Egypt
Essentials
The answers you need first
Best for
Ancient history, archaeology, Nile travel, museums, desert landscapes and Red Sea coastlines
Ideal first trip
10–14 full days
Main language
Arabic
Currency
Egyptian pound
Emergency
122 police, 123 ambulance, 180 fire
Main transport
Domestic flights, trains, private transfers, taxis, cruises and organised tours
Climate
Hot desert climate with cooler winter evenings and stronger heat in Upper Egypt
Power
220 V, 50 Hz
01
Is Egypt right for your trip?
Egypt is a strong choice for travellers who want ancient history, archaeology, major museums, Nile landscapes, desert scenery and Red Sea extensions.
Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Alexandria and the Red Sea require very different planning.
A successful first trip usually combines Cairo, Luxor and one carefully chosen Nile or coastal extension rather than trying to cover the entire country.
- Excellent for archaeology, museums and photography.
- Strong choice for history-focused travel.
- Guides add substantial value at major sites.
- Heat changes the pace of the trip.
- Ten full days is the practical minimum for a balanced first trip.
02
When should you visit?
October to April usually offers the easiest conditions for Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and desert travel.
Summer temperatures can be extreme, especially in Upper Egypt and exposed archaeological sites.
Ramadan, major religious holidays and peak winter tourism can affect opening hours, transport and prices.
- October to November: warm and increasingly comfortable.
- December to February: coolest and busiest period.
- March to April: warm with occasional dust and wind.
- May to September: hottest period, especially in Upper Egypt.
- Check heat, dust and regional weather alerts before travelling.
Important
Extreme heat can make exposed archaeological sites unsafe during midday. Plan early starts.
03
What must you check before entering Egypt?
Entry requirements depend on nationality, passport, travel purpose and whether a visa or electronic visa is required.
Border authorities may request proof of accommodation, onward or return travel and sufficient funds.
Use only official Egyptian government or consular sources for visa and immigration information.
- Check whether your nationality requires a visa.
- Confirm whether an electronic visa is available.
- Check passport validity requirements.
- Carry accommodation and onward-travel details.
- Review customs and medication rules.
- Keep immigration documents available throughout the trip.
04
How many days do you need?
Ten to fourteen full days gives enough time for Cairo, Luxor and one major extension.
The most common mistake is trying to combine Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Alexandria and the Red Sea in one short itinerary.
- 7 days: Cairo and Luxor at a fast pace.
- 10 days: add Aswan or a short Nile cruise.
- 14 days: add Abu Simbel, Alexandria or the Red Sea.
- 21 days: combine several regions without constant transit.
05
What is a realistic first-time route?
A strong first route combines Cairo, Luxor and one carefully chosen Nile or coastal extension.
Open-jaw or multi-city flights can reduce backtracking between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and coastal airports.
- Days 1–4: Cairo and Giza.
- Days 5–7: Luxor.
- Days 8–10: Aswan or Nile cruise.
- Days 11–14: Abu Simbel, Alexandria or Red Sea coast.
06
When do domestic flights make sense?
Domestic flights are often the fastest way to connect Cairo with Luxor, Aswan and Red Sea destinations.
- Compare total travel time, not flight duration alone.
- Check baggage rules before booking.
- Confirm the exact airport.
- Allow time for security procedures.
- Keep boarding passes available offline.
- Avoid tight self-transfers on separate tickets.
07
When do trains make sense?
Trains connect Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and other Nile Valley cities, but journey quality and timing vary.
- Reserve long-distance routes in advance.
- Confirm the exact station.
- Choose the appropriate service class.
- Keep valuables with you.
- Allow for delays.
- Compare overnight trains with domestic flights.
08
How should you choose a Nile cruise?
Nile cruises vary widely in vessel quality, itinerary, guide standards and included services.
- Compare the exact route and number of nights.
- Confirm which sites and entrance fees are included.
- Check cabin location and noise.
- Review guide language and group size.
- Confirm meal and transfer inclusions.
- Avoid choosing on price alone.
09
How should you choose accommodation?
Location, traffic, security, heating or air-conditioning and early-departure logistics matter more than proximity to one landmark.
- Check the exact neighbourhood.
- Review recent guest feedback.
- Confirm air-conditioning.
- Check early-breakfast or packed-meal options.
- Review airport and station transfers.
- Save the address offline.
10
When is a guide worth booking?
Qualified guides add context, route efficiency and practical support at major archaeological sites.
- Use licensed guides.
- Confirm language and group size.
- Agree on duration and inclusions.
- Check whether transport is included.
- Avoid unsolicited guide offers.
- Keep entrance fees separate and clear.
11
How do payments and cash work?
Cards are accepted in many hotels and larger businesses, but cash remains important for tips, taxis, small shops and some ticketing situations.
- Carry Egyptian pounds.
- Use ATMs attached to established banks.
- Carry a second payment card.
- Keep small cash for tips and transport.
- Check the amount before authorising payment.
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion unless you understand the rate.
12
How does tipping work?
Tipping is common across tourism, restaurants, hotels, transport and site services.
- Carry small notes.
- Check whether service is already included.
- Tip according to service level.
- Agree on prices before informal services.
- Do not feel pressured into unclear payments.
- Keep larger cash separate from tip money.
13
What should you eat?
Egyptian cuisine combines Nile Valley staples, Mediterranean influences, street food and regional traditions.
- Try koshari.
- Try ful medames and taameya.
- Try molokhia and mahshi.
- Explore grilled meats and breads.
- Visit busy bakeries and food stalls.
- Choose restaurants with strong turnover.
14
How should you plan archaeological sites?
Major sites require early starts, sun protection, realistic walking plans and advance ticket checks.
- Visit exposed sites early.
- Carry water and sun protection.
- Wear shoes with strong grip.
- Check photography rules.
- Use official ticket sources.
- Avoid stacking too many major sites into one day.
15
How should you plan desert travel?
Desert routes require reputable operators, weather awareness and preparation for large temperature changes.
- Use established operators.
- Confirm vehicle and accommodation standards.
- Carry water and warm layers.
- Check wind and dust conditions.
- Avoid remote travel without reliable communication.
- Do not underestimate transfer times.
16
What are the real safety risks?
The main visitor risks are traffic, scams, theft, heat, unsafe transport, harassment and region-specific security conditions.
- Use official taxis or recognised ride services.
- Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- Agree on prices before services begin.
- Avoid isolated areas after dark.
- Follow official security and travel alerts.
- Use local emergency numbers when needed.
17
What should you know about health?
Heat, dehydration, foodborne illness, sun exposure and long travel days are the main practical concerns.
- Purchase travel medical insurance.
- Carry prescription documentation.
- Use high-SPF sun protection.
- Drink sealed or properly treated water.
- Carry oral rehydration supplies.
- Keep insurer contact details available offline.
18
What do travellers usually discover too late?
These planning mistakes most often make a first Egypt trip harder.
- Heat changes the entire itinerary.
- Cairo traffic takes much longer than expected.
- Major sites require early starts.
- Cash and small notes are essential.
- Nile cruises vary widely in quality.
- Guides and drivers must be booked carefully.
- Ten full days is the practical minimum for a balanced first trip.
19
Before you go checklist
Complete these checks before departure.
- Confirm visa and passport requirements.
- Choose a realistic regional sequence.
- Reserve domestic flights or long-distance trains.
- Book reputable guides and cruise operators.
- Download tickets and offline maps.
- Carry Egyptian pounds and a second payment card.
- Purchase travel medical insurance.
- Save local emergency numbers.
- Pack sun protection and lightweight layers.
- Review photography and ticket rules.
- Check heat, dust and security alerts.
- Keep accommodation and transfer details offline.
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