Travel & Accomodation
Arrival to Cairo
The main international gateway to the city is Cairo International Airport (CAI). From the airport, participants may conveniently use transport services such as Uber or the official Airport Limousine service to reach their accommodation.
Visa
Almost all nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt.
Option A: Visa on Arrival
Citizens from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and EU countries for $30 USD (single-entry, 30 days) it can be paid in USD or equivalent in GBP or Euro.
No other currency is accepted for the visa fees. You cannot use a debit card or a credit card – fees must be paid in cash. Please make sure you have the exact amount; change is not guaranteed.
Option B: E-Visa
Check if your are eligible and apply on the website: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/
You will need:
Valid passport issued by an eligible country
Travel itinerary and accommodation details
Credit or debit card for visa fee payment
Invitation letter
If Option A and B don’t apply to you, you must apply for a visa through the Egyptian Embassy at your country. Please contact them directly to inquire about the application process.
To issue an invitation letter, please email us at nef@turetim.org provided that you have registered, please write your name as is in your passport, mobile phone with international code, job title, organisation, arrival date, departure date, passport number and hi-res scan of your passport showing your information and we will send you the invitation letter.
Meeting Venue
Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development
Al Salam City, Cairo, Egypt
30 – 40 minutes from Cairo International Airport
50 – 60 minutes from Downtown Cairo
20 – 30 minutes from provided accommodation options
45 – 60 minutes from SEKEM Ecovillage
Accommodation
We have selected some suitable accommodation options for your stay in Cairo. All these hotels are located and within 20 – 30 minute drive to the airport, meeting venue, central locations and services. SEKEM Ecovillage is about 45 min to 1 hr away from the Heliopolis University venue.
Price per night vary from 55 – 280 euros. We strongly encourage you to book well in advance to secure the best price.
SEKEM Ecovillage
Baron Hotel Heliopolis Cairo
Waldorf Astoria Cairo
Booking: https://www.booking.com/Share-4glebe
Radisson Blu Heliopolis Cairo
Concorde El Salam Heliopolis Cairo
Hilton Heliopolis Cairo
Transportation
It’s recommended to use only Uber or Careem ride hailing applications. If you choose to stay at SEKEM Guesthouse, transportation will be arranged for you.
Weather
In Early April
Daytime highs are at 28–30°C (82–86°F), though a hot spell can push past 35°C.
Night lows are at 14–17°C (57–63°F) noticeably cool after sunset.
Rain is essentially zero (April averages ~1mm for the whole month).
The sun is intense and unfiltered, UV index around 8–9 by midday.
Occasionally khamsin winds can blow through between March and May. They bring a day or two of dust-hazy skies, a sharp temperature jump, and gritty air. Not likely on any given four-day window, but worth planning for.
What to pack
Loose, light-colored cotton or linen long sleeves and long trousers actually beat shorts, since they shade you from the sun. A light jacket or shawl for evenings and over-air-conditioned interiors. A brimmed hat, real sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are non-negotiable.
Closed walking shoes you don’t mind getting dusty, a refillable bottle would be good.
For the khamsin possibility: a lightweight scarf you can pull over your nose and mouth, and if you wear contacts, bring glasses as a backup (the dust is miserable in lenses).
Worth checking back around late March 2027 for an actual forecast.
Dress code
There is no dress code for the forum; you can be yourself as you wish, but in Egypt in general, a modest dress code is recommended (e.g. no transparent garments, no shorts or tanks).
Currency
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP)
ATMs are widely available in Cairo and can be found at the airport, banks, shopping areas, and near Heliopolis University.
Most ATMs accept major international debit and credit cards. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and in banks across the city.
ATMs are widely available in Cairo and can be found at the airport, banks, shopping areas, and near Heliopolis University.
Most ATMs accept major international debit and credit cards. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and in banks across the city.
Visitors are advised to carry local currency for small purchases and daily expenses.
Attractions
SEKEM Ecovillage is happy to support you in arranging visits to some of Cairo’s most famous attractions. Please reach out to ecovillage@sekem.com to coordinate in advance.
Health & Wellbeing
Please verify that your health insurance provider offers full international coverage. Also, make sure you carry your regular necessary medications with you at all times.
To ensure you have a safe & comfortable visit, we kindly remind all participants to prioritize their personal health and wellness during the forum.