Your Ultimate Egypt Travel Guide
By Jennifer Allman-Guinn, on November 4, 2019
The Arab Republic of Egypt is likely a place most people want to visit at some point in their lives. From the world’s longest river to fascinating ancient artifacts, deeply religious and spiritual sites, and of course, the awe-inspiring pyramids, Egypt is a memorable place for those lucky enough to visit.
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Egypt is ranked as a Travel Advisory Level 2due to active terrorism in the country. The US advisory extends that warning to the entire Sinai Peninsula with the exception of iconic Red Sea resort town Sharm el-Sheikh. Both governments also advise against non-essential travel to the Western Desert. However, there are no specific travel warnings against travel to Cairo or the Nile Delta (although it is important to be aware that despite elevated security measures in these areas, terrorist activity remains unpredictable).
The country's key tourist sights (including Abu Simbel, Luxor, Philae, the Pyramids of Giza and the Red Sea coast) are still considered safe.
Below are some additional travel tips to consider:
Travel Requirements
US citizens traveling to Egypt should obtain their travel visas ahead of time through APVI.com. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended visit and should have one blank page available. APVI offers single entry visas valid for either three or six months, as well as a multiple entry option valid for up to three months.Safety Concerns
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Egypt is ranked as a Travel Advisory Level 2due to active terrorism in the country. The US advisory extends that warning to the entire Sinai Peninsula with the exception of iconic Red Sea resort town Sharm el-Sheikh. Both governments also advise against non-essential travel to the Western Desert. However, there are no specific travel warnings against travel to Cairo or the Nile Delta (although it is important to be aware that despite elevated security measures in these areas, terrorist activity remains unpredictable).
The country's key tourist sights (including Abu Simbel, Luxor, Philae, the Pyramids of Giza and the Red Sea coast) are still considered safe.
Adventurous travelers will find Egypt to be an incredible historical and religious experience. Minimize the risks and maximize the experience by following the above tips to ensure a safe and memorable trip for you and your party.
Preparing For Your Trip
As a conservative country, Egyptian culture dictates that women in particular dress modestly. As this is a desert country, the weather is often hot during the day, so loose-fitting clothes are a necessity. Women should always keep their knees and shoulders covered, and when entering a mosque or other religious sight, always keep hair covered with a scarf. Men should also keep their shoulders covered, and while shorts are acceptable during the day, pants are required in the evenings.Below are some additional travel tips to consider:
- The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound which is divided into piastres (similar to the US dollar being divided into cents), so be sure to know what the different currencies look like to avoid scams, as both pounds and piastres are paper notes
- Haggling, bargaining, and tipping are all common and acceptable practices in Egypt, and tipping, in particular, will give you additional perks but become familiar with the laws of the area to avoid inadvertently breaking them with undercover authorities
- Photography is allowed both outside and inside pyramids, monuments, museums, and other tourist areas, but all will charge a small fee just for having a camera with you
- Arabic is the official language of Egypt, so it is in your best interest to learn a few keywords and phrases before your trip
- Public restrooms charge a fee for usage and are not up to Western standards, so it is best to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer
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About the Author
Jen is a freelance writer and blogger specializing in travel
tips and best practices. Other content specialties include pets and animals,
sports, healthcare and medical devices, environmental concerns, education, and
marketing best practices.