FAQs

Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Egypt. However, the visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your stay. Here’s a general overview:

1. Visa on Arrival: Citizens of many countries, including the U.S., EU member states, Canada, Australia, and others, can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. This visa is typically valid for 30 days and costs around $25 USD.

2. e-Visa: Egypt offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) option that can be applied for online before arrival. This is available to citizens of several countries, including the U.S., UK, EU, and more. The e-Visa can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days.

3. Exemptions: Some nationalities are exempt from visa requirements or can enter visa-free for a limited time. For example, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries do not require a visa. Additionally, travelers visiting certain resorts, such as Sharm El-Sheikh, for stays under 15 days may not need a visa if they stay within designated areas.

4. Longer Stays or Special Visas: For those planning longer stays, work, or study, a specific type of visa may be required, and it’s advisable to apply at an Egyptian embassy or consulate.

It’s always a good idea to check the latest visa requirements with the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country before traveling, as rules can change.

• Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard): Widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores.
• Cash: Essential for smaller transactions, tips, and purchases in local markets or smaller shops.
• ATMs: Widely available for withdrawing Egyptian Pounds.
• Foreign currency exchange: Easy to find for major currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP.

Being prepared with both cash and a credit card will give you flexibility in how you pay for goods and services during your trip.

As with most European and North American countries, tipping is graciously accepted in Egypt. A 10% tip at restaurants and to guides and drivers is standard. Unfortunately, at major tourist sites like the Pyramids of Giza or the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, touts aggressively hustle for tips by allowing you to take photos in areas where it’s clearly posted as prohibited (such as inside the tombs). Please refrain from perpetuating this problem by not paying to take pictures.

Egypt has a voltage supply of 220V and the plugs are the 2-round pin type that are common throughout Europe.

Egypt is a Muslim country and visitors should, as with any foreign country, make an effort to be respectful of the country’s customs and culture. There are many touristic Red Sea areas in Egypt, such as El Gouna and Hurghada, where clothing concerns are not necessary—in these areas you can wear any sort of beach attire you want. At other inland tourist areas, such as Cairo or Luxor, however, relatively conservative attire is recommended as Egyptians generally dress more modestly than in many parts of Europe and North America. Women especially should avoid tight clothing and revealing necklines, and keep their shoulders and knees covered. Men should avoid wearing shorts anywhere outside of Red Sea tourist areas. In general, in order to be respectful of local customs in Egypt, when visiting the sites of Luxor or Cairo, it’s best to wear loose-fitting pants and long-sleeve shirts.

Yes, alcohol is available in Egypt, but its availability is somewhat limited due to the country’s predominantly Muslim population and cultural norms. Here’s what you need to know:

Where to Find Alcohol:

• Hotels and Resorts: Most international hotels, upscale resorts, and restaurants that cater to tourists serve alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits. This is especially true in popular tourist areas like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, etc.).
• Bars and Nightclubs: There are bars and nightclubs in larger cities and tourist areas where alcohol is served.
• Restaurants: Some restaurants, especially those in tourist areas, offer alcohol, but it is less common in local eateries.
• Licensed Shops: There are a few licensed liquor stores where you can buy alcohol for personal consumption, such as Drinkies and Al Ahram Beverages. These stores sell Egyptian and imported beer, wine, and spirits.

Many women travel alone and have found that they have been safe. The police, tourist police, and army are always close by, and the Egyptians themselves are generally safe and will try to protect solo travelers. On the whole, it is generally less safe for a solo female traveler in Egypt than in places like Greece, Italy, or Spain.
Although the chances of being confronted are almost negligible, please ensure that you take the same precautions that you would anywhere else and do not be tempted to walk in deserted areas alone: get a taxi back to your abode! You may receive some invitations, which on the whole are innocent, do not accept any of these from strangers.

It’s best to avoid drinking tap water in Egypt. There are always certain doubts and concerns, so use bottled water, which is mostly available and inexpensive. Also, be cautious with ice and salads that may have been washed in tap water. Traveling to Egypt might be a dream, but trust your gut regarding food and water.