FAQs Egypt

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Egypt and have at least one blank page for stamps. If your passport is due to expire soon, it’s worth checking before booking flights.

Yes, most travellers (including UK passport holders) need a visa to enter Egypt. It is usually best to get a visa on arrival at the airport. Many travellers find the visa on arrival process straightforward, and our local representative will help guide you through it when you land.

Head to our visa and passport page for more in-depth information.

Yes, we would always recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling, especially overseas, that is suitable for your requirements and needs.

Egypt’s climate varies significantly depending on the time of year and the regions you visit, so what you pack will depend on your itinerary. It can get very hot in the summer months, especially in Upper Egypt around Luxor and Aswan, so lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics is ideal. In winter, temperatures are generally mild during the day but can feel surprisingly cool in the evenings, particularly in the desert and along the Nile.

If you’re staying overnight in the desert or on a felucca on the Nile, it’s a good idea to bring something warm for the evenings, as temperatures can drop once the sun goes down. For more detailed weather information, take a look at our ‘When to go’ page.

Whether you’re exploring temples, wandering through cities or relaxing by the Red Sea, comfortable walking shoes are essential. We also recommend packing a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light waterproof jacket just in case. Don’t forget your swimwear if you’re heading to the Red Sea or staying at a hotel with a pool.

Egypt is a conservative country, particularly outside of tourist areas, so we recommend dressing modestly out of respect for local customs. You don’t need to be fully covered, but we suggest avoiding very short shorts or skirts and vest tops in cities and rural areas. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders and knees is a good and comfortable option for most situations.

It is always best to get the advice of a GP or travel nurse before travelling overseas to check which vaccinations you might need or if any boosters are required. The Travel Health Pro website provides a comprehensive guide on all the vaccinations you should consider.

The best time to visit is generally October to April, when temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, but are still good for Red Sea beach stays.

Have a look at our best time to travel page for more information.

We know heading off on holiday is always a little bit stressful, especially on the day you leave, so we would advise doing these things before you depart:

• Check you have all your necessary documentation, including your passport!
• Take a photo of your documents and email it to yourself and travelling partners. Having a copy on your phone always comes in handy too.
• Ensure you have all your chargers and converters for any phones, cameras, tablets you are taking. A portable battery pack is a handy item to have in your hand luggage.
• Take snacks and a big bottle of water for your flight.
• Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, we advise arriving 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
• Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and take a photo of your checked bag in case it goes missing en route.
• Sit back and relax knowing we have your holiday sorted!

The official language of Egypt is Arabic, specifically Egyptian Arabic, which is the everyday spoken dialect you’ll hear across the country.

In tourist areas such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea resorts, English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants and by guides and drivers, so getting around is generally straightforward.

You may also hear some French and other languages in certain contexts, but Arabic and English are the most useful for travellers.

Here are some useful phrases in Arabic:

• Hello – As-salaam alaikum (a more traditional greeting) or Ahlan
• Goodbye – Ma’a as-salama
• Yes – Na’am
• No – La
• No, thank you – La, shukran
• Thank you – Shukran
• You’re welcome – Afwan
• Please – Min fadlak (to a man) / Min fadlik (to a woman)
• Excuse me / sorry – Afwan or Law samaht
• How much is it? – Bikam?
• Too expensive – Ghali awi

Egyptian food is hearty, fresh and full of flavour, with lots of simple dishes that are made to share. You’ll find plenty of grilled meats, flatbreads, rice dishes, fresh vegetables, dips and pulses, all seasoned with warming spices like cumin, coriander and garlic rather than heavy heat.

Some of the most popular dishes include koshari (a comforting mix of rice, pasta, lentils and tomato sauce), falafel, shawarma, and a variety of mezze-style starters such as hummus, baba ghanoush and stuffed vine leaves. Meals are often relaxed and sociable, especially in local restaurants and cafés.

Vegan or vegetarian? There are lots of naturally vegan dishes in Egypt, such as falafel, koshari, lentils, beans and fresh salads. Vegetarian options are widely available, especially in local eateries and larger cities, but its always best to make your guide aware of any dietary requirements asap so they can cater the tours for you.

Travel is usually a mix of private transfers, domestic flights and trains, depending on the distance. Private drivers are used for shorter journeys and sightseeing, while flights are often the best option for longer distances like Cairo to Aswan or the Red Sea.

Have a look at our getting around page for more information.

Egypt is a well-established travel destination and most visits go smoothly. As with any country, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy cities and markets. We work with trusted local partners and experienced guides to help make your trip run smoothly and comfortably.

It’s also worth noting that Egypt shares borders with several countries in the region, and you may see news coverage that can feel concerning at times. However, the main tourist areas are located well away from border regions, and travel advice from the UK government currently reflects that popular visitor routes and sites remain open and well visited.

We are contactable in the UK during office hours and our local partners in destination are available 24/7 for any support or help you might need. They are in the best position as they will be on the same timezone, they should be your first contact in a case of emergency.

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is widely used, especially in smaller shops and markets, although cards are accepted in many hotels and larger restaurants. ATMs are easy to find in bigger cities and at many hotels.

Head to our passport and money page for more in-depth information.

Yes, tipping (often called baksheesh) is a normal part of everyday life and is appreciated for services like guiding, driving and restaurant service. It’s usually small amounts, and we’ll give you guidance before you travel.

Head to our passport and money page for more in-depth information.