Nauryz in Egypt from Almaty: tours

Nauryz in Egypt is March with comfortable weather: the air at Red Sea resorts stays around +24…+27 °C, the water warms up to +22…+23 °C, and the sun is milder than in the summer months. From Almaty during high season, charters fly to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, less often to Marsa Alam and Taba.

What to consider before a trip to Egypt for Nauryz?

The holiday dates in March coincide with high demand for Red Sea resorts. Let's look at what should be prepared in advance so that the first trip to Egypt for Nauryz goes without surprises.

Visa and passport for citizens of Kazakhstan

Processing entry formalities takes minimal time but requires attention to the document's validity period. Nauryz in Egypt falls during the peak of the season, so queues at the airport are possible. Tourists from Almaty usually receive entry permission directly upon arrival at the terminals of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Check the cost and validity period of the stamp with the tour operator before departure. The passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry. Check this period before buying the tour. Keep a copy of the document separate from the original. Children need their own passport. Keep the migration card until departure. If deadlines are tight, replace the document in advance.

Insurance, first aid kits and medical care at resorts

The medical policy is issued together with the package and covers basic cases at resorts. Egyptian medicine in tourist areas is paid, so without insurance treatment will be expensive. Nauryz in Egypt is a time of active sun, and heatstroke happens more often than one would like. Take a first aid kit with a supply of usual medications. Pharmacies are available in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam, but specific drugs may be absent. Doctors at hotels speak English. Keep payment receipts — they will be needed for reimbursement. For chronic illnesses, bring a prescription with you. Print the insurance policy on paper.

When to go and how to choose a resort?

March offers comfortable water and air without summer heat. The choice between a noisy coast and quiet bays depends on the company and the goals of the holiday.

Direct charters from Almaty and the time difference

Flights from Almaty to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are operated by charters during high season. The schedule changes from one tour operator to another, so check the specific program. The time difference with Almaty is 3 hours in winter and 2 hours in summer: Egypt changes its clocks (UTC+2 in winter, UTC+3 in summer), while Kazakhstan stays on UTC+5 all year round. This should be taken into account when planning the first day. Nauryz in Egypt begins for the tourist already at the departure airport. The flight takes several hours, and after landing the body still lives on Almaty time. Book the transfer in advance. It is better to spend the first evening calmly. This way you will enter the local rhythm faster.

Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh or quiet bays: comparison of destinations

Red Sea resorts differ in rhythm, prices and infrastructure. Below is a comparison by key parameters for a tourist.

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh receive most charters from Almaty. The holiday in Egypt in these cities is noisy: restaurants, markets and excursions operate.

Safaga, Taba and Dahab: who are the sparsely populated resorts suitable for

Quiet villages are chosen by those who are tired of crowds and want solitude by the sea. Safaga is known for wind and kite stations. Taba stands on the border with Israel and is suitable for a calm beach holiday. Dahab attracts divers and surfers with inexpensive guesthouses. The holiday in Egypt here passes without city bustle. The infrastructure is more modest: ATMs and pharmacies may not be near the hotel. Stock up on cash in advance. There is less entertainment, but the sea is cleaner. This format will suit experienced travelers.

Money, communications and local rules

Financial and everyday details determine the comfort of the trip no less than the hotel. Let's look at what to know in advance.

Currency, ATMs and exchange at hotels

The Egyptian pound is the local currency, but dollars and euros are readily accepted in tourist areas. The exchange rate at hotels is less favorable than at banks. The holiday coincides with an influx of tourists, and queues at ATMs grow. In Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, ATMs are common. In Safaga or Taba, they may not be near the hotel. Small bills will be useful for tips and taxis. Do not exchange the entire amount at once. Cards are accepted in large hotels and shops. At markets, payment is cash only.

SIM cards, internet and roaming of Kazakhstani operators

Communication is needed for maps, messengers and calling a taxi. Local SIM cards are sold at the airport of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Roaming of Kazakhstani operators is expensive, so it is more profitable to buy a local SIM card. During the holiday period in Egypt, it is high season, and there may be a queue at points of sale. Wi-Fi in hotels often works only in the lobby. In the room the signal is weaker. For video calls home, stock up on traffic. A passport is needed to register the number. Save the access point settings. Check the balance after connecting.

Tipping, dress code and behavior outside tourist areas

Tipping is part of the service culture. Hotel staff, drivers and guides are usually left small amounts in dollars or pounds. This holiday in Egypt does not change such rules. Alcohol is not sold outside licensed hotels and restaurants. Swimwear is appropriate on the beach and at the hotel. When going out into the city or on an excursion to temples, dress more modestly. Ramadan and other religious periods affect the schedule of shops and cafes outside tourist areas. Respect local customs. Photographing people without permission is not worth it. For women in rural areas, it is better to cover their shoulders and knees.

What to do besides the beach

The Red Sea is not the only reason to fly here in March. Excursions and active recreation make up half of the impressions.

Excursions to the pyramids and to Luxor from Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh

The Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor are the classics that many people travel to Egypt for. From Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, such trips take a full day. A holiday in Egypt is a time of early departures: in March the heat is milder than in summer. The road to Cairo or Luxor is long, often with an early wake-up. The guide tells the story in Russian. The price includes entrance tickets and lunch. Take water, a hat and comfortable shoes. A camera will come in handy. Check the program with the tour operator in advance.

Diving and snorkeling in Marsa Alam and El Gouna

The underwater world of the Red Sea is accessible all year round. Marsa Alam and El Gouna are considered among the best dive spots. This period in Egypt offers comfortable water temperature and good visibility. Beginners will suit trial dives with an instructor. Experienced divers are interested in reefs and sunken objects. Snorkeling is available right from the shore in many bays. Rent a mask and fins on site. Check whether the equipment is included in the price. A certificate will speed up the paperwork.

Shopping: spices, souvenirs and haggling in the markets

Markets and shops are an attraction in themselves. Spices, oils, papyrus and textiles are cheaper to buy in local shops rather than in hotel stores. There the markup is higher. The holiday brings more tourists to the markets, and prices start higher than usual. Haggling is the norm: the starting price may be several times inflated. Start with a third of the named sum. Stay friendly and walk away if the deal is unprofitable. Shop in the morning, when sellers are more accommodating. Check the quality before paying.

Organizing the tour and typical difficulties

Putting the trip together requires attention to detail. Let's look at what to check with the tour operator and how to get around on site.

Car rental and moving between resorts

Car rental is possible, but requires an international license. The driving style and road quality outside the resorts are noticeably different from what you are used to. The holiday season in Egypt is high, and cars are snapped up quickly. Book in advance if you plan independent trips. Buses and taxis run between Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. The journey takes several hours. Taxi-hailing apps are convenient for getting around the city. Check the cost of the trip before getting in. Gas stations are not everywhere.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the electronic visa portal of the Arab Republic of Egypt, https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/. The information on this page was verified on 12.09.2026.

In brief

• March at the Red Sea resorts offers a warm sea and mild sun without the exhausting summer heat.
• Charter flights from Almaty fly to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, less often to Marsa Alam and Taba.
• Holiday dates coincide with peak demand, so tours are booked months in advance.
• Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are suitable for families, Marsa Alam and El Gouna for divers.
• Safaga, Taba and Dahab are chosen for the quiet, the wind and the sparsely populated beaches.