Group trips to Egypt

Find out the entry requirements for Egypt, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Egypt – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Egypt is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is two hours ahead of the UK during standard time (when the UK is on GMT) and one hour ahead when the UK is on British Summer Time (BST). Egypt currently observes daylight saving time, moving its clocks forward to UTC+3 from the last Friday in April to the last Thursday in October.

The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). You can exchange your money at:

• Banks
• Currency exchange offices
• Some hotels

Keep an eye out for favorable exchange rates and always verify the rate before exchanging.

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in Egypt, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or markets. ATMs are readily available in cities, and you can withdraw cash in the local currency, the Egyptian Pound. It's best to notify your bank before traveling to avoid any issues with international transactions.

Tipping is common in Egypt and often expected for various services. In restaurants, leaving a tip of around 10% is appreciated if a service charge isn't included in the bill. For hotel staff, like porters or housekeeping, a small tip in Egyptian Pounds is customary. Taxi drivers aren't usually tipped, but you can round up the fare as a nice gesture. Keep some small bills handy for these situations.

In Egypt, you'll find that internet access is widely available in urban areas, with many hotels, cafes, and restaurants offering free Wi-Fi. However, the connection can sometimes be slow or unreliable. 

For more consistent access, we recommend you get a local SIM card. These are affordable and can be purchased at the airport or from mobile providers. Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel. Keep in mind that outside major cities, internet coverage might be more limited.

In Egypt, the official language is Arabic. If you're traveling there, you'll hear and might want to use some common phrases. Here are a few useful ones:

• Hello: "Salaam" (سلام)
• Thank you: "Shukran" (شكراً)
• Please: "Min fadlak" (من فضلك)
• Yes: "Na'am" (نعم)
• No: "La" (لا)

While these are handy, many people in tourist areas also speak some English, so you should be able to get by with a mix of both languages.

In Egypt, you'll find power sockets of Type C and Type F. These are the same as those used in much of Europe, with two round pins. The standard voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz. 

If your devices use a different plug type, you might need an adapter. It's always a good idea to check if your electronics are compatible with the voltage and frequency to avoid any mishaps. Remember to pack a universal adapter if your plugs are different.

The main religion in Egypt is Islam, with the majority of the population being Sunni Muslims. If you are traveling there, it's respectful to be aware of local customs. Especially for women, wearing modest clothing, such as long skirts or trousers and covering your shoulders, is recommended when visiting religious sites. Important religious holidays include:

• Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer
• Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan

When packing your backpack for Egypt, think about the climate and cultural norms. Here's a handy list to help you:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight long-sleeve shirts
  • Loose pants or long skirts
  • A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
  • Swimsuit for resorts or beaches
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Slip-on shoes for easy removal at mosques
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
  • A universal power adapter
  • A power bank for your devices
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Insect repellent
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes
  • Common travel medications like antihistamines, pain relievers, and anti-diarrheal tablets

Keep in mind that Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, so dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Egypt's weather can vary significantly depending on the region:

• Cairo and the Nile Delta: Mild winters with temperatures around 14°C to 20°C, and hot, dry summers reaching up to 35°C.
• Alexandria and Mediterranean Coast: Moderate climate with wet, mild winters (around 10°C to 18°C) and warm summers (up to 30°C).
• Red Sea Coast (e.g., Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh): Warm year-round with winter temperatures from 18°C to 25°C, and summer temperatures from 25°C to 40°C.
• Desert Regions (e.g., Luxor, Aswan): Hot and dry, with summer temperatures exceeding 40°C, while winters are milder, ranging from 10°C to 25°C.

The best time to visit is during the cooler months from October to April.