Travel to Egypt: Visa, Safety, Costs, and a Practical Itinerary
Egypt can feel like three trips in one: ancient history in Cairo and Giza, temple-hopping in Luxor and Aswan, and a completely different beach-and-diving world on the Red Sea. The key is planning the route so you’re not spending your best days in transit—or recovering from it.
Quick Egypt travel snapshot (what to expect)
- Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
- Language: Arabic (English widely used in tourism areas)
- Time zone: Eastern European Time (varies seasonally)
- Typical trip length: 7–14 days
- Classic route: Cairo + Luxor (plus Aswan or Red Sea)
Small but real advice: Egypt is amazing, but it’s not a “wing it with no plan” destination. A little structure makes the experience calmer, cheaper, and more enjoyable.
Do you need a visa for Egypt?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the type/length of your visit. Many travelers use an Egypt eVisa or a visa on arrival option (where available), but the correct choice depends on your passport and current rules.
Best practice: Confirm visa rules via official Egyptian government sources before booking flights. Airline check-in staff enforce entry requirements.
If your itinerary includes a long stay, multiple entries, or non-tourism purposes, check if you need a different visa category.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?
Travel safety depends on where you go, how you move around, and your risk tolerance. Popular tourism routes (Cairo/Giza, Luxor/Aswan, Red Sea resorts) are heavily traveled, but you should still plan smart.
Practical safety habits that actually help
- Use licensed guides/drivers for long day trips and early-morning temple visits.
- Keep valuables simple: carry what you need, leave the rest at your accommodation.
- Agree on prices in advance for taxis/drivers when meters aren’t used.
- Stay hydrated and avoid midday outdoor sightseeing in extreme heat.
- Check your government’s travel advisory for updates before departure.
“Safe” is rarely a single yes/no answer. In Egypt, it’s usually about planning your logistics so you’re not improvising late at night or in unfamiliar areas.
Best time to travel to Egypt
If you’re doing temples, tombs, and long outdoor days, climate matters. Most travelers prefer cooler months for Cairo and Upper Egypt (Luxor/Aswan), while Red Sea resorts can work year-round.
- For sightseeing-heavy itineraries: cooler months are typically more comfortable.
- For budget travelers: shoulder seasons can offer better value with fewer crowds.
- For Red Sea diving: conditions vary by month and location—check water temps and wind.
Simple planning rule: If your itinerary includes Luxor, assume it will feel hotter than Cairo. Build your schedule around early mornings and lighter afternoons.
How long to stay in Egypt (and what fits)
7 days: Egypt highlights (fast but doable)
- Cairo + Giza: pyramids, Egyptian Museum (or GEM if open/available), Islamic Cairo
- Luxor: Valley of the Kings + Karnak/Temple circuit
A 7-day itinerary usually requires at least one internal flight or overnight train. It’s efficient, but not slow.
10 days: Better pacing + Nile experience
- Cairo/Giza (3–4 days)
- Luxor/Aswan (4–5 days, often via a Nile river cruise segment)
- Buffer/rest day (1 day)
14 days: Egypt + Red Sea (most balanced)
- History route (Cairo + Luxor/Aswan)
- Red Sea recovery (Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh area, depending on plans)
Suggested 10–14 day itinerary (the “first-time and happy” plan)
Days 1–3: Cairo and Giza
- Giza Plateau (Pyramids + Sphinx)
- Egyptian Museum / major museum visit
- Old Cairo or Islamic Cairo (mosques, markets, historic streets)
Days 4–6: Luxor
- Valley of the Kings (early morning)
- Karnak Temple complex
- Luxor Temple (often best later in the day)
Days 7–9: Aswan + Nile scenery
- Aswan sights and river views
- Optional day trip depending on your interests
- Relaxed pacing (you’ll be glad you did)
Days 10–14: Red Sea (optional, highly recommended)
- Beach time, snorkeling, diving, or just rest
- Light excursions only (after temple-heavy days)
Why this itinerary works: It front-loads the “must-see” history, then finishes with recovery time. Egypt is intense in the best way—ending with rest makes the trip feel complete instead of exhausting.
Costs and budgeting: what travelers typically underestimate
Egypt can be excellent value, but the total cost of the trip is shaped by transport and guides more than people expect.
- Internal transport: flights vs trains vs private drivers
- Guides: a good Egyptologist-level guide changes the experience
- Tickets and sites: major sites add up over multiple days
- Tips: tipping is common in tourism settings
If you’re choosing where to spend extra, invest in the guide for Cairo/Giza and Luxor. That’s where context turns stones into stories.
Connectivity in Egypt: make the first hour easy
The first hour after landing is usually logistics: hotel contact, ride-hailing, maps, translation, confirming tour pickups, and messaging family. Airport Wi‑Fi can be slow, and roaming can be expensive.
Zetsim tip: Install a travel eSIM before your flight so your phone connects as soon as you land in Egypt—no SIM kiosk queues and no roaming surprises.
Get a travel eSIM with ZetsimChoose your plan based on trip length and whether you’ll hotspot for multiple devices.
Official travel information
For official tourism information and trip inspiration, you can start here: experienceegypt.eg.
FAQ: Travel to Egypt
Do you need a visa for Egypt?
It depends on your nationality. Many travelers use an Egypt eVisa or a visa on arrival option (where available). Always confirm current requirements via official Egyptian government sources before departure.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?
Safety varies by region and your travel style. Many visitors travel through popular routes (Cairo/Giza, Luxor/Aswan, Red Sea resorts) without issues, but you should follow official advisories and plan transportation carefully.
What is the best time to travel to Egypt?
Cooler months are typically more comfortable for temple and city sightseeing. If you’re including Luxor/Aswan, plan for earlier starts and lighter afternoons due to heat.
How many days do you need in Egypt?
7 days covers highlights, 10 days adds better pacing, and 14 days lets you combine history with a Red Sea rest segment. For most first-time visitors, 10–14 days is ideal.
Is a Nile river cruise worth it?
For many travelers, yes. It’s a convenient way to connect Luxor and Aswan while adding scenic downtime between major sightseeing days.
Do I need mobile data in Egypt?
It’s strongly recommended for navigation, translation, ride-hailing, and coordinating tours. Many travelers choose an eSIM to connect immediately after landing.
