Egypt Holidays
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€1 = E£57
Today
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Travel warning
Weather in Egypt
Sat
Sun
Mon
SPF level in Egypt
Autumn
SPF 50
Spring
SPF 50
Summer
SPF 50+
Winter
SPF 30
Entry requirements for Egypt
You need a visa, unless arriving by air at Sharm El-Sheikh for less than 15 days and staying within its designated resort areas.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date and have at least one blank page.
You can purchase a visa on arrival for $30 USD (cash only) at approved airports, valid for up to 30 days.
Border crossing charges apply at the Taba land border, require US dollars in cash, and are subject to increase.
You must declare foreign currency worth over $10,000 USD on arrival.
Good to know:
You can bring up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds into or out of the country.
If arriving from a country with a yellow fever transmission risk, you must have a vaccination certificate.
Safety in Egypt
Egypt is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport or a clear copy, as police conduct regular ID checks and may detain you without it.
Avoid showing physical affection in public as it is frowned upon, even though holding hands is usually acceptable.
Only drink alcohol in licensed restaurants, bars, private homes, or designated tourist resorts, as it's illegal elsewhere.
Do not take photos of people, especially children, without their explicit written permission to avoid legal issues.
Be cautious with hotel staff and tour operators; do not let them enter your room alone and use only reputable companies for excursions.
Bonus tips:
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, markets, and religious sites, to respect local customs.
If you lose your passport, report it immediately to the tourist police (call 126) to get a report needed for a replacement.
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Driving in Egypt
A UK driving license is usually sufficient for a short visit. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Side of the road
Right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Egypt drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Egypt
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. A Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not a substitute for travel insurance in Egypt, as it is unlikely to be accepted. Ensure your policy covers all activities you plan to participate in.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Be cautious about food hygiene, especially from street vendors. Mosquitoes can be present, so use insect repellent and consider wearing long sleeves and trousers in the evenings.
Cards & payments
Card payments are accepted in larger establishments, hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas. However, smaller shops, local markets, and taxis often only accept cash. It is advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when venturing outside major cities.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1094
Tipping in Egypt
Tipping is customary in Egypt for various services. While not mandatory, it is greatly appreciated and expected, especially in the tourism industry. Small change is often given for minor services. Consider tipping in Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for convenience.
Restaurant
10-15% of the bill. Check if a service charge is already included.
Bar/Café
10-15% of the bill.
Taxi
Round up the fare or add 10%.
Hotel Porter
5-10 EGP per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
20-50 EGP per day, left in the room.
Tour Guide
50-100 EGP per person per day, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK mobile customers. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Egypt. Roaming charges can be high, so consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable data and calls.
Local SIM
10 GB for 300 EGP (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Egypt
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants, particularly in tourist areas. However, the quality and speed can vary. Mobile data is generally a faster option if you have a local SIM card.
Average speed
25 Mbps
Internet access is generally available in tourist areas, but can be less reliable in rural regions. Consider purchasing a local SIM card with a data package for reliable internet access on the go.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
122
Police
122
Ambulance
123
Fire
180
Save 122 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Egypt
Country code
20
To call Egypt from abroad, dial 20 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
7 Ahmed Ragheb Street Garden City, Cairo
Phone
+20 (2) 2791 6000
Website
Cairo International Airport
Hurghada International Airport
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
Borg El Arab Airport
Luxor International Airport
Marsa Alam International Airport
Recent updates
Entry Requirements
Starting from 1 August 2026, travellers arriving at Cairo International Airport can now purchase a digital visa on arrival.
The digital visa on arrival at Cairo costs 36 US dollars, which includes a 6 US dollar digital service fee.
Payment for the digital visa on arrival at Cairo must be made by card via self-service machines or the Visa on Arrival portal.
Beaches in Egypt
No beaches listed for Egypt yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.