Do I need a visa to enter Egypt?

Most travelers require a tourist visa.

For U.S. passport holders:

You may obtain a visa on arrival at the airport.

● Cost: $25 USD

● Payment: Cash only ‍ ‍(Exact cash will make it easy)

● Validity: Typically 30 days

You may also apply for an eVisa online prior to travel if you prefer.

What if I’m traveling from another country?

Visa requirements vary depending on nationality and passport. 

It is each traveler’s responsibility to check the official Embassy website for their country to confirm entry requirements.

Passport requirements:

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.

Once you have reserved your spot on the retreat, we will schedule a one-on-one call to go over flight booking dates, arrival times, departure planning, and any travel-related details to ensure everything aligns smoothly with the retreat itinerary.

This call is also a space for you to ask any questions you may have at all, whether about travel, the itinerary, what to expect, or anything else on your mind. It’s not just a logistics call, but an opportunity to feel fully supported and clear before your journey.

It’s also a chance for us to meet and get to know one another. We’ll connect around what drew you to the retreat, why Egypt has called to you, and what interests you about this experience, so the journey feels personal and intentional from the very beginning.

The intention is to ensure you arrive on time, feel confident in your plans, and schedule your return flight appropriately at the end of the retreat.

You will not be navigating this alone, we’ll make sure your travel plans align smoothly so you can travel with ease.

Will my phone work in Egypt?

Coverage varies by carrier.

Important note for T-Mobile users:

● T-Mobile generally does not work reliably

● Limited service may be available only in parts of Cairo

● Without preparation, you may rely mostly on Wi-Fi

Important note for Verizon users:

● Verizon offers an International plan which includes unlimited text and calls plus hotspot. This can be added for your time traveling and cancelled upon return.

● Verizon service worked fairly well for us in Egypt, sometimes limited but overall we were happy with it.

● Without preparation, you may rely mostly on Wi-Fi

Option two:

● Purchase an eSIM before travel, or

● Buy a local SIM card upon arrival

Wi-Fi availability:

All accommodations offer Wi-Fi. Speed varies by location, but many travelers with compatible carriers or eSIMs are able to stay connected, use social media, and download content.

While sailing on the Dahabiya:

There will be periods with limited or no service. Many guests experience this as a welcome pause to disconnect, slow down, and fully be present with the group, the landscape, and the experience.

While travel insurance is not required, it is highly recommended for this journey.

Travel insurance can help cover:

● Flight delays or cancellations

● Trip interruptions

● Medical care while traveling

When we visit the pyramids, there is an optional camel ride add-on for those who are interested. As with any activity involving animals, there is an element of unpredictability. Travel insurance is recommended so that, in the unlikely event anything unexpected arises, you are covered and supported without added stress.

It’s also important to know that healthcare in Egypt is very affordable, and visiting a doctor or hospital is typically not expensive. That said, travel insurance provides peace of mind and support, not only for medical situations, but also for flight-related issues or travel disruptions.

Travel insurance itself is generally inexpensive and is a helpful layer of protection for international travel.

Common and widely used travel insurance providers include:

● Allianz Travel Insurance

● World Nomads

● SafetyWing

Ultimately, travel insurance is about preparedness and peace of mind, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the experience knowing you’re covered.

Is Egypt safe to travel to?

Yes. Tourism is a vital part of Egypt’s economy, and safety within tourist areas is taken very

seriously. Egypt has a dedicated government division focused solely on the safety of tourists, and this presence is visible throughout major tourist sites, hotels, and travel corridors.

Will we be on our own?

No. Throughout the retreat, all main activities, transportation, and site visits are guided and

organized as a group, so you are supported and cared for throughout the experience.

During designated free or leisure time, you are welcome to relax or explore at your own pace. If you’d like to step out to enjoy the local atmosphere, do some light shopping, or walk around the town, we simply ask that you let us know so we can arrange for a team member to accompany you.

Temple visits:

When visiting temples, we will begin together as a group with our licensed tour guide. During the guided portion, everyone is expected to remain with the group.

At the end of each guided visit, there will be designated free time for photos, personal exploration, or rest. All temples have a café or rest area, and we will set a clear meeting location and time where the group will reconvene.

Pace & atmosphere:

Like many major cities around the world, Cairo has an energetic pace, with traffic, sound, and movement that are part of everyday city life. Other locations on the journey, such as Luxor, Aswan, the Nile, resort areas, and Sharm, feel much calmer and more spacious.

Moving through the experience with guidance, structure, and group support helps create a sense of ease and flow, allowing you to focus on being present rather than navigating logistics.

Is Egypt safe for women?

Many women report feeling safe while traveling in Egypt, especially when moving with the group and within tourist areas.

Out of cultural awareness and respect for local customs and religious traditions, many women choose to dress more modestly, such as wearing clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting temples or sacred spaces. This is not a requirement, but a personal choice that many travelers find helps them feel more comfortable and aligned with local norms.

The best time to visit is mid-September through mid-May.

During fall and spring, heat waves can still occur, and some days may feel like summer, especially during the day.

Evenings and nighttime can be noticeably cooler, particularly on the Nile, in desert areas, and during early mornings and nights.

We recommend bringing a light sweater or jacket for comfort.

Can I take photos in temples?

Yes.

Any restrictions?

● No flash in some locations

● Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed inside temples

● Follow posted guidelines

Always ask permission before photographing locals.

Please note: Government buildings, police, military should not be photographed.

Also, you can purchase a photo package with our photographer that includes an album of the journey.

Is tipping expected in Egypt?

Yes. Tipping (baksheesh) is customary and appreciated throughout Egypt.

Important to know:

If someone outside of our retreat team approaches you, or if you approach them, to:

● Take a photo of you

● Guide you to a specific spot

● Assist you within temples or tourist areas

…it is generally understood that a tip will be expected afterward.

Our retreat team and staff will never ask you for individual tips.

Their tipping is handled collectively through the daily group tipping rate, which will be discussed clearly in the group chat so everyone knows what to expect.

This collective tipping typically covers guides, drivers, temple support staff, accommodations, and culinary teams, and is not included in the retreat package.

Many groups prefer to pool tips and give them to the retreat leader, who then distributes them appropriately so guests don’t have to worry about tipping individuals throughout the day.

This group tipping does not replace:

● Public restroom tipping

● Optional tips for personal assistance (photos, guidance, etc.)

If you are not prepared to tip or prefer not to engage, it is perfectly okay to politely decline

assistance.

If you do choose to accept help, you are more than welcome to, just be prepared to tip

accordingly.

Once the group is confirmed, we’ll schedule our group call and create a private group chat for:

● Important updates and coordination

● Polls for dietary needs, allergies, or sensitivities

● Ongoing communication and connection

The group chat is also a space for everyone to connect and get to know one another before the retreat, creating familiarity and ease by the time we arrive together.

This allows us to thoughtfully accommodate the group so everyone feels seen, supported, and well cared for.

This journey is designed to offer a balance of structure and spaciousness. Logistics,

transportation, and daily flow are thoughtfully organized so you can relax and be present, while still allowing room for personal reflection, rest, and integration.

There will be moments of movement and fuller days, especially when exploring historical

Sites, and also moments of stillness, particularly along the Nile and in quieter locations. 

The rhythm is intentional and designed to feel supportive rather than rushed.

Many people find that traveling through Egypt offers contrast and perspective, culturally, historically, and internally. What unfolds will be personal and unique to you.

Curiosity, openness, and presence are all that’s required.