Africa
Egypt
Pyramids, Nile temples and cheap Red Sea diving, with Dahab a popular long-stay base. Constant touts, harassment of women and a restrictive political climate are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa9 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyEGPUS$1 ≈ E£52.28Details
- Price level15%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, F220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency122Police 122 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 180 · Tourist police 126
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is chlorinated and many locals drink it, but visitors should use bottled or filtered water; avoid ice at street stalls.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedPolice use dating apps to entrap gay men; waving a rainbow flag has led to arrests.Details
- Internet99 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 52 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightBring a 1949-Convention IDP with your licence (valid up to 6 months); traffic is chaotic, so most visitors hire drivers.
Where to go in Egypt
11 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CairoCapital city | 3/5 | $765–1,240 | Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov | 64/100 |
| LuxorCity | 3/5 | $536–861 | Nov–Mar | 87/100 |
| HurghadaCity | 4/5 | $612–1,050 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 88/100 |
| Sharm El SheikhCity | 4/5 | $669–1,150 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 83/100 |
| AswanCity | 4/5 | $478–803 | Nov–Mar | 94/100 |
| DahabTown | 4/5 | $536–861 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 94/100 |
| AlexandriaCity | 3/5 | $612–995 | Apr–May, Oct–Nov | 82/100 |
| GizaDistrict | — | $536–956 | Feb–Mar, Oct–Dec | — |
| Marsa AlamTown | 4/5 | $669–1,150 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 84/100 |
| El GounaTown | 4/5 | $956–1,630 | Mar–May, Oct–Nov | 64/100 |
| Siwa OasisRegion | 4/5 | $459–765 | Feb–Apr, Oct–Nov | 96/100 |
When to visit Egypt
October–April. Luxor and Aswan top 40 °C from May to September; Red Sea diving is good year-round, best in spring and autumn. Spring khamsin winds bring dust storms.
Good to know
Entry
- Get an e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg at least 7 days ahead, or buy a visa on arrival at airport bank kiosks for US$30 cash.
- Since 1 August 2026 Cairo airport also sells digital visas on arrival by card (US$36) via kiosks or visaonarrival.gov.eg.
- Flying into Sharm el-Sheikh for under 15 days in South Sinai resorts? A free entry stamp replaces the visa.
- Passport must be valid 6 months. Drones and satellite phones are confiscated without prior permission.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing people needs their consent; children, officials and military sites, including the Suez Canal, are off-limits.
- Importing or flying a drone without Defence Ministry permission can mean up to 7 years in prison.
- Criticising the government, including in social media posts, can lead to detention.
Etiquette
- Dress modestly, especially in mosques, souqs and rural Upper Egypt
- Small tips (baksheesh) are expected for almost any help
- Use your right hand for eating and handing things over
- In Ramadan, don't eat, drink or smoke in public by day
Tipping
Baksheesh is part of daily life: about 10% on top of restaurant service charges, small notes for guards, toilet attendants and guides.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Egypt
- Egypt e-Visa portal (Ministry of Interior)
- Egypt digital visa on arrival
- Speedtest Global Index: Egypt
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.