Things to Know Before Traveling to Egypt

Most nationalities need a visa to enter Egypt, and for the majority of travellers this is now a fast process rather than a long airport queue.

• eVisa: apply online in advance through Egypt's official eVisa portal. Approval usually takes a few business days, so apply at least a week before you fly.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA): many nationalities can still buy a paper visa stamp at the airport, paid in cash — USD, EUR or GBP — at the bank counter before immigration.
• VOA mobile application: a mobile visa-on-arrival option is now available at major airports, letting eligible travellers complete the process on their phone before reaching the counter.
• Self-Service Machines (SSM): Cairo International Airport has self-service kiosks that let eligible nationalities process their entry visa without joining the manual queue.
• Passport validity: your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least one blank page.
• When to apply: for the eVisa, apply no earlier than 90 days and no later than a week before travel to avoid last-minute issues.

Requirements vary by nationality and change from time to time, so always confirm the current rules for your passport before booking. Our specialists are happy to guide you through the exact requirements as part of planning your Egypt tour.

Egypt's currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While the exchange rate can shift, the way you handle money day-to-day stays consistent.

• Cash vs card: hotels, larger restaurants and shops accept cards, but markets, small vendors, tips and rural areas run on cash.
• Currency exchange: exchange at banks, official exchange bureaus, or your hotel — rates are generally better inside Egypt than before you leave home.
• Credit cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in tourist areas; American Express less so.
• Apple Pay / Google Pay: increasingly accepted in Cairo's larger malls and hotel chains, but not yet reliable enough to depend on exclusively.
• Small denominations: keep a stock of small EGP notes for tipping, taxis and incidentals — vendors rarely have change for large notes.
• Tipping: known locally as baksheesh, tipping is customary and often forms part of service workers' income.

A simple rule that works well: exchange a modest amount on arrival, then draw further cash from ATMs as you need it.

ATMs are widely available and the most convenient way to carry Egyptian Pounds for day-to-day spending.

• Availability: ATMs are common in cities, airports, hotels, and along the main tourist routes; far less so in remote desert or rural areas.
• International cards: most ATMs accept international Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards.
• Withdrawal limits: daily limits are typically lower than at home, so you may need several withdrawals for a longer trip.
• Airport ATMs: available at all major airport terminals, useful for your first cash on arrival.
• Hotel ATMs: most larger hotels have an ATM on site or nearby, a convenient backup if you're short on cash mid-trip.

Egypt runs on the same electrical standard as continental Europe.

• Voltage: 220V.
• Frequency: 50Hz.
• Plug types: Type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with earth clips) are standard.
• Adapter recommendation: UK, US, and Australian travellers need a plug adapter; most modern phone and laptop chargers already handle 220V, but always check the label before plugging in.

Egypt's climate is dry and sunny almost year-round, but the season you travel in shapes your itinerary and packing list.

Winter (December–February)

Mild, comfortable days (around 18–22°C) and cool evenings — the most popular season for sightseeing and Nile cruising. Pack layers and a light jacket for the evenings.

Spring (March–May)

Warm, pleasant days, though late March into April can bring the khamsin, a hot, dusty wind. A good season for both temples and the Red Sea coast.

Summer (June–August)

Very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, where temperatures regularly exceed 38°C. Excellent for Red Sea beach and diving holidays; sightseeing is best done early morning.

Autumn (September–November)

Temperatures ease back to comfortable levels, similar to spring — a quieter, equally rewarding time to travel.

A well-packed bag for Egypt balances sun protection, modest dress, and a few practical extras:

• Comfortable, closed walking shoes for temples and desert sites
• Sunscreen — high factor, reapplied often
• Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
• A universal power adapter (Type C/F)
• Light, breathable clothing for daytime heat
• Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
• A light jacket or layer for winter evenings and air-conditioned interiors
• Swimwear for hotel pools, Nile cruises and the Red Sea coast
• A reusable water bottle to refill from larger bottled supplies and cut down on plastic waste

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country with a significant Christian minority, mainly Coptic Orthodox, and religion visibly shapes daily life.

• Islam: the majority faith; you'll hear the call to prayer five times daily from mosques across every city and town.
• Christianity: Egypt's Coptic Christian community has a continuous history stretching back nearly two thousand years, with churches and monasteries open to respectful visitors.
• Prayer times: some shops and services pause briefly around prayer times, particularly midday Friday prayer.
• Ramadan: during the holy month, many Egyptians fast from dawn to sunset; restaurant hours shift, and eating or drinking in public during daylight is best avoided out of respect.
• Visiting mosques: remove your shoes before entering, dress modestly, and women should carry a scarf to cover their hair where required.

Egyptian culture is warm and hospitality-driven — a little awareness of local etiquette goes a long way.

• Greetings: a handshake is standard; wait for a woman to extend her hand first in more traditional settings.
• Hospitality: being offered tea or coffee is a genuine gesture of welcome, worth accepting when time allows.
• Photography etiquette: always ask before photographing individuals, especially women and children.
• Dress code: modest dress is appreciated everywhere outside resort pools and beaches.
• Public affection: keep displays of affection low-key, as is customary locally.
• Bargaining: expected in souks and independent shops — approach it as a friendly exchange, not a confrontation.
• Respecting traditions: ask before entering someone's home or a place of worship uninvited, and follow your guide's lead at cultural and religious sites.

Egypt is a large country, and how you move between sites shapes the whole trip.

• Airports: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh all have international or domestic airports serving the main tourist routes.
• Domestic flights: the fastest way to cover long distances, such as Cairo to Luxor or Aswan.
• Private transfers: the most comfortable option between airports, hotels and sites, and how we move every COMETRA guest.
• Uber & Careem: both operate in Cairo and other major cities, offering a transparent, metered alternative to street taxis.
• Taxis: widely available; agree the fare before you get in if the meter isn't used.
• Metro: Cairo's metro is efficient, inexpensive, and includes women-only carriages.
• Trains: a scenic, comfortable way to travel between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, including overnight sleeper services.
• Nile cruises: combine travel and sightseeing between Luxor and Aswan — see our Nile Cruise trips and felucca sailing options.

For a stress-free trip, we recommend private transfers and pre-arranged domestic flights over improvising transport on the ground — ask your specialist to build this into your itinerary.

This is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — parts of planning a trip to Egypt.

Hotel star ratings in Egypt should not be compared directly with Europe or North America. A well-regarded 4-star property in Luxor or Aswan may offer a level of service, character and location that would rank considerably higher elsewhere. This isn't inconsistency — it reflects genuinely different regulations, older or more distinctive historic architecture, resort-style classifications, and destination characteristics that don't map neatly onto Western ratings systems.

Instead of relying on the star rating alone, we recommend choosing hotels based on:

• Reviews from recent guests, not just the property's own marketing
• Location relative to the sites and experiences you actually want
• Service — Egyptian hospitality is often the differentiator, regardless of star count
• Experience — character, view, and atmosphere often matter more than a rating number

This is exactly the judgment our specialists apply on your behalf — every property we recommend has been personally vetted, not selected from a rating alone.

• Local SIM cards: inexpensive and easy to buy at the airport or any phone shop with your passport; a fast way to get reliable data for the whole trip.
• eSIM: several providers now offer Egypt eSIM plans you can activate before you even land.
• Wi-Fi: available in most hotels, Nile cruise ships, and cafés in tourist areas.
• Mobile coverage: strong 4G coverage across cities and the main tourist routes; expect gaps in remote desert areas.

• Bottled water: stick to sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth — it's inexpensive and available everywhere.
• Egyptian cuisine: expect fresh, flavourful dishes built around grains, legumes, grilled meats and fresh bread — koshari, ful medames, and grilled kofta are worth seeking out.
• Vegetarian options: widely available, as much of traditional Egyptian cooking is naturally plant-based.
• Allergies: mention any dietary restrictions to your guide or hotel in advance; larger hotels and cruise ships handle this easily.
• Street food advice: choose stalls with a visible, fast turnover of fresh food, and consider easing into it after a day or two rather than on arrival.

• Pharmacies: widely available in cities and tourist areas, often with English-speaking staff and a broad range of over-the-counter medication.
• Medical care: private hospitals in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Red Sea resort towns offer a good standard of care for travellers.
• Insurance: comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended for every trip.
• Heat precautions: drink water regularly, pace outdoor sightseeing around the cooler morning hours, and rest during the hottest part of the day, especially in summer.
• Sun protection: high-factor sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential year-round, not just in summer.

Egypt's tourist destinations are generally safe, well-established, and visited by millions of travellers each year. As with any destination, ordinary common sense goes a long way.

• Tourist police: a dedicated tourist police force operates at major sites, hotels and tourist zones specifically to assist visitors.
• Solo travellers: generally well catered for, particularly on organised tours with a private guide and driver.
• Women travellers: can travel confidently by following the same sensible precautions used in any destination — dressing modestly, using licensed transport, and avoiding walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas.
• Common scams: the most frequent issues are overpriced souvenirs, unsolicited "guides" at sites, or inflated taxi fares — easily avoided by booking through a licensed operator and agreeing prices upfront.
• Emergency numbers: see the Emergency Information section below.

Egypt's monuments, landscapes and communities are irreplaceable, and travelling responsibly helps preserve them for the next generation of visitors. We encourage every guest to:

• Respect local communities and the pace of daily life
• Preserve archaeological sites — never touch carvings or remove even small fragments
• Reduce plastic use with a reusable water bottle where refill stations are available
• Save water and electricity in hotels, just as you would at home
• Support local businesses and family-run restaurants where possible
• Buy local handicrafts directly from artisans rather than mass-produced imports

This is a subject we care about deeply — read more about our approach on the Sustainability page, including how guests can join our environmental initiatives and support clean energy projects in the communities we work with.

• Ancient sites: uneven ground, steps and sand are common at temples and tombs; some sites are more accessible than others, and it's worth asking specifically when planning your itinerary.
• Wheelchair access: major museums and modern hotels increasingly offer ramps and accessible facilities, though older heritage sites can be more limited.
• Cruise accessibility: newer Nile cruise ships generally offer better accessibility than older vessels or traditional Dahabiyas — tell your specialist about any mobility needs so we can match you to the right ship.
• Hotel accessibility: international hotel chains in Cairo and along the Red Sea coast typically offer the most reliable accessible rooms and facilities.

If accessibility is a priority for your trip, let us know early — it shapes which hotels, ships and sites we recommend.

• Friday schedule: Friday is the main day of rest in Egypt; some shops and offices open later or close for Friday prayer at midday.
• Ramadan: dates shift each year on the lunar calendar; many restaurants adjust their hours around the fast, and the atmosphere in the evenings (iftar) is genuinely festive.
• Holiday opening hours: national and religious holidays can affect opening hours at museums, sites and government offices — your specialist will factor this into your itinerary.
• Cultural expectations: during Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those observing the fast.

• Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women, children, and anyone in a uniform.
• Military and government facilities — including bridges, checkpoints and official buildings — should never be photographed.
• Drone regulations: flying drones in Egypt requires official permits and is heavily restricted; do not fly a drone without prior authorisation, and check with your specialist well before you travel if this matters to your trip.
• Museum and site rules: some interior areas, particularly inside tombs, restrict photography or charge a separate camera fee — your guide will advise you on the spot.

• Arabic is the official language, spoken in the Egyptian dialect nationwide.
• English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants, tourist sites and by licensed guides across all major destinations.
• Useful Arabic phrases: Shukran (thank you), Min fadlak/fadlik (please), Aiwa / La'a (yes/no), and Sabah el-kheir (good morning) — small courtesies that are always warmly received.

Keep these numbers saved before you travel:

• Police: 122
• Ambulance: 123
• Fire: 180
• Tourist Police: 126
• COMETRA emergency assistance: every guest travelling with us receives a 24-hour local contact number for the full duration of their trip — +20 106 829 9003.