Travel Information

 

25% discount for your trip to Egypt

Save on your trip to the UFI MEA Conference!

UFI delegates can enjoy a 25% flight discount on EgyptAir on their trip to the conference. 

KARNAK is the tourism Sector of EGYPTAIR Airlines, which is one of the subsidiaries of EGYPTAIR Holding Company. Established in 1955 with License No.6A/1955, EgyptAir Tourism - Karnak has proudly served the tourism industry for over seven decades, earning a reputation for reliability and professionalism.

➡️If you are interested in the discount, please send your passport copy to events@ufi.org.

Getting to Cairo

Cairo International Airport (CAI)is served by direct flights to 125 destinations worldwide, with around 58 airlines operating these routes. Major carriers include EgyptAir, which connects to cities across Africa, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Emirates flies directly from Dubai, Saudia from Riyadh and Jeddah, British Airways from London, Lufthansa from Frankfurt, Air France from Paris, and Turkish Airlines from Istanbul. These airlines, among others, offer convenient and extensive connections, making Cairo a vital air hub in North Africa.

Entry Regulations

Travelers to Egypt must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel, and at least 2 blank visa pages. There are currently 78 nationalities that qualify for an electronic visa that can be obtained via Egypt e-visa portal. Additionally, more than 180 nationalities can get a tourist visa upon arrival if the passport holder has a valid and used visa for the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area, Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.

You can check the full list of eligible countries and apply and pay for your visa online using Egypt’s visa online application portal, Egypt Visa.

Alternatively, you can obtain your visa through Egyptian consulates worldwide or get your visa upon arrival for USD 25 from the bank counter in the airport’s passport control area.

If you need an invitation letter from UFI or from the conference host, please contact us at events@ufi.org.

Health Information

Medical Insurance

Please note that the Host Country does not provide travel or medical insurance for conference attendees. If you are taking medication, kindly bring an adequate supply for the entire duration of your stay.

Things to consider when visiting Egypt

🪙 Currency

The Egyptian Pound is abbreviated to EGP, E£ or in Arabic ( ج. م). One Egyptian Pound is subdivided into smaller currency denominations known as piastres and millimes.

Exchange rate: it is always recommended to check the exchange rate online or with your bank or exchange house as it may vary.

🏦 Banking Services

Banking hours are from 08:3 to 14:00 on weekdays, from Sunday to Thursday. Banking amenities are available at all commercial banks. Most banks have cash dispensing machines accepting Visa, MasterCard, and Cirrus.

Most internationally recognized currencies and travelers’ cheques can be exchanged at commercial banks, hotels, and international airports. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

🌤️ Climate

Expect warm and sunny spring weather throughout the conference period. Daytime temperatures will be around 31°C (88°F), with cooler evenings dropping to approximately 15°C (59°F). Rain is highly unlikely, and the UV index is expected to be very high, so sun protection is essential.

🔌Electricity Supply

The electricity supply in Cairo is 220/240V AC. You are advised to bring your own round, two-prong adapter, and transformer for 110V AC.

📞 Telecommunications

Currently, there are four companies which offer cellular communication service: Orange, Vodafone, Etisalat, and We (by Telecom Egypt). SIM cards are widely available in the airport and other retails shops across the country.

🚑 Emergency Services

The Triple Zero (000) service is the quickest way to get the right resources from emergency services to help you and should be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance services in life threatening or time critical situations.

🛍️ Business and Shopping Hours

Banks: from 8:30 to 14:00 from Sunday to Thursday. Public administration and businesses: from 8:30 to 15:00 from Sunday to Thursday. Shops and retail: from 10:00 to 20:00 all days

⌚ Local time

The time in Egypt is GMT/UTC+3.