Egypt
North Africa • EGY
Last updated: October 15, 2026
Egypt is a fascinating destination that bridges ancient history and vibrant modern culture. Tourists flock here to explore iconic pharaonic monuments, cruise the historic Nile River, and relax along the beautiful shores of the Red Sea.
Visa Requirements
Most tourists need a visa to enter Egypt, which can be obtained online via the e-visa portal or as a visa-on-arrival at major airports for citizens of many countries.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Visa or e-visa confirmation printout
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation booking
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay
Popular Attractions
The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are the last remaining wonder of the ancient world and a must-see architectural marvel.
The Valley of the Kings in Luxor offers a deep dive into ancient burial practices with its incredibly preserved royal tombs.
Abu Simbel features massive rock-cut temples built by Ramses II that were famously relocated to save them from rising Nile waters.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Grand Egyptian Museum house an unparalleled collection of artifacts, including treasures from King Tutankhamun.
Karnak Temple Complex is a vast open-air museum and one of the largest religious sites ever constructed in the ancient world.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Dress modestly in public places, keeping shoulders and knees covered, especially when visiting mosques or rural areas.
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of locals, as many consider it impolite to photograph them without consent.
Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and giving or receiving items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
Tipping, or 'baksheesh', is a deeply ingrained cultural practice and is expected for most services provided.
Avoid public displays of affection, as Egyptian society is generally conservative and maintains strict social norms regarding intimacy.
Safety Tips
Stay hydrated by drinking bottled water only, as tap water is not considered safe for consumption by tourists.
Dress comfortably but respectfully to avoid unwanted attention, and consider hiring a reputable guide to navigate crowded markets.
Keep your passport and valuable documents in a secure hotel safe rather than carrying them with you at all times.
Be cautious when using ATMs and prefer to withdraw money from machines located inside bank branches or major hotels.
Stay informed about current events and follow travel advisories issued by your home country regarding specific regions in Egypt.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Meningococcal
Source: CDC
Recommended for certain activities.
View sourcePolio
Source: CDC
Proof of vaccination may be required.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Proof of vaccination is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of YF transmission.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
No yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries without risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourcePolio
Source: CDC
In Egypt, poliovirus has been identified in the past year. Travelers to Egypt are at increased risk of exposure to poliovirus if: 1) they work in health care settings involving direct patient contact, 2) assist in refugee camps or other humanitarian aid settings, OR 3) have limited access to clean drinking water and sanitation.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Egypt. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
View sourceMeasles
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Egypt. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Egypt.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and your yearly flu shot.
View sourceRoutine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide general immunity.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to prevent common preventable diseases.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Practice safe food and water consumption to prevent illness.
Avoid street food and drink bottled water.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through food or water.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination is recommended for all travelers.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date.
View sourceMalaria prophylaxis
Source: CDC
Consider the risk of malaria in rural areas; prophylaxis may be necessary.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Food and Water Safety
Source: CDC
To prevent gastrointestinal illness, consume only safe food and beverages. Drink bottled water or treated water and avoid raw or undercooked foods.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Consider if you might have exposure to blood or bodily fluids, or if you'll be staying long-term.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
To prevent gastrointestinal illness; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
View sourceFood and water safety measures
Source: CDC
To prevent illnesses caused by contaminated food and water.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Stay protected against emerging COVID-19 variants.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and stay in climate-controlled lodging.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure all vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to risk through contaminated food or water.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
COVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
Strongly encouraged for all travelers to ensure protection against COVID-19 during travel.
View sourceMeningococcal
Source: CDC
Consider if you will have close contact with local populations, particularly if crowded.
View sourceMeningococcal vaccine
Source: CDC
Consider vaccination if visiting densely populated areas or during the Hajj season.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers involved in outdoor activities or working with animals.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Due to the presence of insects that can transmit diseases, precautions should be taken.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Consider if you might have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or undergo medical procedures.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Important to prevent gastrointestinal illnesses while traveling.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
Recommended to avoid diseases like malaria and dengue fever transmitted by insect bites.
View sourceRisk Area: Entire country
Chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine
Seasonality: Year-round
View source