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GENERAL INFORMATION

| Frequently Asked Questions. |

TRAVEL AND VISAS

From the 1st March all international flights departing from Egypt, regardless of the destination and nationality, will be subject to the same EU restrictions on liquids allowed into the cabin. Passengers may carry liquids in their hand luggage but only within single containers not exceeding 100 ml and must be placed in clear plastic zip-top bag measuring 20 x 20 cm - only one bag per passenger. Medication in liquid form is allowed as long as you can provide a prescription in your name or a medical certificate.
Once you have passed through airport security you can purchase liquids at the duty free shops provided.

Upon arrival, your passport must be valid at least for six months.

All foreigners entering Egypt must obtain a visa either from an Egyptian consulate overseas or from the airport on arrival. The cost of a tourist visa at the airport is £10. < BACK

MONEY AND BANKS

The national currency is the Egyptian Pound (LE). 10Le is equal to roughly £1 or click here to check exactly

ATM machines are every where and travelers’ cheques can be cashed at banks. < BACK.

THE LANGUAGE

The official language is Arabic. Interesting to know and Useful Arabic words and phrases are:

Hello                                       salaam ‘aleikum
Response                              wa aleikum es salaam

Good morning                      sabaaH el kheir
Response                             sabaaH el noor

Good evening                       misa’ el kheir
Response                             misa’ el noor

Goodbye                                 ma’as salaama
Thank you                              shokran
Yes                                          aywa
No                                            la
Sorry                                       assif / asfa

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CLIMATE

Egypt is an arid desert area and therefore usually hot and dry during the day but can be cool to cold at night. Wetsuits are necessary throughout the year - normally 4 mm in summer and 7 mm in winter.

Average temperatures around the year:

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HEALTH

Anyone booking must fill out the PADI medical statement along with the other forms when booking with your school. Download the forms, print them out, and fill them in and return them with your schools booking letter. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the statements then you need to see your doctor or physician for them sign your medical statement off for medical fitness before we can confirm your booking.

The main health concern in Egypt is the heat so it is important to drink plenty of water to stop dehydration. The sun is strong all year so avoid sunburn by using a high factor sunscreen and protect your eyes with good quality sunglasses.

It is a good idea to bring insect repellent, and re hydration sachets. Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in drinks, and it is advisable to clean your teeth with bottled water. Take sensible care with cuts and scratches as the coral in the Red Sea can aggravate them, causing slow healing.

Pharmacies throughout Egypt are generally good and you can find all services you would expect in a UK pharmacy.

No vaccinations are required for Egypt but we suggest you check with your local doctor as to what they recommend – it is generally advisable to be vaccinated against Hepatitis-A and Tetanus.

In Sharm el Sheikh there are excellent doctors available, two hospitals and a modern hyperbaric chamber with a 24 hour call-out service for diving emergencies. There is also a chamber in Dahab. The chamber doctors speak several languages and have specialist training in how to treat all diving related injuries.

To support the chamber and make sure we keep them in the area, we ask all divers to make a voluntary contribution of $1 per day. < BACK.

Sharm Chamber: +69 - 3660922/3

24 hour Emergency Number:

Dr Adel Taher: +12 212 4292

Dr Ahmed Sakr: +12 333 1325

CULTURE AND HOLIDAYS

Egypt is a predominately Muslim country so in Cairo and Luxor modest clothing is required. In the tourist areas of Sharm it is fine to wear shorts and T-shirts especially during the summer months. It is generally advisable to wear a white T-shirt when snorkeling to reflect the sun’s rays.

Friday is the equivalent of the European Sunday with most banks and government offices closing for the day. In tourist areas shops and restaurants are normally open 7 days a week. < BACK.

NATIONAL PARKS

Most of the Red Sea Riviera is a National Park and is protected by laws both on land and underwater. Breaking these laws leave you liable for heavy fines: 

Underwater
Do not touch any type of marine life, including coral. Coral especially can be killed by simply touching it as this destroys its protective layer.
It is strictly forbidden to walk on the reef.
Do not remove anything from the beach or sea unless it is rubbish. Even what looks like dead coral is a natural part of the ecosystem.

On land
Do not touch or pick the desert plants. The mangroves are especially protected as these are the most northerly mangrove areas to be found in the world.

Just incase we visit, According to 1993 Regulations everyone going to the national parks of Ras Mohammed, Nabq or Abu Gallum must pay $5 entrance fee which goes towards the Marine Conservation Fund. This is payable on site.

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