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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Luxor, Egypt

Required Preparations

A detailed timeline guides your readiness.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Plan your trip systematically for a successful visit.

1

+ Months Prior

Passport & Visa

Passport validity must be at least six months beyond your travel date. Research and apply for an e-Visa if needed.

Major Bookings

Book major flights and Nile cruises, especially for high season.

Health & Insurance

Consult a travel health professional for vaccinations. Obtain comprehensive travel insurance.

2

Month Prior

Internal Travel

Book remaining accommodations, internal flights, or trains.

Tour Arrangements

Arrange private tours or guides. Confirm special tomb tickets (Seti I, Tutankhamun).

Packing & Finance

Start your packing list and purchase missing gear (e.g., Travel power adapter). Notify your bank of travel plans.

3

Week Prior

Document Organization

Print and save digital copies of all reservations, your passport, visa, and insurance documents. Organize them in a Travel wallet.

Electronics & Maps

Charge all electronics. Download offline maps and translation packs for your apps.

Arrival Logistics

Confirm airport transfers or other arrival arrangements.

Pre-Trip Considerations

Careful planning for peace of mind.

Advance Bookings

  • Flights, Nile cruises, and sleeper trains.
  • Popular hotels during high season.
  • Hot air balloon rides.
  • Special tomb entries (Seti I or Tutankhamun).

Home Preparation

Ensure your home is managed while away.

Home Security

  • Arrange pet care.
  • Hold mail delivery.
  • Notify trusted neighbors of your travel dates.
  • Secure your home.

Research & Information

Background knowledge enriches your experience.

Cultural Context

  • Familiarize yourself with Egyptian history.
  • Learn about Egyptian culture.
  • Practice basic Arabic phrases.
  • Understand local customs.

Safety & Advice

  • Review safety advice from your government's travel advisories.
  • Be aware of current local conditions.
  • Monitor travel warnings or alerts.
  • Stay informed about any specific health guidelines.

Practical Insights

  • Know tipping customs (baksheesh).
  • Bargaining is common in markets.
  • Modest dress is appropriate.
  • Use bottled water for consumption.

Pre-Departure Action

Digital copies of your passport, visa, and flight tickets. Store them in a secure cloud service and email them to yourself. This aids if you lose physical documents.

Arrival & Departure

Steps for a smooth arrival and initial settling.

First Actions Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Visa Acquisition:

    If you qualify for a visa on arrival, purchase your visa sticker from the bank kiosk before immigration.

  • 2
    Immigration & Customs:

    Go through immigration and customs procedures.

  • 3
    Currency Exchange:

    Exchange a small amount of currency or use an ATM for Egyptian Pounds.

Orientation & Logistics

  • Local SIM Card:

    Consider purchasing a local SIM card at the airport for easy communication.

  • Accommodation Transport:

    Locate your pre-arranged transport or negotiate your taxi fare to your accommodation.

  • Getting Oriented:

    Acquire a map (physical or phone). Locate your hotel and the nearest ATM.

Departure Logistics

Souvenirs & Shipping

Be mindful of luggage weight limits for your return flight.

Shipping items from Egypt can be costly and time-consuming.

VAT Refund

Egypt does not currently have a widely implemented VAT refund system for tourists.

Pre-Departure Timing

Arrive early for flights: 2-3 hours for international, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.

For trains or buses, arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.

Final Check

Confirm your flight details, pack essentials for your travel day, and ensure your passport and tickets are easily accessible.

Additional Considerations

A comprehensive checklist for a comfortable journey.

Health & Security

  • Consult a travel health professional for vaccinations.
  • Research and obtain comprehensive travel insurance.
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies of travel plans.
  • Share your itinerary with someone back home.

Practical Packing

  • Start creating your packing list.
  • Purchase any missing gear, like a travel power adapter.
  • Organize documents in a travel wallet.
  • Finalize packing, including medications and first-aid kit.

Important Travel Information

Essential details for your journey.

Metrics

  • Passport Validity6+ months
  • Visa TypeE-Visa or on arrival (check eligibility)
  • Local CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
  • Main LanguageArabic

Local Customs

  • Hospitality is customary; accepting tea is polite.
  • Bargaining is a norm in markets.
  • Dress modestly, specifically at religious sites.
  • Do not photograph people without permission.

Final Reminders

Pre-trip research: Familiarize yourself with Egyptian history, culture, and basic Arabic phrases.

Home preparation: Arrange pet care, hold mail, and secure your home.