Everything you need to plan a surprise free holiday

Before travelling

Check your country's travel advice for Egypt
Sign up for their email alerts to get the latest updates
Find out where the nearest embassy or consulate of your country will be, in case you need to contact them in an emergency
Tell friends and family where you're travelling to and leave them your contact details, insurance policy details and itinerary. Store them securely online
Ensure you have enough funds to cover emergencies and unexpected delays. Take multiple means of payment with you (cash, debit card, credit card)
Invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your trip and consider using online travel forums for more detail about your destination
Check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad. Consider leaving your phone's IMEI number with a friend or family member, to help block or locate the phone if there's a problem
If you're going to be driving abroad, make sure your licence is current and valid and be aware of the driving laws in the country you are visiting
If you're travelling with children who are unaccompanied by one or both parents, check permissions that you might need to get and check the policy of your airline or transport provider

Review your nationality's entry requirements of Egypt; most Europeans can get their visa at the airport of entry
Make sure you've got the correct visas for Egypt and that your passport is valid
Note that for Egypt, your passport must be valid for six months from the date your holiday starts.
If you're a British citizen applying for a passport for the first time, you will be interviewed at a HM Passport Office to verify your identity and it takes up to six weeks to get a first passport
Take a printed photocopy of your passport with you and also store a digital copy securely online
Complete emergency contact details in your passport. That will help government officials to contact next of kin if you have an accident

If your vacation package does not include it, and you do not have annual travel insurance, it is safe at to get your travel insurance from the day that you book your holiday.
Make sure your insurance covers any activities you are likely to do, including extreme or water sports

Twelve to eight weeks before your trip, check the latest Egypt-specific health advice of your country of origin
Check if any travel vaccinations are necessary
If necessary, contact your health adviser for information on managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you're travelling
Take enough medical supplies for the duration of your visit and an additional supply in case of any unexpected delays. It always a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription when travelling.
Regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in your home country can be different in other countries. For further information, you'll need to contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate of Egypt

Think about what you are doing at all times and trust your instincts. Don't take risks that you wouldn't in your home country
Don't openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider attaching a padlock to luggage or backpacks
Find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws. There may be severe penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
Be careful when taking photos, videos or using binoculars. These activities may be misunderstood or unwelcomed by local authorities, especially near military installations.
Store useful numbers on your phone such as the local police (126) and the number of your home country embassy or consulate
If you intend to participate in any adventure sports or water sports during your trip, only use appropriately licensed and insured operators. Before participating, make sure you fully understand the operating instructions and satisfy yourself that adequate safety precautions are in place
Check your home country's import regulations for food and plants before you attempt to take them back