Most travelers require a tourist visa.

For U.S. passport holders:

You may obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt at the airport.

• Cost: $30 USD

• Payment: Cash only

• 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.

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.

Will laundry be available during the retreat?

Laundry availability varies by location.

On the Dahabiya (Nile sailing):

There is no onboard laundry service. Laundry may be arranged during a port stop with assistance from a team member, subject to timing and availability.

At the Amenti House:

Each unit includes laundry facilities for guests to do their own laundry.

Laundry can also be sent out, please reach out to us to arrange.

In Cairo and in Sharm (extension):

Laundry service is available for an additional fee.

Can I drink the tap water?

No, stick to bottled water (provided).

Will the food affect my digestion?

Not necessarily, but some people experience digestive changes when traveling simply because it is a different culture with different food preparation, spices, and ingredients than what their bodies are used to at home.

This is very common when traveling internationally and does not reflect food quality or cleanliness, it’s simply the body adjusting to something new. For example, Egyptian cuisine often includes spices and flavors that may take some digestive systems a little time to adapt to.

To err on the side of caution and stay comfortable, we recommend being prepared.

Recommended to bring:

• Pepto-Bismol

• Tums

• Anti-diarrheal medication (e.g., Imodium)

These are purely preventative, so you can enjoy the experience with ease and peace of mind.

Generally minimal, but there is one Nile stop where mosquitoes may be present regardless of season.

We recommend bringing:

• Mosquito repellent

• An anti-itch cream such as hydrocortisone or lidocaine, in case you do get bitten, for quick relief from itching or irritation

Being prepared ensures any bites are a minor inconvenience rather than a distraction from the experience.

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.

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 create a private group chat for:

• Important updates and coordination

• Polls for dietary needs, allergies, or sensitivities

• Ongoing communication

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.