Holidays to Egypt from Dublin

If you are currently planning on booking a holiday in Egypt from Dublin, or even if you are only considering a holiday in Egypt later in the year or perhaps sometime next year, you’ll no doubt have lots of questions. Of course, we don’t know what questions you have, but here are some of the most common questions and their relevant answers:

When Is the Best Time To Visit Egypt?

In terms of the weather, the best time for a holiday in Egypt would be from around mid-October to about mid-April. December and January are probably the best two months if weather is a key concern of yours or if you are planning a family holiday and you are going to be traveling with very young children. This is typically when the weather is at its coolest and most pleasant. Keep in mind though that this is also the busiest time of the year in terms of tourist numbers.

Additionally, this is the high season, so expect to pay more for your holiday than you would if you visited during the low season. Things like hotels, Nile cruises and tour packages all cost less during the low season, but it can be very warm, to the point where some tourists might find the heat unbearable. If you need more advice or further clarification regarding this, please contact our travel department via email, Live Chat, or by calling our toll-free number.

Do Irish Nationals Need a Visa to Visit Egypt?

Yes, having a valid visa is a mandatory travel requirement for anyone who wants to visit Egypt. However, if you will be traveling on an Irish passport, getting your tourist visa for Egypt is dead easy. You can apply online for an Egypt e-visa or you can obtain a visa on arrival at any international airport in the country. As an Irish national you won’t be required to show any supporting documentation. As long as you have a valid passport and proof of onward travel, you won’t have any problem getting your visa.

It is also worth noting that in some cases, our travel department can apply for a visa on your behalf. This may be the case if, for example, you book an all-inclusive holiday package or one of our luxury Egypt tours.

If you intend spending your entire holiday in one or more resort towns like Hurghada on the Sinai Peninsula, you can a visa exempt stamp that allows you to stay in the country for up to 14 days. However, you will not be allowed to travel elsewhere in the country without a valid visa. If you want to experience real Egyptian culture and learn a bit about the country’s ancient history, we strongly recommend getting a tourist visa so that you can explore other parts of the country as well.

Do I Need Travel Insurance to Visit Egypt?

Egypt does not require tourists to have travel insurance, although it is certainly something which we would recommend. If you book one of our Nile cruise and stay packages from Dublin or one of our Nile cruise holidays to Egypt from Dublin, we provide some cover, but it would not be enough to cover serious medical expenses in the event that you became seriously ill or severely injured. Having travel insurance is always a good idea no matter where you travel to.

Are Credit Cards and Debit Cards Widely Accepted in Egypt?

Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted at most tourist sites as well as at all modern hotels and large retailers major cities such as Cairo, Egypt’s capital city and also the country’s largest city. Cards are also widely accepted in most large towns that see a high number of tourists. However, cards are rarely accepted by smaller vendors, and particularly in more remote areas. Most businesses that accept card payments will have a sign in place to let customers know.

Is Egypt Safe for LGBT Travelers?

While Egypt does not have any laws that make homosexuality illegal, several Egyptian men have been targeted and charged with other crimes like debauchery and subsequently been given lengthy prison sentences. In light of this, discretion is advised for LGBT travelers.

It is also worth noting that if you see Egypt men holding hands or you see them kiss each other on the cheek, this does not mean they are gay. It is simply part of the culture for two male friends to hold hands and/or greet each other with a kiss on the cheek.