What do I need to travel to Egypt?
United States citizens traveling to Egypt will need a passport that is valid for at least six months after the day you plan to leave Egypt.
​
United States citizens also need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. U.S. citizens can obtain a single-entry 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Egyptians airports. The Government of Egypt also issues e-visas through their online electronic visa portal - guests may apply for an e-visa through the online portal 90 days before their entry into Egypt. It typically takes between five and seven business days to process the online application for e-visas, so visitors are encouraged to apply online at least seven days prior to departure.
A single-entry tourist visa costs $25 USD. We strongly encourage our guests to obtain e-visas in advance through the website listed above to avoid long waits upon arrival in Egypt.
​
If you are not traveling on a United States passport, we encourage you to review the visa requirements of the country issuing your passport.
Where will the ceremony and the reception be located?
The ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception will all be located at The Rooftop at the Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo in Garden City, Cairo. The ceremony and reception will be outdoors overlooking the Nile River.
How can I RSVP?
All guests should RSVP through the "RSVP" tab located on the top menu of the wedding website. If you are having issues your RSVP, please send us an email at youssefsonthenile@gmail.com.
Are children invited?
Our welcome party, ceremony, and reception are adults-only events.
​
​
What is the appropriate attire for the ceremony and reception?
Guests are encouraged to dress in formal or cocktail attire for the ceremony and reception, but do not stress about letting your ceremony outfit take up too much precious luggage space!
The temperature in Cairo in October ranges from high 50s to low 70s in the evenings, and the weather along the Nile River in the evening should be mild and pleasant.
How long should I plan to be in Egypt?
We will be hosting a welcome reception on the evening of Friday, October 4, 2024, and all guests are invited to attend. The ceremony and reception will be hosted on Saturday, October 5, 2024 and will conclude after midnight.
​
We recommend staying in Cairo for at least three to four nights to have the opportunity to enjoy all that the city has to offer, and we recommend at least one week in Egypt if you plan to travel to other parts of the country. Head over to the Travel and Accommodations page for recommendations on things to do in Cairo and Egypt.
​
How should I plan to get around in Egypt? Should I rent a car?
Guests traveling to Egypt should not rent a car, as driving in Cairo is typically chaotic and street signs, lights, and road rules are often disregarded.
​
We recommend that guests hire a guide or join a group tour to see all of the highlights throughout Cairo (a private guide or group tour will include transportation with hotel pick up). Uber and Careem (a Dubai based ride-share app) are also available throughout Cairo and all of Egypt and are very easy, safe, and inexpensive methods of transportation.
​
Private transportation from the Cairo airport to the Kempinski can be booked starting at $25, and Ubers from the Cairo airport to the Kempinski cost approximately $5 to $15.
What is the currency in Egypt and how should I plan to pay for things on my trip?
The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (often abbreviated as EGP or LE). Most banks and currency exchanges in the United States do not carry Egyptian Pounds, so it is recommended that you exchange currency upon arrival in Egypt at the Cairo airport or exchange offices, or by withdrawing money directly from an ATM using your bank card.
​
If you are bringing U.S. dollars to exchange for Egyptian Pounds in Egypt, ensure that the bills are new and undamaged.
​
Many hotels (including the Kempinski Nile Hotel Cairo), group and guided tours, and Nile River cruises transact in U.S. dollars or Euros. However, when in restaurants, bars, museums, and other tourist attractions in Cairo, you will most likely be charged in Egyptian Pounds.