cdws travel egypt

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CDWS Offices

Cairo office.

Location: 8 El Sad El Aaly St. Dokki, 11312, Giza, Egypt

Tel: (+2) 233372164/74 /

Fax: (+2) 237483313

Email: [email protected]

Sharm El Sheikh Office

Location: 2 Zoo Street, Forum Business Mall, ElHadaba, Sharm ELSheikh, Egypt

Tel: (+2) 693666448 /9 / +2 01223250555

Fax: (+2) 693660418

Hurghada Office

Location: Building no. 216, 1st floor, 104 Al- Kawthar, Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt

Tel: (+2) (065) 3404980/1 / +2 01277911288

Fax: (+2) (065) 3449604

Emergency Contact for South Sinai

Location: Starting from Ras Sudr till Taba

Tel: +2 01273600001 /

Emergency Contact for the Red Sea

Location: Starting from Ain Shoukhna till Hamata, including North Coast

Tel: +2 01273600002 /

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Egypt Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Egypt. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Global Polio January 05, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Egypt.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Egypt. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Egypt.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

In Egypt, poliovirus has been identified in the past year.

Travelers to Egypt are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus if: 1) they work in health care settings involving direct patient contact, 2) assist in refugee camps or other humanitarian aid settings, OR 3) have limited access to clean drinking water and sanitation .

Vaccine recommendations : Adults traveling to Egypt who received a complete polio vaccination series as children, and are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus, may receive a single lifetime booster dose of inactivated polio vaccine; travelers who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should receive a complete polio vaccination series before travel. Children who are not fully vaccinated will be considered for an accelerated vaccination schedule .

Polio - CDC Yellow Book

Polio: For Travelers

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Egypt. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Egypt, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Egypt. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby
• Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

• Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Egypt, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Egypt. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Egypt include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Egypt. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Egypt’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Egypt may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Egypt, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Egypt for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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CDWS Egypt: Your Guide to Unparalleled Diving Experiences

Hurghada Diving 23/01/2024 Diving organizations

Table of contents

Cdws egypt: your gateway to unforgettable diving experiences in egypt, egypt: where diving begins, the role of cdws in egypt’s diving industry, starting a diving business in egypt with cdws, diving in sharm el sheikh, water sports in egypt, the diving medical examination, the signal buoy requirement, promoting egypt’s diving industry globally, feedback from divers, accredited diving centers in egypt.

CDWS Egypt, the Chamber of Diving and Watersports, is a name synonymous with the unparalleled diving experiences Egypt has to offer. This organization is the official source of information and guidance for anyone keen to explore the underwater treasures of Egypt or invest in the country’s diving industry.

Snapshot of Egypt’s Diving Industry

Egypt, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is a popular destination for tourists worldwide. However, what truly sets this African nation apart is its thriving diving industry, with the Red Sea being a prominent diving hotspot.

The Red Sea, often referred to as Egypt’s ‘Garden of Allah,’ is a testament to the country’s rich underwater biodiversity. From the gigantic coral outcrops of Taba to the vertical walls of Ras Mohammed, every dive site in Egypt is an adventure waiting to happen.

Fun Fact: Diving in Egypt is so popular that it has even given rise to a new form of holidaying – the Red Sea diving holiday!

CDWS Egypt plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the diving industry in Egypt. It sets rules and regulations for diving and watersports centers, ensuring that these businesses adhere to the highest standards of safety and environmental conservation.

CDWS also provides support and guidance to individuals or companies interested in setting up diving businesses in Egypt. However, it’s important to note that as per a decision issued in 2020, the applications for diving and watersports centers have been temporarily suspended in some cities in the Red Sea and South Sinai governorates.

Exploring the Diving Hotspots in Egypt

When it comes to diving in Egypt, two destinations stand out: Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh. These two locations are the pioneers of Egypt’s almost 20-year-old diving history.

Hurghada, with its protected marine area, is a diver’s paradise. Here, you can discover everything from minuscule nudibranchs to giant whale sharks. The region is so committed to preserving its underwater life that it has collaborated with local authorities, NGOs, and international bodies like USAID to ensure conservation.

Liveaboards in Hurghada

If you’re up for a longer diving expedition, Hurghada is the perfect starting point for liveaboard trips. You can explore the exceptional dive sites of the Straits of Gubal, visit the wreck graveyard of Abu Nuhas, or even cruise over to the fabled Thistlegorm, the Red Sea’s most known wreck.

Much like Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh is another top choice for divers. This destination is known for its diverse marine life, stunning coral reefs, and relaxing beaches.

In addition to diving, Egypt’s Red Sea also offers fantastic opportunities for water sports. From sailing to windsurfing, these activities are rapidly growing in popularity along the Red Sea Riviera.

Ensuring Diver Safety with CDWS Egypt

One of the key objectives of CDWS Egypt is to ensure diver safety. As such, it’s mandatory for divers in Egypt to either undergo a diving medical examination or fill out a medical statement on site.

Depending on your age and health status, you may require a diving medical examination before you can dive in Egypt. For divers under 40, a medical certificate with a 2-year validity is required, while for those over 40, a certificate with a 1-year validity is necessary.

The Medical Statement

Even if you have a valid diving medical examination, you will still need to complete a medical statement on site. This form can be downloaded from the CDWS Egypt website.

CDWS Egypt also requires every diver to carry a signal buoy. This rule applies to independent divers diving with a buddy team and guides leading a group of divers.

CDWS Egypt actively participates in international events to promote Egypt’s diving and watersports tourism. For instance, it recently attended the Boot exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany, alongside several of its members.

The diving industry in Egypt, guided by CDWS, has received rave reviews from divers worldwide. Many have praised the professionalism of the diving centers, the quality of services, and the unforgettable diving experiences they’ve had in Egypt.

CDWS Egypt accredits diving centers that meet ISO standards EN 14467 / ISO 24803 for diving. These centers offer a range of services, including scuba diving, equipment rental, and equipment servicing and repair.

Example: Diving Around Diving Centre is one such PADI Resort that is an accredited member of CDWS Egypt.

CDWS Egypt is more than just a regulatory body for Egypt’s diving industry. It’s a symbol of the country’s commitment to offering a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable diving experience to all who venture into its waters. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a newbie, Egypt, with the guidance of CDWS, promises a diving adventure like no other.

So, are you ready to dive into the mesmerizing underwater world of Egypt with CDWS Egypt?

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Red Sea implements digital transformation system for cruises, diving

As part of the state’s strategy for digital transformation, the Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS) in the Red Sea Governorate on Saturday will start implementing a digital transformation system for cruises and diving.

The system obliges chamber members from diving centers, aqua-centers, tourist launches, yachts, and submarines to obtain cruise notifications electronically, by launching the cruise notification application, in accordance with the decision of the Permanent Coordinating Committee formed by Ministerial Resolution #291 of 2021.

The CDWS confirmed that the new application allows member facilities to fill in the notification for implementing cruises electronically in easy and fast steps.

This is done in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities , the CDWS, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, and the security authorities concerned with issuing permits for the implementation of marine activities.

This covers safaris, diving trips, daily yacht trips for diving and snorkeling activities, submarines, semi-submarines, glass-side yachts, glass-bottomed boats, beach diving and snorkeling activities.

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CDWS Introduces Trip Notification App

Egypt's diving and watersports industry unveils new tour notification app As part of Egypt's digital transformation strategy, the Diving and Watersports Organisation (CDWS) and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism unveiled the official version of the Trip Notification Application in July 2023.

The application enables safari, diving and water sports operators to easily complete the required registration for conducting diving and water sports activities in the Red Sea, and to obtain permits for the relevant tours. This can be done online in quick and easy steps, in accordance with the requirements of the relevant authorities. The app also provides information and statistics, including data on excursions and activities, the nationalities and age groups of tourists and divers, and the most visited dive sites. This data can be used to support decision-making towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. By analysing the newly provided data and information, CDWS will support and develop new activities for the diving and water sports industry in Egypt. These include raising safety standards for the services offered by operators, controlling and combating illegal businesses, providing training and creating new jobs.

The application will also help to obtain important information that will have a direct impact on the protection and conservation of the marine environment in the Red Sea. This data will hopefully help achieve sustainable tourism in Egypt.   The Trip Notification Application is an attempt to support significant progress for the diving and watersports industry in Egypt. The CDWS, through its services to the industry, aims to support all companies in the associated industries in Egypt to make the country a leading tourist destination. About the CDWS The Chamber of Diving and Water Sports is a non-profit organisation established in 2007 by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism (Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities) with the aim of improving the quality, safety and standard of services in the diving and water sports industry and preserving the unique environment of the Red Sea. Further information https://www.cdws.travel/ https://www.facebook.com/CDWSEGYPT/ https://www.instagram.com/cdws_egypt/

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Egypts Tourism Minister, CDWS discuss cooperation in marine recreation activities

Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled Al-Anani met with Chamber of Diving and Water Sports (CDWS) members, to discuss methods of joint cooperation during the coming period.

The cooperation will look to develop Egypt’s diving and marine activities, in a way that preserves the environment and achieves the development of sustainable tourism.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of topics that would contribute to the improvement of diving and marine activities, and the controls needed to regulate this sector’s work. At the same time, it would ensure the safety of Egypt’s marine environment.

The meeting also touched on preventing incorrect practices regarding tourists and marine life, especially in light of Egypt’s global excellence in this field.

Al-Anani stressed the importance of diving centres and marine activities at the various tourist destinations in Egypt, and their adherence to the requirements and controls of the established licences.

This comes in addition to the commitment to implement all precautionary and preventive measures, and health and safety controls, to protect workers and visitors.

For their part, the Chamber members gave a presentation on the efforts made by the CDWS to facilitate work procedures in this field. They reviewed the ways to reach tourists who prefer to practice these activities, especially through what is provided by the Chamber’s website, which will be officially launched soon.

The site provides all information on marine activities in Egypt, and where they can be accessed. The chamber also provides an opportunity to train tourists to dive through a group of skilled and highly experienced divers.

In addition, the two sides reviewed the number of diving awards the country has been awarded for its facilities in the Red Sea area, and the distinguished diving sites in this area.

In 2008, 2009, and 2010, opinion polls conducted in the UK showed that Red Sea beaches were the most popular for diving and marine activities, with Egypt winning second place in 2015, Meanwhile, Egypt also won second place in 2020 for marine and diving activities.

© 2020 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

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Egypt Implements Environmental Standards to Protect its Coral Reefs

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CDWS calls for diving and snorkelling operators to reduce their environmental impact by joining Green Fins

The Reef-World Foundation  and  Chamber of Diving & Watersports  (CDWS) are pleased to announce Egypt is adopting Green Fins environmental standards to protect its coral reefs. Through the implementation of the Green Fins initiative nationally (South Sinai Governorate from September and Red Sea Governorate from March), the Egyptian marine tourism industry is playing its part in protecting coral reefs from the negative impacts associated with diving and snorkelling. The country has become the first in its region and the 11 th  worldwide to officially adopt Green Fins. Green Fins is one element of CDWS’ ambitious action plan to strengthen sustainability within the marine tourism sector across Egypt.

The initiative will be piloted in South Sinai Governorate and expanded to be available to all dive and snorkel operators nationwide by March 2020. Following a week of training by Reef-World (22-28 September 2019), Egypt now has a team of four Green Fins Assessors in South Sinai Governorate. The Green Fins Assessor team is comprised of CDWS representatives who are now certified to recruit, train and conduct assessments of new Green Fins members in the country. As such, dive operators in South Sinai Governorate are now able to register their interest in becoming a Green Fins member by contacting the Green Fins Team at CDWS ( [email protected] ).

The new assessors are now fully certified to provide training about the ecology and threats to coral reefs, simple and local everyday solutions to these threats and Green Fins’ environmental standards to dive and snorkel operators. The second phase of national introduction will see 4-5 more assessors trained in the Red Sea Governorate in March 2019 and CDWS is calling for interested operators in the region to sign up in advance.

Egypt is a popular holiday destination with 11.3 million tourists visiting in 2018; up from 8.3 million in 2017. Of these, there are approximately 500 businesses providing diving and snorkelling activities in the Red Sea and an estimated three million divers and snorkellers visiting the region each year. The CDWS is rallying dive centres to join the Green Fins initiative to help improve their sustainability and prove they are following environmental best practice as a way of attracting eco-minded tourists.

Green Fins Assessor Team in Egypt (Photo credit: Reef-World Foundation)

Diving related damage to sensitive marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, is becoming an increasingly significant issue. This damage makes them less likely to survive other local and wider stressors, such as overfishing or plastic debris as well the effects of climate change, such as rising sea temperatures. The Green Fins initiative helps identify and mitigate these risks by providing environmental consultation and support, based on robust individual assessments, to dive and snorkel operators. Reef-World hopes to significantly reduce negative environmental impacts on coral reefs in the Egypt by reaching 30 marine tourism operators, training 150 dive guides and raising awareness of sustainability best practice among 30,000 tourists during Green Fins’ first year of implementation.

Green Fins  is a  UN Environment  initiative, internationally coordinated by  The Reef-World Foundation , which aims to protect and conserve coral reefs through environmentally friendly guidelines to promote a sustainable diving and snorkelling tourism industry. Green Fins provides the only internationally recognised environmental standards for the diving and snorkelling industry and has a robust assessment system to measure compliance. Reducing diving and snorkelling-related damage to sensitive marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, helps to make them more resilient to other stressors such as those associated with climate change.

While Green Fins is usually adopted by a government body (which integrates the programme’s activities with their annual plans and absorbs associated costs), in Egypt the industry has collaborated to bring Green Fins to the area through the CDWS. CDWS is a non-profit organisation and Egyptian operators pay an annual CDWS membership fee of 5,500 Egyptian pounds (LE) to cover costs associated with audits. For those who would like to voluntarily participate in Green Fins, an additional fee will be charged to cover the associated costs of the programme.

The Green Fins approach includes proven assessment criteria to identify and mitigate high-risk practices both above and below the water. Green Fins members are evaluated annually based on a 15-point code of conduct, which measures the company’s impact on coral reefs: of a possible score of 330, the lower the score, the lower its impact. The assessment then enables Green Fins assessors to offer practical alternatives to the most pressing threats posed by that business. To ensure its members are fully compliant with the Green Fins Code of Conduct, the CDWS will introduce a minimum environmental impact benchmark of for Green Fins certification. This is a world first for Green Fins.

The newly qualified Green Fins Assessors will be carrying out robust assessments to evaluate the environmental impact of dive and snorkel operators and providing one-to-one consultation to help the business develop and implement best practice to improve the sustainability of the marine tourism industry. The individual feedback and support provided – which includes practical, low-cost alternatives to common threats to the marine environment such as anchoring, provision of single use plastics such as plastic bottles and lack of awareness to existing rules and regulations – is based on each company’s area of highest negative impact on the reef, as determined by the assessment.

To date, four Egyptian dive and snorkel operators have already joined the global network of nearly 600 trained and assessed Green Fins members. These are: Reef Oasis Dive Club, Water Land 3 Diving Centre, Diving and Discovery and Camel Dive Club and Resort. There has also been significant interest from other operators who have signed the membership form and are looking forward to their training and assessment. The CDWS aims to certify 30 dive centres in the coming year.

Chloe Harvey, Director at The Reef-World Foundation, said: “We’re proud to be helping protect Red Sea coral reefs by bringing Green Fins to Egypt; the first country in the Middle East and the 11 th country worldwide to adopt the initiative. As one of the original global diving destinations, the diving community in Egypt has shaped the way we dive and travel today, so I’m really pleased to be working with them to lead the way in sustainability within our industry. In fact, I learned to dive here aged 12 which has dramatically influenced my life dramatically and the way I have developed the Green Fins programme as a whole.

She continued: “Through Green Fins, dive and snorkel operators in the region can improve their environmental best practices and reduce their negative impact on coral reefs; helping to conserve these vital ecosystems for many generations to come. The programme is initially launching in South Sinai Governorate with the Red Sea Governorate to follow in March 2020 so we urge dive operators in both regions to get in touch if they are interested in proving they follow environmental best practice by achieving a Green Fins certification.”

Hesham Gabr, Chair of the Chamber of Diving & Watersports, said: “Fortunately, the Red Sea is blessed to have a pristine underwater world with crystal clear visibility, warm waters and a thriving aquatic ecosystem. From large, multi-coloured coral reef systems home to several fish species to the presence of the BIG underwater creatures, we are lucky to be the custodians of a naturally rich and beautiful environment. Since the start of the 2019 summer alone, we have already had multiple sightings of whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays, eagle rays, hammerheads, oceanic reef sharks and much, much more! It is so important that we protect and preserve the Red Sea’s exquisite marine life for future generations. As such, we are excited to promote environmental best practice to our members and help them reduce negative impacts on life under the sea, through the implementation of the Green Fins initiative.”

Ahmed el Wassief, Chair of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, said: “Sustainability is a crucial element of the Egypt Tourism Reform Program that Egypt is undertaking to improve the standards and the quality of both the touristic infrastructure and its human element. The effort will surely put Egyptian tourism at the forefront of Eastern Mediterranean destinations. And has so far resulted in Egypt being the fourth highest improvement in tourism competitiveness.”

For more information, please visit  www.reef-world.org ,  www.greenfins.net  or  http://www.cdws.travel . Dive and snorkel operators interested in signing up to Green Fins can find the membership application form at:  https://www.greenfins.net/how-to-join .

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Egypt Implements Environmenttal Standards to Protect Coral Reefs

CDWS calls for diving and snorkelling operators to reduce their environmental impact by joining Green Fins

The Reef-World Foundation and Chamber of Diving & Watersports (CDWS) are pleased to announce Egypt is adopting Green Fins environmental standards to protect its coral reefs. Through the implementation of the Green Fins initiative nationally (South Sinai Governorate from September and Red Sea Governorate from March), the Egyptian marine tourism industry is playing its part in protecting coral reefs from the negative impacts associated with diving and snorkelling. The country has become the first in its region and the 11 th worldwide to officially adopt Green Fins. Green Fins is one element of CDWS’ ambitious action plan to strengthen sustainability within the marine tourism sector across Egypt.

The initiative will be piloted in South Sinai Governorate and expanded to be available to all dive and snorkel operators nationwide by March 2020. Following a week of training by Reef-World (22-28 September 2019), Egypt now has a team of four Green Fins Assessors in South Sinai Governorate. The Green Fins Assessor team is comprised of CDWS representatives who are now certified to recruit, train and conduct assessments of new Green Fins members in the country. As such, dive operators in South Sinai Governorate are now able to register their interest in becoming a Green Fins member by contacting the Green Fins Team at CDWS ( [email protected] ).

The new assessors are now fully certified to provide training about the ecology and threats to coral reefs, simple and local everyday solutions to these threats and Green Fins’ environmental standards to dive and snorkel operators. The second phase of national introduction will see 4-5 more assessors trained in the Red Sea Governorate in March 2019 and CDWS is calling for interested operators in the region to sign up in advance.

Egypt is a popular holiday destination with 11.3 million tourists visiting in 2018; up from 8.3 million in 2017. Of these, there are approximately 500 businesses providing diving and snorkelling activities in the Red Sea and an estimated three million divers and snorkellers visiting the region each year. The CDWS is rallying dive centres to join the Green Fins initiative to help improve their sustainability and prove they are following environmental best practice as a way of attracting eco-minded tourists.

Diving related damage to sensitive marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, is becoming an increasingly significant issue. This damage makes them less likely to survive other local and wider stressors, such as overfishing or plastic debris as well the effects of climate change, such as rising sea temperatures. The Green Fins initiative helps identify and mitigate these risks by providing environmental consultation and support, based on robust individual assessments, to dive and snorkel operators. Reef-World hopes to significantly reduce negative environmental impacts on coral reefs in the Egypt by reaching 30 marine tourism operators, training 150 dive guides and raising awareness of sustainability best practice among 30,000 tourists during Green Fins’ first year of implementation.

Green Fins is a UN Environment initiative, internationally coordinated by The Reef-World Foundation , which aims to protect and conserve coral reefs through environmentally friendly guidelines to promote a sustainable diving and snorkelling tourism industry. Green Fins provides the only internationally recognised environmental standards for the diving and snorkelling industry and has a robust assessment system to measure compliance. Reducing diving and snorkelling-related damage to sensitive marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, helps to make them more resilient to other stressors such as those associated with climate change.

While Green Fins is usually adopted by a government body (which integrates the programme’s activities with their annual plans and absorbs associated costs), in Egypt the industry has collaborated to bring Green Fins to the area through the CDWS. CDWS is a non-profit organisation and Egyptian operators pay an annual CDWS membership fee of 5,500 Egyptian pounds (LE) to cover costs associated with audits. For those who would like to voluntarily participate in Green Fins, an additional fee will be charged to cover the associated costs of the programme.

The Green Fins approach includes proven assessment criteria to identify and mitigate high-risk practices both above and below the water. Green Fins members are evaluated annually based on a 15-point code of conduct, which measures the company’s impact on coral reefs: of a possible score of 330, the lower the score, the lower its impact. The assessment then enables Green Fins assessors to offer practical alternatives to the most pressing threats posed by that business. To ensure its members are fully compliant with the Green Fins Code of Conduct, the CDWS will introduce a minimum environmental impact benchmark of for Green Fins certification. This is a world first for Green Fins.

The newly qualified Green Fins Assessors will be carrying out robust assessments to evaluate the environmental impact of dive and snorkel operators and providing one-to-one consultation to help the business develop and implement best practice to improve the sustainability of the marine tourism industry. The individual feedback and support provided – which includes practical, low-cost alternatives to common threats to the marine environment such as anchoring, provision of single use plastics such as plastic bottles and lack of awareness to existing rules and regulations – is based on each company’s area of highest negative impact on the reef, as determined by the assessment.

To date, four Egyptian dive and snorkel operators have already joined the global network of nearly 600 trained and assessed Green Fins members. These are: Reef Oasis Dive Club, Water Land 3 Diving Centre, Diving and Discovery and Camel Dive Club and Resort. There has also been significant interest from other operators who have signed the membership form and are looking forward to their training and assessment. The CDWS aims to certify 30 dive centres in the coming year.

Chloe Harvey, Director at The Reef-World Foundation, said: “We’re proud to be helping protect Red Sea coral reefs by bringing Green Fins to Egypt; the first country in the Middle East and the 11 th country worldwide to adopt the initiative. As one of the original global diving destinations, the diving community in Egypt has shaped the way we dive and travel today, so I’m really pleased to be working with them to lead the way in sustainability within our industry. In fact, I learned to dive here aged 12 which has dramatically influenced my life dramatically and the way I have developed the Green Fins programme as a whole.

She continued: “Through Green Fins, dive and snorkel operators in the region can improve their environmental best practices and reduce their negative impact on coral reefs; helping to conserve these vital ecosystems for many generations to come. The programme is initially launching in South Sinai Governorate with the Red Sea Governorate to follow in March 2020 so we urge dive operators in both regions to get in touch if they are interested in proving they follow environmental best practice by achieving a Green Fins certification.” 

Hesham Gabr, Chair of the Chamber of Diving & Watersports, said: “Fortunately, the Red Sea is blessed to have a pristine underwater world with crystal clear visibility, warm waters and a thriving aquatic ecosystem. From large, multi-coloured coral reef systems home to several fish species to the presence of the BIG underwater creatures, we are lucky to be the custodians of a naturally rich and beautiful environment. Since the start of the 2019 summer alone, we have already had multiple sightings of whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays, eagle rays, hammerheads, oceanic reef sharks and much, much more! It is so important that we protect and preserve the Red Sea’s exquisite marine life for future generations. As such, we are excited to promote environmental best practice to our members and help them reduce negative impacts on life under the sea, through the implementation of the Green Fins initiative.”

Ahmed el Wassief, Chair of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, said: “Sustainability is a crucial element of the Egypt Tourism Reform Program that Egypt is undertaking to improve the standards and the quality of both the touristic infrastructure and its human element. The effort will surely put Egyptian tourism at the forefront of Eastern Mediterranean destinations. And has so far resulted in Egypt being the fourth highest improvement in tourism competitiveness.”

The launch of Green Fins Egypt was made possible thanks to financing support from the United Nations Development Programme through its project “Mainstreaming the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity into the tourism development and operations in threatened ecosystems in Egypt.”

For more information, please visit www.reef-world.org , www.greenfins.net or http://www.cdws.travel . Dive and snorkel operators interested in signing up to Green Fins can find the membership application form at: https://www.greenfins.net/how-to-join .

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Welcome to CDWS Portal

As you know, we have been developing a new digital platform, and we’re about to launch it soon! So please note that any new profile submission must get approved before the 12th of October. Otherwise, your technical manager will have to re-submit the profile info. For more information on how to get your profile approved by CDWS Click here

Please answer the following questions to be able to access your profile and to start your registration process.

Already Registered Professional

For Diving, Water Sports Professional and Technical Managers who have a CDWS ID.

الإصدار الأول لموقع غرفة سياحة الغوص في حالة وجود أي استفسار برجاء التواصل مع الممثل القانوني او المدير الفني للمنشأه الخاصه بك او إرسال بريد الكتروني الي [email protected] او الاتصال بمكاتب الغرفة من الساعه التاسعه الي الرابعه عصرا. شرم الشيخ: (+20) (69) 3666448/9 / (+20) 1223250555 الغردقه: (+20) (65) 3404980/1 / (+20) 1277911288

This is a beta version for CDWS portal, If you have any question please contact your technical manager or email us on [email protected] or call our offices from 9 am to 4 pm. Sharm: (+20) (69) 3666448/9 / (+20) 1223250555 Hurghada: (+20) (65) 3404980/1 / (+20) 1277911288

The Ultimate Guide to Egypt: Dos and Don’ts Every Traveler Must Know!

W aving hello from the land of the Pharaohs , it's Kevin Erickson , your trusty travel companion. Ever dreamed of marveling at the Sphinx , floating on the Nile , or relishing in the historic hustle and bustle of Cairo's streets? Ah, Egypt, a majestic place! But, wait – do you know the etiquettes and local customs? Dive in as I unravel the treasures of Egypt and help you navigate potential pitfalls. 🌍

• Dress modestly and respect religious practices
• Greet, haggle, and tip like an Egyptian pro
• Stay hydrated, savor local delicacies, but know where to draw the line
• Relish history but respect boundaries
• Dive deep into the culture but keep American sensibilities in mind

Why Egypt Should Be on Every Traveler's Bucket List

According to the World Tourism Organization, Egypt welcomed a staggering more than 11.3 million tourists in 2018. A beacon of history, culture, and cuisine, Egypt promises a travel experience like no other.

Cultural Nuances: Navigating Egypt's Rich Tapestry

1. dress to respect.

Egypt's culture is an intriguing mix of modern and traditional elements. In religious and rural areas, dressing modestly is the key.

Women, consider long skirts or pants and tops with sleeves, while men might ditch the shorts.

Remember, dressing appropriately is not just about blending in, it's about showing respect!

2. Communicate Like a Local

Starting with a warm " As-salamu alaykum" can break many barriers. It’s an essential phrase that means "Peace be upon you".

Plus, trust me; locals appreciate it when you put in the effort.

3. Fun with Finances: Haggle and Tip!

Haggling isn't just a transaction; it's an art form in Egypt .

Dive into the vibrant bazaars, start with half the price, and let the dance begin! And when it comes to tipping, small gestures can bring big smiles.

4. Food, Drinks, and the Egyptian Way

Egypt offers a culinary journey that your tastebuds will cherish.

From falafels to koshary, there's a world to explore. And here’s a zinger for my American friends: while Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, alcohol is indeed legal and available in many restaurants, hotels, and bars.

However, remember: public drunkenness isn't just frowned upon—it can land you in hot water!

5. Dive Deep into the History, but Respect the Boundaries

Egypt is, as Anthony Bourdain rightly said,

" a unique fusion of civilizations, cultures, and religions. Traveling here is like walking through layers of history."

But remember, while the Pyramids might tempt you, climbing them is a big no-no. Let's keep history preserved!

From a Traveler's Eye: Kevin's Secret Tips

• The Nile - More Than Just a River - The Nile isn't just about those mesmerizing boat rides. Avoid swimming, especially near urban areas, due to pollution.
• Not Everyone's After Your Bucks - Sure, there are hustlers, but many Egyptians are genuinely warm. Embrace the culture, make friends, and you'll discover the true heart of the country.
• Step Outside the Tourist Spots - Discover Egypt's hidden gems. Beyond the Pyramids and Sphinx, there’s a whole world awaiting.

Embracing the Egyptian Adventure: A Final Word

The magic of Egypt is something that has enticed travelers for generations. Whether it's the mysterious allure of the Pyramids, the sprawling beauty of the Nile , or the vibrant tapestries of the bazaars, every corner of Egypt is a testament to its rich heritage and captivating culture. But beyond the visual spectacle, the soul of Egypt lies in its people – warm, welcoming, and eager to share their stories.

Traveling here is not just about checking off sites from a bucket list; it's about immersing oneself in a timeless narrative that has shaped much of the world's history. It's about understanding the delicate balance of tradition and modernity that Egyptians navigate daily. By respecting local customs and approaching each experience with an open heart, travelers can forge connections that transcend mere tourism.

Kevin Erickson' s insights and tips are crafted from a place of deep respect and admiration for this land. While the dos and don'ts serve as a practical guide, they also underscore a more profound message: Travel with empathy. Every "do" is an invitation to embrace and every "don't" a nudge to respect boundaries.

In conclusion, as you set out to experience Egypt, remember that it's a journey both external and internal. The monuments will leave you awestruck, the cuisine satisfied, but it's the memories made and the friendships forged that will truly stand the test of time.

So here's to Egypt – an eternal story waiting for your chapter. Safe travels!

What currency should I carry in Egypt?

Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While major cities and tourist areas accept credit cards, it's wise to carry some local currency for smaller vendors, tipping, and haggling in bazaars.

Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Egypt?

It's recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before your trip. Common vaccines suggested for Egypt include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever, especially if you're planning to visit rural areas.

Is English spoken widely in Egypt?

While Arabic is the official language, English is widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas, major cities, and by younger generations. However, it's always appreciated if you learn a few basic Arabic phrases.

Are there specific cultural or religious festivals I should be aware of?

Yes, Egypt has several religious and cultural festivals, the most notable being Ramadan, a month of fasting. During this time, many shops and restaurants may have altered hours. Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha are also significant festivals with grand celebrations.

Is vegetarian or vegan food easily available?

Yes, Egyptian cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian and even vegan-friendly dishes. Staples like falafel, koshary, and molokhia are both delicious and vegetarian-friendly.

How do I get around within the country?

Egypt boasts a range of transportation options from trains, buses, and domestic flights to more local means like tuk-tuks and horse-drawn carriages. For major attractions like the Pyramids, it's often convenient to hire a taxi for the day or join a guided tour.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

It's advisable to stick to bottled water in Egypt, both for drinking and brushing your teeth, to avoid any potential stomach upsets. Always ensure the bottle seal is intact when purchasing.

• World Tourism Organization
• Egyptian Tourism Board
• "Parts Unknown" by Anthony Bourdain