Africa
Egypt
Pyramids, pharaohs, and the cradle of civilization
Capital
Cairo
Language
Arabic
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Best Time
Egypt's optimal travel season spans October through April when temperatures remain comfortable
Safety
Increased caution
per live govt advisories
Photo by Zhenyuan Zhang on Unsplash
UK FCDO: Avoid all travel to parts
Reviewed August 4, 2026 · Read full advisory on GOV.UK ↗
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
What 3 governments say
- United States
- Level 2 of 4
- United Kingdom
- Regional advisories only (parts at Level 4)
- Canada
- Level 2 of 4
- Australia
- No data
Low divergence — the 3 government sources covering this destination broadly agree.
Sources retrieved September 18, 2026
Compare advisories for all countries
United Kingdom: Contains public sector information from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk) licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Canada: Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada, published by Global Affairs Canada.
Australia: Contains material from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller website – www.smartraveller.gov.au, provided under the Creative Commons Attribution licence.
Reviewed by Moise Ouoba, Founder
Last reviewed: August 25, 2026
Sources: government travel advisories and health authorities · How we verify
Quick answers about Egypt
Direct answers to what travelers actually ask, reviewed before publication.
✦ opens the travel assistant, where you can ask a follow-up.
Entry and visas
Your passport
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Visa on Arrival or eVisa — easy entry on a French passport
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Visa on Arrival or eVisa — easy entry on a French passport
Most EU citizens including French passport holders qualify for Visa on Arrival or the eVisa. Apply online before you go to skip the airport queue. Confirm your exact eligibility on the official eVisa portal before booking non-refundable flights.
- 30 days, $25 single entry
- eVisa recommended — faster than the VOA line
- Passport valid 6+ months, one blank page
Visa facts reviewed August 2026 · official sources · reconfirm before booking
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Visa on Arrival or eVisa — easy entry on a US passport
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Visa on Arrival or eVisa — easy entry on a US passport
You have two solid options: grab a Visa on Arrival at Cairo, Hurghada, or Sharm el-Sheikh airports, or apply for the eVisa online before you fly. The eVisa is worth it — it skips the VOA queue entirely. Check your passport expiry tonight: six months validity is required.
- 30 days, $25 single entry
- eVisa recommended — apply at least a week ahead
- Passport valid 6+ months, one blank page
Visa facts reviewed August 2026 · official sources · reconfirm before booking
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Visa required on a Nigerian passport — apply via the embassy early
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Visa required on a Nigerian passport — apply via the embassy early
Nigerian passport holders are not in the Visa on Arrival eligible group. Apply through the Egyptian embassy in your country well in advance — the route that works regardless of e-Visa eligibility, which you should confirm via official sources before relying on it. Don't book non-refundable flights until approval is in hand.
- Embassy application is the primary route — start early
- e-Visa eligibility unconfirmed — verify officially first
- Passport valid 6+ months; carry approval at check-in
Visa facts reviewed August 2026 · official sources · reconfirm before booking
How do I apply?
Online eVisa or Visa on Arrival at the airport
How do I apply?
Online eVisa or Visa on Arrival at the airport
The eVisa is the smarter move — apply before you travel and walk past the VOA queue. Use the official government eVisa portal only. Never book non-refundable flights before your approval arrives.
- Apply online: passport scan + photo + card payment
- Or pay on arrival at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm airports
- Carry small USD bills if paying at the airport
Reviewed August 2026 · official sources
How long does it take?
5–7 business days for eVisa; instant on arrival
How long does it take?
5–7 business days for eVisa; instant on arrival
The eVisa takes 5–7 business days — apply the day your dates are fixed and never closer than two weeks to departure. Visa on Arrival is instant but the queue at Cairo can be long. Peak season slows everything down.
- eVisa: 5–7 business days
- Visa on Arrival: instant, but queues vary
- Apply early — peak season runs slower
Reviewed August 2026 · official sources
How much does it cost?
$25 single entry · $60 multiple entry
How much does it cost?
$25 single entry · $60 multiple entry
Single entry costs $25 USD, multiple entry $60 USD — same price whether you apply online or pay on arrival. Carry small USD bills if you plan to pay at the airport. Skip any third-party site charging extra; the official portal charges no markup.
- Single entry: $25 USD
- Multiple entry: $60 USD
- Pay official channels only
Reviewed August 2026 · official sources
Safety
Is Egypt safe right now?
Safe at tourist sites — with real caveats
Is Egypt safe right now?
Safe at tourist sites — with real caveats
The pyramids, Luxor, and the Red Sea resorts are well-guarded and visited by millions without incident. What will actually get you is touts, scams, and Cairo's genuinely chaotic traffic. North Sinai is a hard no. Stay on the classic routes and you'll be fine.
- Tourist sites heavily policed — normal precautions
- North Sinai and Libya/Sudan border areas: avoid
- Resorts (Hurghada, Sharm) very safe
US · UK · CA · AU advisories · live feed above
What scams should I watch for?
3 scams that will find you at the pyramids
What scams should I watch for?
3 scams that will find you at the pyramids
The camel ride overcharge is the one that catches most people: a price is agreed, then doubled after the ride with intimidation. Agree on everything before you mount — or skip it entirely. The fake 'closed' monument trick runs at Luxor and Giza; ignore anyone who approaches you saying a site is closed and walk straight to the official entrance.
- Camel/horse rides: agree price in advance, in writing
- Fake 'closed' site — walk to the official entrance
- Shop commission tours from taxis and guides
Traveler reports + curated intel
Are there any active travel warnings?
Regional warnings active — North Sinai is off-limits
Are there any active travel warnings?
Regional warnings active — North Sinai is off-limits
North Sinai has an active security risk — all government advisories say avoid it. Border areas with Libya and Sudan are also flagged. None of this affects a Cairo–Luxor–Red Sea itinerary. Tourist police are present at all major sites. Check your government's advisory before you fly.
- North Sinai: do not travel
- Libya and Sudan border zones: avoid
- Cairo protests possible — monitor local news
Live advisory feed · updated regularly · confirm before travel
Health
What vaccinations do I need?
2 shots worth getting before you fly
What vaccinations do I need?
2 shots worth getting before you fly
Nothing is mandatory to enter Egypt, but Hepatitis A and typhoid are both genuinely recommended — food-and-water illnesses that catch visitors off guard. Make sure routine vaccines are current. Book a travel clinic appointment at least two weeks before departure.
- Hep A + typhoid strongly recommended
- Routine vaccines up to date
- Rabies only for extended or remote travel
Health authorities · official sources · not medical advice — confirm with a travel clinic
Can I drink the water?
Never drink tap water — bottled only
Can I drink the water?
Never drink tap water — bottled only
Tap water is not safe for visitors. Bottled water is cheap and everywhere — buy it, use it for brushing your teeth too. Skip ice you cannot verify, and be cautious with raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit from street stalls.
- Sealed bottled water only — cheap and widely available
- Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit from stalls
- Carry water always — heat dehydrates fast
Reviewed August 2026 · health authority guidance
Culture and etiquette
What should I know before I go?
Dress modestly, don't accept unsolicited help
What should I know before I go?
Dress modestly, don't accept unsolicited help
Egypt rewards respect — cover shoulders and knees outside resort areas, carry a headscarf for mosque visits. The rule that will save you money every day: never accept help you didn't ask for at tourist sites. It always ends with a demand for payment.
- Modest dress outside resorts — shoulders and knees covered
- Remove shoes at mosques; headscarf for women
- Don't photograph military, police, or officials
Curated cultural intel · reviewed August 2026
How does tipping work?
Baksheesh is everywhere — carry small notes always
How does tipping work?
Baksheesh is everywhere — carry small notes always
Tipping (baksheesh) is a genuine part of daily life in Egypt and matters to people's incomes. Keep a stack of small Egyptian pound notes in your pocket all day — you will use them constantly. Tip only for services you actually requested.
- Small services: EGP 10–50
- Restaurants: 10–15%
- Tour guides: EGP 50–100+ per person per day
Reviewed August 2026
Planning your trip
When is the best time to visit?
October–April — full stop
When is the best time to visit?
October–April — full stop
October to April is the only window that makes sense for most of Egypt. June through August, Cairo and Luxor hit 40–45°C — it is genuinely difficult and potentially dangerous. The Red Sea resorts are manageable year-round. Check Ramadan dates: it is workable but requires planning ahead for meals.
- Best: Oct–Apr — comfortable across the country
- Summer: Red Sea coast only
- Check Ramadan dates for your year
Reviewed August 2026
What should I see in a week?
Cairo → Luxor → Aswan, then Red Sea if you have time
What should I see in a week?
Cairo → Luxor → Aswan, then Red Sea if you have time
For a first trip: Cairo and the pyramids (2–3 nights), then fly to Luxor for the Valley of the Kings and Karnak (2 nights), then Aswan (1–2 nights). A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan is the one splurge worth making — don't skip it to save a day.
- Cairo (2–3 nights) → Luxor (2) → Aswan (2)
- Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan: worth every penny
- Domestic flights save time on the Cairo–Luxor leg
Reviewed August 2026
What will Egypt cost per day?
$55 per day mid-range — less if you go local
What will Egypt cost per day?
$55 per day mid-range — less if you go local
Egypt is excellent value: a decent hotel room, meals, and local transport won't break the budget. Street food like koshari and falafel costs almost nothing. Entrance fees to major sites add up — budget for them separately. The Nile cruise is the one place not to cut corners.
- Budget: ~$22/day; mid-range: ~$55/day
- Street meals under $2 — koshari is unmissable
- Site entrance fees: budget separately
Reviewed August 2026
Money
Ask AI about money in Egypt
UK FCDO — Egypt travel adviceGovernment of Canada — Egypt: Travel advice and advisoriesSection last verified 2026-08-20
How people pay here
Cash
Primary
Cards
Widely accepted
Currency basics
- US dollars are preferred at tourist sites; some travel agents and tour operators request payment in US cash only.
- Major credit cards are accepted in larger stores and for larger purchases, but many merchants only accept cash or may charge a fee for card payment.
- Foreign currency and traveller's cheques are easily exchanged in hotels and banks.
- ATMs at the Taba Border Crossing are unreliable and frequently run out of cash; obtain US dollars before arriving there.
- Visa on arrival at approved airports costs a fixed amount and must be paid in cash only.
Scams and safety
Ask AI about scams in Egypt
UK FCDO — Egypt travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
Common patterns on the ground
- Some travelers report scammers and touts at tourist sites sometimes targeting foreign nationals.
- Some travelers report hotel staff discouraging sexual assault incidents from being reported to local police.
- Some travelers report hotel doctors overcharging for treatment and medicines.
Area awareness
- North Sinai Governorate: travel advised against due to criminal activity and terrorist attacks on security forces.
- Areas within a set distance of the Egypt-Libya border: travel advised against due to active military operations.
- Northern part of South Sinai beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road: travel advised against except coastal areas.
- Western Desert west of the Nile Valley and Delta: travel advised against except for specified exempted areas and roads.
- Eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal: travel advised against due to military operations.
- Terrorist attacks have occurred in Egypt targeting security forces, religious sites, large gatherings, and places visited by foreign nationals.
- Security forces have responded forcefully to protests and demonstrations; foreign nationals nearby may face scrutiny.
- Sexual assaults have been reported, with the majority occurring in Red Sea tourist resorts, often involving someone the victim already knew.
- Female travelers should exercise extra caution when traveling alone at night, particularly in taxis.
- Police conduct regular ID checks and may detain individuals who cannot produce a passport and visa.
Culture and etiquette
Ask AI about culture in Egypt
Government of Canada — Egypt: Travel advice and advisoriesUK FCDO — Egypt travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
Daily conduct
- The working week runs Sunday through Thursday.
- Egypt's laws and customs adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs.
- Dress conservatively; for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, and men should avoid shorts outside tourist areas.
- Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon; holding hands is generally acceptable.
- Behavior accepted in tourist resort areas may not be accepted elsewhere in the country.
- Drinking alcohol outside licensed restaurants, bars, private homes, or certain tourist resorts is illegal and can lead to arrest.
- During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is culturally insensitive.
- Posting social media content critical of Egyptian society, the government, security forces, or the president may be considered illegal and carries serious penalties.
- Police regularly check ID; carrying a passport and visa or a copy is advisable to avoid potential detention.
- Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalized, but authorities have prosecuted people under debauchery laws; public displays attract negative attention.
Visiting religious sites
- Dress modestly when visiting mosques, souqs, and rural areas.
- Encouraging people to convert to Christianity or any other religion is illegal in Egypt.
- Religious sites are among potential targets for terrorist activity; remain alert in and around them.
- Sensitivities exist around photographing religious buildings; seek permission before taking any photographs.
Rules and border
Ask AI about local laws in Egypt
Government of Canada — Egypt: Travel advice and advisoriesUK FCDO — Egypt travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
In-country law
- Importing, using, or producing drones without prior permission from the relevant ministry is illegal and can result in lengthy imprisonment.
- Unauthorized drone use may carry charges similar to espionage.
- Professional photography or film equipment requires a permit to bring into Egypt.
- Photographing military property, the Suez Canal, bridges, canals, government or police buildings, and military personnel is prohibited.
- Taking photos considered damaging to the country's image is illegal.
- Written permission from an Egyptian citizen is required before photographing them; photographing children is prohibited.
- Exporting any antiquity or item older than a century without a licence is prohibited.
- Strict duties apply to imported expensive electronics unless listed for personal use upon arrival and departure.
- Some prescribed and over-the-counter medicines may be controlled substances; prior permission from the health ministry may be required.
- Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty even for small amounts.
- Khat is illegal in Egypt.
- Local law prohibits protests without a permit; being near anti-government protests may draw scrutiny from security forces.
- Suspects may be detained without charges or immediate access to legal counsel during the investigative stage.
Emergency contacts
Ask AI about emergencies in Egypt
UK FCDO — Egypt travel adviceSection last verified 2026-08-20
Dial from any phone
Ambulance
123
Fire
180
Police
122
Tourist Police
126
Keep your own government's consular number saved separately; it is listed on their travel page for this country.
Do I Need a Visa?
Ask AI about visas for EgyptVisa requirements vary by nationality and change frequently. Verify with your country's embassy or the destination's official immigration authority before traveling.
Content on Ouoba is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, visa, insurance, tax, medical, financial, safety, or other professional advice. Users should consult official authorities, qualified professionals, or service providers before making important travel, financial, legal, or health-related decisions.