egypt tourist leaflet

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Download our Egypt travel brochure to learn what magical adventures await you. In Egypt you will join us on an exciting journey, full of unique impressions, sites, smells, and flavors. But before you travel to Egypt, you can learn more about Inside Egypt and what we offer by viewing our Egypt travel brochure. Find out why we are Egypt's leader in luxury travel; and why you should choose us for your luxury Egypt vacation!

Thanks to our Egypt holiday brochure, you can review the details of the different Egypt tour itineraries we offer and the places you will visit with us on each one. Read about our VIP experiences on some Egypt tours, the optional trips, and the 1-day add-ons before and after the main trip to Egypt as well as about our 5-days add-on to Jordan (you can also learn more about in our Egypt and Jordan tour page).

With our Egypt tourism brochure you will discover the best of Egypt; and unlock Egypt tourist information about the most important highlights. Learn about the famous monuments, museums, archaeological sites, and the best hotels. Find information about our culture trips to Egypt , including details about Egyptian traditions, typical Egyptian food, and other fascinating and exciting things this country has to offer. You don't want to miss a thing!

In fact, our Egypt travel brochure is your own little Egypt travel guide pdf. It is a concise and well presented source of knowledge about Egypt and our company, which will allow you to familiarize yourself with us and the amazing country where you will spend your vacation.

You'll find everything you're looking for and more in our Egypt travel brochure and we are waiting to welcome you to Egypt!

Thank you for your interest in Inside Egypt Tours. To receive our Egypt Travel Brochure, please complete the following form. 

If you would like to explore Egypt even further, join our optional trips and 1-day add-ons. If you would like to see more than just one beautiful country during your journey abroad, join our 5-days add-on to Jordan , including legendary Petra. 

To receive our brochure, please complete the following form. 

OUR EGYPT TRAVEL BROCHURE FAQs

Tours covered in this egypt holiday brochure.

In our Egypt travel brochure, you will find detailed descriptions of the luxury Egypt tours that we offer. These are cultural and archaeological tours that include VIP experiences, allowing you to understand ancient Egyptian monuments as well as the modern attractions of Egypt and delve deep into Egyptian culture. Our Egypt tours are luxurious. Our guests stay overnight in 5-star hotels and cruise the Nile on a luxurious ship. We organize comfortable trips in which you travel around Egypt by plane, high-standard coaches, and even a carriage and a speedboat. Around Egypt in 14 Days ( 14-day Egypt tour ) is our most popular tour, featured most extensively in our Egypt travel brochure. For two weeks, our clients will get to visit the most important attractions of Egypt; from Alexandria in the North to Abu Simbel in the South of Egypt. They sail the Nile for 7 days and visit the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx with private access. This is our most thorough Egyptian experience. Our Egypt tourism brochure also includes the Exploring Egypt tour ( a 10-day tour of Egypt) , which, in addition to the standard Egyptian monuments and a 3-day cruise on the Nile, includes a private tour of two historic palaces in Cairo and Alexandria, which are closed to the general public. You can also find the Golden Highlights of Egypt tour ( a 8-day in Egypt tour ) in our Egypt holiday brochure. This tour covers all the most important monuments in Egypt, a 3-day cruise on the Nile and a private tour, without other tourists, of the Khufu Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza. If you want to create your own dream trip that isn't found in our ancient Egypt travel brochure, you can book a  private tour  with us and explore Egypt individually. Visit the sights that you are most interested in on a date that suits you.

Experts involved in putting together this Egypt tourism brochure

The Inside Egypt team behind this ancient Egypt brochure consists of specialists who have been associated with the tourism industry in Egypt for many years. Our employees have numerous contacts throughout Egypt extensive knowledge and skill. Their training and experience as experts has resulted in well-established procedures, and their ability and skill are of the highest level.

Our customer service experts, marketing specialists, operational managers and tourist guides have been part of the long-standing Inside Egypt team and have been involved in the creation of our Egypt travel brochure.

Their extensive knowledge, which comes from their experience of dealing with customers over years of service has given them the skills to create this Egypt holiday brochure. Our Egypt tourism brochure is the result of the great collaboration of all these experts.

Thanks to them, our Egypt turism guide below is vey concise, giving you all the Egypt travel information you need to plan your vacation; and you will quickly find the most important Egypt tourist information that you're looking for in our Egypt travel brochure.

You'll find information about Egyptian culture, as well as the magnificent sites that you need to visit on your Egypt vacation. Our team has put their heart and soul into our Egypt travel brochure to give you the best planning tool, and to get you excited about your trip to the wonderful land of the pharaohs.

We encourage you to download our Egypt travel guide pdf to find all of the Egypt tourist information you need. You will quickly find the most important Egypt tourist information that you're looking for in our Egypt travel brochure.

We hope that our Egypt tourism brochure will convince you to visit Egypt with us. We're looking forward to welcoming you to our amazing country.

What makes Inside Egypt different?

Inside Egypt is a  travel agency in Egypt that organizes luxury tours in Egypt, at affordable prices. Our Egypt tours are distinguished by luxurious hotels, knowledgeable guides that are fluent in English, and a luxurious cruise on the Nile. On our trips, we provide our clients with exclusive access to some of the most famous attractions, such as private entry, without crowds, to the Giza plateau or touring historic palaces in Cairo and Alexandria which are tipically closed to the general public. This experience will make you feel completely unique, like a VIP. We believe that it's not only about the things that you see, but how you view them and experience them.

During our Egypt tour you will eat tasty and exquisite food. On our Egypt tours, you have the opportunity to sample traditional Egyptian cuisine and Egypt's main dishes. Bottled water is provided with every meal and during the sightseeing tours.

You will travel with us comfortably via air-conditioned coaches, airplanes, and even a motorboat or horse-drawn carriage.

We will provide you with a transfer from and to Cairo airport on the day of your arrival and departure. We can also book hotel accommodation for you before and after your trip to Egypt.

Our Egypt tours itineraries cover the most important Egyptian attractions. They include both ancient monuments and modern Egypt sites such as mosques, Coptic churches, a bazaar, and a library in Alexandria. With us you can immerse yourself in Egyptian culture, traditions and customs by visiting a Nubian village in Aswan, or shopping at Khan el Khalili bazaar in Cairo.

Every detail has been thought of to make your Egypt vacation special. Let us lead the way.

Check out our luxury Egypt tours and book your VIP experience today!

How to book your tour with us?

The booking process for our luxury Egypt tours is very simple. On our website, first select the trip to Egypt that you want to participate in, then pick the required date of the Egypt tour and click the "Book Now" button. A booking form will then appear, which must be completed correctly. Your passport will be required for this. You can also make reservations for other people, your family members, friends or business partners using this process.

You can book extra nights at your hotel in Cairo before or after the tour. These may be needed due to your international flight dates. Before booking an Egypt tour, check the flight connections to Cairo from your home country. We can check these flight connections for you and help you book international flights, if needed.

You can also book a 1-day add-on before or after the main tour. When using the booking form it is also possible to book a 5-day trip to Jordan to follow the end of your trip to Egypt.

If your tour date is more than 90 days away, you can pay a deposit or the full amount. If there are less than 90 days before you travel, you will be required to pay the full amount. Payment for the trip can be made with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card, or you can pay by international bank transfer. When paying by bank transfer, you should make sure that all bank transfer costs are covered.

Should you have any questions or problems during the booking process, please contact us by phone + 1 929-224-5100 or e-mail: [email protected] . We’re happy to provide information about ancient Egypt pyramids you’ll see in each itinerary, hotel accommodations, transportation, meals, culture, and more!

Our travel consultants will be happy to give you all the information you need.

The journey of a lifetime awaits you! Book your l uxury Egypt tour now!

Prepare for your trip

Preparing for a trip can often be a source of stress. Even experienced travelers sometimes forget something before departure. The feeling that accompanies us on our way, that we have forgotten to pack something important, happens to best of us. Each trip abroad, including to Egypt, can be reduced to a few basic steps to allow you to remove any stress:

Travel Documents You will need a passport to travel to Egypt. The Egyptian government requires the passport to be valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of return from Egypt, so you need to arrange it in advance. Also make a few copies of your passport or a photo of your passport with your phone - you may need them, for example, to buy a sim card. This also removes the need to carry your passport with you all the time.

Visa for Egypt You can apply for a visa at the Egyptian diplomatic mission, at the airport in Egypt, or electronically via the website. Egypt visa fees are $ 25 (single visa) and $ 60 (multiple visa). Tourist visas are issued for 30 days.

Covid 19 Egypt has lifted all restrictions that were previously imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. You can now travel to Egypt without providing proof of a negative PCR test or an accredited COVID-19 vaccination certificate prior to departure.

Flight Tickets Buy plane tickets to Cairo, Egypt. By buying them early you will most likely pay less than if you were to buy them at the last moment. In addition, there may also be a problem with available seats on the plane on the dates you are interested in, if you wait. You will then need to purchase additional hotel nights before or after your trip to Egypt.

Travel Insurance When traveling, while rare, accidents do happen. Make sure that you purchase travel insurance. This could save your family from unnecessary costs. When buying travel insurance, avoid the cheapest policies. We would advise you to take out a complex insurance policy that covers all possibilities. The insurance company must, for example, cover the costs of hospitalization (a very expensive service in Egypt), treatment of a chronic disease (e.g. cardiovascular, cancer, epilepsy), mental illness or the effects of passive participation in acts of terror.

When choosing your insurance policy, also consider the things that you plan to do in Egypt. A standard policy does not cover the costs of accidents when doing specific sports, e.g. diving with specialized equipment, surfing, windsurfing, quad biking, water scooter or joining a balloon flight. When buying travel insurance, it is worth paying attention to: - recognition and credibility of the insurer - the amount of compensation in the case of: 1) delayed flight 2) lost luggage 3) theft 4) an accident 5) death

Adequate Clothes Due to the warm climate of Egypt, you should mainly take light summer clothes with you. On cool evenings, however, you may also need to pack a sweatshirt or a light jacket. Light, long pants are required and women should wear a long skirt, a blouse that covers the shoulders, and a headscarf. Comfortable footwear, which is not new, will also be useful. We recommend sports sandals or sports shoes. Sunglasses and a baseball cap or a wide-brimmed hat to protect the head and eyes from the sun are essential.

Toiletries Sunscreen with a high UV filter to protect your skin from strong sunlight is a must have when visiting Egypt. Hand disinfectant gels and liquids, wet wipes for use in public toilets are also useful. You should purchase suitable face masks to wear on airplanes, coaches and crowded public places in Egypt.

Everyone has a lot to do in their day-to-day life, and there is not always time to prepare for the trip. However, it's best to do your preparation in advance and gradually, without leaving everything to the last minute, to avoid rushing.

Safety Updates on Visiting Egypt During the Hamas-Israel War

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Egypt is the oldest tourist destination on earth. Ancient Greeks and Romans started the trend, coming to goggle at the cyclopean scale of the Pyramids and the Colossi of Thebes. During colonial times, Napoleon and the British looted Egypt’s treasures to fill their national museums, sparking off a trickle of Grand Tourists that eventually became a flood of travellers, taken on Nile cruises and Egyptological lectures by the enterprising Thomas Cook.

Where to go in Egypt

Tailor-made travel itineraries for egypt, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 1999 USD

The Best of Egypt

Explore the history and culture of Egypt and its ancient rulers on this trip throughout the country. Start and end in Cairo and make your way down to Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Instead of domestic flights, you will hop on luxurious sleeper trains for your journey.

13 days  / from 5499 USD

Cairo & a luxurious Dahabieh sailing cruise

Explore Egypt at a leisurely pace on board a dahabieh, a traditional sailing ship. In Cairo, visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, and in Giza, the pyramids; cruise to world-renowned sites alongside lesser-known treasures, such as Luxor’s tombs, el Kab and Gebel Silsileh’s Temple of Horemheb.

8 days  / from 2200 USD

A Nile Cruise in Egypt

Experience Cairo with the pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian museum before flying to Luxor to board your Nile cruise. Highlights include Karnak temple, Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut temple and an optional visit to Abu Simbel. Spend your last night in fascinating Cairo.

Today, the most popular places to visit are not only the monuments of the Nile Valley and the souks, mosques and madrassas of Islamic Cairo, but also fantastic coral reefs and tropical fish, dunes, ancient fortresses, monasteries and prehistoric rock art.

The land itself is a freak of nature, its lifeblood the River Nile. From the Sudanese border to the shores of the Mediterranean, the Nile Valley and its Delta are flanked by arid wastes, the latter as empty as the former are teeming with people. This stark duality between fertility and desolation is fundamental to Egypt’s character and has shaped its development since prehistoric times, imparting continuity to diverse cultures and peoples over seven millennia. It is a sense of permanence and timelessness that is buttressed by religion , which pervades every aspect of life. Although the pagan cults of ancient Egypt are as moribund as its legacy of mummies and temples, their ancient fertility rites and processions of boats still hold their place in the celebrations of Islam and Christianity.

The result is a multi-layered culture , which seems to accord equal respect to ancient and modern. The peasants of the Nile and the Bedouin tribes of the desert live much as their ancestors did a thousand years ago. Other communities include the Nubians of the far south, and the Coptic Christians, who trace their ancestry back to pharaonic times. What unites them is a love of their homeland, extended family ties, dignity, warmth and hospitality towards strangers. Though most visitors are drawn to Egypt by its monuments, the enduring memory is likely to be of its people and their way of life.

Egypt’s capital, Cairo, is a seething megalopolis whose chief sightseeing appeal lies in its bazaars and medieval mosques, though there is scarcely less fascination in its juxtapositions of medieval and modern life, the city’s fortified gates, villas and skyscrapers interwoven by flyovers whose traffic may be halted by donkey carts. The immensity and diversity of this “Mother of Cities” is as staggering as anything you’ll encounter in Egypt. Just outside Cairo are the first of the pyramids that range across the desert to the edge of the Fayoum, among them the unsurpassable trio at Giza, the vast necropolis of Saqqara and the pyramids at Dahshur. Besides all this, there are superb museums devoted to Ancient, Coptic and Islamic Egypt, and enough entertainment to occupy weeks of your time.

However, the principal tourist lure remains, as ever, the Nile Valley, with its ancient monuments and timeless river vistas – Nile cruises on a luxury vessel or a felucca sailboat being a great way to combine the two. The town of Luxor is synonymous with the magnificent temples of Karnak and the Theban Necropolis, which includes the Valley of the Kings where Tutankhamun and other pharaohs were buried. Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, has the loveliest setting on the Nile and a languorous ambience. From here, you can visit the island Philae temple of Isis and the rock-hewn colossi at Abu Simbel, or embark on a cruise to other temples around Lake Nasser. Other sites not to be missed are Edfu and Kom Ombo, between Luxor and Aswan, and Abydos and Dendara, north of Luxor.

Besides monuments, Egypt abounds in natural wonders. Edged by coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, the Sinai Peninsula offers superb diving and snorkelling, and palm-fringed beaches where women can swim unmolested. Resorts along the Gulf of Aqaba are varied enough to suit everyone, whether you’re into the upmarket hotels of Sharm el-Sheikh, nearby Na’ama Bay or Taba further north, or cheap, simple living at Dahab and Nuweiba. From there it’s easy to visit St Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai (where Moses received the Ten Commandments) in the mountainous interior. With more time, cash and stamina, you can also embark on jeep safaris or camel treks to remote oases and spectacular wadis.

Egypt’s Red Sea Coast has more reefs further offshore, with snorkelling and diving traditionally centred around Hurghada, while barely touched island reefs from Port Safaga down to Marsa Alam beckon serious diving enthusiasts. Inland, the mountainous Eastern Desert harbours the Coptic monasteries of St Paul and St Anthony, Roman quarries, and a host of pharaonic and prehistoric rock art, seen by few apart from the nomadic Bedouin.

While the Eastern Desert is still barely touched by tourism, the Western Desert Oases have been on the tourist trail for forty years and nowadays host safaris into the wilderness. Siwa, out towards the Libyan border, has a unique culture and history, limpid pools and bags of charm. Travellers can also follow the “Great Desert Circuit” (starting from Cairo, Luxor or Assyut) through the four “inner” oases – though Bahariya and Farafra hold the most appeal, with the lovely White Desert between them, the larger oases of Dakhla and Kharga also have their rewards once you escape their modernized “capitals”. And for those into serious desert expeditions, there’s the challenge of exploring the Great Sand Sea or the remote wadis of the Gilf Kebir, whose prehistoric rock art featured in the film The English Patient. In contrast to these deep-desert locations are the quasi-oases of the Fayoum and Wadi Natrun, featuring the fossil-strewn Valley of the Whales, diverse ancient ruins and Coptic monasteries.

On the Mediterranean, Egypt’s second city, Alexandria, boasts a string of beaches to which Cairenes flock in summer, and excellent seafood restaurants. Despite being founded by Alexander the Great and lost to the Romans by Cleopatra, the city today betrays little of its ancient glory; however, its magnificent new library, featuring statues raised from the sunken remains of Cleopatra’s Palace, and the Lighthouse of Pharos (which divers can explore) are restoring an air of majesty. Famous, too, for its decadence during colonial times, Alexandria still allows romantics to indulge in a nostalgic exploration of the city immortalized in Durrell’s Alexandria Quartet, while further along the Mediterranean coast is the World War II battlefield of El-Alamein. For divers, the waters off Alexandria offer an array of sunken cities and wartime wrecks to explore.

The Nile Delta, east of Alexandria, musters few archeological monuments given its major role in ancient Egyptian history, and is largely overlooked by tourists. However, for those interested in Egyptian culture, the Delta hosts colourful religious festivals at Tanta, Zagazig and other towns. Further east lies the Canal Zone, dominated by the Suez Canal and its three cities: Suez is grim, but a vital transport nexus between Cairo, Sinai and the Red Sea Coast; Port Said and Ismailiya are pleasant, albeit sleepy places, where you can get a feel of “real Egypt” without tripping over other tourists.

Top image © Marcelo Alex/Shutterstock

Discover more places in Egypt

• The Western Desert Oases
• The Nile Valley, Egypt
• Abu Simbel Temples, Egypt
• Saqqara, Egypt
• Mount Sinai, Egypt
• Abydos, Egypt
• Siwa Oasis, Egypt
• Dahab, Egypt

Egypt is one of the best diving destinations in the world. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba are rich in sea life and home to a wonderful array of dive sites, with plenty of options for both novices and experts alike: remarkably preserved World War II wrecks, coral reefs filled with dolphins, rainbow-coloured anemone gardens, and shallow bays visited by turtles are just a few of the sites you can explore. The Sinai and Red Sea Coast chapters have detailed information on dive sites and recommended dive companies, as well as tips on safety and environmental issues.

The Red Sea’s stable climate, shallow tides and exceptionally high salinity provide perfect conditions for unusually brilliant corals and sponges – a revelation if you have previously dived in such places as Hawaii or the Caribbean, whose reefs will forever after seem dull by comparison. Created by generations of miniscule polyps depositing their limestone exoskeletons on the remains of their ancestors, coral reefs can grow by 4–5cm a year. Beside hard corals such as brain and fire coral, which have a rigid outer skeleton, the Red Sea hosts an abundance of soft corals , including whip coral and sea fans. Because most types of coral need a moderate amount of warm sunlight to flourish, the most spectacular formations are found within 30m of the surface.

Most Red Sea reefs are of the fringing type, with a shallow lagoon just offshore, whose warm water and rubble-strewn bottom attracts starfish and sea slugs. Clams and sea urchins hide in crevices, and schools of damselfish and butterflyfish flit about. Its seaward boundary is the reef flat, whose crest is usually a barren, rough-surfaced shelf, while deeper areas are rich in flora and fauna. Beyond is a coral-encrusted slope, leading to a drop-off like the edge of a cliff. Flatter areas may be dotted with coral pillars or knolls. Lower down, the coral is sparser, and you may find sandy terraces overgrown with seagrass, sustaining sea horses and pipefish. Beyond the drop-off lies open water.

Some of the Red Sea’s most colourful and endearing species are easy to spot in the shallows , where the sunlight is brightest. Among the commonest are beak-mouthed parrotfish and exotic-looking pennantfish, whose long dorsal fins end in filaments.

Wherever stinging anemones cling to the reef, you’ll see clownfish (or anemone fish). Angelfish are usually found close to the coral, while clouds of gold and vermillion anthias gather around coral heads and fans. Slopes and fore reefs are the habitat of snappers, goatfish and wrasses (the largest of these, the Napoleon Wrasse, can dwarf a person).

In deeper waters you may see sharks, including whitetip reef sharks, grey reef sharks and (occasionally) scalloped hammerheads. Spotted reef stingrays are often seen on the sandy bottom of the sea. Turtles are among the most thrilling species to encounter underwater; the Red Sea has several species, including green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Dolphin encounters are possible too, and those lucky enough to come across a pod of bottlenose or spinner dolphins on a dive are likely to count it among the highlights of their trip.

• The Arab Republic of Egypt covers 1,001,450 square kilometres, but 96.4 percent of that is desert . Only the Nile Valley, its Delta and some oases are fertile.

• Egypt’s population of 83.7 million is over twice that of the next most populous Arab country (Algeria) and a quarter of the population of the Arab world. 71 percent of Egyptians are literate. Average life expectancy is 73 years.

• Islam is the biggest religion, and some ninety percent of Egyptians are Muslim; most of the rest are Coptic Christians , with a small number of other Christians, and a tiny but ancient Jewish community.

• All Egyptians speak Arabic , but there are other Egyptian languages too: Nubian , related to the Nilotic languages of East Africa, is spoken around Aswan and Lake Nasser; Siwi , a Berber language like those of Morocco and Algeria, is spoken in Siwa Oasis; and Coptic , which is derived from ancient Egyptian, is used in church services, but not otherwise.

• Since the monarchy was ousted in 1952, Egypt has been a republic , ruled by a succession of military strongmen up until the 2011 revolution that overthrew Hosni Mubarak. Elections in 2012 resulted in an Islamist government under President Mohammed Morsi . The Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party is the largest in parliament, followed by the Salafist Al-Nour party, the liberal Wafd party and Egyptian Bloc.

• Tourism has long been Egypt’s biggest money-earner, followed by tolls on the Suez Canal, and exports of oil, petroleum products, natural gas, cotton and textiles. Over forty percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and the economy would collapse without $2 billion a year in financial and food-aid from the US.

Travel advice for Egypt

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Egypt

• Eating and drinking in Egypt
• Getting around Egypt: Transportation Tips
• Travel Tips Egypt for planning and on the go
• Culture and Etiquette in Egypt
• How to get to Egypt
• Shopping tips for Egypt
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Egypt
• Travelling with children in Egypt
• Best time to visit Egypt

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.05.2021

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A land of contrasts  encompassing breathtaking desert scenery, the majestic  River Nile  and awe-inspiring ancient world wonders, Egypt attracts millions of visitors each year, offering them a  journey through history .

Egypt Travel Guide

• General information
• What to see
• Hotels & cruises
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Why visit Egypt?

Considered the birthplace of civilization, Egypt is a unique country: a destination full of magic and history  that offers its visitors an unforgettable experience.

Immerse yourself in a  passionate fusion of adventure, culture, and mystery . Get swept away by the  hustle and bustle of Cairo ; lose yourself amongst colossal temples ; scuba dive in the Red Sea ; enjoy the peace of a cruise on the Nile and contemplate the majestic Pyramids , before treating yourself to delicious Egyptian cuisine.

Before traveling

When planning a trip to Egypt, the first decision to make is whether you want to travel there independently or go on an escorted tour . We'll help you decide with this handy guide about the pros and cons of both options.

Worried about traveling to Egypt?

If you'd like to visit Egypt but you're worried about it being dangerous, have a read of our top tips  and  travel safety advice guides.

top activities

Day Trip to the Pyramids of Giza + Egyptian Museum Discover one of the Wonders of the Ancient World on this day trip to the pyramids of Giza by plane . We'll also visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo !

Dinner and Night Show at the Giza Pyramids Enjoy a spectacle filled with light & sound at the Giza pyramids, one of the ancient wonders of the world . Complete your evening with a traditional dinner!

Best of Egypt: 8 Day All Inclusive Tour Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan... see all the unmissable sights in Egypt in 8 days . The best way to really discover the land of the Pharaohs!

Complete Guided Tour of Luxor Embark on a fascinating journey through Ancient Egypt with our comprehensive Luxor tour . Discover the rich history of Luxor as we explore its must-see sites.

Guided Tour of Hurghada Feel the history of Hurghada with this guided tour where you'll see monuments such as the spectacular Grand Mosque and the Coptic Church of Hurghada .

Make the most of your time in Egypt, vist one of the most fun areas on the Red Sea on this boat trip to Orange Bay : enjoy snorkelling and other water sports !

Nile Cruise with Dinner and Show Want to try something different? On this cruise down the River Nile , you'll be seduced by the best views of Cairo lit up by night, and enjoy a delicious dinner.

Complete Cairo Tour with Tickets Explore Cairo's historic centre , touring its unmissable locations: the Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Khan el-Khalili market, and Egyptian Museum.

Desert Safari and Bedouin Dinner Exploring the beautiful Egyptian scenery on a 4x4 vehicle with this Desert Safari and Bedouin Dinner. You'll have the chance to sample a traditional dinner.

On this tour, we'll visit the iconic pyramids of Giza , the Great Sphinx , the Khan Al-Khalili Market and the Egyptian Museum and the main attractions of Cairo .

3 Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor No trip to Egypt would be complete without a cruise on the Nile, the most memorable experience on a memorable trip. This 3 day cruise goes from Aswan to Luxor.

Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan Embark on a 4-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan , for an enchanting Egyptian adventure. Explore iconic temples and sail through the wonders of the Nile River !

Egypt 11 Day All-Inclusive Tour This 11-day package includes  the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Philae Temple, the Edfu Temple , a cruise on the Nile , and relaxing on the shores of the Red Sea .

Pyramids of Giza, Memphis and Saqqara Go back 5,000 years to the land of the pharaohs on this excursion to the Giza pyramids, the Saqqara necropolis and Memphis , once the capital of the country.

Temple of Philae Sound & Light Show Experience the captivating history of Egypt through a unique sound and light show at the Temple of Philae  that will leave you spellbound.

Excursion to Alexandria The cultural legacy of Alexandria can be seen in all of its monuments and archaeological sites. Delve into the past with this excursion from Cairo .

Enjoy a leisurely felucca ride along the River Nile and discover Aswan's largest island: Elephantine Island . Its landscapes will captivate you!

White Canyon & Ain Khunra 4x4 Tour Discover the breathtaking White Canyon of Sinai with this 4x4 tour and relax by the palm trees at the Ain Khudra Oasis . You'll love it!

Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine's Monastery Experience sunrise from Mount Sinai : one of the most sacred places in Judaism, Christianity and Islam alike and see the oldest Christian Monastery in use.

Whirling Dervish Show + Dinner Enjoy a traditional show in the Egyptian capital, with this dance of the famous Whirling Dervishes. An unforgettable night, topped off with a delicious dinner.

Excursion to Abu Simbel On this excursion,  visit the astonishing temples of Abu Simbel , the only monuments in Egypt that can hold a candle to the grandiosity of the 3 pyramids of Giza.

2 Day Abu Simbel Excursion See the temples of Abu Simbel on a two-day tour, and be fascinated by the majesty by night. Ancient Egypt in all its splendour!

4-Day Lake Nasser Cruise Experience the magic of a 4-day cruise on Lake Nasser with everything included, the perfect way to immerse yourself in the treasures of Ancient Egypt .

Guided Tour of Luxor and Karnak Temples On this tour, we'll visit two of the most spectacular temples in Egypt, the Luxor Temple, and Karnak , separated by the 3-kilometer long Avenue of the Sphinxes.

Abydos and Dendera Temple Excursion On this excursion we'll leave Luxor behind, making our way to Abydos and Dendera, two cities on the banks of the Nile where fascinating temples can be found .

Luxor Hot Air Balloon Float over the thousand-year-old Luxor temples as the sun rises, so you'll get a bird's eye view of these majestic remains of the time of the pharaohs. 

Red Sea Beginners Scuba Diving On our beginners scuba diving activity, you'll admire the seabed of the Red Sea. Whether you're a beginner or a pro diver already, you'll have a blast!

Giftun Island Snorkelling Be seduced by the exotic Red Sea, contemplating the coral reefs and the colourful fish of Giftun Island, one of the best snorkel spots in Egypt .

Day Trip to the Suez Canal At the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia , the famous Suez Canal is one of Egypt's greatest engineering marvels. Discover it with this excursion from Cairo.

Enjoy incredible views of the Red Sea in a unique way: parasailing in Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most fun water activities in this lively beach area! 

Guided Tour of the Coptic Neighborhood The Coptic neighborhood of Cairo , the Christian part of the city, plays host to a great historic & monumental heritage. Explore it with this guided tour.

Excursion to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza See the pyramids of Khufu, Khafra & Menkaure - a must-see in Egypt. The archaeological complex at Giza, will surprise you from the moment you arrive!

Neverland Nights Show Discover one of the most popular shows in the Middle East at the Neverland Nights show in Alf Leila We Leila Palace - an unforgettable evening!

Turtles, sharks, and manta rays await you at  Hurghada Grand Aquarium . Don't miss visiting this exhibition, also known as the  Red Sea in Glass , on your trip!

Swim with Dolphins in Hurghada Swim with friendly dolphins in the warm waters of the Red Sea and ride a banana boat with this boat trip from Hurghada ! You'll have a blast!

Desert Safari and Snorkel in the Blue Hole Enjoy an unforgettable safari in the Egyptian desert with this unforgettable experience. We'll also go  snorkelling in the Blue Hole !

Snorkel in the Ras Mohamed National Park Fauna, flora, and spectacular landscapes come together in the Ras Mohamed National Park, one of Egypt's environmental jewels. Go snorkelling off its coast.

Guided Tour of Alexandria Discover the extraordinary historical heritage of this city founded by Alexander the Great , where Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures mix.

Historic Tour of the Fatimid Caliphate's Cairo Discover some of the most famous and most incredible places and monuments in Cairo, places that leave the traditional tours behind .

Red Sea Day Trip On this excursion we'll leave the immense Egyptian Capital behind for  Ain Sokhna, a beach town found on the west coast of the Red Sea , near the Suez Canal.

Karnak Temple Light Show ​Embark on a journey to the past sure to leave you gobsmacked , with this light and sound show projected onto the Karnak temple.

Day Trip to Abu Simbel by Plane Ramses II left behind one of Egypt's great monumental complexes for posterity: the temples of Abu Simbel . Decode their secrets on this excursion. 

Excursion to the Fayoum Oasis Head south from Cairo and you'll find one of the most incredible natural spaces in Egypt: the Fayoum Oasis . Discover where history and nature meet.

Wadi El Natrun Monasteries and El Alamein Trip Discover the monastic complex of Wadi El Natrun and the location of the famous battle of El Alamein when you take our fantastic trip from Cairo.

Day Trip to Petra Feel like Indiana Jones in ' The Last Crusade ' with this day trip to Petra , the Jordanian city which was once the capital of the Nabataeans .

Sinai Desert Trip with Dinner and Show Explore the sands of Sinai with us on this excursion where you can also enjoy an authentic spectacle and Bedouin dinner .

Horseback Riding in Hurghada Join us as we cross exotic beaches and vast deserts on this horseback ride through Hurghada , one of the most popular destinations on the Red Sea coast .

Escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life in Hurghada on this tour:  explore the ghost city of Umm el Howeitat on a jeep safari and quad bike tour !

Explore the most fun beaches in Egypt with your family and friends on this  Orange Bay Speedboat Trip . Spend a morning sunbathing and swimming in the Red Sea!

Looking for a great day out in Hurghada? Don't miss this  Jungle Aqua Park Trip , the perfect way to cool off and enjoy the fun of a water park!

Nile River Kayaking Tour On this Nile kayaking tour, we'll paddle the sacred river of Ancient Egypt as it passes through Cairo we'll see the old city from a different perspective !

Glass Bottomed Boat Tour Admire the wonders of the submarine depths on this glass bottomed boat tour . We'll sail the waters of the Red Sea in search of incredible marine wildlife.

Ancient Egypt Nile Tour Join us on a boat tour along the legendary Nile River , exploring the Valley of the Princes , Kitchener Island, and Sehel Island, home to the  Famine Stela .

Nile Cruise A cruise on the Nile is something no visitor to Egypt should miss. Experience the river that gave life to the Egyptian Empire from the deck of a felucca boat.

Nubian Village Day Trip Cross the River Nile on a traditional felucca, to discover the most authentic village in Egypt , Gharb Soheil, where you can see the daily life of the Nubians .

Sharm El-Naga Snorkel Trip Spend a day making the most of Egypt's beautiful beaches with this Sharm El-Naga Snorkel Trip from Hurghada . Discover the marine wildlife of the Red Sea! 

Looking for adrenaline-inducing water sports? Experience the Red Sea in a whole new way enjoying this  flyboarding activity in Hurghada !

Spend an unforgettable day in one of the most famous bays on Giftun Island. Snorkel, enjoy a banana boat ride and swim among coral reefs on Paradise Island .

See the Red Sea from a unique perspective with this  parasailing experience in Hurghada . Enjoy the adrenaline rush of flying over its crystal-clear waters!

Private Tour to Luxor by Plane Join us on a  private tour from Sharm El Sheikh to Luxor , complete with airfare and entrance fees to the Valley of the Kings , Karnak , and Hatshepsut temples .

Spend a day feeling like a pirate on this cruise in Orange Bay  from Hurghada. Sail the waters of the Red Sea, snorkel, and visit a paradise beach.

Discover the natural landscapes around Hurghada in the most fun way: explore the desert on this  quad bike and dune buggy safari ​! What are you waiting for?

Breathtaking  landscapes of the Red Sea await on this horseback ride through Sharm el-Sheikh . We'll stop at a Bedouin camp for tea in the middle of the desert .

On this tour of Luxor , we'll explore the old capital of ancient Egypt aboard a horse-drawn carriage , one of the typical means of transportation in the country!

On this submarine tour in Hurghada, we'll enjoy the depths of the Red Sea . The coastline of this Egyptian city is home to a rich variety of fish and reefs.

Egypt Tour Package: 15 Days All-Inclusive Embark on a 15-day all-inclusive tour exploring bucket-list Egyptian sights , from Cairo to the Red Sea paradise of Hurghada , with this Egypt Tour Package .

Sunset Felucca Trip to Banana Island On this excursion from Luxor , we'll enjoy a felucca ride down the Nile River towards Banana Island , where we'll explore the island's many fruit plantations!

Menia 2 Day Tour Become and Egyptologist for a day as you discover all the ancient treasures of the city of Menia on this fantastic 2-day tour from Cairo !

On this guided tour of the Temple of Karnak , we'll explore this sanctuary dedicated to Amun , which was the main center of worship in Ancient Egypt .

Valley of the Nobles, Medinet Habu and Deir el-Medina Discover some of the best conserved funeral monuments of the New Kingdom on this tour, visiting the burial site of Ramses III and the necropolis.

Cruise and Snorkelling on Tiran Island Fancy a dip in the warm waters of the Red Sea? Try snorkelling off the wild island of Tiran , and enjoy a unique experience in an Egyptian diving paradise.

White Desert & Bahariya Oasis Private Day Trip On this private day trip to the White Desert and Bahariya Oasis from Cairo, we'll see stunning limestone formations and much more!

Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples Tour Why was Horus one of the most fascinating Ancient Egyptian deities? Discover sacred secrets on this guided tour of the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo .

5-Day Cruise on Lake Nasser Make the most of your time in Egypt visiting its spectacular ancient temples on this  five day cruise on Lake Nasser ​from Aswan .

Cairo Food Tour Dive into the vibrant streets of Cairo and uncover the rich flavors of the Egyptian capital  on this food tour that will tantalize your taste buds.

Night Tour of Al-Azhar Park & Dinner Discover one of the 60 largest parks in the world on this night tour of Al-Azhar Park and enjoy a delicious Egyptian dinner!

4-Day Private Trip to the White Desert Embark on a  4-day private tour , leaving the bustling city of Cairo to immerse yourself in the wonders of the White Desert , Fayun Oasis , and Bahariya Oasis .

5-Day Siwa Oasis Private Tour Embark on a 5-day private tour from Cairo and travel into the desert to see a unique part of Egypt . The Siwa Oasis, Shali, ancient towns, and Temples await us!

Utopia Island Excursion Crystalline waters, golden beaches, coral reefs, exotic fish... delight your senses with a unique experience, on this excursion to Utopia Island on the Red Sea.

Sinbad Aqua Park Excursion Toboggans, water attractions and endless surprises are waiting for you at the thrilling Sinbad Water Park ! It's fun for all the family.

Egypt + Lake Nasser Tour Package: 11 Days Enjoy a cruise on the Nile and Lake Nasser with this all-inclusive  Egypt + Lake Nasser Tour Package lasting 11 Days. Visit the Giza pyramids and Luxor Temples.

Luxor Museum and Museum of Mummification Guided Tour On this tour, we'll visit the Luxor Museum & the Museum of Mummification ,   two of the most important and most visited museums in Egypt .

Desert Quad Tour + Bedouin Dinner Discover the magical Egyptian desert by quad bike with this Desert Quad Tour + Bedouin Dinner. Enjoy an unforgettable and traditional experience.

Kalabasha, Beit El-Wali and Kertassi Temples Visit three very different temples : from Roman-era Kalabasha, to rock-carved mausoleums like Beit El-Wali, which dates from the time of Ramses II.

Red Sea 8-Day All-Inclusive Tour From exploring the Egyptian desert to snorkelling in the Red Sea : make the most of your trip to Hurghada on this all-inclusive 8-day tour package.

El Gouna Day Trip On our unforgettable El Gouna Day Trip from Hurghada , we'll explore the Venice of Egypt. Get ready to see dolphins, go banana boating, and snorkel!

Night Tour of Sharm El-Sheikh On this night tour of Sharm El-Sheikh, you'll  discover the magic of this beautiful Egyptian city located between the Sinai Peninsula desert and the Red Sea .

Disconnect from the world and forget the stresses of everyday life on a trip to the  Turkish Bath in Hurghada . Enjoying a massage at a hammam  is a must-do!

Edfu & Kom Ombo Day Trip Intricately carved reliefs, mummified crocodiles and a unique double sanctuary: discover the Ancient Egyptian temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo .

Aswan Dam, Philae Temple, and The Unfinished Obelisk On this tour, we'll see the greatness of humankind's achievements across history : the beautiful Philae temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Aswan Dam.

On this quad tour around the pyramids of Giza, we'll discover one of the most remarkable places in the world . Ready to speed through the desert?

White Desert & Bahariya Oasis 2 or 3-Day Private Tour On this private 2 or 3-day tour of the White Desert and the Bahariya Oasis , you'll witness the stunning Egyptian landscapes accompanied by a tour guide.

Valley of the Kings and Queens, Colossus and Hatshepsut Tour On this excursion we'll visit the most famous necropolis in ancient Thebes, where you can find the tombs of pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Ramses II and Set I

Sinai Desert Quad bike Tour Discover the reds, purples, oranges and ochres at sunrise and sunset in the Egyptian desert . Head straight for adventure with this quad bike excursion!

Night tour of Cairo with Dinner Explore the Khan el-Khalili market and the city's most charming streets on this night tour, finishing with dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Day Trip to Petra by Plane Travel to Jordan by plane, and discover the remains of Petra, the ancient capital of the Nabataeans , along with the mysteries of this architectural jewel.

Luxor Tour & Valley of the Kings and Queens The wonders   of Ancient Egypt await you on this tour to Luxor . Plus, complete the experience with a visit to the Valley of the Kings and Queens .

If you'd like to meet some of the friendlist residents of the Red Sea, you'll love our  Abu Dabbab National Park Tour  from Hurghada.

Grand Egyptian Museum Tour If you're passionate about the Pharaonic culture , then you can't miss this tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum . You'll have a blast!

Looking to explore the party scene in Cairo ? Look no further than this pub crawl tour through the Egyptian capital , where you can meet new people and have fun!

The best Egypt travel guide

This travel guide explains what others don't. Learn everything you could possibly need for your trip to Egypt : if it's safe, how to haggle, and how much you should pay for things, amongst much more. The guide is written simply - by travelers, for travelers .

The information and practical data found in this guide are correct as of  January 2023 . If you find any errors or see anything we need to change, please contact us .

Our travel guides

• top attractions
• where to stay
• and much more

Egypt Travel Guide

Sail the Nile River and discover the land of mysteries. Pyramids, ancient temples, and artifacts.

Best time to visit Egypt

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Egypt’s weather is dry year-round, seeing very little rain. Summers are intense, experiencing high temperatures that can reach 40°C. Visiting between October and April is much more bearable, with comfortable temperatures making it perfect for exploring.

How to get a visa for Egypt

Best travel insurances.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Egypt via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Egypt worth visiting?

Egypt is a living history book. Wander the ancient temples and the world-famous pyramids, explore beautiful landscapes and colorful villages, or relax on golden beaches and dive into the vibrant waters of the Red Sea; Egypt is full of wonders.

Is Egypt cheap to visit?

Egypt is a budget-friendly treasure trove! While luxury experiences are available, with hostels starting from $10 per night and meals for just $4, it’s easy to experience the country’s incredible sights without breaking the bank.

Can I drink tap water in Egypt?

It’s recommended to steer clear of tap water throughout Egypt. Stay refreshed by bringing a reusable water bottle, refilling at your hotel and restaurants with filtered water, or getting an in-built filter system.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Egypt?

Nearly all countries require a visa to enter Egypt. Thankfully, getting a single entry visa (valid for a maximum of 30 days) is a relatively simple process, either purchasing it online, at the Egyptian embassy, or on arrival.

Wha​​t language do they speak in Egypt?

Arabic is the official language spoken in Egypt, with different dialects depending on the region. The majority of the population can also speak English, so you’ll have no problem connecting with locals as you travel around Egypt.

Do I need travel insurance for Egypt?

Travel insurance protects you wherever you go. From unexpected medical emergencies to lost luggage, ensuring your holiday in Egypt is worry-free.

Is Egypt safe?

Egypt is a relatively safe place for travelers. Crime rates are low, but expect scam artists and pickpocketers in tourist hotspots. Staying cautious means you can explore this mysterious country worry-free.

What power plug type does Egypt have?

Type C and F are the two types of plugs used in Egypt. They have two round pins, but type F also has two earth clips on the side. Purchasing an international plug adapter ensures you’ll always have the correct plug type, keeping you connected as you explore ancient wonders.

Why do people love Egypt?

Egypt is a country steeped in history and cultural treasures, enticing travelers from all over the world. With the mystical allure of the pyramids and temples, passion from the locals, and the enticing Red Sea, Egypt is a unique place that captivates the hearts of many. 

Travel to Egypt 

A destination full of mysteries, Egypt feels like stepping back in time. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the bustling markets of Cairo , Egypt is a treasure trove of history and adventure. It is a place where landscapes vary, home to bustling cities, colorful villages, crystal clear salt lakes, vast deserts full of artifacts and rock formations, tranquil rivers, and magnificent coastlines with bright blue sea. A vacation in Egypt offers endless wonders to see! 

How to plan your trip to Egypt

Due to being a time-consuming destination to travel around, we’d recommend following our 10-day Egypt travel guide to visit some of the best places in Egypt without feeling rushed. Spend your days getting lost in the chaotic city of Cairo , wandering around the world’s largest open-air museum in Luxor , sailing down the Nile to Aswan, taking in the incredible sight that is Abu Simbel, and strolling the colorful Nubian village . End your trip by relaxing and snorkeling at the chilled backpacker town of Dahab on the Red Sea. 

Tip: Travel in Egypt can be a little hectic, so joining a tour can be a great way to see the country. Find the best tours . 

Egypt is stunning year-round, seeing limited rainfall and beautiful sunny days. With varying temperatures throughout the year, choosing the best time to visit Egypt depends on your preferences. 

Summer: The summer months in Egypt can get extremely hot, making exploring all the incredible sights a little unbearable. But if you’re planning to bask in the sun at one of the beach towns or looking for the best chance to spot hammerhead sharks and dolphins during your diving adventures, this may be the perfect time to visit. 

Winter: From October until April, the weather in Egypt is at its best. The temperature in the daytime is much more comfortable, and nights are cool and refreshing, perfect for backpacking around the beautiful country and visiting the historic desert sites. December and January can be very busy, so it’s worth avoiding these months.

Coastlines and beaches in Egypt

Beyond the iconic temples and pyramids, Egypt boasts stunning coastlines ready for sun-seekers and ocean enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for serenity or adventure, Egypt beaches are a haven for all. 

Along Egypt’s eastern coast, the Red Sea has some of the world’s most spectacular underwater landscapes, with unspoiled coral reefs teeming with marine life. From the lively beach town of Sharm El Sheikh, ideal for those who prefer staying in resorts, to the chilled, laid-back charm of Dahab, home to the Blue Hole, the Red Sea is one of the best places to visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers, catering to every type of traveler. 

For those looking for pristine white sand beaches with historic charm, the Mediterranean Sea on Egypt’s northern coastline is the place to go. The towns of Marsa Matruh and El Alamein not only have breathtaking white sand beaches and lagoons but also show remnants from WWII. 

Egypt’s coastlines are vibrant and full of life, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re diving into the colorful underwater world of the Red Sea or strolling along the shores of the Mediterranean, Egypt’s beaches are nothing short of spectacular! 

Food, culture and religion in Egypt:

Hearing the peaceful calls to prayer, experiencing the aromas wafting through the bustling souks, and exploring the ancient temples, Egypt is a land where history and culture combine, creating something magical. 

Egyptian cuisine is simple and full of spices, heavily influenced by Middle Eastern and African dishes and incorporating Mediterranean flavors, with unique dishes like Koshari, Egypt’s national dish (a mix of fried rice, pasta, and lentils topped with spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions), or the ancient dish of Ful Medames, made with slow-coked fava beans, cumin, and olive oil. With the majority of the population following the Islamic faith, food is a social occasion traditionally consisting of many dishes to enjoy. 

Beyond the cuisine, Egypt’s culture is shaped by its long history and religious influences. From magnificent temples and lively souks to the warmth of the locals eager to share stories and family honor, you’ll experience a deeper understanding of the cultural richness that defines Egypt as you travel through the bustling streets and historic sites.

Why you should travel to Egypt:

A journey through Egypt will leave you speechless. Whether you seek adventure in the boundless deserts, relaxation on pristine beaches, or to immerse yourself in ancient history, there are many amazing things to do in Egypt . 

With a sunny climate year-round and the opportunity to travel on any budget, Egypt is an extraordinary destination to explore. Wake up to the birds chirping and the call to prayer as you sail down the Nile, visiting mesmerizing destinations like Aswan and Luxor en route. Head off the beaten track to the breathtaking natural beauty of the salt lakes in Siwa Oasis and the rock formations in the White Desert National Park. Unwind in the many coastal towns full of colorful marine life. Don’t miss this unique and unforgettable destination! 

Safety and travel advice Egypt

When it comes to safety in Egypt , it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest travel advice to ensure you have a fantastic, risk-free adventure. 

Natural Disasters: Natural disasters, like earthquakes and sand storms, are fairly rare in Egypt but can happen. Register your trip with the embassy to receive emergency updates when traveling through Egypt. 

Crime and Safety in Egypt : Petty crime can occur in tourist hotspots, particularly focusing on scamming travelers. For instance, if you’re told there is a shortcut or the entrance you’re heading to is closed, it’s almost certain that isn’t the case, and they’re trying to get some money from you. Downloading offline maps so you always know where you’re heading and keeping your wits about you will prevent these experiences. 

While this shouldn’t deter you from visiting this mysterious landscape, Egypt is at risk of terrorism, so always stay vigilant and follow advice from local authorities. 

Learn more about travel safety .

Traffic: Traffic in Egypt can be hectic, particularly in Cairo, and road conditions can be poor.  It’s worth using taxis, hiring a driver, or joining an organized tour rather than driving yourself while on your vacation in Egypt. 

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend getting travel insurance for your holiday in Egypt . With many outdoor and adventurous activities you can do, like hot air balloon rides, diving, and quad biking, having insurance allows you to enjoy these experiences with full peace of mind. It’ll also cover you if your luggage gets lost or your flights get canceled. 

Find the best travel insurance .

Introducing Egypt

About egypt.

• Images of Egypt
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Egypt
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

• Cairo International Airport
• Hurghada International Airport
• Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport
• Hurghada beaches
• Sharm el-Sheikh beaches

Cruise Locations

• Sharm el Sheikh

Egypt travel guide

A complicated but fascinating country with some of the most enduring historical monuments on Earth, Egypt stands as an unforgettable travel destination. It’s had to deal with its fair share of turmoil in recent times, but this North African nation remains proud, welcoming and accessible. And with treasures as timeless as the temples and pyramids of the Nile to shout about, it’s not somewhere that’s going to slip from public consciousness any time soon. A trip here still very much has the potential to thrill.

In many ways, there are two Egypts. The first is the Egypt of Cairo and the Nile, of bustling medieval bazaars, noseless Sphinxes, river cruises and Agatha Christie-era exoticism. The second, and just as integral to many visitors, is the Egypt of the Red Sea, where a spread of large-scale modern resorts caters to sun-seekers and scuba divers. Sharm el Sheikh, with its world-class diving, high-end hotels and desert adventures, is the best known of them.

Most of the country’s ancient treasures were built during the time of the pharaohs. The Pyramids of Giza (the sole survivors of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World); the lotus-columned temples of Luxor and Karnak; the Valley of the Kings; Aswan and the temples of Abu Simbel: strung along the Nile, these monuments have drawn visitors for centuries. They represent a lasting legacy of one of the most fabled periods of human history.

Of course, the country is best understood not so much for its great monuments or its coral reefs, splendid though they are, but through its people. Bartering for a bargain in Cairo’s ancient Khan al-Khalili bazaar, taking tea and falling into long conversation with a local, or simply stopping awhile in a remote village, silent but for the chatter of hooves on tarmac, will give a glimpse of a country full of character, colour and fortitude.

1,001,450 sq km (386,662 sq miles).

94,137,816 (UN estimate 2016).

88.4 per sq km.

Cairo (El Qahira).

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi since 2014.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli since June 2018.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

Egypt-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum (where we advise against all but essential travel).

North Sinai

FCDO advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai.

Northern part of South Sinai

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

The eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.

Western Desert

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

• Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings
• the Governorate of Faiyum
• the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruh
• the Marsa Matruh-Siwa Road
• the oasis town of Siwa
• the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasis
• the road between Giza and Farafra (but we advise against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
• Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert

Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel .

Conflict in neighbouring Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs)

The Israeli government has declared a state of emergency across the whole country. International borders in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) could close at short notice. As a result, the land border into Israel from Egypt at Taba could close with little notice. Check with local authorities and consult the travel advice for  Israel  and the  Occupied Palestinian Territories  before trying to cross the border.

In response to events in Israel and the OPTs, a number of demonstrations have taken place in Egypt and protests have been planned, including after Friday prayers. Demonstrations could take place at short notice, with a heavy security presence in place. You should avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and protests. See  Safety and security

Entering Egypt from Gaza

The Rafah border crossing partially opened on 1 November. This is primarily to facilitate the evacuation of seriously wounded Palestinians and some foreign nationals. We understand that the crossing will continue to be open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals, including British nationals, to cross. It is for the Egyptian and Israeli authorities to determine who is permitted to cross, and when. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will contact Embassies to let them know when their foreign nationals can cross. Should we receive notification from the Israeli and Egyptian authorities that individuals are permitted to cross, we will notify those people individually.

Movement to the Rafah crossing and beyond is at your own risk. You should only travel if you judge it is safe to do so. Check the  Israel and The Occupied Palestinian Territories travel advice.

The Egyptian authorities have said all aid going into Gaza from Egypt must be channelled through the Egyptian Red Crescent:

• telephone: + 20 226 703 979, + 20 226 703 983
• fax: + 20 226 703 967

They are unlikely to consider requests for humanitarian access made in Egypt at short notice.

Concern for friends and family

If you are concerned about friends or family, or need consular assistance call:

• British Embassy Cairo on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000
• +44 1767 667 600  (UK number) if you experience technical difficulties with the above number

Incidents in South Sinai  

On 27 October, an Egyptian Armed Forces spokesperson confirmed that an unidentified drone fell near a medical facility in the Egyptian Red Sea resort town of Taba next to the Israeli border, injuring six people. An additional unidentified drone also struck outside the town of Nuweiba, though no casualties have been confirmed. The authorities are conducting ongoing investigations.

Incident in Alexandria

On 8 October 2023, an Egyptian police officer is reported to have shot and killed two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian tour guide in Alexandria. A third tourist was injured. Remain vigilant and exercise caution at tourist and religious sites, as well as public gatherings. Find out more information on current risks on the  Safety and security .

Border crossings from Sudan

There are still people trying to cross the border into Egypt at Argeen and Qustul. Our ability to provide consular assistance is very limited.

If you are a British national and have crossed the border without valid documentation, contact the British Embassy in Cairo for consular assistance on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Egypt set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Consulate General for Egypt in the UK .

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Visa requirements

British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally need a visa. Visa processing fees are non-refundable.

We advise you to get a visa before you travel, particularly if travelling for work or business. You can apply for a visa from the official Visa2Egypt portal or at your nearest Egyptian Consulate . Tourist visas granted using the e-visa system are valid for a maximum of 3 months.

The online e-visa portal (Visa2Egypt) does not currently accept applications from variant British passport holders (those from British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies).

All British passport holders can get a visa in advance by submitting an application in person or by post to the Egyptian Consulate in London . The specific requirements for the visa are listed on the website.

Alternatively, if you wish to get a visa on arrival, you can do so at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. The visa fee is 25 US dollars, payable in dollars as the preferred currency, although you may also be able to pay in pounds sterling or euros. Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days. There’s no need to buy a visa from an agent. In many cases agents will charge more than US$25 for a visa. If you’re harassed by an agent, report the incident to the tourist police in the airport terminal.

If you’re travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival. If you intend to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must get a visa.

If you have travelled to one of the South Sinai Red Sea resorts, entered without a visa and your plans have changed, you can normally purchase a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport to allow you to travel elsewhere.

Applications for visa extensions should be made at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. You may have difficulties leaving Egypt with an out of date visa. You will normally have to pay a fine if your visa is out of date by more than 14 days.

For further information and enquiries, contact the Egyptian Consulate in London .

Visa extensions

Apply for visa extensions at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. You may face difficulties if you try to leave Egypt on an expired visa. You may be fined if your visa has expired by more than 14 days.

Contact the Egyptian Consulate in London for more information.

Visas at the Egypt-Sudan Border Crossing

If you’re crossing the border from Sudan, the Egyptian authorities have advised it is still possible to get a visa on arrival for the regular cost of 25 US dollars.

HIV test for work permits

You will need to show your result from a HIV test to apply for a work permit.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need on TravelHealthPro’s Egypt guide . Depending on the country you’re arriving from, this may include a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Egypt . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

You’re allowed to bring in or take out up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds. There is no limit to the amount of hard currency that you can bring in, but you must declare it when you arrive if it’s worth more than 10,000 US dollars.

You must also declare certain valuables, including electrical equipment or video cameras, when you arrive. These will be noted in your passport. You may be asked to show these items again when you leave the country. If you do not have them on you, you may have to pay a high rate of customs duty.

Officials are likely to confiscate satellite phones or radio communications equipment unless you have prior clearance from the Ministry of Telecommunications.

Contact the Egyptian embassy in your country of residence for further information on customs requirements

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out more about the global threat from terrorism .

Terrorism in Egypt

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt.

Terrorism is a risk across Egypt, particularly in North Sinai. Attacks could be indiscriminate. Targets might include:

• Egyptian security forces
• religious sites
• large public gatherings
• places visited by foreigners

The authorities in Egypt have a significant security presence across the country, including armed security officers at important sites, critical infrastructure and road checkpoints. Extra measures are in place at tourist sites. Recent attacks include:

• in 2022, an attack to the west of the Suez Canal targeting security forces within the city of Ismailiyah
• in 2019, at least 20 people killed by a car bomb in Central Cairo’s Manial district
• in 2019, at least 16 people injured after an IED attack on a tourist bus near the Giza pyramids
• in 2019, 3 security personnel killed by a suicide bomber in Central Cairo’s Darb al-ahmar district
• in 2018, a roadside blast killed 4 people on a bus near the Giza pyramids
• in 2018, gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Coptic Christians in Minya province killing 7 people. Daesh (formally ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attack

Terrorism during holiday periods

There is a heightened threat of terrorism in and around religious sites and during religious festivals, such as the month of Ramadan and the Christmas period (including Coptic Christmas in January). Terrorist attacks have occurred over local holiday weekends. See a list of public holidays on the Egyptian Presidency website .

You should:

• follow the advice of Egyptian authorities
• be vigilant in crowds and large gatherings

Airports and airlines

Terrorists in Egypt have the intent and capability to target airport buildings and planes.

The main threat is on the North Sinai Peninsula where Daesh operate with greater freedom, but terrorists are active throughout Egypt.

Co-operate fully with security officials at airports and pay attention to security measures on flights from Egypt to the UK.

Terrorist kidnap

There is a threat of kidnapping by groups operating in North Africa, particularly from Libya and groups originating in the Sahel. This includes Al Qaeda and Daesh-affiliated groups, who may travel across the region’s porous border. There is a heightened risk of kidnap in border and remote desert areas of North Africa. Terrorist groups have taken foreigners, government officials and civilians hostage for financial gain and for political leverage. Further kidnappings are likely.

British nationals are viewed as legitimate targets, including those engaged in tourism, humanitarian aid work, journalism or business sectors. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to serve as a protection or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

Military activity in the Red Sea area       

Military activity is currently underway in response to attempts by Houthi militants to prevent movement of international shipping in the Red Sea. While the area of activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, there is a possibility that Travel Advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should continue to monitor Travel Advice and follow any relevant instructions from local authorities.

Political situation

Since 2011 there has been significant political turmoil. The political environment remains restrictive. There have been violent protests and disturbances, resulting in a number of deaths.

Protests, marches and demonstrations occur across Egypt, particularly in cities. Avoid protests, marches or demonstrations as the situation could change quickly and without warning. Police have used water cannons, tear gas, birdshot and live ammunition as crowd control.

The authorities may close public spaces, including parks and beaches, at short notice, particularly around the holidays. Follow the guidance of the local authorities. You could be fined or arrested if you do not do as you are told.

Foreigners involved in any political activity or activities critical of the government may be at risk of detention or other measures.

There are reports that personal electronic devices are being checked by security personnel, particularly around places of public gathering, such as Tahrir Square.

The crime rate is generally low, but visitors have reported armed robberies, muggings (including in taxis), sexual assaults, and break-ins to accommodation and cars. Take extra care when travelling alone, particularly at night, in taxis and microbuses.

If you want to report a crime, contact the tourist police on 126. If you do not report a crime before you leave, it will be difficult to ask for a prosecution at a later date.

Sexual assaults and harassment

There are a number of sexual assaults reported to the British Embassy, including cases involving minors.

The majority of cases that have been reported took place in tourist resorts in the Red Sea region, often committed by someone the victim had already met, including hotel workers and excursion staff. There have also been reports of hotel staff discouraging incidents being reported to local police.

Female travellers should exercise caution when travelling alone, particularly at night, in buses, taxis and microbuses. If you are travelling on public transport including microbuses, avoid being the last passenger left on board.

Take extra precautions, including:

make sure children and young people are always accompanied by known and trusted people and not left alone with hotel or excursion staff

don’t allow hotel staff to enter your room when you are alone. Try to ensure a friend or relative is present

avoid travelling in a taxi alone. If this isn’t possible, apply extra security to your trip by sharing the details of your driver and trip with a friend, and using live location on WhatsApp

use reputable providers for any services and excursions, and carry out research beforehand, including by consulting your tour operator where you have one

avoid sharing personal contact or social media details

You may also want to read:

advice for women travelling abroad

information for British nationals affected by rape or sexual assault abroad

If you experience sexual harassment or assault, or anything you see doesn’t feel right, report it to the hotel or local authorities - Tourist Police on 126 and contact the British Embassy at +20 2 279 160 00 as soon as possible for advice and support. Or, you can call the local Police on 122. Both numbers provide English speakers.

Protecting your belongings

Keep a copy of your passport, visa and flight ticket separately from originals when travelling. Leave copies at home where others can access them, and also store them electronically so you can access them easily. If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the police immediately and get a police report.

Take particular care of your possessions on buses, trains and in crowds. Criminals may ride past on bikes and snatch valuables.

Be cautious in tourist areas, where scammers and touts target foreigners.

Staying safe at tourist sites

Tourists at popular tourist sites, such as the Giza Pyramids, may be confronted aggressively for money or business, even while travelling by car or taxi. Visitors using a pre-booked guide, or taking an organised tour to visit the Giza Pyramids, are likely to face fewer difficulties.

Laws and cultural differences

Egypt is predominantly an Islamic country. It is illegal to encourage conversion to the Christian faith.

Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during Ramadan or when you visit religious areas.

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets). Public displays of affection are frowned on. What may be acceptable in the tourist resort areas may not be in other areas.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. Ramadan in Egypt in 2024 will likely begin in March and end in April and will last for 30 days. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

You should also:

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants
• be aware that if hotels and restaurants are providing food or drink in fasting hours, they may separate you from Islamic guests, for example with screens
• follow local dress codes – clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence at this time
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
• be patient and show tolerance

Personal ID

Police regularly carry out ID checks. Keep valid photo ID with you at all times.

Alcohol laws and bans

Drinking alcohol anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is illegal and can lead to arrest.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can, even for small amounts, lead to lengthy prison sentences (25 years), life imprisonment or the death penalty. Those sentenced to life imprisonment on drugs charges will normally spend the rest of their life in prison with no possibility of parole or pardon.

Khat is illegal in Egypt.

Criticising the Egyptian government

Making political or negative comments about the Egyptian government, including about the President or security forces, can cause trouble with the authorities. People have faced prison sentences for making insulting comments on social media.

Restrictions on photography

You need a permit for professional photography or film equipment. This includes photography umbrellas, artificial outdoor lighting gear, and any equipment that occupies or blocks public roads.

You are not allowed to take or share photographs that could be considered damaging to the country’s image. You can only take photographs of Egyptian citizens can if you have their written permission. Do not photograph officials without their consent. Taking pictures of children is not allowed.

Photography of, or near, military property is strictly banned. This includes the Suez Canal. There are sensitivities about taking photographs of embassies, government buildings, churches and religious buildings. British nationals have been arrested for photographing churches, electricity stations, train stations and bridges. If you are in any doubt, get permission before taking photographs.

Do not use radio controlled helicopters or ‘drones’ to take photographs.

The import, production or use of drones is banned in Egypt unless you have prior authorisation from the Egyptian Ministry of Defence . Anyone who uses or imports drones without authorisation could be sent to prison for up to 7 years or fined 5,000 to 50,000 Egyptian pounds.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt, but LGBT+ people have been prosecuted under the law of ‘debauchery’. People have been arrested for flying rainbow flags at public events on debauchery charges.

There is little public acceptance of homosexuality in Egypt. Public expressions of homosexuality or displays of affection between same-sex couples are likely to get negative attention. See our information and advice page for the LGBT+ community before you travel.

Be cautious about sharing content or having discussions of a sexual nature on social media, especially about sexual acts that are considered illegal. Some travellers have been arrested and imprisoned for this.

Children and young people

Egyptian family law is very different from UK law, particularly around child custody. See FCDO guidance for those affected by international parental child abduction and how to get assistance.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Insurance for adventure activities.

Make sure your travel insurance, or the tour or dive company, covers the costs for any air or sea rescue. The current fee can exceed 4,000 US dollars per hour. The Egyptian authorities will only undertake rescue operations when there’s a guarantee of payment. Book excursions for activities at your resort or through approved agents or tour operators.

See FCDO travel insurance guidance for more information on travel insurance.

Hot air balloons

Some UK tour operators have not been able to verify the safety standards for balloon flight operators and have stopped selling balloon flights. There have been a number of injuries and fatal accidents. Speak to your tour company before booking.

Diving and snorkelling

Safety standards of diving operators in Red Sea resorts vary considerably. Never dive or snorkel unaccompanied. Where possible make bookings through your tour representative. Very cheap operators may not provide adequate safety and insurance standards. Diving beyond the depth limit of your insurance policy will invalidate your cover.

Shark attacks are rare, but there have been a number involving tourists in the Red Sea region. Monitor any updates from local authorities or your tour operator.

Quad bikes and desert visits

There have been several serious quad bike accidents involving British nationals in resort areas. Take the same precautions as you would in the UK. Safety standards can vary considerably. Always wear a crash helmet.

There is a small risk from unexploded landmines in some desert areas, including:

• in the north west of Egypt near to Alamein
• on some limited stretches of the Mediterranean coast near Marsa Matrouh
• on the Red Sea coast south of Suez

Dangerous areas are usually well marked with signs and barbed wire fencing. Take care and follow local advice, especially if planning trips off marked roads.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Egypt, see information on driving abroad .

You can drive in Egypt on an International Driving Permit for up to 6 months. If you intend to stay in Egypt for a longer period you must apply for an Egyptian driving licence.

You may not be allowed to import a vehicle into Egypt. If you want to bring in a vehicle temporarily, you will need a ‘carnet de passage’ from the Automobile Association.

Accidents are common because of poor road conditions, dangerous driving and poor enforcement of traffic laws. Do not drive outside main cities and resorts at night. Make sure you have adequate insurance.

If you’re travelling off-road, employ a qualified guide and get a permit from the Ministry of Interior.

You must wear a seatbelt in the front of a vehicle.

Rail and bus travel

There have been serious bus crashes in recent years with large numbers of fatalities, including tourists.

There have also been fatal train collisions and derailments.

Suspect devices have been found at train stations and on the rail network. Although some have been hoaxes or false alarms you should be vigilant.

River and sea travel

Overcrowding and poor safety standards have led to several accidents on Red Sea ferries and Nile cruisers.

This section has safety advice for regions of Egypt. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO ’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice .

Egypt-Libya Border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egyptian-Libyan border, due to active military operations that target criminal activity, except for the border town of El Salloum (where we advise against all but essential travel).

FCDO advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai, due to continuing criminal activity and terrorist attacks on police and security forces that have resulted in deaths.

There are frequent reports of terrorist attacks in North Sinai. Most attacks are in the northeast corner of the governorate between Al-Arish city and the border with Gaza, but the whole of the North Sinai Governorate is at risk. A state of emergency in North Sinai is in effect and a curfew is in place.

Most attacks in North Sinai are against the Egyptian government and military installations and personnel. However attacks have been carried out against civilians suspected of working with the authorities and local religious minority groups.

The northern part of South Sinai

If you plan to travel in a 4x4 vehicle from mainland Egypt through the Suez crossing, you need a permit from the Travel Permits Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior. You should book any activities outside of resort areas through approved agents or tour operators.

Additional security measures are in place to protect the resorts of Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam and other tourist areas on the Red Sea. Security forces carry out routine security checks on vehicles and at airports. These are in the southern part of the Sinai Peninsula and further south. These areas do not have a travel advice warning.

Ismailiyah Governorate

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the eastern part of the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal due to ongoing military operations against terrorists and criminals. Egyptian authorities at checkpoints may prevent onward travel to this region.

FCDO  advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

Tourists who enter the Western Desert areas of Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black Desert must apply for permits in advance and use an official guide. There is limited phone reception and poor medical facilities. Monitor travel advice and follow guidance from official guides and local authorities.

The FCDO advises against all but essential travel on the road between Al Bawiti and Siwa, including the desert areas near the start of the road in Bahariya. The road is closed and there are military checkpoints.

If you travel to the south west corner of Egypt near the border with Sudan or Libya you will need a permit from the Travel Permits Department of the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior . Bandits and armed groups operate in these areas.

Act with extreme caution in all border areas.

The  FCDO  advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

The Hala’ib Triangle remains disputed territory between Egypt and Sudan. If you’re in the Hala’ib Triangle and need urgent consular assistance, you should contact the British Embassy Cairo .

The Bir Tawil Trapezoid is unclaimed by either Egypt or Sudan. If you’re in this area and need urgent consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in the country you last travelled through (either the British Embassy Cairo or the British Embassy Khartoum .

Egypt-Sudan border

There are large numbers of people trying to cross the border into Egypt. There are 2 main land border crossings between Egypt and Sudan - Qustul and Argeen. The nearest town in Sudan to the crossings is Wadi Halfa (30km from border).

Travel in and from Sudan is taken at your own risk. There is almost no infrastructure at these border crossings. People are waiting several days to cross the border, with very limited access to food and water. The British Embassy in Egypt does not have staff at the border. Our ability to provide consular assistance is very limited.

If you are a British national planning to cross into Egypt at Argeen or Qustul, and you do not have valid documentation with you, contact the British Embassy in Cairo on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000.

If you are have crossed the border into Egypt, and need consular assistance, contact the British Embassy in Cairo on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000.

Read FCDO ’s Sudan travel advice .

If you are in Egypt and need consular assistance, such as an emergency travel document, contact the British Embassy in Cairo on + 20 (0)2 2791 6000.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 123 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Egypt guide

where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines may be controlled substances in Egypt. You may need permission from Egypt’s Ministry of Health before you arrive. If you do not have prior permission or the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed in and you may be prosecuted under Egyptian law.

If you’re travelling with prescription medication, carry a letter from your GP that specifies:

• your condition
• the quantity of medication you will be carrying
• that the medication is for your personal use only

For further information, contact the Egyptian Embassy in London.

Healthcare facilities in Egypt

FCDO has a list of English speaking doctors in Egypt .

Some hotel doctors have overcharged for treatment and medicines. Review your bill closely for excessive charges. Pharmacies outside hotels will often supply medication at lower prices.

Access to specialised treatment for psychiatric illness is limited and may not be available outside major cities.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Egypt

Ambulance: 123

Police: 122

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking  lawyers ,  funeral directors  and  translators and interpreters  in Egypt
• dealing with a  death in Egypt
• being  arrested in Egypt
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you are affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

One Week in Egypt

Things to Do in Egypt

Must-See Ancient Sights

Guide to the Pyramids of Giza

Visiting the Nile Delta

Luxor Guide

Valley of the Kings

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Your Trip to Egypt: The Complete Guide

Home to one of the oldest and most influential civilizations on the planet, Egypt is a treasure trove of history and culture. From Cairo to the Nile Delta , the country boasts a wealth of iconic ancient sights including the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Abu Simbel. Additionally, Egypt's Red Sea coast offers ample opportunities for relaxing, swimming, and scuba diving its pristine coral reefs. Wherever your Egyptian adventures take you, get the most out of your trip with the essential information covered in this guide, including when to travel, where to stay, and what to look out for to ensure you stay safe. 

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : Weather-wise, it’s best to avoid the high temperatures of peak Egyptian summer by traveling from October to April. Expect increased crowds and higher prices for tours and accommodation during the December to January peak season. 
• Language : Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of Egypt  , although Egyptian Arabic is the lingua franca. Many people also speak English or French in urban areas. 
• Currency : The Egyptian pound (EGP). 
• Getting Around: In major cities like Cairo and Alexandria , Uber is the easiest and safest way to get around. Taxis, microbuses, and regular buses ply short and long-distance routes elsewhere in the country, while EgyptAir is the main provider for domestic flights. 
• Travel Tip: Before booking your trip to Egypt, be sure to check the latest government travel warnings . Currently, the U.S. Department of State warns against travel to the Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm El-Sheikh) and the Western Desert due to terrorism.   

Things to Do 

For many people, Egypt’s main draw is its ancient sights, including the pyramids of Giza and Saqqara , and the magnificent temples that can be found all along the banks of the River Nile. There is more to the country than its incredible past, however. Cairo is home to first-class restaurants and contemporary cultural venues, while the villages and farmland of the Nile Delta provide an authentic insight into the life of modern-day Egyptians. On the Red Sea coast, sun-drenched beaches give way to some of the world’s best dive sites. 

• Cruise the River Nile. There are cruise itineraries to suit every taste and budget travel the ancient waters between Luxor and Aswan on the River Nile. This is one of the best ways to see iconic landmarks including the Valley of the Kings and the temples of Luxor , Karnak, Edfu, Philae , and Kom Ombo . 
• Discover old and new in Cairo. In the capital, you can explore medieval churches and mosques, or take a day trip out to the 4,500-year-old Pyramids of Giza . You can also shop for the latest fashions and dine at five-star hotel restaurants representing global cuisines from all over the world. 
• Go scuba diving in the Red Sea. Red Sea resort towns like Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam are famous around the world for their exceptional scuba diving. Affordable certification courses , warm water, and excellent visibility make this the perfect place to learn to dive. 

Discover more memorable things to do with our full-length articles on the top things to do in Egypt , the best things to do in Cairo , and Egypt’s top 10 ancient sights . 

What to Eat and Drink

Egyptian cuisine focuses on the vegetables, grains, and fruits grown in the arable farmland of the Nile Delta. Many dishes are traditionally vegetarian due to the expense of raising livestock in a country where water is a precious resource, though beef and lamb are now relatively common. Pork is considered unclean in Islamic culture and does not appear in traditional recipes. Iconic Egyptian dishes include koshary (a blend of rice, spaghetti, chickpeas, and lentils, topped with tomato salsa and fried onions), ful medames (stewed fava beans), and hawawshi (ground beef or lamb cooked inside a pocket of aish baladi bread—another Egyptian staple). If you plan on spending time in Cairo, there are a host of other cuisines on offer as well, ranging from Indian and Italian to Lebanese and Chinese. 

Although five-star hotels and Western-style bars and restaurants in Egypt’s bigger cities sell alcohol, traditional Egyptian restaurants do not in accordance with Islamic doctrine. Fortunately, there are plenty of tasty alternatives to quench your thirst . Fruit juices range from popular flavors like mango and strawberry to more exotic specialties like sugarcane juice ( asab ) and tamarind juice (tamrhindi). Crimson-colored hibiscus tea (karkade) is an Egyptian favorite that can be enjoyed hot or cold, while sahlab (a thick beverage made from crushed orchid tubers and garnished with nuts, cinnamon, and shredded coconut) is our top choice for a winter warmer. Stewed apricot juice (qamar al-din) and a coconut milkshake known as sobia are synonymous with Ramadan , while mint tea and Turkish-style coffee are ubiquitous at any time of the year. 

Read our full-length article on the 10 best traditional dishes in Egypt for more information. 

Where to Stay

If you don’t have time to see everything Egypt has to offer, choose your base according to the sights and activities that mean the most to you. Cairo offers the best of all worlds for those on a whistle-stop tour. You can experience Egypt’s contemporary culture while also visiting the ancient sites of Giza and Saqqara. If you want to see the rest of the country’s famous ruins and temples, one of the easiest ways to do so is to book a Nile cruise. Cruises typically travel between Luxor and Aswan. If Abu Simbel and the Aswan High Dam are high on your Egyptian bucket list, make your base in Aswan or book a Lake Nasser cruise. For a completely different perspective, head to the Red Sea coast instead. Popular resort towns include Sharm El-Sheikh (on the Sinai Peninsula), Hurghada, and Marsa Alam. 

For more information, read our pick of the best hotels in Cairo or the best Nile cruises . 

Getting There

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is Egypt’s main port of entry for overseas visitors and one of the busiest air travel hubs on the African continent. The country’s national carrier is EgyptAir, which offers a non-stop flight to Cairo from JFK in New York. Hundreds of other international airlines also fly to Cairo including British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Air France. EgyptAir offers domestic flights to major tourist destinations across Egypt, from Alexandria to Aswan. Most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt , though travelers from countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and most of Europe are eligible for a visa on arrival. 

Culture and Customs

The vast majority of Egyptians are Muslim, which means that visitors from non-Muslim parts of the world need to take extra care not to inadvertently cause offense. Unless you’re staying in a private beach resort, this means dressing modestly. This is a matter of respect for all travelers, but is especially important for women who wish to avoid attracting unwanted attention. If you plan on visiting a mosque or receive an invite to a private home, make sure to remove your shoes before entering. Similarly, public displays of affection are frowned upon in Egyptian culture. In particular, LGBTQ travelers should avoid being demonstrative in public since homosexuality, while not technically illegal, often carries the risk of “debauchery” charges. 

Toilets in Egypt are traditionally of the squat variety . This means that instead of toilet paper, you use water and your left hand to clean yourself. As a result, your left hand is considered unclean and should never be used to shake hands or feed yourself.

Haggling is expected in the country’s souks and bazaars, and the prices for taxis, street food, guides, and even local tours are usually negotiable. If you can’t agree on a price, the best course of action is to say no firmly and walk away. Tipping is customary in Egypt, for everything from serving your food to carrying your luggage or unlocking museum rooms or tombs. 

In recent years Egypt has earned a poor reputation for safety due to political turmoil and increased terrorist activity. However, the government is now more stable and Operation Sinai (a military effort to reduce terrorism in the Sinai region) has been quite successful. Current travel warnings advise against traveling to the Western Desert or the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of Sharm El-Sheikh). Key tourist sights along the River Nile and the rest of the Red Sea coast are considered safe, but travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft and scams. Carry money and valuables discreetly in a money belt , and avoid walking alone at night in urban areas.

Read our article on staying safe in Egypt for a full overview of safety advice for visitors. 

Money-Saving Tips

A favorable exchange rate means that visitors from countries with strong currencies (like the U.S. dollar or the British pound) find the cost of living to be very affordable in Egypt. Even five-star hotels and gourmet restaurants in Cairo charge a fraction of what you might expect to pay in New York or London. However, if you’re traveling on a shoestring, here are a few of the easiest ways to cut costs even further: 

• Avoid peak season (December to January) when booking your trip since prices for accommodation and tours are inflated during this time. If you have a high tolerance for heat, summer is the cheapest time to travel to interior destinations. 
• Don’t be afraid to haggle over prices for everything from taxi fares to souk souvenirs . A good way to start negotiations is to offer half of the initial asking price. 
• Although Egypt’s ritzy restaurants are relatively affordable on a global scale, you can get delicious, authentic fare for a fraction of the price from local eateries and street-side stalls. The busier the stall is, the safer and tastier the food is likely to be. 

Egypt State Information Service. "Constitutional Declaration: A New Stage in the History of the Great Egyptian People" . March 30, 2011.

U.S. Department of State. " Egypt Travel Advisory ." Aug. 6, 2020

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Egypt Travel Guide – Things to Know Before You Go

Last Updated February 4, 2024 William Tang

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I’m calling it.  Egypt is going to be one of the most epic trips you’ll ever do.  I know you haven’t even gone yet but you’re probably here because you’re in the middle of planning trip and looking for a travel guide that’s going to dish out all the things to know before going to Egypt.  You’ve come to the right place!

Let’s dig into the practical things you are already asking yourself in your head or going to be really soon as you delve deeper.

Read more about Egypt

• How to plan a 10 day Egypt itinerary
• Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan  – cruise ship or dahabiya?
• Best place to stay near the pyramids
• What to pack for a trip to Egypt

Where to stay with views of the pyramids?

• Everyone asked us where we stayed in Cairo to get those epic rooftop views.  The secret is to stay in Giza where there are new properties popping up thanks to the enterprising young generation.  Places like the Comfort Pyramids Inn have epic views of the pyramids.  This is one of the properties mentioned in our guide on the best rooftop hotels in Giza .

Table of Contents 

Jump to the topics that you’re most interested in.

In This Article

Egypt geography

How do you decide where to go, getting there, getting around, is egypt safe, why you need a good tour operator, what you need to know about cairo, what you need to know about egyptian sites, most annoying thing about egypt, food and drinks, connectivity, vaccinnations, how to prepare for a land tour day, what to wear in egypt, where to stay in egypt, what to pack for egypt, best time to go, about alcohol, how much does a trip to egypt cost, 5 main take aways , things to know before going to egypt.

This is meant to be a comprehensive Egypt travel guide of practical things you need to know before you go.  My aim is to arm you with the information you need to know so there are less surprises when you go.

I’ll touch on many topics that you might be thinking about already and others that would have never crossed your mind.

Egypt is an incredible place to go to but it’s one of those places where if you’re not prepared can quickly turn into a nightmare.  It’s not because of the people or some sort of next-level sketchiness.  On the contrary, I found Egyptians to be incredibly friendly and hospitable.  It’s not even a question of safety that I know is on everyone’s mind.  In many ways it’s just how business is done there that may throw some off.

• 1 EGP = $0.06 USD = $0.08 CAD
• ATMs are relatively easy in cities but since you’ll be spending a lot of time outside of populated areas, you’ll need to carefully plan and manage your money.
• SIM card – The three main companies in Egypt are Vodafone ,  Orange, and Etisalat .  All companies have some sort of pre-paid package available but perhaps the easiest and recommended carrier is Vodafone because of the convenience of picking it up right at the airport in the luggage carousel area.  More details on where and the pricing down below.
• Alternative data options – PokeFi – If you’re looking for a hotspot device that you can share with your group, an extremely affordable option is PokeFi.  It’s perfect for those that are hopping to many countries and like to save the hassle of having to buy SIM cards everywhere (watch the unboxing ).
• Measurement system  – Metric
• Tipping – You’ll quickly learn that the culture of tipping is quite aggressive.  In general, 10% is the rule of thumb for restaurants and for the one off thing, 10-20 EGP is sufficient.
• Language – The official language is Arabic.

Back to the top

Egypt is located on the northeastern part of the continent of Africa.  Geographically, it has quite a unique and strategic location both in ancient and modern times.  While it is officially in Africa, it has times to the Middle East with it belonging to the Arab League.  Bordering on the Mediterranean also means its connection with Europe.  Through the Suez Canal, the world connects with Europe from the Indian Ocean.

The defining feature of the country is the river Nile which is often described as the life blood of the nation. The water the flows from the south from Sudan and drains into the Mediterranean Sea is what provides vital natural resources to the Egyptian people in the form of fertile soil, plant life, animals, water, transportation, and electricity.  The Nile makes the country a hospitable place that is otherwise surrounded by desert.

With such vast spaces to cover, you’ll no doubt feel overwhelmed about how to plan your trip.  With the exception of the more adventurous itineraries that include the Siwa Oasis and the Sinai, it’s safe to say that you’ll be close to some form of water.  To me, it really comes down to asking yourself these questions:

• Do you want a resort vacation?   It doesn’t have to be the only thing you do but if beaches, diving, and other water sports are your thing, you’ll want to be looking at heading to the Red Sea and resort cities such as Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, and Marsa Alam.  This is a great trip extension that you can add on.
• Is Alexandria on your radar?   Egypt’s second largest city and founded by Alexander the Great, you’ll find ancient library the remains of the lighthouse, and Corniche with its beach, market, and walkway.   The overall feedback though is that it isn’t necessary a must-see.  That said, if you’re tight on time, you can find a way to fit it in as a day trip from Cairo.
• Do you want to do a Nile cruise? If the answer is yes, make sure you read my piece on choosing a Nile cruise.
• How much time do I have?   Ultimately, time is going to be your big limiting factor to how much you see and do.  2 weeks gives you a lot of breathing room but if you have 10 days or less, you’ll have to pick and choose.
• Are you interest in the “classic” route?   As you seek out example itineraries, whether from tour companies or like the one that I ended up doing , you’ll realize that there’s a common route that everyone does.

How do you choose and which is the “best”?  Now I knew that “best” was subjective but I wanted to start with a few baseline itineraries.  That’s when I went to check out the Egypt itineraries of G Adventures and Intrepid Travel to get a few ideas.

Luckily for you, our sample 10 day Egypt itinerary is a great proof point that you can have a killer trip without a lot of days.  While I would’ve loved to have incorporated somewhere like Hurghada, Siwa Oasis, and El Minya, it just wasn’t possible.

So let’s start off with transportation logistics.  How do you get into Egypt?

This is probably the least complicated.  The only way you want to think about getting into the country is by flying in.

Egypt’s primary international airport is Cairo International Airport (CAI) .  As the capital of Egypt, this makes sense.  It’s your main way in and out of the country coming from an international destination.

As alternatives, there are limited international flights that fly into Luxor International Airport (LXR) .

For the two of the largest vacation destinations in Egypt, there’s Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and Sharm el Sheikh International Airport (SSH) , there are many direct flights in via Europe or the Middle East.

The national carriers in Egypt are EgyptAir, EgyptAir Express and Nile Air.  EgyptAir is part of the Star Alliance and Nile Air is the local low cost carrier.

I recommend using the Skyscanner to find the best prices on flight tickets and be able to put alerts and trackers if you’re starting to plan early.   The Skyscanner app is also super helpful.

ALL ABOUT VISAS

Do you need a visa to enter Egypt? – Yes, you either need an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival in order to enter the country unless you belong to one of the 9 countries that are exempt.

Visa-on-arrival eligibility – Passport holders from these countries can get a visa-on-arrival:  USA, UK, EU Nationals, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Macedonia, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Serbia, South Korea, and Ukraine

e-Visa eligibility – Passport holders from these countries can apply for an e-Visa online: All European Union citizens (including the UK), Albania, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, The United States and Vatican City.

Which countries are exempt from visas? – Bahrain, Macao, Hong Kong, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon (only at 3 specified airports), United Arab Emirates, Malaysia

How to get a visa-on-arrival? – This is easy to do as long as you know where to go.  The odd thing about Cairo Airport is that there aren’t many clear signs that tell you where to get the visa.  What you have to do is locate one of the National Bank of Egypt stores that’s located right before the customs officers.  There’s one to the right where everyone flocks to and there’s one to the left (if you’re looking at the custom officers).  All you have to do is pay $25 USD to the bank and they’ll give you a sticker.  You put the sticker on an empty page in your passport and you’re all set.

How to get an e-Visa? – The official government website for VOAs is here which should not be confused with third party websites like iVisa.  The process is relatively simple online.  The cost is $25 USD for a single-entry visa good for 3 months.  You have to create an e-Visa application at least 7 days before your departure.

Should I get an e-Visa or visa-on-arrival?  – The truth is, while it may seem seem more convenient to get an e-Visa, on both trips of mine I just did the visa-on-arrival.  It didn’t take much time at time at all and

Do you need a Yellow Fever vaccination card? – No but if you are coming from a country that is known for yellow fever (i.e. what I learned going to Seychelles via Ethiopia or my first trip to see Ethiopia’s Omo Valley ) you’ll need to have one as they will check based on my own experiences.

If you’ve seen any of my other trips like the one we did to the Greek Islands , Taiwan , or Newfoundland , you’ll know that I love planning independent adventures where I more or less figure everything out on my own and rely on local transportation or rent a car.

From my two trips to Egypt, my opinion is that it is not the kind of place that most people will want to do independently.  That’s why I highly recommend that you find a reputable tour operator.

When it comes to getting around Egypt, there are actually many ways to get around.

The easiest and fastest way to get between the main cities of Egypt are by plane.  For instance, there are flights that connect Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh.

For those that are tight on time, you can also find flights that will take you from Aswan to Abu Simbel.  These run on very specific schedules but does allow for travellers to drop in for the morning and fly out in the early afternoon.

The good news here is that inter-country flights are very affordable even when booking last minute.

• There are usually 2 sets of x-ray scanners, one to enter the airport and another to go to the gate.
• Make sure you bring a printout of your flight itinerary as they may ask for it at the x-ray security checkpoint to enter the doors of the airport.
• It’s a full pat down at every security checkpoint at the airport.  When it’s busy they also separate security checks into male and female for pat down purposes.
• There seems to be some arbitrary bias when it comes to photography and videography gadgets.  For some reason they weren’t cool with my LED light panel and that’s what prompted us to have to check it in.  I also saw them question camera gear from other passengers.
• Even domestic flights have food boxes so you don’t need to buy food at the airport cafe.
• Make sure to request not to be seated in front of exit rows because leg room even narrower and there is no recline.

A traditional way to get from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, or even up to Alexandria is by train.  The only thing is these trains aren’t the smooth operators that you’ll find in Europe or countries like Japan.

These are instead rickety trains that are a throwback to travel in the mid-20th century.  You have the option of standard class or first class sleeper cars.

There’s certainly an inescapable romance of travelling by train and the experience of doing an overnight train is quite unique but the honest truth is that it’s way more efficient and sometimes cheaper to take a domestic flight with a low cost carrier like Nile Air.

I’ve written a full feature on Nile cruises so make sure you head there to help you decide what kind of boat to look for and a my full breakdown of the dahabiya experience with Djed Egypt Travel .

One thing I found interesting is that while the Nile is incredibly important to the nation, it is not used for commercial purposes.  This means they do not use the Nile to transport goods by barge nor do they run ferries to bring people from village to village.

As a result, you’re really only find the Nile cruises on the river or in the case of big cities like Luxor and Aswan, there are boats that can bring you from the East to West bank or vice versa.  These are typically in small motorboats.

Cruises in traditional boats are either in the dahabiya or felluca .  I talk about the dahabiya extensively but for those curious about the felucca, it’s a traditional sail boat significantly smaller than a dahabiya.  Simply speaking, this is a wooden boat with a canvas sail but their designs come in many shapes with the main difference in that they do not have any cabins.  This is why felluca’s are used as leisure day excursions.

Group Tour Van/Bus

Since I recommend seeing Egypt with a local tour operator, you’ll be spending a large chunk of your trip in a van or bus.

With a private tour, you’ll have a 9 passenger van.  Accompanied by a driver and a guide, you’ll be comfortably driven from place to place.  The vans are also typically stocked with bottled water so you’ll never really need to buy any on-the-go.

For a larger group tour, you’re looking at the big coach buses which are pretty standard.

Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room.  The most common question I received from our trip to Egypt was “is Egypt safe?”

Bluntly put, yes, Egypt is safe.  During our entire 10 days in Egypt, I never felt that we were put in any situations where I had concerns over my safety.

To understand the question, it’s worth talking about its origins.  9 years ago, Egypt went through a civil uprising and for 18 days, there were protests, demonstrations, marches, and civil resistance.  A boiling point was reached there was a revolt over the president, injustice, and lack of freedoms.  Things were incredibly unstable at this point and big cities like Cairo were a mess.

It was this Revolution of 2011 that kicked off the massive downturn in tourism in the country.  Since then, things have recovered but it still isn’t quite at the levels pre-Revolution.  The main issue has always been around safety because of the scenes seen around the world of Tahrir Square and also stories of the Russian plane crash and road-side bomb that have kept this sense of instability and terror.  Many countries still have a warning on travel to Egypt as well and that hasn’t helped.

The truth of the matter is that when you’re on the ground, the reality is far different than what is projected.

Here’s why Egypt is safe:

• Egyptians are incredibly friendly.
• Tourism is a top contributor to the industry and they are doing all they can right now to change the negative perception.
• No civil unrest visible in Cairo.
• A majority of your time in Egypt will be outside of the metropolis.  We were told by locals that the countryside was barely affected by the revolution.  Outside of Cairo, there are no safety concerns at all.
• Djed Egypt Travel does an amazing job at giving you opportunities to walk the local streets and you see everyone just going about their daily lives.
• There’s a steady police presence everywhere with security check points at many of the tourism sites and also on the highways.

Comparing with another recent trip, I honestly I felt like I had to be more cautious in Athens than I did throughout all of Egypt.

Now are there certain things that’ll really nag and bug the heck out of you in Egypt?  Yes but every country, especially in this region will have these kind of cultural differences.  To enjoy your trip, you learn to accept some of the peculiarities and move on.

Is Egypt Safe?

My full breakdown based on two separate trips since the Revolution.

The most important thing about Egypt is working with a good local operator on the ground.  These are the people that are going to be responsible for putting together the itinerary you want, have a solid roster of drivers and Egyptologists, is organized, and put customer experience first.

There are a couple of ways of finding the right tours.

• The big guys – You look at the big players like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel that have global reputation and brand behind them.  What is happening behind the scenes is that they will often subcontract the work to local operators.  These are often the larger group tours vs private ones. That said, these companies are leaps and bounds better when it comes to organization and communication.
• Tour platforms – You can look at Viator and GetYourGuide for individual tours or packages.  The challenge with these is that the platforms are designed to obfuscate who the actual operator is so you really are relying on the reviews to determine whether it’ll be a good experience or not.
• Find a legitimate local operator online – In Egypt this is harder than it sounds because most businesses are behind when it comes to the digital age but for those that are, you’ll appreciate that they can put together a package for you that is operated by their own people from start to end.
• Roll the dice once you land – If you don’t have any plans, there will be no shortage of people gunning after your business and that includes the hotels you’re staying at.  This is great for people that like to make last-minute plans.  The risk you take is not knowing what you’re going to get because everyone is going to advertise their tours as “awesome”.

So having a good tour operator matters in every corner of the world you travel to but what is it about Egypt that makes it that much more important?

• While safe, there are a lot of complexities of travel in Egypt where you really need someone local to help navigate.  This can include navigating tipping, known scams, what camera gear is allowed, and checkpoints.  These are things that you don’t want to have to deal with on your own.
• The industry is filled with freelancers and companies-for-hire so you want to avoid as best as possible being shuffled from one company to another while you’re in Egypt.  The ideal is a company that uses their own people and boats for the whole tour.  Tours can use freelancers but the key is that they are vetted, are a small pool of talent, and have a good reputation.
• While it may seem a little excessive at first but that end-to-end service is a necessary part of travel in Egypt to make sure you don’t have a negative experience.  A specific example is the airport pick up prior to customs which felt over-the-top and unnecessary but learned later that it eliminated visa-on-arrival confusion and the aggressive tipping which I’ll get to in a bit.
• There are many security check points along the road and entrances to sights. If you’re with a tour company we learned that they need to have all the itinerary paper work filed to the police.  This paperwork is then required to have available because checkpoint officers might ask to inspect it.  All tour operators should know this.

Travelling with Djed Egypt Travel

Egyptian run and locally owned, I’ve travelled in Egypt with them twice and I can safely say that they’re one of the best in the businesses.  They have dedicated teams of people at each major city (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan) and they own their own dahabiyas as well which means they have full control of the experience.

CHECK OUT DJED

When travelling in Cairo, there are several tips that I recall making a mental note of as things not commonly shared.

• While we loved our stay at the Comfort Pyramids Inn , these are technically unlicensed hotels in Giza.  Locals have taken neighbourhood apartments and converted them to hotels on their own which is why they’re cheap and also have great views of the pyramids.  Djed Egypt Travel warned us about it ahead of time but still went ahead of it.  Our stay was perfectly fine but did notice that it was still a bit of a work in progress.
• Pyramid Sound and Light Spectacular is from 7PM-8PM but then will also repeat again for 2 more languages so if you have a rooftop in Giza, you come back later in the evening if you missed the first show.
• The traffic is no joke in Cairo.  The only exception is Friday and Saturday which is their weekend days.
• To get to the airport, especially if you’re in Giza, account for 1 hour of transit plus an additional 2.5 hours of early check-in to be safe because at anytime they can shut down the roads because of a prince visit or the President travelling somewhere.

When in Egypt, you’ll be spending a lot of time at ancient archeological sites.  These are a collection of tips that I was either surprised about or wish we knew about before going.

• Where photography is sensitive is typically in tombs and indoor enclosed spaces where there’s door entrance.
• The Ministry of Antiquities has learned that smartphones are impossible to police so these are allowed in every site.  As a result, photos are allowed everywhere.
• As another source of revenue, photography passes are sold at the entrance if you’re looking to take photos with anything that resembles as DSLR (anything with interchangeable lenses) but point-and-shoots are ok.
• What they’re incredibly sensitive about is video.  In some enclosed spaces (i.e. inside the temples of Abu Simbel) they’ll stop you from recording video when stills are fine.  The other sensitivity about video comes from it being used for professional/journalistic purposes.
• They are sensitive around tripods.  Tripods are an automatic indication that you’re “professional” and so is either not allowed or requires a special tripod pass to be purchased.
• They are even more sensitive about microphones.  My recommendation is to not bring it into any archeological sites because this automatically means you’re from a television production and without special permission is banned and will be held at security.
• Don’t show tickets to anyone unless right at entrance to tombs or museums.  Our guide told us about a common scam in Giza where they’ll try to steal your ticket.

• There are “security guards” stationed  at tomb entrances and roaming around ancient sites.  They can be in uniform or in traditional garb.  Many will try to show you things, ask to take photos of you, or help you take photos of closed-off areas.  In return of course, they’ll ask for tips.  Just learn to say no and ignore them.
• Take a look at the special passes that are available including the Luxor Pass and the Cairo Pass . This makes sense for those that are doing a lot of the sites. Personally, I’m not sure if they’re worth it unless you’re really looking to do all or close to all of the sites that the passes include.

I love Egypt but man they are extremely aggressive when it comes to seeking out tips to the point that you’ll become either numb to it or find it comedic.

Here’s a common example of what you can expect immediately after walking into a tomb or temple.

• Guard:  Where are you from?
• You:  Canada
• Guard:  Canada Dry!!!
• You:  … yeah that’s right heh
• Guard:  Look!  Ramses!
• You:  *look at something else in another direction*
• Guard:  Picture for you!
• You:  No thanks!
• Guard:  *stalks you for awhile*
• Guard:  Hey!  Come over here.  Okay to take photo! *waves you over to a restricted area*
• You:  Haha that’s alright.
• You:  *continue to walk around*
• Guard:  Hello! Hello!
• You:  *you turn to him and he’s doing the tipping finger motion*
• You:  *Option A:  you feel bad and tip 10 EGP or Option B:  you pretend to be completely oblivious and walk away*

In this, you’ve played it cool and didn’t accept any of his attempts at providing you some sort of service.  If on the other hand you followed him around or got him to take a photo for you, he’d be all over you and relentlessly begging for tips.

Similar but different is the excessive hassling that happens as you pass by the stores that line the entrances leading to temples.  All the stores ironically will have signs that say “No hassle” but you’re guaranteed to be followed and harassed if you give any minuscule hint of interest at something.

It’s really unfortunate because you soon become immune to the strategies employed by people working at ancient Egyptian sites that you put your guard up anytime someone tries to help you or wants to talk to you.  I personally got to the point where I didn’t even want to do any souvenir shopping because I wanted to avoid the inevitable sales tactics.

At its core, it comes down to being fine tipping people for actual service rendered but if you’re going to harass me, not do anything for me, and still have the guts to ask for money, that’s what I have a problem with.

There’s a lot of amazing food you need to try when you’re in Egypt.  Egyptians cuisine is characterized as Eastern Mediterranean with heavy use of vegetables and fruit from the Nile Valley and Delta.  Here’s a list of a few dishes that you’ll need to have before you leave.

• Koshary – Something that feels born out a college-dorm but surprisingly works well.  It’s a mix of rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta are cooked individually, then tossed together and topped with cumin-infused tomato sauce and crunchy fried onions.
• Mixed grill – A variety of charcoal grilled meat.
• Tajin – Cooked in a clay pot and a mix of a vegetable stew with your pick of protein.
• Molokhia – Egyptian spinach.
• Freshly made falafel – Watch them spoon the fresh mix into balls and dunked into popping oil.  Having falafel fresh is something else.
• Baba Ghanouj – In other cultures, well-known as baba Ganoush, a puree of aubergines.
• Foul/Ful – A paste of fava beans, garlic, and lemon that works well with freshly-made pita.
• Camel meat – Not for everyone but if you’re feeling adventurous, they’ll certainly be opportunities to try this.
• Fresh fruits – mango and figs are out-of-this-world sweet in the right season.  You’ll be visiting many markets on your trip so make sure to ask your guide to help you pick some up from the local stand.
• Traditional breakfast – Not a specific dish but a culinary experience that you have to try at least once.

When it comes to drinks, our guides at Djed Egypt Travel also recommended a number of different ones for us to try.  In the end, it wasn’t that hard because these are the beverages that are offered at every restaurant.

• Fresh guava juice
• Fresh mango juice
• Lemon with fresh mint drink
• Hibiscus tea – hot or cold
• Tea with fresh mint

Another piece of advice that you’ll want to know are the do’s and don’ts of eating in Egypt.

• It is okay to brush your teeth with tap water but tap water is unsafe to drink.
• Make sure food has been thoroughly cooked.
• Avoid any uncooked food.  The only exception is fruit and vegetables that you can peel or shell.
• Only drink bottled water and ensure the seal is intact.
• Avoid fruit juices where water has been added.
• Avoid ice in drinks which are general made from unsafe tap water.
• They like a lot of sugar in their coffee/tea so you need to explicitly ask for less if that’s your preference.
• Most restaurants say they have diet drinks but when you actually order them, they won’t have Diet Coke or Pepsi.

There are 4 ways you can stay connected on your trip to Egypt.

Local SIM card

Luckily this is a very easy process.  Once you land in Cairo, head to the luggage carousel and there you’ll find a Vodafone counter.

Their rates for tourists is pretty simple.  It’s 250 EGP for 10GB of data and and 500 EGP for 30GB of data.  Both include voice minutes in case you need it.

Even for someone like myself that is social media heavy, I was totally fine with 10GB of data during my 10 days.  One reason for that was because we spent 4 days on the Nile where cellular data was weak and I primarily used the wifi available on the dahabiya.

In general, I found that the speeds were serviceable in cities but would drop off in the countryside.  Another thing you need to know is that while there is 4G/LTE, a majority of the country’s coverage is 3G.

TIP:   Set your smartphone to stick to 3G.  Otherwise, your phone will constantly switch between 3G and hunting for 4G/LTE.  You’ll get more reliable service this way.

Wifi hotspot

If you’d rather have everything ready ahead of time or will be hopping to many countries in a short span of time, it may make more sense for you to buy a pocket wifi hotspot such as the PokeFi .

Hotspots are ideal because you won’t have to waste 20-30 minutes at the Vodafone counter to have your passport scanned, and SIM card issued and activated.  All you have to do is turn on your device, it’ll connect to the local network and you’ll be ready to surf.  It’s also worth noting that you can share this data access with everyone else that you’re travelling with.

It’s independent of what country is in so it’s one unified rate.  For instance, PokeFi is 5GB of data for $15 USD.  Yes, this means it’s slightly more expensive than the local SIM option but the convenience tradeoff is often worth it.

Use the code GAP23200 to get $200 HKD or $25 USD off the starter package which comes with an extra battery.

TIP: A rookie mistake is to have your smartphone set to auto-update apps, run background tasks, and sync files when on wifi.  Make sure to turn these features off when using a pocket wifi device or use “Low Data Mode” if you use an iPhone.

All hotels should have free wifi at this point but what’s not guaranteed is whether you’ll have wifi access from your room.  For instance, Basma Hotel only has wifi in the lobby.

Nile cruise wifi

I talk about how the wifi worked aboard the dahabiya we were on in the Nile cruise guide so make sure you read those details.

There’s actually nothing compulsory to look into when planning a trip to Egypt.  The main thing you need to know is that there is no Yellow Fever or Malaria risk so you won’t need those shots.

Everything else you should already have:

• DTP (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio)
• Hepatitis A

The one thing you might want to look into is Traveller’s Diarrhea.  This is where you can decide to take Dukoral before your trip to help shore up your defences against e-coli and cholera.

This deserves special attention because we felt like we were trying to figure things out as we went along.

Your days in Cairo and Luxor especially will be heavy because of the number of places you will go, the amount of knowledge you’ll take in, the walking, and the intense heat.  To make things as easy as possible, here are a few things that will help:

• Make sure your day pack is as light as possible.  I quickly ditched my Travel Backpack of camera gear in the van and used my Peak Design Sling .
• Pack a couple of 2L bottles of water for the van/bus but know that if you’re with a good tour operator, they’ll have a large supply of bottled water for you.  From our experience, you’ll easily down at least 3-4L of water per person per day.  The miraculous thing is that you’ll never feel the need to pee because you’ll be sweating it all out.
• Pack a power bank especially if you take a lot of photos.
• I don’t know if we were the exception but we ended up skipping lunch in favour of seeing more so snacks in the van are key.
• You will need a bag that’ll help keep everything in the bus organized.  This is where you’ll keep your bigger water bottles, power bank, snacks, sunscreen, and things you buy along the way.
• Put on sunscreen in the hotel before you leave because it might be a short ride to your first destination.

Managing your cash will be very important in Egypt because of how cash-driven everything is.  What makes it complicated is that it almost seems that USD is preferred over their own currency.

What you’ll notice is that tour prices and tipping recommendations are in USD.  This isn’t a bad thing because it’s much easier to exchange for USD in your home country compared to EGP.

That said, you’ll still need a healthy amount of EGP for daily discretionary spending and ad-hoc tipping.  The question inevitably will be, how much EGP should I exchange?

How much EGP to exchange?   This’ll be different person to person but to give you an idea, we exchanged 300 USD to EGP for two people for our 10 day trip.

Where to exchange EGP?  It is not recommended to convert in your home country.   Instead, do this once you arrive in Egypt for more favourable rates.  The good news here is that exchange rates at money changers are regulated and so it’ll be the same across the board which means you won’t need to shop around.

Are credit cards accepted?   Everything is cash with the exception of proper sit-down restaurants, hotels, and big stores like the alabaster and papyrus shops.

Can I use ATMs?   Yes, you can use your debit card to withdraw money from the ATM.  We were also surprised to find that some ATMs even had the capability to exchange currency although the machine was extremely finicky to use.  We also learned that the exchange rate was slightly worse.

Stay organized  – My recommendation is to try to stay as organized as you can with your money.  There’ll be plenty of fixed costs that you can anticipate since you’ll most likely be on a tour.  Have USD set aside in envelopes for the tour balance and tips.

Break big bills early – All the tipping you’ll do is in 10-20 EGP denominations so ask break your big bills at stores and restaurants at the beginning of your trip.  You can also ask your guide for smaller bills.

At the end of the day, you have to think of it like this.  USD is ultimately more versatile so it’s always more beneficial to carry more US bills and under-convert EGP knowing that you’ll be able to get Egyptian currency along the way if you need it.

TIP: When shopping, get for the EGP price.  Their USD prices are almost always inflated.

Tourism in Egypt is built upon tips and it’s a primary source of income for some which is why I can appreciate why people are so aggressive about it.  The other thing to understand is that tipping is culturally part of Egyptian daily life as an indispensable complement to the low income of the population.

When to comes to gratuities, it is of course discretionary but it helps to know what the expectations are.  Luckily, Djed Egypt Tour provided us with a guide as part of our pre-departure package.  We followed this to the letter so for those wondering, this’ll help prepare you.

• Egyptologist – $7-$10 USD per traveller per day.
• Drivers – $3-$5 USD per traveller per day.
• City representatives – $2-$4 USD per traveller per day (these are the folks that aren’t your main guides during the day but those that pick you up from the airport or will meet up with you for a walk around the city).
• Nile cruise crew – $10-$15 USD per traveller per cruise day (this is shared between all of the crew except your Egyptologist).
• 10% tip at restaurants and hotel room service.
• 20 EGP for porters, luggage carriers, washroom cleaners, and hotel cleaning staff.

The only other thing I can think of is the tipping that was shamelessly asked for by our camel guide in Giza with the classic line “You happy?  Okay you make me happy!”

• Camel tipping – No, I don’t mean a camel version of cow tipping!  Our guide recommended that for our group of 4, a total tip of 150 EGP  (~9 USD) is enough.

To get a good sense of the type of clothes to bring to Egypt, make sure to read the Egypt Packing List .

If you’re planning to do a classic trip to Egypt, you’ll only need accommodations in the primary cities of Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm el Sheikh.

In terms of things to know before going to Egypt, let me share what I learned from planning my own trip.

Here’s what I learned:

• You can certainly book your own hotels but in some cases your tour operator may have access to special rates so it doesn’t hurt to get quotes from them as well.
• I spoke about the hotels in Giza earlier – many at not officially licensed so there’s some element of risk in terms of the government doing a wide sweep of closures in one day.  That said, we didn’t have any issues.
• For Cairo, hotels in Giza are actually preferred by tour operators because most of your activities will be concentrated on this sector, helping cut down on transit time.
• We quite liked staying on the West Bank of Luxor.  We were initially worried that it was too far from everything but it turned out to be significantly quieter which we appreciated and the ferries were convenient to take.
• In some cases, Booking.com helped us save money thanks to level 2 Genius.  Getting up to Genius level only requires 2 bookings and once you’re at that level, there are a lot of properties that offer 10% (level 1 Genius) and 15% off (level 2 Genius).
• Most hotels in Egypt have breakfast included.
• Most hotels are also willing to create breakfast boxes if you have to leave early in the morning including Basma Hotel in Aswan.

For accommodation recommendations, make sure to read the 10 day Egypt itinerary .

We have a full fledged article about everything I packed for Egypt. Make sure you head there to find out what you need to be mindful about not just clothes but also gear to pack for a trip to Egypt.

READ EGYPT PACKING LIST

Normally, the standard answer applies but in terms of the best time to go to Egypt, it’s quite different because Egypt only has two seasons.

Winter (Mid-October – April)

Egypt experiences a mild winter which means that it is the most pleasant during these months.  As a result, it is also Egypt’s high season of travel.

If you’re looking for a quieter time, try to come at the beginning or end of the season (mid-October, early November, or April) to avoid the crowds.  The busiest time of the year is always around Christmas when families have time off.

Another thing to keep in mind that another thing people time their travel to is the Sun Festival which occurs February 22 and October 22.

Temperature wise, the evenings can drop to 0C (32F) but during the day, it rises to 18C or low 20’s (68F).

Summer (May – Mid-October)

Contrary to other destinations, summer is the worst time to go because the temperatures easily go up to 40C (104F) during the day.

The temperatures are a cooler along the coast but it is largely impossible to do a trip to Egypt so I wouldn’t even consider these months.

Just a quick blurb about this because you might not know.  As a Muslim country, alcohol is going to be a sensitive topic because it’s not allowed.  In fact, Egypt prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol anywhere.  The only exception are specific hotels and tourist facilities approved by the Ministry of Tourism.

Don’t expect to find any convenient stores to display beer, wine, or spirits for sale.  However, we did learn that some of these shops do hide beer in the back and so if you ask they might discretely disappear somewhere to bring out the local Egyptian Stella or maybe a Heineken.

Otherwise, if you’re looking to drink, you’ll have to do it on your cruise, at your hotel, or at tourist-specific restaurants.

If you’ve come from the  10 Day Egypt Itinerary , you’ll know that I didn’t do a breakdown of total costs but I did show the costs in the Nile cruise guide of our dahabiya experience.

To give you an idea of how much a 10 day trip costs for two people converted to $USD , I’ve broken down the costs by category.  Note that this does NOT include international flights (domestics are included) since this will vary drastically for people depending on where you’re located.  Another thing to be aware of is that most of the hotels were included in the tour package.

This breaks down to  $2,035.05 per person or $203.51 per person per day .

Compared to the cost of the trip to Greece in the Greek Islands Travel Guide , this was actually more affordable which really surprised me.  What might put over the top are the flights though so take that into consideration.

How did we do?   I’d say that we had a good balance of a trip that was very thorough for 10 days with an excellent local company without having to blow the budget.

In this things to know before you go to Egypt travel guide, I hope you’ve come away with a ton more information than you were looking for or thought you needed to know.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that I somehow ended doing twice.  The first time was a bit of a teaser since I skipped Cairo.  The second time around, I managed to fit Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and the Nile cruise in 10 days and I couldn’t have been happier.

So if I was in an elevator and only had 30 seconds to tell you what you need to know to plan a trip without reading this Egypt travel guide, here’s what I would say.

• Egypt is safe.
• The dahabiya Nile cruise is a must-do.
• The world of Ancient Egypt will blow you away – there is so much to see and learn.
• The sheer scale, applied science/technology, and how old it all is mind boggling.
• Having a good guide/Egyptologist is so important.

Have specific questions about your upcoming trip to the Egypt?  Drop a comment below in this things to know before you go to Egypt travel guide!

What you should read next

• 10 Day Egypt Itinerary – Best of Egypt with Djed and Dahabiya Nile Cruise
• Egypt Packing List – What To Wear, Camera Gear, and more!
• 3 Days in Cairo Itinerary – Places to Visit Including The Pyramids
• The Best Way To See The Nile – Dahabiya Nile Cruise
• Is Egypt Safe for Travel? (How is it in 2022 with Safety Guide and Tips)

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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Viviane Dagenais says

March 14, 2023 at 7:20 AM

Hello, (thanks google for the translation) I’m French Canadian from Montreal, I’m leaving for Egypt in a few weeks (early April 2023) for a 3-week trip! with one week on the nile. I am so happy to have found your website, you have reassured me a lot, especially with regard to money, so I have to go with American currencies. Thank you so much for all your excellent information !

William Tang says

March 14, 2023 at 1:21 PM

Bonjour! I’m glad the article helped. If you haven’t yet, make sure to read our other Egypt content that might come in handy! Have a great trip!

Glen Liu says

December 23, 2022 at 3:41 AM

Hey Will, thanks for the tips above! Very informative. You spoke about getting an airport meet & pick up service but didnt elaborate on it.

Was wondering if its really necessary or if its fairly easy for me to go through immigration myself without one?

Appreciate your help!

December 23, 2022 at 12:52 PM

Hey Glen! So the meet up and pick up service was offered by Djed and it made things easier but having been to Egypt before on my own without the service, it’s quite easy to do yourself. After you land and before you go through customs, you go to one of the banks that sells the visa-on-arrival. You’ll pay and they’ll add the sticker to your passport. Customs is pretty straight forward. You’ll grab your bags at the carousel and walk out and that’s pretty much it. I meant to say that the service was convenient because they bought the VOA for us and also shielded us from all of those drivers that were trying to get our business. Hope that helps!

Gretchen Crigler says

April 26, 2022 at 12:24 AM

Egypt can be done independently fairly easily, but young women should travel with a group or family. Egyptian men are not always respectful. You did not mention the Luxor Pass, which is a very good value. Also, Nefertari’s tomb is a must see if you are in Luxor. It is expensive, but should not be missed. Your comments about being hassled for tips are spot on. The tomb monitors and other workers are relentless in their pestering for “baksheesh”. However, if you talk with regular Egyptians many are very kind, friendly people. If you just need help with transport from Aswan to Luxor or want to hire a vehicle to go to Abu Simbel, Aswan Individual has a good website and they are reliable. – Finally, if you are scammed simply refuse to pay. There are many scams in Egypt to get your money. Make sure the price is VERY CLEAR up front. If someone tries to change the price, charge you more after a service, whatever. Simply REFUSE TO PAY AND WALK AWAY. You have to stand up for yourself and just say “NO.” Walk away and tell them you are calling the tourist police. Be firm and do not back down.

May 1, 2022 at 7:23 PM

Great tips! Thanks Gretchen!

Dolores Gamble says

October 6, 2021 at 1:04 AM

Hi, thanks for your thorough information. We are considering a family Egypt trip with our 2 adult boys (age 21 and 23) potentially they will each bring a friend. We are looking at the end of December 2021/early January 2022 timeframe for 10 days as they are both in college. We definitely want to scuba dive – what is the water like during this time of year? We have mostly been diving in the Caribbean enjoying the warm water, but have also dived in California cold Pacific water. Is it possible to incorporate diving for a few days with the Nile cruise and pyramid tour – or would that be too rushed. Also our 21 year old runs track at school, would he be able to safely go on some 10 mile runs while there? Thanks!

October 6, 2021 at 9:31 AM

Hi Dolores! For diving, you’re most likely looking at heading out to the Red Sea and the town of Hurghada which is where I did my diving in Egypt. During that time of the year water temperatures are around 25C/77F which means it’s still pretty warm but not as warm as say in the Dominican Republic where it’s closer to 27.5C/81.5F. The challenge with building an itinerary with Hurghada is that you’ll need to set aside at least 2-3 days since it’s a bit of a detour to get out there. That’s definitely possible. I’d probably look at doing the Downriver (Aswan to Luxor) which leaves you roughly 3 days to pack in the exploration of Luxor and Cairo. It’ll be tight though! For your last question about running, you could probably do that but most of it will be on dirt roads either in the city or in quieter places like the West Bank of Luxor or in Giza. You won’t be able to run while on the cruise though. I hope that helps!

June 12, 2021 at 5:03 PM

Thank-you for this very informative post! I just wanted to ask where you would recommend getting souvenirs from (I would particularly like locally made, authentic souvenirs and I mostly go for small ornament/figurines that I can display on a printers tray. What items would you recommend I look out for?

Will Tang says

June 14, 2021 at 11:11 AM

Hey Tessa! There are definitely alot of great souvenir options. In general you’ll find that tours will take you to either alabaster/stone carving shops in Luxor or papyrus workshops in Cairo. We didn’t mind going because they offered free drinks, had mini demonstrations, and didn’t force you to buy. These places are general more expensive and they claim to be “authentic” vs the markets and shops near ancient sites which I am pretty sure are “made in China” knockoffs. That said, I couldn’t really tell the difference between the real and supposed fakes. It sounds like you’re looking for small ornaments and figurines and for that there are PLENTY of options. We purchased a collection of things that included King Tut’s bust, Nefertiti, and Egyptian cat. These come in a bunch of different types of stones. There are larger and more intricate pieces as well. Another thing that might pique your interest are the canopic jars which they have stone replicas for as well. Hope that helps!

Martha Armstrong says

April 16, 2021 at 12:17 PM

I’m planning a trip to Egypt. This is my husband’s dream so I want to make it the best I can. We are 71 years old. I’m doing well, but my husband has heart health and back issues. He thinks that a cruise would be easiest where the ship can be our domicile and we take tours. Plus, having to pack and unpack and carry luggage might be too much and I want him to enjoy this very special trip. What do you suggest? Thank you. Sincerely, Martha

April 16, 2021 at 1:15 PM

Hi Martha, thanks for dropping your question here. At 71 years old, I think you can still have an incredible experience. While yes, the standard bus tour could work but I feel like they wouldn’t necessarily be able to cater to your husband’s needs and you’ll end up feeling left out. I’m thinking that a custom and private tour might suit you best because they’ll be able to find a way to make sure you have the best experience without having to walk too far or carry too much. What comes to mind for sure is the Dahabiya cruise which I can 100% say that you’ll enjoy more than one of the large cruise ships. Many of the sites you can see from along the Nile and if you’re up for it, you can certainly walk a little to see a few of the stops along the way. One of them even has a horse carriage ride to see the Temple of Edfu. For Giza and the pyramids in Cairo, if you’re able to walk just a bit, you’d be able to get on the grounds and be in the presence of the pyramids without going too far and there are also a few photo stops you can make by van. Since it does get very hot in Egypt, I’d suggest going when it’s cooler (November or December). One thing that our guides did really well was always make sure we were hydrated as well so that’s key. Lots to answer here but feel free to contact me if you want to discuss further!

RinTinTin says

March 22, 2021 at 7:06 PM

Hello! Thank you, this is very informative and practical. I am going to spend Christmas in Dubai, and thinking of a 5-night stay in Egypt (2n Cairo & 3n Luxor). I will be traveling with my husband and two kids which are 10 and 12 years old. I would prefer to have a local guide but only to specific places, at our own pace. Where can I find guides who do this? I only see half- and full-day tour guides which I think is pretty hectic with kids. Thanks in advance!

March 23, 2021 at 12:25 PM

Hey! Thanks for reaching out :) Excited for your upcoming vacation at the end of the year. I am a little biased because of my experience in Egypt but your best bet is to talk to a local tour operator on the ground like Djed Egypt Travel who will help curate a custom and private tour for your family to make sure you see what you want to see in your 2N in Cairo and 3N in Luxor. I highly recommend them from personal experience and love how they cater to your needs. Feel free to e-mail me if you have specific questions!

Barbette Crockwell says

February 24, 2021 at 6:04 PM

Hello, We are leaving on March 30th. Do you know if they accept the rapid Covid test results? the PCRs are taking 5-7 days for results. Also, it seems like the Giza is open, is it open everyday. We would like to tour and ride the camels. I have been there twice before Covid and you are spot on with everything. Om just really nervous with everything going on and I don’t want them to lose out on the full experience. What do we need to show as far as our health policy? I also purchased traveler insurance through AAA. Who you you recommend? I would like to do the tours and the camel ride I’m going to book from home first this time is there a ticket booth?

February 25, 2021 at 11:12 AM

Hi Barbette! From what I’ve read, I don’t believe they accept rapid COVID results as they have to specifically be PCR. I wonder if there’s another place that you could look at doing it with faster turn around times? I know that might be a challenge but I think you’ll have to find a way. In terms of the health insurance, they’ve kept that requirement quite vague. I would imagine that as long as you have some sort of emergency medical coverage, you’ll be fine. They don’t specify max limit amounts or deductibles or anything of that sort. AAA is good from what I’ve heard. World Nomads is another that I’d recommend but since you’ve already purchased it, I think you should stick to it. For the Giza, if you’re going to book this from home ahead of time, I’d recommend that you go through a local tour operatoron the ground to sort all of that out for you. We used Djed for all of our tours in Egypt. Alternatively, you could look at the tours available on Viator .

February 5, 2021 at 4:59 PM

I have been scouring the internet for days for Egypt travel information and your articles are absolutely brilliant – well written, logically laid out and full of useful information. Thank you!!! Questions – did you book your hotels independently or have Djed travel book them as a part of your package? Do you think you could have used another day in Luxor if time allowed? We will be travelling with teens and wondering if we should split up your Valley of the Kings day into two days so they can enjoy a bit of pool time as well? Thanks again for such detailed articles.

February 7, 2021 at 2:50 PM

Hey Allie, thanks for stopping by! Okay to your questions –> 1) We booked our Giza hotel on our own through Booking and the ones we needed in Luxor and Aswan through Djed since they had a couple of good recommendations and better prices so you could say they were “built-in” to the package. 2) Luxor – I think extra time is always helpful. Luxor for sure was one of those places that I think we could’ve slowed down a bit because there were so many ancient sites to see and with more time you could see more KV tombs. That said, I felt like we were able to see all of the major ones and even the smaller Valley of the Nobles. 3) For Valley of the Kings, what you might’ve seen through my companion video is that the place gets pretty packed (although perhaps not as much of a problem now) and the other is the heat. It gets HOT and that’s why it’s usually the first thing you do in the morning so to your point, you could in theory break it up into two mornings but that would also mean doubling your entrance cost. The other thought I have (and this isn’t even just for teens) is some tomb fatigue. There could be an argument to try to do it all in one day so it doesn’t feel like “oh we’re back here again today”. We managed to fit in 5 tombs and I was pretty happy with what we saw. I took a look at my time codes on my photos again for you and we got there at 6:45AM and left at 9:45AM. Remember that this is with me as well who takes double the time because of all the photo/video I need to do. With this in mind, you could totally plan some time mid-day for time in the pool when it’s not the most pleasant to see the other temples and tombs. I hope that helps!

January 18, 2020 at 12:44 PM

What a comprehensive post! Definitely worth bookmarking for a future trip to Egypt. Thank you!

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Welcome to Egypt!

The land of ancient wonders and vibrant culture, egypt. breathtaking., before you travel.

Egypt is a place where natural wonders and ancient culture blend harmoniously together to create a truly unique and unforgettable holiday experience. With miles of coastline along the Mediterranean and Red Seas, rolling sand dunes, towering pyramids, and lush oases, Egypt offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and be amazed by one of the world’s oldest civilizations.

From the iconic Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings to the sparkling waters of the Red Sea and the incredible Mount Sinai, Egypt is blessed with some of the most breathtaking natural wonders on earth. History lovers can embark on tours to witness ancient Egyptian ruins, marvel at the intricate hieroglyphics, or explore the treasures of King Tutankhamun’s tomb.

For adventure seekers, Egypt offers a range of exhilarating activities such as diving, snorkeling, and camel trekking in the desert. And for those seeking a more relaxed pace, the white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea offer the perfect spot to soak up the sun and unwind.

But Egypt is more than just a natural and historical paradise – it’s a country rich with culture and tradition. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the serene beauty of Aswan, Egypt offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in ancient Egyptian culture, Coptic traditions, and Islamic architecture. From traditional music and dance to artisan crafts and flavorful cuisine, Egypt offers a glimpse into a vibrant and colorful way of life.

Egypt is the ideal destination for anyone seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience that awakens the senses and creates lasting memories. Whether you are an adventurer, a history buff, or a culture enthusiast, Egypt has a little something for everyone. With warm and friendly locals always ready to welcome visitors with open arms, all that’s left to do is pack a bag and embark on an unforgettable journey to this ancient wonderland.

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Travel essentials.

Don’t get stuck or lost. All you need to travel and comply with local requirements.

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Book a flight, our services, travel advisory & assistance, best experiences, travel compliance, "yellow pages", our service, we will help you every step of the trip, travel requirements & restrictions revision., 24/7 before & during-travel assistance, online book of all the required and recommended services., we will assist you in any situation. let us know..

Egyptetourism.com is a comprehensive tourism portal and advisor for Egypt, designed to provide travelers with all the information they need to plan a perfect trip to the country. The website offers a wealth of information on Egypt’s culture, history, attractions, and activities, as well as practical tips on visa requirements, transportation, and accommodations. Egyptetourism.com is dedicated to promoting tourism in Egyptand showcasing the best the country has to offer. With expert advice and insider tips, Egyptetourism.com is the ultimate guide for anyone planning to visit Egypt.

Disclaimer: Egyptetourism.com is an independent travel advisor and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or organization. We provide travel assistance services to individuals who are planning to travel to Egyptetourism.com. Our services are designed to help travelers navigate the complex travel requirements and procedures, and our team of experienced professionals provides personalized support to ensure that travelers have a seamless and hassle-free travel experience. Please note that Egyptetourism.com is not a substitute for official government resources or processes, and we strongly advise travelers to refer to the relevant government websites and resources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Egypt Travel Tips: Ultimate Guide to Visiting Egypt

Egypt is a land of dreams for travelers looking for a bustling destination with a vibrant culture. For Europeans, Egypt has been a popular spot (among Turkey and Tunisia) to go for a resort getaway with occasional day trips to Luxor and Cairo.

Growing up, I remember seeing many chartered flights to Sharm El Sheik and Hurghada, and everyone and their mother had been to Egypt. It’s no surprise that Egypt has been the first place I traveled to solo after my high school graduation back in 2007, at the age of eighteen.

However, Egypt for Americans has never been a ‘hot spot’, but after my second independent trip to Egypt, I can say that it surely should be! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Egypt and the most useful Egypt travel tips .

Ultimate Guide to Visiting Egypt

Safety in Egypt

First things first: is Egypt safe? Absolutely! When I visited Egypt back in 2008 safety wasn’t the biggest concern. Unfortunately, nowadays most of the Middle East is currently in political or social unrest, but we often forget to see the difference between Egypt and the rest of the Middle East.

Sure, there are some regions which are not safe, but there are also regions where are perfectly fine. Just like in any other country and city. That said, everywhere in Egypt I was told that the only rules for tourists in Egypt are to “enjoy and feel like at home”.

As you may know by now, Egypt is NOT on the travel alert or travel warning list for the U.S Department of State .

Tourist attractions are largely safe and not under any threat. Egyptians are one of the most welcoming people I’ve ever encountered on my travels ( among Iranians !) and they love tourists. Not once I feel in any danger anywhere in the country, people constantly had my back when I looked lost or unsure

I was very saddened to read a lot of other blog posts saying that everyone in Egypt wants your money, as it’s absolutely not my experience. I met locals trying to help me on numerous occasions, asking me if I’m all right, and feeding me good food. Everyone was nothing but nice to me.

Read more on my experience of traveling to Egypt solo .

When to Go to Egypt?

Don’t make my mistake during my first visit by going to Egipt in the summer. In summer, temperatures can get up to 45 degrees Celsius in dusty, so Luxor and Aswan are unbearable.

Remember that nights can be freezing so bring a sweater and a pair of warm socks. Trust me, you can thank me later.

The best time to go to Egypt is surely between October and April. The tourist high season is considered from December to February, so if you come slightly out of season you will also enjoy cheaper hotel prices and fewer crowds. Also, make sure to avoid traveling during Ramadan.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Egypt?

Not much. Egypt is comparatively cheap if you’re coming from a developed nation. For a bed in a dorm, you’ll usually pay about $4, guesthouse would be about $12 per night and a higher standard shouldn’t be more than $150. If you’re backpacking you could get by for $30 a day without any issues.

The most expensive thing I paid for in Egypt was my hot-air balloon flight ($50).

Always carry a lot of coins and small bills. You will have to “tip” many times a day, for all kinds of reasons. While you don’t HAVE TO do this, it’s customary to for instance give some coins to a bathroom lady who hands you a few sheets of toilet paper. 

I was completely fine with tipping here and there, especially after visiting some of the poorest neighborhoods of Cairo and Luxor.

Food in Egypt

I enjoyed the food in Egypt very much. I ate anything from basic kebabs to local vegetables and rice, through the most traditional dish – Koshary. It’s a mix of rice, macaroni, and lentils topped with tomato-vinegar sauce and fried onions.

If you’re staying in local hostels or hotels be prepared that you’ll be served a LOT of food. Quite often for breakfast, I was receiving a few bread rolls, 8 balls of falafel, hummus, omelet, hard boiled eggs, french fried, yogurt and a fresh smoothie. It was impossible to eat it all!

How to Get Around Egypt

Domestic flights in Egypt as affordable and great. You’d be looking at two airlines: EgyptAir and NileAir (I can only personally vouch for EgyptAir and they’re great). For a flight from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan, you’ll pay about $50-80 one way and the flight takes about an hour.

If you’re on a strict backpacking budget, you might want to look into Go Bus . Their buses are very comfy, cheap and easy to book on the website or app on your phone.

Sleeper trains are another popular way of traveling, but since my flight to Luxor cost me the same as the sleeping train would have, the choice was obvious.

Boat (Nile Cruise)

There is a cruise on the Nile that starts in all of the touristic cities, and most tourists decide to do it. Many travelers think the Nile Cruise is the only way to get to some places, which isn’t true as the same places can be reached by car or bus.

Keep in mind that it’s not going to be a very local experience hanging out at the pool and eating touristy food on the boat. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. I opted for a cheaper version staying in local guesthouses.

Uber & Taxis

In Cairo, you can take Uber anywhere and it’s extremely cheap. For instance, an average taxi trip from Cairo Airport to downtown Cairo should not cost more than 50-60 LE, whilst a journey from Cairo Airport to the Pyramids go for 100-110 LE.

Extra Egypt Travel Tips:

• Traffic jams and driving in Egypt, particularly in Cairo, can be quite intimidating. But don’t be afraid to cross the street.
• Egypt gets extremely hot, particularly during the summer, so stay hydrated. If you want to save on bottled water get a LifeStraw Water Bottle  . You can fill it anywhere even with water from a puddle!
• Always haggle a bit and never say yes to anything without discussing the price first.
• Bring your own toilet paper. The toilets here have a built-in bidet spray nozzle.

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Jean Brandl

Thursday 12th of May 2022

I stumbled upon your posts about Morocco and Egypt (going to both in June) and they are great. Your posts are encouraging and very helpful. Plus you seem really positive and modest.

Emily Rivera

Monday 8th of February 2021

Hey, I just have a few questions. My friend and I are planning to go to Egypt next year and we were wondering how you toured. - Were you touring privately or with a group? I’m just curious and interested on how you go about touring a country like Egypt. - How far do you have to plan in advance? My guess would be months but I’m not sure That’s all, thank you :)

Anna Karsten

Tuesday 9th of February 2021

I was on my own. Just used drivers when needed :) I never plan any travels months in advance, but Egypt is also super easy to arrange things. In fact, you can arrange everything (minus hotels) upon arrival without any issues.

Wednesday 10th of June 2020

Hey Anna, thanks for the monetary information. It'll help me prepare my itinerary well in advance along with the budget which is indeed the toughest part while planning a vacation. You've given some very vital information on taxis, airfares, transportation and places to stay. Keep building more stuff like these, your blog is very resourceful.

shamsa lalani

Monday 17th of February 2020

Hi We are planning 7 days trip to Egypt in the next two weeks. Want to know what is the best option to cover Aswan and Luxor - through three day Nile river cruise or by staying a night in Luxor and travel to Aswan through train and spend a night there. We will go with the tour agency so they have both the options

Wednesday 26th of February 2020

You can easily stay in Luxor overnight not on a boat - there are so many nice hotels. Nile cruises will be significantly more expensive than regular hotels. Both options seem fine, but you a cruise to Aswan will be more relaxing than going overland. Greeting from Cairo, as I'm actually in Egypt again :-)

Friday 24th of January 2020

Thank you Anna for sharing your great adventures. Your tips and experiences are so helpful. We will be going to Egypt in April and would love to know where you booked the private cars/guides? We've searched a few options online and would prefer to follow the route your took.

Take care and thank you again.

In Cairo I just moved around with Uber. In Luxor I rented a driver who took me to various spots of the West Bank. His name was Ahmed and he gave me his number: 01001202609. For the balloon tour I just booked one through my hotel, they sell them everywhere so don't worry - you can just get one upon arrival.

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Best egypt travel tips for first time visitors: everything to know before you go.

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If you’re looking for tips for traveling to Egypt, you’re in the right place! This post will provide you with everything you need to know about visiting Egypt for the first time including: travel misconceptions, what to expect in Egypt, how to deal with culture shock, health and safety and what to pack. 

Even the most seasoned traveler is not immune to misconceptions and stereotypes. We all have a certain idea about what a country will be like before hitting the “book now” button. Some of our ideas come from photos or other travelers, but the majority are born from the media…and they aren’t always pretty.

Egypt is one such country. Its tourism is suffering, thanks to frequent negative headlines about safety. I’m not one listen to sensationalist headlines, so I decided to go see Egypt for myself and document my experience.

Although I quickly realized that the reality of traveling in Egypt is far different than what the media claims, I was curious to see what other travelers thought about Egypt, both before and after visiting.

I surveyed fellow travelers who have visited the land of mummies and camels in the last six years and asked them two questions: What were some of your misconceptions of Egypt?  How have those changed now that you’ve visited? And more importantly, what Egypt tips for first timers would you like to share?

Before traveling to Egypt, it’s important to know that it can be exhilarating, frustrating, and enriching – especially for a first timer. You will experience culture shock. I know I did, and my family is part Egyptian! Keep reading to learn the best Egypt travel tips for the first time visitor, directly from travelers who have visited recently!

Table of Contents

Why visit Egypt

Temples, pharaohs, hieroglyphics, and pyramids. Unlike many countries, Egypt doesn’t need an introduction. The stories of raided tombs and well-preserved mummies make this country the top of pretty much everyone’s bucket list and with good reason. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the glimmering beaches of the Red Sea, Egypt is guaranteed to simultaneously delight, shock, and enchant. Egypt’s capital alone has plenty of spectacular things to do and see .

How the media has affected tourism: Egypt expectation vs reality

• “I didn’t think it would affect tourism so much (hotels are empty, almost no people at the historical sights of Karnak Temple or the Valley of the Kings).” –Sharon, Travel Eat Enjoy Repeat
• “It was sad to hear stories from the locals about the damage their tourism industry has suffered, but it definitely gave me the motivation to make sure I was spreading my word of positivity as a tourist in Egypt.” –Travis, Traveler
• “I was surprised to see how poorly their travel industry is doing. I thought everyone wanted to go see the Pyramids.” –Olga, Traveler
• “I expected Egypt to be quite an expensive travel option, but it’s actually quite affordable.” –Louise, Traveler

The reality:

Unfortunately, the media has painted a dark picture of travel in Egypt, and its tourism is suffering accordingly. Tourist sites are virtually empty compared to their pre-revolution crowds. Thanks to the current exchange rate and low tourism numbers, traveling to Egypt has become much more affordable, and getting photos without people in them is a given.

I am aware that there have been several incidents in Egypt over the last few years, and of course, safety is never guaranteed, anywhere. However, the incidents in Egypt have been few and far between and only a couple of them have actually targeted tourists. Crimes happen anywhere and everywhere, and as it says on the UK Government foreign travel website “most visits to Egypt are trouble-free.”

I myself have visited Egypt annually since 2017 and have never had any issues. The biggest thing you have to worry about is typical tourism scams!

Is it safe to travel to Egypt as a tourist?

• “I was worried I’d be concerned for my safety, but I never felt unsafe on my group tour .” –Louise, Traveler
• “The security throughout the country and at all the ‘touristy’ locations was phenomenal. I always felt safe, even walking around the streets alone at night.” –Travis, Traveler
• “When I thought about traveling, the first thing I worried about was whether I was going to be able to do so safely. Although I did get a bit of attention for being a female Caucasian traveler, I wasn’t harassed due to my gender or skin color. I never felt unsafe in Egypt. In fact, the Egyptians took my safety very seriously.” –Josie, Traveler
• “I felt uncomfortable walking down the street alone as a woman. Part of it is that I stood out quite clearly with blonde hair and blue eyes, but another part is just the culture and not being totally aware before arriving.” –Alex, The Wayfaring Voyager
• “Traveling to Luxor and being in Luxor, there is much more security than 10 years ago. We never felt unsafe; on the contrary, people were extremely friendly.” –Sharon, Travel Eat Enjoy Repeat

Yes, Egypt is safe for safe for tourists. Having visited Egypt several times in my life (both before and after the Arab Spring), I must admit that I never felt unsafe in Egypt. As mentioned in the previous section, most visits are trouble-free and visitors should be avoiding parts of The Sinai Peninsula, The Western Desert, and Egyptian border areas / military zones. Most travelers don’t visit these areas anyway, so I wouldn’t be worried.

Solo female travel in Egypt

Unfortunately, traveling as a solo female in Egypt does garner a lot of verbal attention from men, especially  toward women who appear foreign. While this unwanted attention is annoying, it’s typically harmless. I was surprised to find that traveling with a group helped to eliminate catcalling almost entirely, even when our guide wasn’t around. My tip for first-time travelers to Egypt (especially women): dress conservatively and brace yourself for cat-calling. (Note: I don’t condone this behavior whatsoever but I do think it’s important to be transparent about what it’s like for visiting women). In my experience, booking a guided tour greatly reduced the catcalling issue.  Psst: Check out my Egypt packing list for tips on what to wear in Egypt!

Should I book a tour to Egypt?

First of all, let me just say that yes, Egypt is safe and can be traveled to independently. I have visited multiple times and have traveled in Egypt independently, with family and on tours. However. Egypt is chaotic and can be difficult to navigate, especially if you don’t speak the language. I’m a big fan of independent travel and only book tours in countries where it’s absolutely necessary. Egypt is one of those countries.

If it’s your first time visiting and you’d prefer not to worry about all these tips and the hassle of transporting yourself from place to place, I highly recommend booking a tour. Most are pretty affordable and having your peace of mind and actually enjoying your trip is seriously priceless. I did Intrepid Travel’s Egypt Adventure tour with my favorite travel company ever. Click here to read a thorough review of the experience.

P.S. If you’re really against group tours, I strongly recommend booking a tour guide. Not only will he/she provide you with all the fascinating historical information about the sites you’re visiting, but he/she will also help you navigate the nuances of the culture and protect you from touts. Trust me, having a guide makes the experience much more pleasant.

How to get to Egypt

Egypt has several international airports but the most popular one to fly to is Cairo International Airport, especially if you’re coming from North America (like me). If you’re coming from Europe, it’s worth checking out prices to Alexandria, Sharm-el-Sheikh, or Hurghada Airports.

That being said, if you plan on visiting the Pyramids and other historical sites, I recommend flying into Cairo. It’s almost always the cheapest option from North America and the other airports (with the exception of Alexandria) are a lot further from the main sites. Compare flight prices on SkyScanner .

Visas in Egypt

Americans need to get a visa for Egypt, which can be done either on or before arrival. If you prefer a visa on arrival, it costs USD $25 in cash for a 30 day visa. Bring exact change in USD or Egyptian pounds because no other currency is accepted. You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date.

A note about the airport:  The Cairo Airport is incredibly slow and welcomes every tourist with Egyptian time, starting at the line to get a visa on arrival. Save yourself the hassle and get an Egypt eVisa ahead instead!

How to get to Downtown Cairo from the airport

Here’s one thing to know before traveling to Egypt: if you won’t have data on your phone to call an Uber, I recommend booking an airport transfer  ahead of time if you aren’t staying in a hotel that provides a shuttle. Taxis are a bit of a free for all (especially at the airport) and the last thing you want to do is to start your trip feeling like you got ripped off.

Transportation in Egypt: how to get around

Within cairo: uber or metro.

There’s plenty of public transportation in Egypt, but it can be confusing for visitors. I have yet to understand the bus and microbus system after several visits. If you’re feeling adventurous or are on a budget, the metro is safe, easy to understand, and inexpensive. There’s even a separate car for women and children, which is kind of nice. Tourists rarely take the metro, though, so be prepared for some surprised looks. Note that the metro isn’t super extensive, so it doesn’t go everywhere. However, I’ve used it a few times and the experiences have been fine.

To be honest, most travelers and locals rely heavily on Uber or Careem (the Arab version of Uber). It’s inexpensive, always available, safe, and hassle-free. I suggest taking a screenshot of the Arabic – English numbers because the license plates are in Arabic.  I don’t recommend taxis unless you’re confident enough to haggle about the price. Although I’ve been to Egypt around 10 times, I rarely take taxis myself.

Traveling outside of Cairo

If you’re traveling outside of Cairo to other major cities, you can fly or take a train or bus.

• By Flight:  There are quite a few airports in Egypt, so if you’d prefer to get somewhere quickly, you can always book a (usually inexpensive) domestic flight to some of your destinations. Alexandria, Luxor, Sharm el Sheikh, and Hurghada all have airports and most tourist destinations are easily accessible from there.
• By Train: Ramses station in Downtown Cairo is the main train station (there’s a large station in Giza as well) and has routes to many popular destinations including Alexandria, Luxor, and Aswan. The first-class section of the train is pretty comfortable, but you should definitely book ahead of time. I’ve never purchased tickets online myself (only at the actual station), but you can do so if you register on the Egyptian Railways website . Once you get a confirmation email, you can book your train. P.S. Bring a warm sweater – the train is always so cold .
• By bus: If you’re headed to the Red Sea or Sinai, check out Go Bus for routes. These long-distances buses are incredibly comfortable and amenities depend on which class of ticket you purchase but can include Wi-Fi, meals, a seat TV screen, and more. The good news is that you can buy the tickets online, which is way more convenient than the train.

Traffic and crossing the road

Traffic in Egypt is bananas, particularly in Cairo. This surprised me the first time I visited – I couldn’t understand how all these cars could be on the road at once and why nobody was using designated lanes. Anyway, this chaos makes crossing the street a bit of a terrifying experience at first. But let me clue you in on a little secret: cross the street confidently. Look like you belong. Obviously, check both ways before you cross, but march across like you own the road. Alternatively, follow a local as they cross. You’ll get the hang of it quickly.

The best time to visit Egypt

November – March:  This is the best time to visit for cooler weather and generally empty sites (with the exception of December – early January because of school holidays). Winter is mild in Egypt but Alexandria (and sometimes Cairo) does see quite a bit of rain during this period.

April – May / September – October:  These are the best months to visit Egypt, especially if you’re interested in traveling both in the North and the South. The weather is warmer but not scorching, so it’s pleasant enough to both hike and hit the beaches.

June – August:  If you don’t mind the heat, summer in Egypt is perfect for all-day beach and pool lounging. This is peak tourism season at the Red Sea. Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan have fewer tourists due to temperatures that reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Language in Egypt

The official language of Egypt is Arabic, spoken with an Egyptian dialect. In general, most people (especially at tourist sites) can speak enough English for you to get by. However, this Arabic phrasebook is nice to have, especially if you decide to travel independently, especially if you’re not at tourist sites. Google Translate works in a pinch, but it translates to Modern Standard Arabic, not Egyptian Arabic, which sounds really different.

Currency in Egypt

Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound, and at the time of updating this post (November 2019), the rate was about USD $1 to 16 EGP which makes Egypt incredibly budget-friendly. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and nicer restaurants, but it’s generally better to carry cash. There are plenty of ATM machines and currency exchanges all over the city.

Exchanging money in Egypt

I find that the best way to exchange money in Egypt is to bring USD and change it at one of many money exchanges in Cairo (most are in Downtown). Although some of the more expensive restaurants accept credit cards, cash is still king in Egypt. You can also withdraw money from ATMs (USD $250 max per day) if you don’t want to carry a bunch of cash with you.

The tipping culture in Egypt

This is one of the most important things to know before traveling to Egypt for the first time because it comes a surprise to many visitors. Tipping, known as “baksheesh” is a big part of the culture in Egypt. You tip for pretty much anything and everything – anyone from the porter that helps you with your bags to someone who takes your photo to the bathroom attendant. Unfortunately, more often than not, nothing in Egypt is free, particularly at tourist sites.

Note: If you take a photo of someone or something at a site, be prepared to pay a small amount. Depending on the service, people usually tip between 1 – 10 pounds, depending on the situation. Yes, it’s annoying but it’s best to know ahead of time. Just be sure to save those smaller bills whenever you can – they’re hard to come by!

Photography and camera fees 

Most tourist spots have a “camera fee” in addition to an entry fee for those that want to take photos at certain tourist sites. In terms of street photography and stuff, Egypt is pretty weird about photography and filming in general. You aren’t allowed to photograph some buildings inexplicably so sometimes you’ll get chastised by a police officer for doing so (even though there aren’t signs). It’s usually not the end of the world if you don’t know but just be prepared for a bit of push-back when it comes to filming and photography overall. If you take photos of people, be sure to ask permission first and pay a tip as well.

Dealing with vendors and touts in Egypt

• “In Egypt, everything is up for barter and nothing is free. Knowing some words in Arabic is handy (no and thank you in particular), especially when navigating the bazaars.“ –Louise, Traveler
• “If you are more introverted, you will have a difficult time with the many pushy street vendors that congregate in the tourist locations.” –Sean, Traveler
• “I didn’t know exactly what to expect when traveling to Egypt, but I was definitely surprised by the attempts to fool me into buying things. Egypt stole my heart in a number of ways as a history-lover, but it was much more challenging than I had expected to get around.” –Alex, The Wayfaring Voyager
• “What we found was anything but what we had been preconditioned to believe! Arriving in the hustle and bustle of Cairo, the atmosphere was undeniably electric.” –Sarah, Exploring Kiwis

Like many countries, Egypt has its fair share of street vendors pushing you to purchase souvenirs, especially in the big cities and at tourist sites. Negotiating and tipping are a big part of the culture, which often comes as a bit of a shock to first time visitors to Egypt. The rules of thumb are 1) always ask for prices, 2) haggle, haggle, haggle, 3) don’t be afraid to say no. If you love haggling at markets, Egypt is the place to be. If not, usually a firm but polite “lah shokran” (no thank you) wards off even the pushiest of vendors. And if you do want to shop while there, check out this list of things to buy in Egypt .

Visiting the Pyramids of Giza

“When visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza, I did not expect to see a Pizza Hut and KFC. Many locals have told me the Pizza Hut has one of the best views for the nightly sound and light show. For some reason, I expect the pyramids to be far outside of the city but instead they are literally in Cairo.” –Hannah, Getting Stamped

This is something I often hear from first-time visitors to Egypt and I remember thinking the same when I visited! Surprise: The Giza Pyramids are not in a vast, empty desert in the middle of nowhere. Rather, they’re a quick drive from the city. All the photos you see are taken from the back of the Pyramids. P.S. visiting the Pyramids is quite the unique experience and needs a lot of tips on its own. I’ve written a post on everything you need to know about visiting the Pyramids here . (It includes a lot of great Cairo travel tips too). 

What to pack and what to wear for a trip to Egypt

Many people ask me what they need to pack for Egypt so I wrote an entire Egypt packing list . I highly recommend reading it as I included do’s and don’ts for clothing and some essential items you probably won’t even think about (like toilet paper!). I’m going to include a few noteworthy items in this post, but you’ll definitely want to check out the complete list as well.

• Comfortable shoes: It’s really tempting to wear open-toed shoes in Egypt (I do sometimes, but be prepared for dirty feet!) but the best option to deal with the sand, dirt, and questionable roads is comfortable tennis shoes. My favorite travel sneakers ever are Allbirds, these  awesome wool sneakers that don’t make your feet sweat (even if you wear them without socks). They’re cute, they’re functional, and they’re comfy AF.
• Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer is useful for general…er, sanitizing. Especially if a bathroom isn’t handy or it doesn’t have soap (learned from personal experience, sigh).
• Toilet paper: Toilet paper isn’t always a thing in Egypt, because people use bidets to keep their booties clean. I never understood why there isn’t toilet paper to dry off, but now I know to bring my own and I’m passing that wisdom on to you. You can always buy toilet paper while there or take some from your hotel, but I like to keep some of these  small toilet paper rolls  in my purse and not worry about it.
• Filtered water bottle:  I already wrote why you need a filtered water bottle in the food safety section, so I won’t re-hash the reasons. This Grayl bottle is the easiest and best water bottle to keep the germs away and to avoid contributing to single-use plastic waste.
• Travel insurance:  Yes, you need travel insurance for if things (hopefully don’t but often do) go wrong. I’ve been sick, needed stitches, crashed a rental car, had cash stolen and have dealt with luggage delays. Let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson about travel insurance the hard way. My go-to insurance is  World Nomads  cause they’re awesome. Be sure to check out the different plan options to pick one that’s right for you!
• Scarf:  Having a  large scarf  on hand is super helpful for impromptu mosque visits or to protect your skin when the sun is feeling just a little too strong. Plus, it’s a cute accessory for an outfit as well!

Egyptian cuisine: what to eat and how to avoid getting sick

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sally • Foodie Travel Blogger (@passportandplates)

“I expected breakfast to resemble something like home (Australia), but it doesn’t. Think lots of carbs, jam, feta style cheese, and beans. Eating gluten-free was a challenge.” –Louise, Traveler

Food in Egypt

Egyptian food is delicious and varied, although it’s definitely on the heavier side and includes a fair amount of carbs. There are a few touristy restaurants that aren’t great, but luckily for you, I wrote out an entire Egyptian Food Guide . It’ll help you get an idea of what Egyptian food is like and to discover what you need to eat (plus where to eat it) while visiting Egypt for the first time! If you’d like a guide to help you navigate the Egyptian food scene, consider taking this awesome food tour !

It’s worth noting that depending on your dietary restrictions, you may have a hard time eating in Egypt. In particular, one of my group tour members was allergic to gluten and he had a difficult time partaking in Egypt’s carb-heavy cuisine. If that’s the case for you, a guide will be extra-helpful to help translate these restrictions.

Additionally, you may experience a bit of an upset stomach and/or traveler’s diarrhea while you’re in Egypt. That’s totally normal but just take some extra precautions like: not eating raw/unwashed fruits and vegetables, only drinking filtered/bottled water, being cautious with street food. Many people travel with Imodium , every traveler’s favorite treatment for travel diarrhea. My doctor tells me that you shouldn’t stop whatever is making you sick from leaving your system. However, I totally get that there are times where “better out than in” just doesn’t work. So bring Imodium if you’d like, but use it only when you need to.

Staying hydrated and drinking water in Egypt

Be sure to stay extra hydrated while you’re in Egypt as well because it’s hot most of the time. I always bring a water bottle with me when I travel because single-use plastic sucks for the planet and buying lots of bottled water is expensive and inconvenient. You can’t drink tap water in Egypt but you can drink filtered, purified water. I bring along a Steripen , a UV water purifier that gets rid of 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa and use it in combination with my  CamelBak Insulated Water Bottle . This bottle is particularly awesome because it holds 20 oz and keeps water cold, which you’ll want in a hot country like Egypt. If you’d rather purchase an all-in-one solution,  Grayl’s water filtering bottle  is a great alternative so you can fill directly from the tap and drink almost immediately. I oftentimes bring  rehydration salts along just in case I’m having stomach issues and can’t stay hydrated. This is one of my top travel tips for Egypt – hydration solves a lot of potential health problems!

Egypt’s natural landscapes: how to visit

“Egypt is well known for its ancient wonders, but I would argue that the natural side of Egypt is more worth a traveler’s time. Being in the White and Black Deserts as well as along the Nile were a good taste of what Egypt has to offer in terms of natural beauty, and should not be missed in the itinerary of any worldly traveler.” –Sean, Traveler

I agree wholeheartedly with Sean’s statement. Egypt is more than its ancient temples. Its varying landscapes make it an outdoor lover’s dream! Learn more: check out my guide to camping in the White and Black Deserts : an activity not to be missed when visiting Egypt! Also consider Fayoum, Wadi-el-Hitan, or Siwa. Check out more information here .

What’s “Egyptian Time?” 

“Trains run on Egyptian time, which basically means they’ll leave and arrive whenever they feel like. Definitely take that into account when planning your trip.” –Olga, Traveler

Travel tip: If you’re one of those people that plan an hourly schedule when you travel, throw your plan away and start again. Most things run on Egyptian time, and there’s no point in getting worked up by long lines or transportation delays.

Bonus Egypt travel tip: Egyptian hospitality

• “I thought Egyptians may not be hospitable to westerners, but they are actually really welcoming.” –Louise, Traveler
• “Almost everyone was friendly and welcoming, which I didn’t expect.” –Olga, Traveler
• “As a solo traveler, I was nervous but was completely overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of the Egyptian people.” –Travis, Traveler
• “The people were very kind. All in all, Egypt was amazing.” –Josie, Traveler

I’m not surprised by the number of people who think Egypt is hostile to foreigners before visiting for the first time, thanks to the mainstream media . Egyptian hospitality may not be making headlines, but it certainly should be. When I went on my group tour , we were welcomed by vendors and locals alike, everywhere we went. Everyone wanted to know where we were from and excitedly took selfies with our group. They made sure to remind us that we (and our friends) are welcome in Egypt.

Overall: Egypt will impress you

• “Egypt was a pleasant surprise and a place that I would encourage everyone to visit – to be that close to ancient human history is absolutely humbling. Don’t let other people put you off – the world is a good place!” –Sarah, Exploring Kiwis
• “I loved discovering North Africa and I am inspired to travel to more Arab countries. Morocco, Jordan and Lebanon are in the cards.” –Louise, Traveler
• “All in all, Egypt was amazing! It was safe, fun and I learned so much historically and culturally.“ –Josie, Traveler
• “My experience gave me the motivation to make sure I was spreading my word of positivity as a tourist in Egypt. It’s a country of great depths and diversity that I will most definitely visit again soon.” –Travis, Traveler

There you have it: things to know when traveling to Egypt. You are now armed with the best Egypt travel tips for visiting Egypt for the first time. I highly recommend booking a group tour to Egypt as it is not an easy country to navigate independently. I personally did this combined Egypt/Jordan tour , but you can also book the Egypt only portion here . So what are you waiting for? Travel to Egypt and see what this historically-rich country has to offer!

More Egypt Resources

• 30+ Awesome Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt: The Ultimate Cairo Travel Guide
• What to Pack for Egypt: The Ultimate Egypt Packing List
• 2 Days in Luxor Itinerary: The Best Things to Do, See, and Eat in Luxor
• 2 Days in Aswan Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt
• Egypt Travel Guide
• Pharaohs and Feluccas: Exploring Egypt with Intrepid Travel
• Camping in the White Desert, Egypt: A First Timer’s Guide
• Traditional Egyptian Food Guide: 20 Must Eat Foods in Cairo, Egypt
• Egypt Travel Tips for the First Time Visitor: Expectations vs Reality
• Bellies En-Route Downtown Cairo Food Tour: The Best Thing to Do in Cairo for Foodies
• Visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: Everything to Know Before You Go
• Where to Stay in Cairo, Egypt: The Best Hotels in Cairo for Every Budget

Tell me: have you ever visited Egypt? What was the most surprising part of the country and what did you wish you knew before you went? 

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37 thoughts on “ Best Egypt Travel Tips for First Time Visitors: Everything to Know Before You Go ”

I definitely have pre-conceived notions about Egypt. Some are from the press, but many are just based on the photos I’ve seen — for instance, I never knew that about the Great Pyramids of Giza! Also, I’m not sure if it makes me laugh or sort of sad that one of the best views of the show is in the Pizza Hut parking lot. I guess those chains really are everywhere. I do have safety concerns, but reading the different reports, particularly about the group tours was really enlightening. Thanks for sharing!

Totally! It’s kind of sad but also hilarious – I haven’t even checked out the show from there before haha so I’ll definitely have to next time I go. I honestly find that traveling in a group is totally safe and that the media just freaks people out. You should reconsider and visit soon 🙂

Thanks for shedding a light on the reality of travel to Egypt – it’s sad that media headlines can have such an effect on the livelihoods of those who rely on the tourism industry. I’m like the blogger you interviewed who is surprised that it has affected tourism so much – I also thought everyone wanted to see the pyramids!

It’s sad indeed! And there are so many places that are affected by it too. And yeah, same! Apparently people don’t want to see the Pyramids that badly haha.

It is great to see your post that paints a candid and real picture of Egypt. It is unfortunate that the media presents pictures that are far removed from reality. A recent visit to Africa completely changed my perception fed by the media.

Thank you! I try to include both the good and the bad but I can definitely say that the media’s portrayal of Egypt is very inaccurate. I’m glad you were recently able to visit the continent and see for yourself!

Love this Sally! I wish more articles were written about the realities of traveling to certain places. I have been wanting to visit Egypt for about 10 years and my husband keeps saying no that he feels it is unsafe. But as a solo female traveler – I don’t feel unsafe at all. I have been around the globe alone and feel the media is wrong about a lot of places. Maybe I can just sneak out and go 😉

Thanks Nicki! I honestly don’t every feel unsafe there. There is a bit of a catcalling problem towards women which is seriously annoying but I never felt concerned for my safety. The media portrays so many places inaccurately and it’s SUCH a shame. You should definitely go for a visit 🙂

I love this article and how you are debunking the fear mongering myths from the media. It is so sad how much that has affected tourism and the local economy. We haven’t been to Egypt but have always wanted to go. I have heard others say its unsafe but really haven’t thought twice about their comments since we weren’t planning a trip soon. Thanks so much for your insight and all the others you’ve collected who have actually been there! I will be passing this along if Egypt comes up in conversation again!

Thanks so much! I tried to be as accurate in portraying both the good and the bad, but the reality is that the media blows everything out of proportion. I jut went this year and plan on going back so I definitely recommend checking it out for yourself sometime 🙂

Pizza Hut has one of the best views in Giza?? Whoa, I would have never thought of it. 🙂 I really hope to visit Egypt soon. My husband visited the Giza and Aswan a few years back and has some amazing stories to share. It’s good to read so many people’s thoughts and suggestions here.

LOL hilarious isn’t it? I highly recommend a visit sometime! It’s a pretty amazing place.

What a great post setup. Seriously, it’s genius! Plus, thank you for setting a really great perspective on Egypt. I had been less-apt to visit because of alerts and such. I’m really loving hearing that it feels safe! I wasn’t planning on going anytime soon, but it’s definitely higher on my radar to maybe check out after Morocco. I’m definitely going to share this!

Thanks so much, Paige! I know that the media makes it seem like a dangerous country, but the reality is that it’s totally fine to visit. I definitely recommend visiting with a group or having a guide because of the language barrier and stuff but it’s seriously an amazing place to visit! I hope you end up going!

This was such a great read! It’s so sad that Egypt’s tourism industry is suffering. Such a beautiful place to visit. I’ve always thought Egypt would be super interesting and unique to explore. I hope I make it there one day, and I hope your post helps to bring a wave of people to Egypt!

It makes me so sad :(. I hope you get a chance to go sometime soon and I hope more people consider visiting Egypt!

I love this article! I see so much how media has portrayed the country and how people will often condemn you if you show interest in visiting, but you are trying to change the opinions and I love it! You have some super helpful tips in here and the photos are amazing

Thanks so much! I hope that people can see that Egypt isn’t the big scary place the media makes it seem 🙂

Thank you for all the practical tips and advice! Egypt has always been so high up on my bucket list but was hesitant because of the travel alerts and news. I’m hoping that 2018 is THE year to make that trip happen, maybe I’ll even make it to Pizza Hut by the pyramids!

DO IT! It’s the most beautiful and amazing place. It has its challenges forsure but it’s totally worth a visit. I hope you get a chance to visit next year!

Really good advice article. Egypt has been on my to-go list since forever, but you’re right, with all the negative media, I tend to think it’s more dangerous. So your article and research gives me more courage for sure.

Thank you! I’m glad it helped and I seriously hope you get a chance to visit soon 🙂

I have always wanted to travel to Egypt and love learning about the history there. Thank you for the great guide!!

You’re welcome! I hope you get a chance to visit soon 🙂

Holy Cow! It sounds like you had an amazing adventure! Did you get to meet Cleopatra?

Haha I got to see some artifacts at the Egyptian Museum! That counts, right?

Wow! What a great blog! I love the analytical approach you have made. What others have said, then what you think about the topic. We really want to go, but as you say, it’s easy to get put off by the unfavourable media coverage of it. You have obviously travelled extensively, so this is bookmarked for future research! Thanks 🙂

Thank you! I’ve travelled to Egypt several times so I can honestly say it’s a great place to visit, despite what the media says. I hope you get a chance to go sometime soon 🙂

The blog was amazing and informative. I strongly agree that you should book your tour to Egypt with a local tour operator.

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

Very informative article, thanks for that! Also we have been in Egypt for over two months and experienced a lot.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your time!

What a great blog! This is such an amazing post. Thank you for sharing with us and glad to you for advice. I have visited with my family to spend our vacation with the help of Ask-Aladdin and we enjoyed our trip with safe. Egypt is the best ancient place for tourist and there are very things to learn also. This is mainly famous for Pyramids of Giza, the Nile, and Cairo. Cairo is the capital of Egypt and such a wonderful place. Keep blogging like this.

Thanks Andrew! Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to Egypt :). It’s a great country.

Great to read about your Intrepid trip to Egypt. i’m doing the same trip over Christmas and I can’t wait!

Oh NICE! I’m so excited for you – you’re going to love it 🙂

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EGYPT & THE MIDDLE EAST 

From ancient pyramids and deluxe nile river cruises to bustling souks and glorious roman ruins.

Egypt and the Middle East is an intoxicating mix of cultures, ancient treasures and exquisite scenery. History comes alive in major cities all across the region. Luxor, a hub for Nile cruising, has often been referred to as “the world’s greatest open air museum”, whilst the age-old burial tombs of powerful Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings are incredible to explore.

The Middle East is a hive of culture and history. Petra and the ancient city of Jerash remain Jordan’s greatest Treasures, and across the salt-filled waters of the Dead Sea lies Israel and the Holy Land, a fascinating mix of religions and cities. Jerusalem and Bethlehem hold a wealth of hidden treasures and religious meaning. Discover Mount Zion, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial site.

A double-page spread is devoted to Oman. This captivating country is filled with wondrous cities and sights, deserts and mountains. Our 3 day Nature’s Bounty tour combines the stunning coastal Ras Al Jinz Scientific Centre with the mountain oasis town of Nizwa. Watch baby turtles come in to nest for the night in the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and explore the stunning red and white Wahiba sand dunes before visiting the breathtaking Al Hajjar Mountains.

Due to the proximity of these Middle Eastern countries, we highly recommend a 3 week stay, visiting 2 or 3 countries to gain a real understanding of the different cultures. Our 15 day Egypt and Jordan tour combines the best sites of both countries, and includes a classic Egyptian cruise down the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. Our packages are designed to be taken on a private basis for two people and our experienced travel specialists can tailor-make the perfect itinerary for you.

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Pyramids of Giza: Attractions

Written by Jess Lee Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

You'll have seen a thousand photographs of the Pyramids of Giza by the time you finally get here, but nothing beats getting up close and personal with these ancient monuments.

Egypt's most famed and feted structures, these ancient tombs of kings guarded by the serene Sphinx have wowed spectators for centuries.

Today, the Pyramids of Giza continue to work their magic on all who visit. No trip to Egypt is complete without time spent here at one of the world's most famous tourist attractions .

Towering incongruously over the edge of Cairo's suburban sprawl, these mighty monuments are a tribute to the power and ambition of Egypt's Pharaonic rulers.

See also: Where to Stay near the Pyramids of Giza

1. Great Pyramid (Pyramid of Cheops or Pyramid of Khufu)

2. eastern cemetery, 3. western cemetery, 4. pyramid of chephren (pyramid of khafre), 5. pyramid of mycerinus (pyramid of menkaure), 7. camel & horse rides at the pyramids, 8. pyramids sound & light show, 9. the grand egyptian museum (gem), history of the pyramids of giza: the only surviving wonder of the ancient world, where to stay near the pyramids of giza, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to the pyramids of giza, getting to the pyramids of giza.

Giza's Great Pyramid (also called the Pyramid of Cheops) is not only this ancient site's most famous monument but one of the most well-known monuments in the world .

It was built by the Pharaoh Khufu (commonly called by its Greek transliteration of Cheops) and was known to the ancient Egyptians as Ekhet Khufu ("Horizon of Khufu"). According to Herodotus, 100,000 men worked on its construction for three months every year.

This mammoth structure's cubic content is staggering. Excluding the rock foundation and the interior chambers, the Great Pyramid is 2.3 million cubic meters. The base measurement is 227.5 meters, and the vertical height is 137.2 meters.

The non-claustrophobic can venture into the pyramid's bowels, although there isn't much to see once inside the dank, narrow corridors.

The entrance is by a passage that was cut by tomb robbers some 15 meters below the original entrance. This narrow tunnel leads into the Grand Gallery, a long passage that is a marvel of skillful masonry.

Beyond this is the tomb chamber containing the open, empty, granite sarcophagus, which once would have contained Khufu's mummy.

Excavations on the south and east sides of the Great Pyramid in 1954 brought to light five long cavities for boats, with a 4,500-year-old cedar wood solar barque broken into more than a thousand pieces as a votive offering.

Up until 2021, the painstakingly restored boat was exhibited in a small one-room museum just beside the Great Pyramid, but has now been moved to form part of the collection inside the new (as yet unopened) Grand Egyptian Museum.

On the eastern side of the Pyramid of Cheops are three smaller pyramids, made as tombs for queens and a daughter of the Pharaoh , and a large cemetery for other relatives.

On the south side is a row of large mastabas (tombs) belonging to high dignitaries.

Two mastabas are open for visitors in the eastern cemetery.

The Mastaba of Meresankh III (wife of Pharaoh Khafre) has intricate and colorful reliefs on the interior walls depicting scenes from daily life.

The Mastaba of Seshemnufer IV has an ornate columned entranceway, though is plainer inside.

To the west of the Pyramid of Cheops is the extensive royal cemetery for members of the Royal House and high state officials, established during the fourth Dynasty and used until the sixth.

Here, you'll find the small, columned entry of the Tomb of Senegemib-Inti, which contains some interesting wall carvings.

The Pyramid of Chephren (Pyramid of Khafre) sits 160 meters to the southwest from the Great Pyramid.

Built by Khufu's son Khafre, it at first appears to be larger than his father's earlier pyramid as it stands on a higher piece of land.

A considerable section of the original limestone casing has managed to be preserved on the apex of the pyramid, and the layout of the mortuary temple on the east side can be clearly distinguished.

The pyramid has a height of 135.5 meters and a base measurement of 210.5 meters.

The smallest of the three main Giza pyramids is the Pyramid of Mycerinus (Pyramid of Menkaure), made of unusually large limestone blocks.

It has a vertical height of 62 meters and a base measurement of 108 meters.

On the south side of the pyramid are three smaller pyramids, left unfinished, for relatives of the Pharaoh.

The best panoramic pyramid views of the entire site are from the rocky escarpment four kilometers south of the Pyramid of Mycerinus.

Perhaps the most celebrated monument in Egypt after the Great Pyramid itself, the enigmatic Sphinx is a simple but finely built granite structure shaped like a recumbent lion that sits immediately east of the pyramids.

Hewn from the natural rock, it has the head of a pharaoh (commonly thought to be Chephren) and wears the royal head-cloth and cobra.

Weathering and deliberate mutilation have wrought much damage over the course of the centuries, but in spite of this, the Sphinx still conveys a powerful impression of majesty and artistic achievement.

The total length of the figure is 73.5 meters, and its height is 20 meters.

Despite what some tour guides still insist on telling visitors, Napoleon is not responsible for the missing nose on the Sphinx's face.

According to Arab historians, the nose is thought to have been destroyed at some stage in the Islamic Empires era.

One 14th-century story tells of a pious Muslim, being so upset that locals still made offerings to the Sphinx in the hope that this practice would control the annual Nile flood and hence bring a good harvest, that he hammered off the Sphinx's nose.

If you want to horse ride at the pyramids, it is well worth heading to the village stables (by the Sphinx car park), where the guides are recommended and the horses are kept in good condition.

The best time to go for a horse ride in the pyramid area is sunset , when you can head out into the surrounding desert for views of the monuments as the sun sinks.

Although it's something of a cliché, a camel ride in front of the pyramids is one of those tick-the-list Egyptian things to do. If you're going to get on a camel once during your trip, it should be here.

Unfortunately, many of the camels are not kept in good condition, so it's of the utmost importance that you choose your operator carefully and make sure the camel is healthy and well-fed.

The overly-aggressive camel-touts who hang out on the roadside just before the main entrance ticket office are best avoided.

Prepare to bargain. There's an "official" price of EGP 50 per 30 minutes, but no one keeps to it, and you are expected to cheerfully haggle instead.

The Sound and Light Show at the Giza Pyramids allows you to see these ancient monuments lit up under the night sky with a narrative soundtrack provided by the Sphinx.

This Pyramids Sound and Light Show tour includes tickets to the show, as well as pickup and drop-off from your Cairo hotel.

Currently nearing completion, The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), when opened, will be the largest museum in the world devoted to one civilization .

The museum is situated on the Giza Plateau, about 2.5 kilometers northwest of the main entrance into the pyramids complex, and when opened, will take the place of the Egyptian Museum (in Downtown Cairo) as the city's main Egyptology museum.

In the museum, the full cache of Tutankhamun's funerary treasure will be on permanent display for the first time since his tomb was discovered in 1922, as well as many other pharaonic artifacts and riches that have never been displayed before due to lack of space.

Opening is pegged for November 2022. Once open, expect tour itinerary offerings to change to reflect this; with the museum just a hop away from the pyramids, most tours will bundle the two together.

Independent travelers with an interest in Egypt's rich history will most likely want to devote an entire day to Giza's tourist attractions once the museum is open.

There is also talk of connecting the museum and pyramids complex by a pedestrian walkway so that visitors who want to walk between the two don't have to use the busy main road.

Built by the rulers of Egypt's Fourth Dynasty (c. 2600-2500) the Pyramids of Giza rank among the oldest surviving man-made structures in the world.

During the Greek and Roman eras, they were marveled at as the first of the Seven Wonders of the World, and they still exert a powerful fascination, both as an extraordinary technical achievement and as a demonstration of the power of the pharaohs, who could marshal tens of thousands of subjects to construct these colossal monuments.

The question of the relationship between the size of a pyramid and the ruler for whom it was built is still unsettled.

It seems probable, however, that the size depended on the pharaoh's personal inclination, power, and economic resources.

It has not been possible to prove an alternative theory that the size of a pyramid might have been increased in stages during the course of a lengthy reign.

Features common to all the pyramids are their situation on the edge of the desert to the west of the Nile and their structure, which was built up from huge blocks of the local limestone and enclosed in a casing, originally polished, of fine-grained white limestone or granite.

Concealed within the great bulk of the pyramid (in the later period) or underground beneath its base (in the earlier period) were the relatively small tomb chamber, a chamber for the cult of the dead pharaoh, and other chambers for the grave goods.

Also common to all pyramids were the entrance on the north side and the mortuary temple on the east side, with a causeway (originally open, later frequently covered) leading up to it from a valley temple on the edge of the Nile Depression.

Luxury Hotels:

• Just steps away from the main entrance to the Pyramids, the historic Marriott Mena House, Cairo has hosted royalty and celebrities amid its 40-acre grounds. There's an outdoor pool amid sprawling lush gardens, and the interior spaces are scattered with antiques.
• The Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence is on the Nile's west bank. There are five restaurants and lounges, a pool, and holistic spa, and the large rooms are elegantly attired.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Sitting just under two kilometers from the main entrance to the Pyramids, the Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo is a five-star resort with mid-range rates. Spacious rooms all have balconies (some with Pyramid views), there is a choice of dining options on-site, and the grounds contain two outdoor swimming pools.

Budget Hotels:

• In the Giza area, with views of the Pyramids from some rooms, Pyramids View Inn has a rooftop with panoramic vistas, a complimentary breakfast, and friendly staff.

Anyone with a decent fitness level can easily walk between the pyramids and the Sphinx (as long as it's not too hot), but if you want to go up to the panoramic viewpoint, you'll need transport within the site. The easiest way to do this is to arrange an organized tour of the area, which means you'll have an air-conditioned vehicle at your disposal. A good tour guide can also help you understand the baffling, long history on display here and help you cope with the many camel and souvenir touts, which can make all the difference to enjoying your visit in the desert heat.

• Full-Day Tour : History lovers will appreciate the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Saqqara Private Tour , which includes a full day of exploring all the ancient sites in Giza, and beyond to even older Saqqara and Memphis, with an Egyptologist guide. If you want to pack all your pharaonic sightseeing in Cairo into one day, this is an excellent choice, with transport provided from your hotel door.
• Half-Day Tour: If you want to take your sightseeing at a more mellow pace, the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Private Tour is a half-day trip of the attractions of the Giza Plateau with an Egyptologist guide. It includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
• Camel or Horse Riding Tour: For views of the Pyramids and desert beyond, this Sunset Camel or Horse Riding Tour is a great option. It includes pickup and drop-off from your Cairo hotel and your choice of either riding a camel or horse in the desert plains surrounding the Pyramids as the sun sets.

Admission and Visiting

• Timing Your Visit: To escape the crowds and the worst of the desert heat, the earlier you can get here, the better. If you want to enter the interior of the Great Pyramid, also be aware that limited numbers of Great Pyramid entry tickets are sold on a first-come-first-served basis twice a day, at 8am and again at 1pm.
• Tickets: If you miss out on Great Pyramid interior tickets don't fret. Tickets for the interior of the Pyramid of Chephren are sold throughout the day with no limit on numbers.
• By Private Taxi: The easiest, and most popular, way of getting here for independent travelers is by hiring a taxi for a half-day trip in Cairo. The taxi can then shuttle you around the site (if you wish) and return you back to the central city afterwards. If you hire a taxi one way, you can find a return taxi by the Sphinx entrance to take you back into town.
• By Local Transport: You can get to the pyramids using a combination of the Cairo Metro and minibus. Take the metro to Giza and then take a minibus (right outside the Giza metro station exit) or taxi to the pyramids.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Around the Pyramids: Be sure to schedule plenty of time into your Egypt itinerary to see some of the countries cities and other wonderful sites. Check out our articles on things to in Cairo , exploring Saqqara , and visiting the attractions of Alexandria .

Heading up the Nile: See our articles on Luxor and Aswan if you want to delve into more pharaonic sights. These beautiful cities on the Nile are fun places to visit and are packed with incredible sites, including Abu Simbel , easily visited from Aswan .

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10 Reasons to Visit Egypt

Published on: August 2nd, 2023

Last modified: March 8th, 2024

Some destinations capture the imagination of travellers the world over – and Egypt is certainly among them. Home to one of the oldest civilisations on earth, this North African country has a culture all of its own.

Explorers flock to Cairo and Luxor for their rich history, and to the Nile and Sahara for their natural allure. But there’s far more to this place than what you might see on a postcard. From temples and tombs to sand dunes and snorkelling, here are the top 10 reasons to visit Egypt.

Why Visit Egypt?

Fascinating history, legendary landmarks and stunning landscapes are some of the most obvious reasons to visit Egypt. But it’s also overflowing with hidden gems, gorgeous beaches, delicious cuisine and opportunities for adventure. And the only way to truly understand this iconic destination is to dive right in and explore it yourself.

1. Incredible Ancient History

Egypt’s top claim to fame is undoubtedly its past; this is where one of the world’s most impressive ancient civilisations flourished. Its remnants are everywhere you look, from the emblematic Pyramids of Giza to the endless archaeological sites spread across the country.

Here you can visit royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings – or soar over them at dawn on a hot air balloon tour – and have breakfast overlooking the Great Pyramid. Cairo is the ideal home base for history lovers, within easy reach of the most famous sites.

2. Captivating Temples

Among all of Egypt’s breathtaking architecture, its many temples deserve special mention. Stepping into one of these sacred buildings gives you a glimpse into how spirituality and mythology intersected with daily life in ancient Egypt.

The temples of Luxor and Karnak are essential stops; you can reach them via a scenic Nile cruise, a felucca excursion or a trip to the city of Luxor. The temples of Edfu and Dendera are equally enthralling, and the complex of Abu Simbel is well worth a day trip from Aswan .

3. Delicious Cuisine

Egyptian cuisine is unlike any other, echoing aspects of other culinary traditions while maintaining distinctive flavours. It’s centred on vegetables, legumes and fruit, as well as seafood in the coastal areas. You’ll also find delicious bread, cheese and meat dishes.

In Cairo you can take a traditional food tour to sample local specialities like koshari (pasta with chickpeas and lentils), ta’ameya (Egypt’s version of falafel) and om ali (similar to bread pudding). Or enjoy a luxurious private dinner in the rose garden of the Winter Palace Luxor .

4. Modern Cities & Culture

Although it’s best known for its illustrious past, modern-day Egypt is also worth exploring. The old and new parts of Cairo strike a fascinating balance, juxtaposing thousands of years of history with a bustling modern metropolis.

In Alexandria you can learn about Egypt’s recent past from journalists and political experts. From its burgeoning economy to its role in the Arab Spring, there’s much more to Egypt than what you’ll find in history books.

5. Thrilling Desert Adventures

The Western Desert is one of Egypt’s defining features. Part of the Sahara, it covers around two-thirds of the country. This vast landscape is dotted with oases, olive groves and even waterfalls – all of which can be discovered on exciting expeditions into the desert. 

Thrill-seekers can venture to Wadi Al-Hitan to see ancient whale fossils, or the dreamy Siwa Oasis with its turquoise lakes, swaying palms and the scenic village of Shali. The best time to visit is outside the summer months (July and August), when temperatures often exceed 40ºC (104° F).

6. Mesmerising Museums

It’s only logical that a country with this much history is chock-full of amazing museums. Highlights include the extensive Egyptian Museum, the innovative Grand Egyptian Museum and the elegant Luxor Museum.

Strolling through these beautifully designed spaces is one of the best things to do in Egypt – and the perfect complement to visiting the sites where many of their artefacts were found.

7. Expert Egyptologists

There aren’t many countries with an entire branch of science named after them. Egyptologists are devoted to the study of ancient Egyptian history, architecture, art, language and more. 

Visiting Egypt means learning about every aspect of its past from people who have dedicated their careers to it. These expert guides truly bring history to life; not only at museums and historical sites, but also on Nile cruises and Sahara adventures.

8. Authentic Nubian Villages

Southern Egypt is home to an indigenous group known as the Nubians, who descend from the ancient inhabitants of the Nubia region. Today they proudly keep their languages and traditions alive in small villages near the city of Aswan .

The Nubian villages are among the most interesting places to visit in Egypt , as they form an important – and often overlooked – part of the country’s identity. They’re also incredibly beautiful, with brightly painted houses and welcoming locals who are happy to share their heritage.

9. Year-Round Sunshine

Egypt is a wonderful place to visit in any season, boasting sunny skies and warm temperatures all year round. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach by the Red Sea or sailing down on the Nile on a traditional felucca, you can expect wonderful weather.

That said, summer (July and August) isn’t the best time to visit Egypt if you want to avoid extreme heat. If you’re here from June to August, consider visiting Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast. And keep in mind that some monuments open as early as 6am, before temperatures get too high.

10. Spectacular Snorkelling & Diving

Beyond its infinite deserts and colossal monuments, Egypt is also a world-class destination for underwater adventures. The Red Sea is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and incredibly clear waters, providing perfect conditions to discover its breathtaking marine life.

Visit Egypt’s coast in the summer (July and August) for sparkling sunlight and the best visibility, but remember that this also means hotter weather. If snorkelling and diving are your priorities, you can spend your days exploring beneath the sea’s surface and then cooling off in the shade.

Trip Inspiration

Luxury accommodation in Egypt

Whatever you're looking for from your adventure in Egypt, our travel designers are ready to help.

How do I book outdoor activities?

Inquire with your hotel, tour guide, or tour operator.

How can I book a venue for an event at an archeological site or museum?

Contact the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ Cultural Relations Department Sunday-Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at:

Address: 3 Al Adel Abu Bakr St. Zamalek

Phone number: 0227354532

Email: [email protected]

Which modes of transportation are available within Egypt?

Trains, buses, taxis, and Ubers are the most common means of transportation for tourists travelling between and within Egyptian cities. Small or private tours can be conducted in vans, cars, and other specially licensed tourist vehicles. For more information, please check with your tour operator or hotel.

What language is spoken in Egypt?

Arabic is the official language of Egypt, spoken by the entire population of over 100 million citizens. In urban centers and popular tourist destinations, many locals understand and are fluent in English. In tourist areas, other European languages—such as French, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Italian—are also commonly spoken.

Do we need to learn Arabic or English before visiting Egypt?

No, it’s not necessary. In urban centers and popular tourist destinations, many locals understand and are fluent in English. Licensed and experienced multilingual tour guides are also available throughout Egypt to conduct private and group tours to museums and archaeological and cultural sites. Additionally, other European languages—such as French, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Italian—are commonly spoken in popular tourist destinations.

Who can visit Egypt?

Egypt is open to all travelers from around the world. Tourists coming to Egypt are required to have tourist visas, but these are easy to obtain either upon entry or online, depending on your nationality.

How do I obtain an Egyptian tourist visa?

Over 180 nationalities qualify for getting a tourist visa upon arrival, provided the passport holder has a valid and used visa for the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area (Schengen visa), Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Additionally, 78 nationalities qualify for a visa upon arrival or getting an electronic visa via our portal. You can check the full list of eligible countries and apply and pay for your visa online using Egypt’s Visa online application portal, Egypt Visa ; through all Egyptian Consulates; or get your visa upon arrival for 25 USD from the bank counter in the passport control area at the airport.

If you’re travelling to Sharm al-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permit stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must get a visa.

Some nationalities are required to process their visa applications through their nearest consulate ahead of their trip to Egypt.

What happens if I overstay my Egyptian Visa?

If you exceed the length of your stay by a few days, it is possible that you may be asked to pay a fine. However, if your stay exceeds its duration by over a month then you will be required to pay a fine before you board your flight.

What is the weather like in Egypt?

Egypt is a year-round destination with 365 days of sunshine. Although different regions have different weather patterns, Egypt is generally warm and sunny. As part of the northern hemisphere, seasons in Egypt follow the same weather patterns as Europe and North America, with winter falling between November and January, and peak summer months falling between June and August. Summers are hot, especially in the deserts and the south with average summer temperatures ranging between 30 °C during the daytime and 23 °C at night. Temperatures are milder on the North Coast and gradually get warmer as you go South. Winters are generally mild with average daytime temperature at around 20 °C, while average nighttime temperatures cool down to 15 °C. On the Red Sea and other popular tourist destinations including Luxor and Aswan, the weather is warm and sunny during winter.

What do I need to pack?

Light, loose cotton clothing is highly recommended when visiting Egypt, and a light-medium jacket or windbreaker should be sufficient if you’re visiting during fall or winter. Make sure to pack all your hot and sunny weather essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, a hat, and sunglasses! Carrying a scarf or light cardigan is encouraged, as visitors will be expected to cover their arms and legs when visiting certain landmarks and sites, such as mosques, churches, and synagogues. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for visiting archaeological sites.

Is there a special dress code for certain places?

If you are planning to visit mosques, churches, or any place of worship in Egypt, bring a headscarf and dress modestly; shoulders and legs must be covered. If you are visiting a fine dining establishment or attending a special event, you should dress accordingly.

What should I do if I experience a problem during my stay/how do I file a complaint?

If you encounter any problems, please make sure to communicate with your hotel reception desk immediately. If need be, you can call the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ hotline (+2 19654) or send an email to:

• [email protected]

Inquiries and complaints will be addressed promptly.

For serious matters, please don’t hesitate to contact the tourism police (126).

Is it easy to travel on domestic flights in Egypt?

Yes, you may ask your tour operator or an officially-authorized travel agency for detailed information regarding domestic flights.

How can I buy entry tickets to archaeological sites and museums?

You can purchase entry tickets at the door or online via the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ official website at:

https://egymonuments.gov.eg/en

Are there any restrictions on photography that I should know about?

Taking photos and recording videos using any type of camera for personal use (non-commercial purposes) in public areas is allowed—no permits required—and is free of charge.

Taking photos of children is forbidden, and Egyptian citizens can only be photographed after obtaining their written permission.

Using mobile phones, cameras, and video cameras at archaeological sites for personal use is allowed. Taking photos inside museums and at indoor archaeological sites is only allowed if the camera’s flash is disabled.

Circumstances that require a permit:

Using professional equipment—such as professional photographic lighting umbrellas, outdoor artificial lighting gear, and equipment that occupies or blocks public roads—is not allowed without a permit. Photography without a permit is prohibited in certain institutions, including ministries, legislative councils, governmental facilities, police stations, any buildings or sites affiliated to the Armed Forces, and other sovereign and security authorities.

For more information regarding the permits needed for commercial photography and videography at archaeological site and museums, please contact the Cultural Relations Department of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (Sunday to Thursday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm) via:

Phone number: +2 0227354532

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Boosting tourism in Egypt: Developing a more enhanced, local experience

Steps away from Bab Zuweila, one of the last-standing ancient gates to Historic Cairo, is a narrow alleyway lined with vibrant fabric and handmade artisanal items. Known as Sharia Khayamiya (Street of the Tentmakers), where one-of-a-kind handcrafts have been designed, made and sold since the 17th century, it is a living testament to Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.

The area’s name is taken from the Arabic word for the intricately appliquéd textiles used to decorate the interior of tents. Ayda Abdullah, who has a shop in the middle of Khayamiya, spends hours every day making pillows, mattresses, table runners and other specialty cloth items.

“People working in this ages-old market do everything by themselves, from designing a product to actually producing it,” Abdullah says. “Nothing is manufactured. Everything is handmade, which means more hours are put in to produce high-quality traditional products representative of Egypt’s historic culture.”

Abdullah has been running the shop on her own for the past 10 years, since the death of her husband. She supports her three children, and her livelihood depends entirely on tourism, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, she is struggling to promote her business.

“I realize I have a role to play in cultural tourism, but I am also aware of some impediments in pursuing that role, including marketing skills and platforms for exposure,” she says. “I cannot market my work and I am at the mercy of merchants. I also have a hard time purchasing raw materials as they are very expensive.”

Abdullah will be participating in a workshop, hosted by the Integrated Management of Cultural Tourism (IMCT) project, to hone her skills. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and implemented by FHI 360, IMCT is endeavoring to create more authentic experiences for people traveling to Egypt while bolstering the country’s tourism industry and improving the quality of life for those living and working in Historic Cairo and Luxor Governorate.

Learning by doing is one way that tourists can make a deeper connection to Egypt’s history and culture. Photo credit: Motaz Bellah/FHI 360

FHI 360 is collaborating with the government of Egypt to improve the sustainability of the sector and forging public-private partnerships to help stimulate investment in cultural heritage sites and nearby businesses. But the communities around those sites — the voices of local shop owners and employees — are guiding the project’s work. In November 2021, FHI 360 held community engagement workshops, inviting local artisans, shop owners, employees and aspiring entrepreneurs to share their greatest challenges and goals around strengthening and growing their businesses.

Using the information gleaned at those sessions, FHI 360 will host trainings to help community members build their skills in areas considered most important for success — marketing, branding, product design, communications, storytelling and English. FHI 360 has also partnered with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to connect local business owners with microfinance institutions for the funding they need to develop high-quality products and expand their operations.

“I have great hope that through the project I will be able to have a sales outlet and great marketing skills to promote my work from my own stance, sell my products away from merchants and earn a decent living,” says Abdullah.

Community coordinators like Hayam Abdel Ma’soud ensure that the biggest needs and priorities of the communities are understood.

“Marketing is one of the major impediments that people here in Historic Cairo face,” says Ma’soud. “They do not really have their own sales outlets to market and sell their products. They are not even linked to expos to showcase their products. Many local artisans and business owners working in heritage and cultural tourism are deciding to move on from their current work, given the low levels of revenue.”

Five minutes down the street from Abdullah’s shop, Eid Saleh hand-knots carpets and rugs using the art of Egyptian and Iranian embroidery. Often he will sit for eight hours straight to produce a single knotted line. It is tedious work, and turning a profit is rarely guaranteed. Most of his creations are sold through merchants, who take a steep cut of his earnings.

“I need as many people as I can find to know me and realize the piece of work I’m producing,” he says. “I am very keen on attending the IMCT marketing and communications workshops. I believe these workshops will provide me with the perfect skill set to promote myself and my work and help me retain my workers in this valuable industry.”

Through IMCT, FHI 360 will support about 500 shop owners and employees like Saleh and Abdullah, helping them to reap the rewards of their unique crafts, engage with tourists and ensure the preservation of heritage sites for decades to come.

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Task to get great writing - Egypt holiday tour - examples, planners, images and scaffolds

Subject: English

Age range: 7-11

Resource type: Other

Last updated

22 February 2018

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Everything you need to get great writing for Ancient Egypt topic- (story, newspaper, persuasive task)

Great writing tasks - (story, newspaper, persuasive task) on Ancient Egypt. Differentiated writing tasks with, for example, model texts, planners and teaching notes. A fun Egyptian holiday brochure, a Tutankhamun newspaper and story about 'Night in an Egyptian Museum'.

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