Egypt Travel Guide

Egypt occupies the northeastern corner of Africa and a sliver of the Sinai Peninsula in Asia, giving it coastlines on both the Mediterranean and Red seas. It is home to roughly 98 million people, making it one of the most populous countries in the Arab world. The Nile River, flowing north through the desert to its delta near Alexandria, has shaped Egyptian civilization for more than five millennia and continues to define where the vast majority of Egyptians live and farm.

For travelers, Egypt offers a remarkable density of major historical sites — from the Giza Plateau outside Cairo to the temple complexes of Luxor and the Nubian monuments near Aswan — alongside thriving modern cities, Red Sea reef ecosystems, and vast stretches of desert landscape. The country receives millions of international visitors annually and has a well-established tourism infrastructure along its main corridors.

Egypt is simultaneously ancient and fast-changing. Cairo is a sprawling, dynamic metropolis of more than 20 million people with contemporary neighborhoods, museums, and a lively food scene sitting alongside medieval Islamic quarters and Coptic Christian sites that predate Islam. Understanding this layered character — rather than treating Egypt purely as an open-air museum — gives visits considerably more depth.

Visas

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt. Requirements, costs, and eligibility for e-visa or visa-on-arrival arrangements change periodically. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for current guidance and verify requirements with Egypt's official immigration authority or your nearest Egyptian embassy before booking.

Health

Consult a travel medicine clinic at least four to six weeks before departure. Travelers are commonly advised to ensure routine vaccinations are current; additional recommendations may apply depending on your itinerary (e.g., Nile cruises, rural areas). Tap water is not reliably safe to drink throughout Egypt — bottled or purified water is the standard choice. Food hygiene standards vary, so exercise normal caution at street stalls and smaller establishments.

Money

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. ATMs are widespread in cities and tourist centers but can be unreliable in smaller towns; carry some cash when traveling off the main circuits. Currency exchange is available at banks, licensed exchange bureaus, and many hotels. Keep receipts if you plan to re-exchange currency before departure. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels, upscale restaurants, and established tour operators, but cash remains king in markets, smaller eateries, and for tips.

What to Pack

• Lightweight, breathable, and modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees is respectful and practical in many contexts)
• Sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and UV-protective sunglasses
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes for uneven ancient site terrain
• Small bills and coins for tipping (baksheesh is a common and expected social custom)
• Any prescription medications in original packaging with documentation

By Air

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is Egypt's primary international gateway and one of Africa's busiest airports, with direct connections to major hubs across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Africa. Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH) receive heavy charter and scheduled traffic from Europe, particularly in winter. Luxor International Airport (LXE) also handles some international flights, predominantly European charter services. Smaller airports serve Aswan, Marsa Alam, and Alexandria.

By Land and Sea

Egypt shares land borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. Land crossings are subject to their own entry requirements and political conditions — verify the status of any border crossing well before travel. Ferry services operate between Egypt and Jordan (Aqaba–Nuweiba route); schedules and operators should be confirmed locally or through ticketing agents as services change.

Internal Connections

EgyptAir and a handful of budget carriers operate domestic routes connecting Cairo with Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Alexandria, which can save significant overland travel time on longer itineraries.

Trains

Egypt has a national railway network operated by Egyptian National Railways. The Cairo–Alexandria and Cairo–Luxor–Aswan corridors are the most used by tourists. Sleeper trains between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan are a popular option for saving a night's accommodation while covering distance; booking in advance is advisable, especially in peak season. Verify current schedules, classes, and ticketing procedures directly with the railway operator or a local travel agent.

Buses and Minibuses

Long-distance coach services (several private operators compete on major routes) connect cities such as Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Luxor. They are generally affordable and cover routes the train network does not. Local minibuses are ubiquitous and cheap but can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors unfamiliar with Arabic.

Nile Cruises

Traditional cruise ships operating between Luxor and Aswan remain one of the most popular ways to visit the temples of Upper Egypt at a relaxed pace. Felucca sailboats offer a more rustic, slower alternative, particularly around Aswan. Cruise itineraries, vessel quality, and pricing vary widely — research operators carefully.

City Transport

Cairo has a metro system covering several lines across the city, which is fast, inexpensive, and useful for avoiding surface traffic. Taxis (metered, app-based such as Uber and Careem, or negotiated) are widely available. Tuk-tuks are common in smaller towns and tourist areas. Renting a car is possible but driving in Cairo in particular is not recommended for unfamiliar visitors due to chaotic traffic conditions. Hiring a driver or joining organized tours is the norm for visiting major archaeological sites.

Domestic Flights

For travelers with limited time, short domestic flights between Cairo and Upper Egyptian cities are worth the cost. Abu Simbel, in particular, is most practically reached by a short flight from Aswan.

Pharaonic Sites

• Giza Plateau — The Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx, remain one of the most recognizable landscapes on Earth. Located on the edge of Greater Cairo.
• Egyptian Museum, Cairo (Tahrir Square) — Houses one of the world's largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Note: a new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near Giza is in the process of opening fully; verify current status.
• Luxor — Often described as the world's greatest open-air museum: the Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple (Deir el-Bahari), and the Colossi of Memnon are all within reach.
• Aswan and Abu Simbel — The Philae Temple (relocated after the Aswan High Dam construction), the Aswan High Dam itself, and the dramatic twin temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari at Abu Simbel (around 280 km south of Aswan).
• Saqqara and Dahshur — Less visited than Giza but rich in significance: the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is Egypt's oldest stone pyramid, while Dahshur holds the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid.

Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo

The medieval Islamic quarter around Al-Azhar Mosque, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, the Citadel of Saladin, and the Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifai mosques offer a dense concentration of historic Islamic architecture. Coptic Cairo, in the older part of the city, includes the Hanging Church, the Coptic Museum, and the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, one of Egypt's oldest Christian sites.

Alexandria

Egypt's second city and Mediterranean port has a character distinct from Cairo. Points of interest include the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina (built near the ancient library's likely site), the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, the Qaitbay Citadel, and the city's atmospheric Corniche waterfront.

Red Sea and Sinai

Hurghada and the surrounding coast offer well-developed beach resorts and some of the world's most accessible coral reef diving and snorkeling. Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula is another major dive and resort hub, also used as a base for visiting St. Catherine's Monastery and, for the fit and motivated, hiking to the summit of Mount Sinai. Dahab, further north on the Gulf of Aqaba, is popular with divers and backpackers for a more low-key atmosphere.

Desert Landscapes

• White Desert National Park — Surreal chalk rock formations eroded into mushroom and animal shapes; a popular camping destination reachable from the Farafra oasis.
• Siwa Oasis — Remote oasis town near the Libyan border, known for its distinctive Amazigh (Berber) culture, salt lakes, and the Oracle Temple of Amun visited by Alexander the Great.
• Wadi al-Hitan (Valley of the Whales) — A UNESCO World Heritage site in the Fayoum depression containing ancient whale fossils; verify current access arrangements before visiting.

Egyptian cuisine is hearty, affordable, and rooted in legumes, bread, and slow-cooked stews. The national staples are accessible across almost every price range and region.

Dishes to Try

• Ful medames — Slow-cooked fava beans seasoned with lemon, garlic, and cumin; the most common Egyptian breakfast
• Ta'meya (Egyptian falafel) — Made from fava beans rather than chickpeas; lighter and greener than versions found elsewhere
• Kushari — A layered dish of rice, lentils, macaroni, tomato sauce, and crispy onions; an iconic Cairo street food
• Molokhia — A thick green soup made from jute leaves, typically cooked with chicken or rabbit broth
• Grilled meats and kofta — Widely available at street stalls and sit-down restaurants
• Fiteer — A flaky layered pastry that can be filled sweet or savory

Drinks

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country and alcohol is not universally available. Beer and wine are sold in hotel bars, licensed restaurants catering to tourists, and some supermarkets in major cities. Locally produced beers (Sakara, Stella) and wines are widely available where alcohol is sold. Non-alcoholic alternatives include fresh sugarcane juice, karkade (hibiscus tea, served hot or cold), sahlab (a warm milk drink), and strong Arabic coffee or tea.

Dining Practicalities

Restaurants in tourist zones typically list prices in menus; always check whether a service charge has been added before tipping additionally. In local eateries, pointing to displayed dishes or communicating through simple Arabic phrases is often more effective than expecting an English menu.

Egypt's markets and bazaars are an integral part of the travel experience, though they require patience and a willingness to negotiate in traditional market settings.

What to Buy

• Spices and herbs — High quality and varied; paprika, cumin, coriander, and dried hibiscus are popular purchases
• Papyrus — Artwork on genuine papyrus (verify authenticity; much sold to tourists is banana paper) depicting pharaonic scenes
• Handcrafted goods — Inlaid woodwork, alabaster figurines, brass and copper items, hand-blown glass
• Textiles — Egyptian cotton products, galabiyyas (traditional robes), and embroidered linens
• Perfume oils — Sold in ornate bottles at bazaars; quality varies

Where to Shop

Khan el-Khalili in Islamic Cairo is the most famous and tourist-oriented bazaar; expect persistent vendor attention and negotiate on most prices. Local markets (souqs) in Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria offer a similar experience with somewhat less tourist markup. Modern malls in Cairo and Alexandria stock international brands and fixed-price goods.

Haggling is expected and culturally normal in bazaars and informal market settings but is inappropriate in fixed-price stores and supermarkets. A friendly, unhurried approach to negotiation is appreciated.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency telephone numbers in Egypt include a general emergency line; verify current numbers with your accommodation on arrival or check your country's embassy advisory, as numbers and reliability can vary.

Electricity

Egypt uses 220V/50Hz. Sockets are predominantly the European two-round-pin type (Type C/F). Travelers from North America, the UK, and parts of Asia will need adapters and possibly voltage converters for sensitive electronics.

Internet and Connectivity

Mobile data SIM cards from Egyptian operators (Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, Etisalat/e&) are widely available at airports and phone shops and offer a cost-effective way to stay connected. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafés in cities and tourist centers but speeds and reliability vary.

Tipping (Baksheesh)

Tipping is deeply embedded in Egyptian social and service culture. Small tips are expected by hotel porters, bathroom attendants, site guards who offer to show you something, and drivers. Carry small denomination bills specifically for this purpose. Not tipping where it is expected can cause awkwardness.

Photography

Photography inside many temples, tombs, and museums is either restricted or requires a paid permit — rules vary by site and change periodically. Always check posted signs and ask before photographing in religious sites, government buildings, and infrastructure. Photographing people, particularly women, without permission is considered disrespectful.

Phone Prefix

Egypt's international dialing code is +20.

Egypt is visited by millions of international tourists annually, and the main visitor corridors — Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh — have a significant security presence around major sites. That said, travel advice from your government's foreign affairs ministry should be reviewed before booking, as conditions and advisories for specific regions (particularly the North Sinai, parts of the Western Desert near the Libyan border, and areas near the Sudanese border) may differ substantially from the main tourist circuit.

Petty theft and scams targeting tourists — inflated prices, unsolicited guides, commission-based shop detours — are more common irritants than serious crime. Being politely but firmly assertive, agreeing on prices before accepting any service, and using registered taxis or app-based rides reduces most risk.

For solo female travelers, unwanted attention and verbal harassment in public spaces is a documented and acknowledged issue in some parts of Egypt, particularly in crowded urban areas. Dressing modestly, moving with confidence, and where possible joining group tours or traveling with companions can help, though this is an issue travelers should research in depth before deciding on their itinerary.

Heat and sun are a genuine health hazard, especially between May and September in Upper Egypt. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are serious risks for visitors unaccustomed to extreme temperatures; plan site visits for early morning, carry water, and rest during midday hours.

Egypt is predominantly Muslim (with a significant Coptic Christian minority estimated at roughly 10% of the population), and Islamic values and practices shape public life in important ways. The call to prayer sounds five times daily; during Ramadan (dates shift annually with the lunar calendar), eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is culturally inappropriate and in some contexts legally restricted. Many restaurants reduce service hours; evenings during Ramadan can be festive and social.

Dress modestly outside beach resorts, particularly when visiting religious sites, rural areas, and traditional neighborhoods. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees; women will be required to cover their hair when entering mosques (scarves are often available at entrances). Shoes must be removed before entering mosques.

Egyptians are generally hospitable and accustomed to international visitors, but some social norms differ from Western expectations. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Same-sex relationships are not legally recognized and discretion is strongly advised given the social and legal environment.

Friday is the main day of communal prayer and many businesses operate on reduced hours or close; the Egyptian weekend is officially Friday and Saturday in most government and formal sectors. Keep this in mind when planning museum visits or administrative tasks.