Pre-Trip Checklist: Alexandria

Essential Preparations

Organize your trip effectively with this chronological planning timeline.

Strategic Pre-Departure Steps

actions to complete at different stages before your journey.

Months Before

Passport Validity

Confirm validity for 6 months beyond departure.

Visa Requirements

Research and apply as needed (Visa2Egypt).

Health Consultation

Discuss required and recommended vaccinations.

Month Before

Accommodation

Book your hotels, hostels, or rentals.

Itinerary & Tours

Plan detailed itinerary and book major tours.

Currency & Banking

Arrange Egyptian Pounds and notify banks.

Week Before

Packing

Pack climate-appropriate clothing and essentials.

Confirmations

Reconfirm all reservations (flights, hotels, tours).

Offline Apps

Download maps and language packs for offline use.

Initial Travel Foundations

Critical tasks to begin well in advance of your journey.

Visa & Health Planning

Passport validity for 6 months beyond departure.
Research specific visa requirements for your nationality.
Consult a travel health professional for vaccinations.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance (World Nomads).

Booking & Itinerary

Secure your major travel components and plan your daily activities.

Logistics & Bookings

Book international flights to Borg El Arab or Cairo.
Secure your accommodation in Alexandria.
Plan your detailed itinerary for local exploration.
Book any major tours or inter-city transfers.

Document & Connectivity

Prepare your documents and ensure connectivity on arrival.

Document Copies

Make digital copies (phone, cloud).
Create physical photocopies.
Store copies separately from originals.
Include passport, visa, insurance policy.

Pre-Arrival Setup

Download offline maps for Alexandria.
Download Arabic language pack for Google Translate.
Charge all electronics (phone, camera, power bank).
Arrange for mail, pet care, and home security.

Banking & Communication

Arrange some Egyptian Pounds for arrival.
Inform your bank of travel dates.
Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival (optional).
Ensure immediate connectivity.

Pre-Flight Reminder

Reconfirm all reservations and ensure all electronics are fully charged. Plan for adequate travel time to the airport.

Arrival & Departure

These steps aid a smooth transition upon arriving in Alexandria and a stress-free exit.

On-Arrival Essentials

1
Passport & Visa:
Have your passport and e-Visa printout readily accessible.
2
Currency Exchange:
Exchange some foreign currency into Egyptian Pounds or withdraw from an ATM.
3
Local SIM Card:
Purchase a local SIM card (optional, but recommended) at the airport.

Settling In & Initial Purchases

Airport Transfer:
Arrange your airport transfer to your accommodation.
Hotel Check-in:
Confirm check-in details and take note of hotel services.
Initial Purchases:
Buy bottled water and any immediate necessities upon arrival.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Shipping

Finalize souvenir purchases and shipping arrangements.

Do so well in advance of your departure date.

VAT Refund Procedures

Egypt generally does not offer a widespread VAT refund system for tourists.

Confirm any specific refund details with retailers.

Pre-departure Timing

Allow 2-3 hours for international flights at Borg El Arab Airport (HBE).

Allow 1 hour for domestic flights, trains, or buses.

Traffic Considerations

Always allow extra time for travel to the airport or station due to potential traffic delays in Alexandria.

Return Trip & Final Checks

Prepare for your departure to make certain a stress-free exit from Alexandria.

Final Departure Steps

Pack all your belongings carefully.
Do a final check for forgotten items in your room.
Settle any outstanding hotel bills.
Reconfirm your onward travel details.

Departure Timing Reminders

Arrive at Borg El Arab Airport at least 2-3 hours before international flights.
Arrive at least 1 hour before domestic flights, trains, or buses.
Always allow extra time for travel to the airport or station.
Account for potential traffic delays in Alexandria.

Emergency Numbers

contacts for various emergency situations in Egypt.

Direct Lines

Police:122
Ambulance:123
Tourist Police:126
Fire Department:180

Essential Documents Copies

Make digital copies (on your phone, cloud storage).
Create physical photocopies of important documents.
Include passport, visa, and travel insurance policy.
Store these copies separately from the originals.

Final Confirmation

Do a final room check for forgotten items and settle all hotel bills.

Reconfirm all onward travel details for a smooth transition.

Pre-Trip Checklist