutankhamun and Ramses II. An early morning visit is best if you want to beat the crowds.
Entry Cost: 100 EGP
Karnak Temple Complex
Next to Luxor Temple is Egypt’s second most visited site after the pyramids, the Karnak Temple Complex. It is a combination of temples, chapels, and other buildings built over a period of 2,000 years. While it has four major sections, only one is open to the public. The temple complex has also been featured in many Hollywood movies, adding to its fame.
Entry Cost: 120 EGP
Valley of the Kings
The west bank of Luxor contains more than 10 historical sites for you to visit, but the most popular among them is the Valley of the Kings, a burial site where several Pharaohs and nobles of ancient Egypt were buried. This is also where the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered.
Entry Cost: 160 EGP (covering any 3 tombs of your choice), 200EGP additional for the Tomb of Tutankhamun.
Where to Stay in Luxor?
Choose any of the hotels in central Luxor for your stay as they are not only quite close to the train station but also quite close to the attractions you will want to visit. You can hire a ferry to visit the West Bank Necropolis on a day trip.
Aswan
Aswan is a busy tourist town on the banks of the River Nile. While there is enough to see in the city to keep you there for a week, most tourists use it as a base camp for their day trips to the surrounding areas.
What to See in Aswan?
The two top day trips from Aswan are:
Philae Temple Complex
Originally located on the island of Philae, the temple complex had several small temples, with the major one being dedicated to the deity, Isis. When the flooding of the River Nile threatened its existence, the temples were dismantled piece by piece and moved to the nearby Agilkia Island. You can take a ferry from Aswan to visit the complex.
Entry Cost: 100 EGP
Abu Simbel Temples
The Abu Simbel Temples are two twin temples that were originally carved into the mountainside during the reign of Ramses II. Gigantic statues of Ramses II flank the entrance of the Great Temple while the Small Temple is dedicated to his beloved wife, Nefertari. Due to a risk of flooding, the temples were eventually moved to higher ground in the area after being dismantled. It is best to book a group tour for visiting the Abu Simbel Temples, as they are a 4-hour drive away from Aswan. Most groups will leave early in the morning and allow you around 2 hours to explore the area.
Entry Cost: 160 EGP
Where to Stay in Aswan?
It is recommended that you plan your stay near the west bank. While luxurious hotels are an option, staying at a guesthouse owned by the locals of the area is recommended as you will not only have amazing hosts but will also get local insight when booking tours and ferries for your day trips.
Sharm El-Sheikh
What to See in Sharm El-Sheikh?
Sharm el-Sheikh is a resort town located on the Sinai Peninsula, at a coastal strip of the Red Sea. Tourists come here to relax and enjoy world-class amenities like spas, swimming pools, and of course, the gorgeous beach. It is also a perfect honeymoon destination in Egypt. Scuba diving, snorkelling, and other water sports are commonly offered by the resorts here, and the area has an active nightlife as well.
One of the top places to visit on a day trip from Sharm el-Sheikh is:
Ras Muhammad National Park
Ras Mohammad National Park is located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula. The area is protected due to its biodiversity, containing desert landscape, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and marine life. You can access the park via land or water, and there are separate charges for both. You can also indulge in water sports here at additional costs. Tours from Sharm el-Sheikh can bring you to the park via your chosen mode of transport.
Entry Cost: Around 85 EGP or $5 for both land and sea entries
Where to Stay in Sharm El-Sheikh?
Naama Bay is a beachfront community where all the major hotels and restaurants, are located and this is where you can make the most of your visit.
Essential Tips for Travelling to Egypt
If you’re planning a trip to Egypt from Pakistan, some of the following travel tips can really come in handy:
- Tickets to all of the above-mentioned places to visit in Egypt are priced higher for foreigners than locals.
- Photography is not allowed at some of these places and might actually be charged extra at others.
- Do not ask the locals to take your photograph at any of the iconic locations unless you want to pay them for the service.
- Make sure you are wearing comfortable footwear, as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Wear closed-toed shoes at all times, in spite of the hot weather, unless you want sand in your shoes.
- Women are advised to dress conservatively and avoid engaging with local males. The stare game is quite strong.
- If you have spare EGP at the end of your trip, convert them into dollars or pounds before you arrive at Cairo airport for departure. You might not find the currency of your choice at the money exchange counter there.
- The primary language is Arabic, but people in the tourism industry speak fluent English, so you shouldn’t face a language barrier.
- Tour guides are everywhere when you visit famous attractions. Say ‘No’ firmly and ignore them. Otherwise, they’ll charge you for services they haven’t provided and give you a hefty bill to pay at the end of the tour.
- Tipping is a norm here. You have to tip everybody for every service they offer. Locals will even ask you for it, so keep change at hand.
- It’s best to get a Vodafone sim as it will give you access to the internet to use Google Maps and plan your routes.
- Shopping in Egypt = Bargaining. There’s no way around it. All souvenirs will be overpriced so haggle away.
- While planning your tour, remember that spending around 2 to 3 days in each city should give you sufficient time to explore its attractions before moving on.
- Do not forget to estimate the travel time between cities before finalising your itinerary.
This concludes our comprehensive guide to plan your trip to Egypt from Pakistan, inclusive of the best places to visit in Egypt along with Egypt’s tourist visa requirements. Eager to get going? Apply for a visa! As soon as you get the approval, use some ingenious travel-packing hacks to maximise your luggage space and start packing to witness the historic beauty of Egypt with your own eyes.
For more travel guides to top tourist destinations around the world and within Pakistan, keep following Zameen Blog, Pakistan’s top travel and tourism blog.
