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EgyptTravel guide

Explore Egypt visa rulesCommon scams in Egypt

Egypt is known for its pyramids, temples, mummies, churches and mosques. Its cities, Nile River, deserts and Red Sea coast offer very different experiences.

Why go

  1. The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.

  2. Ancient temples and tombs in Luxor and Aswan.

  3. Boat trips on the Nile River.

  4. Diving and resorts along the Red Sea.

  5. Historic churches, mosques and markets in Cairo.

  6. The western desert and Siwa oasis.

Best time to go: November to March are the most comfortable months. Winter nights can be cold, and sandstorms may occur from March to May.

Getting there

By air

  • Cairo International Airport is the main arrival airport. Sphinx International Airport is another option, west of Cairo.
  • Borg el Arab International Airport serves Alexandria. Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh airports are options for Red Sea holidays.
  • Luxor receives international scheduled and charter flights. Other international airports include Aswan, Marsa Alam and Taba.

By land

  • From Israel, the usual route is to reach Eilat, cross into Taba and take another bus. There are no cross-border bus services.
  • Taba to Cairo takes about 7–10 hours by bus. A stop in Dahab or Sharm el Sheikh can break up the journey.
  • Only a few buses leave Taba each day. A late arrival may mean spending the night in Eilat or Taba.

By sea

  • AB Maritime runs ferries between Aqaba in Jordan and Nuweiba in Sinai.
  • Sea travel is also possible from Saudi Arabia to several Egyptian Red Sea ports.

Customs

  • Egypt has strict import rules. Do not bring pork products, pornography or erotic materials.
  • Bringing a drone requires permission from the Egyptian Ministry of Defence. Without permission, you risk confiscation, arrest, imprisonment or a fine.
  • Some common painkillers and other medicines are banned. Be careful about which medicines you bring, as drug offences carry serious penalties.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    Flying can avoid long, hot and uncomfortable road journeys. Cairo has direct flights to most major cities. EgyptAir has booking offices in city centres if you cannot book online. Your hotel can help you find one; EgyptAir does not sell tickets by phone. Some travel booking websites do not show EgyptAir flights. Check with the airline before accepting a complicated route.

  • Trains

    The main railway connects Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. There are no trains to Red Sea resorts or Siwa oasis. Express trains have first and second classes with air conditioning. Foreign visitors must buy foreigner tickets. Buy ahead during busy periods, when trains can sell out. Delays of up to an hour are not unusual. Ask at the station about local third-class trains, as their schedules are not online. Confirm the time, platform and stops with several staff members. The Cairo–Luxor–Aswan sleeper is sold separately by its private operator. Egyptian National Railways does not sell its tickets.

  • Long-distance buses

    Egypt has a large bus network, with several companies serving popular routes. Some sell advance tickets, while others sell seats as available. Avoid buying tickets from street sellers or people outside your hotel. Some smaller operators are unlicensed and may cut corners on safety. Some companies sell tickets online, but booking arrangements vary.

  • Taxis and app-booked rides

    Agree on the taxi fare before travelling. A tip is not required, though rounding up is common. Insist on your chosen destination if a driver pushes another hotel. Ask to stop at a nearby street or landmark if necessary. Paying through a ride-booking app can help you save small notes.

What to see and do

  • Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

    These are among Egypt's most famous ancient sights.

  • Dahshur and Saqqara

    See more pyramids and temples near Cairo. Dahshur offers an alternative to Giza.

  • Historic Cairo

    Visit the Citadel of Salah El Din, Mosque of Mohamed Ali and Khan al Khalili market.

  • Alexandria

    Explore Greek and Roman history, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qa'edbay's Castle and El Montaza Palace.

  • Luxor

    See Karnak and Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings, Medinat Habu and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

  • Aswan and Abu Simbel

    Aswan has temples, a large market and the Tombs of Nobles. Abu Simbel stands near Lake Nasser.

Food and drink

  • Falafel and fūl

    These are Egyptian favourites available at the Arabiata restaurant chain.

  • Felfela

    This Cairo restaurant chain offers a convenient introduction to Egyptian dishes.

  • Fish and seafood

    At some fish markets, you can choose a fish and have a nearby stall cook it. Shared tables are common.

  • Egyptian flavours

    Food is generally not too spicy. Common seasonings include parsley, coriander, dill, cumin, cinnamon and cardamom.

Money

Egyptian pound (EGP), often written as LE. One pound is divided into 100 piastres.

  • Keep small notes and coins, as change is often hard to get. Large supermarkets can be useful places to break bigger notes.
  • Exchange money at banks or exchange offices. There is no need to use street moneychangers.
  • Hotels may accept US dollars or euros, but their exchange rate can be poor.
  • Change leftover Egyptian pounds before leaving. They can be difficult to exchange abroad.

Tipping: Restaurant and taxi tips are not required, though some restaurants add a service charge. Toilet attendants usually expect a tip; do not feel pressured to pay for unwanted help, and do not tip police officers.

Typical costs

  • The source gives about US$110 for a foreign visitor's train ticket between Cairo and Luxor. It warns that guidebook prices can become outdated.
  • Some fancier restaurants add a service charge of 10–12%.
  • Suggested toilet tips are LE3–5, rising to LE10 at major tourist sites.
  • Suggested tour-driver tips are LE50–100 per person per day.

Language

  • Egyptian Arabic is the main everyday spoken language.
  • Modern Standard Arabic is the official written language.
  • Sa'idi Arabic is spoken in southern cities such as Luxor and Aswan.
  • Siwi is spoken in the Western Desert, and Bedouin Arabic is spoken in Sinai.
  • Hotel and restaurant staff often speak English or can find a colleague who does.
La shukran
No, thank you.
Shokran
Thank you.
Betetkallem engelīzi?
Do you speak English? Use this when speaking to a man.
Betetkallemi engelīzi?
Do you speak English? Use this when speaking to a woman.
Ana sāyeH, bas
I'm just a tourist.
Harami
Thief.

Staying safe

  • Check your government's travel advice before travelling. The source reports warnings for northern Sinai, the Libyan border and the Western Desert.
  • Some areas restrict land travel by foreigners. Tourist vehicles may need police or army escorts.
  • Terrorism is a safety concern, particularly in Sinai.
  • Keep money secure in busy cities, especially Greater Cairo. If someone steals from you, do not chase them.
17 common scams in Egypt, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Use a few Egyptian Arabic greetings and polite words.
  • Be thoughtful about what you say and do in public.
  • Bargain when shopping in markets, where this is expected.

Don't

  • Do not publicly embarrass or humiliate someone.
  • Do not feel pressured to tip for unwanted services.
  • Do not tip police officers or other officials in uniform.

Staying healthy

  • Check your medicines before bringing them into Egypt. Some common painkillers are banned.
  • Many kohl eye powders contain lead sulphide, which is a health concern. Ask for lead-free kohl.
  • Summer can be extremely hot, while sandstorms make the air dry and sandy.
  • Bring clothing suitable for cold winter nights, particularly in mountain areas.

Phone and internet

  • Egypt's mobile providers are Vodafone, Etisalat, We and Orange.
  • The source describes Vodafone as having the widest fourth-generation mobile coverage in remote areas. This assessment dates from September 2022.
  • The source reports an import tax of 38.5% of the value of foreign-made phones, payable within 90 days before local mobile services are blocked.
  • It recommends a foreign SIM card with roaming or an international travel eSIM, a digital SIM card, to avoid this issue.

Where to stay

  • Accommodation ranges from basic hostels to five-star resorts. Major hotel chains have properties in Greater Cairo, Sharm el Sheikh and Luxor.
  • A local agent can arrange accommodation and trips if you do not book online.
  • Walk-in prices can be lower than online prices. Ask several hotels in an area and bargain where rooms are available.
  • In high season, reserve your first night ahead. You can discuss prices for later nights after arriving.

Trips to Egypt

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

6 nights
Cairo and Luxor at EaseCairoGizaLuxorFrom, per person~US$1,540
 9 nights
Egypt Along the NileCairoGizaAswanKom OmboFrom, per person~US$2,390
 10 nights
Nile Evenings and Sea MorningsCairoGizaLuxorSahl HasheeshFrom, per person~US$2,610

Outdoor adventures in Egypt

Egypt offers Red Sea diving and snorkelling, desert rides and boat trips on the Nile. You can also cycle, explore Wadi Digla or relax on Mediterranean beaches. November to March is generally the most comfortable time to travel, though mountain areas can be cold.

  • Hurghada reef diving

    Scuba divingRed Sea Coastnear Hurghada

    Ask your hotel to arrange a guided dive, or compare local dive operators. Reefs can be reached from the beach or by boat.

    • Cost: Two regular dives are listed at about €50 through budget hotels, or up to US$65 through more expensive accommodation.
    • Local dive guides handle beginners.
    • The water can feel cold in late March. A wetsuit may be needed.

  • Dahab diving

    Scuba divingSinainear Dahab

    Use Dahab as your base for scuba diving.

    • Travel warnings affect parts of Sinai.

  • Sharm el Sheikh diving

    Scuba divingSinainear Sharm el Sheikh

    Base yourself at Sharm el Sheikh for Red Sea diving.

    • Travel warnings affect parts of Sinai.

  • Giftun Island boat trip and snorkelling

    SnorkellingRed Sea Coastnear Hurghada

    Half-day and full-day boat trips are available.

    Book a boat excursion from Hurghada. Options include family pirate cruises and adults-only day cruises.

    • Check boat operator reviews before booking.

  • Luxor–Aswan Nile cruise

    More to doUpper Egyptnear Luxor or Aswan

    2–3 nights

    Visit cruise ships along the pier before noon and ask at their entrance reception about booking.

    • Cost: Some travellers report prices starting at US$40 per night.

  • Cairo Nile felucca ride

    SailingLower Egyptnear Cairo

    Day or night, depending on the weather

    Go to the Nile waterfront in Giza District and ask locally about renting a felucca, a small sailing boat.

    • Whether a trip is possible depends on the weather.

  • Luxor sunset felucca ride

    SailingUpper Egyptnear Luxor

    Just before sunset

    Hire a local felucca in Luxor for a ride on the Nile.

    • Cost: About LE30 per person per hour is quoted.

  • Luxor–Aswan felucca trip

    SailingUpper Egyptnear Luxor or Aswan

    2 days

    Arrange a felucca trip between Luxor and Aswan. The Aswan-to-Luxor direction is recommended because of river currents.

    • River currents affect the preferred direction of travel.

  • Giza desert horse or camel ride

    More to doLower Egyptnear Cairo

    A few hours At night for views of the stars

    Find a horse-riding stable in Cairo's Haram District. Rent a horse or arrange a camel ride with a local guide near the pyramids and Sphinx.

    • A local guide rides with you.
    • Sandstorms can occur, especially from March to May.

  • Wadi Digla outdoor activities

    HikeLower Egyptnear Cairo

    Take a taxi from Ma'adi to the entrance of Wadi Digla Protected Area.

  • Hurghada desert riding excursions

    More to doDesert around Hurghadanear Hurghada

    Arrange a desert excursion through a local operator or your holiday company. Options include quad bikes, motorbikes, beach buggies and camel rides.

    • Check operator reviews before booking.
    • Sandstorms are most likely from March to May.

  • El Sakia Beach

    BeacheRed Sea Coastnear Hurghada

    Visit the beach near Hurghada's marina and pay the entry fee.

    • Cost: LE50 entry, listed in October 2022.
    • Late March can be windy.

  • Orange Beach

    BeacheRed Sea Coastnear Hurghada

    Head south of Hurghada's marina and pay to enter the beach.

    • Cost: LE100 entry, listed in December 2022.
    • Late March can be windy.

  • El Sawaky Beach

    BeacheRed Sea Coastnear Hurghada

    Visit El Sawaky Beach in northern Hurghada and pay the entry fee.

    • Cost: LE50 entry, listed in November 2022.
    • Late March can be windy.

  • Maa'moura Beach

    BeacheMediterranean coastnear Alexandria

    Visit Maa'moura Beach for sunbathing. Entry is charged in summer.

    • Plastic litter may be present in the sand and water during summer.

  • Montazah Beach

    BeacheMediterranean coastnear Alexandria

    Visit the beach at Montazah in Alexandria. Entry is charged in summer.

    • Plastic litter may be present in the sand and water during summer.

  • Montazah water sports

    More to doMediterranean coastnear Alexandria

    Use Montazah Water Sports in the Montazah area.

  • Ras el-Tin boat cruise

    More to doMediterranean coastnear Alexandria

    Hire a boat for a cruise at Ras el-Tin.

  • Aswan bridge and ferry bicycle ride

    CyclingUpper Egyptnear Aswan

    Rent a bicycle from one of the hotels. Cross the modern bridge to the east bank, then bring the bicycle back by ferry.

  • Aswan camel ride to the Monastery of St Simeon

    More to doUpper Egyptnear Aswan

    Ask a felucca captain to take you across the river to the camel departure area. Ride from there to the monastery.

  • Ancient Thebes bicycle ride

    CyclingUpper Egyptnear Luxor

    Less than 15 minutes for the ride described.

    Hire a bicycle in Luxor and ride around Ancient Thebes.

  • Luxor West Bank horse, camel or donkey ride

    More to doUpper Egyptnear Luxor

    Sunset rides are available.

    Hire a donkey, horse or camel on the West Bank. Pharaoh's Stables is a short walk from the ferry terminal and offers horse rides.

  • Luxor hot-air balloon flight

    More to doUpper Egyptnear Luxor

    At least 45 minutes Morning or evening, weather permitting

    Compare offers through accommodation providers and travel offices. Ask exactly what the booking includes.

    • Cost: LE950–1,900, listed in November 2019.
    • The activity has a poor reported safety record.
    • Flights depend on the weather.

  • Hurghada water sports

    More to doRed Sea Coastnear Hurghada

    Ask a local excursion operator or your holiday company about water sports in Hurghada.

    • Check operator reviews before booking.

  • Hurghada glass-bottom boat trip

    More to doRed Sea Coastnear Hurghada

    Book a glass-bottom boat excursion in Hurghada through a local operator or your holiday company.

    • Check operator reviews before booking.

Airports, metros and trains in Egypt

Airports with scheduled flights

  • HBEAlexandria International AirportAlexandriaMain international airport
  • ASWAswan International AirportAswanMain international airport
  • ATZAsyut International AirportAsyutMain international airport
  • CAICairo International AirportCairoMain international airport
  • DBBEl Alamein International AirportEl AlameinMain international airport
  • AACEl Arish International AirportEl ArishMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • CairoCairo Metro84 stations106.8 kmsince 1987

Trains

Rail network
7,024 km
Electrified
62 km

People and safety in Egypt

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.

  • Muslim89%
  • Christian11%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows up to 17 years in prison.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #125 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

76% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 127 of 198 countries can visit Egypt easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required13
  • Visa on arrival114
  • eVisa4
  • Visa required66
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Oceania14 of 14 countries
  • Europe44 of 46 countries
  • Americas33 of 35 countries
  • Asia30 of 50 countries
  • Africa6 of 53 countries

Questions

When is the most comfortable time to visit Egypt?

November to March are the most comfortable months. Winter nights can still be cold.

Can I arrange travel without booking online?

Yes. EgyptAir has city booking offices, train stations sell tickets, and local agents can arrange accommodation and trips.

Should I rent a car?

Driving can be dangerous because traffic rules are often ignored and speed bumps may be unmarked. Taxis, flights, trains and buses are alternatives.

What money should I use?

The local currency is the Egyptian pound, often written as LE. Keep small notes because getting change can be difficult.

Do I need to tip?

Restaurant and taxi tips are not required, though rounding up taxi fares is common. Toilet attendants usually expect a small tip.

Will people understand English?

Hotel and restaurant staff often speak English or can find someone who does. Egyptian Arabic is the main everyday language.

Can I find a hotel after arriving?

Yes, and walk-in rates can be cheaper. In high season, reserve the first night ahead.

What local food can I try?

Try falafel, fūl, fish and seafood. Egyptian food is generally not too spicy and uses herbs and aromatic spices.

How should I respond to persistent sellers?

Say “la shukran”, meaning “no, thank you”. Ask prices before accepting anything, and decline unwanted help.

Can I bring a drone?

Only with permission from the Egyptian Ministry of Defence. Bringing one without permission can lead to confiscation, arrest or serious penalties.

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