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Travel Guide
Visiting Egypt
Select your passport to instantly check if you need a visa.
Avoid Some Regions
UK FCDO: The FCDO advises against all travel to North Sinai and to the Egypt to Libya border except El Salloum, and against all but essential travel to northern South Sinai, the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal, much of the Western Desert, the Hala'ib Triangle, and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid. The rest of the country carries no advisory against travel.
Updated 2026-07-18 10:39:40
Discover
Top Attractions in Egypt
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
UNESCO World Heritage
Abu Simbel Temples
Carved entirely from a sandstone cliff by Ramses II in the 13th century BC, the twin temples of Abu Simbel are one of Egypt's most dramatic ancient sites, guarded by four 20-metre colossal seated statues of the pharaoh. In a remarkable feat of 20th-century engineering, the entire complex was relocated in the 1960s to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Twice a year, on 22 February and 22 October, sunlight penetrates deep into the inner sanctuary to illuminate the statues of the gods.
Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza is the largest archaeological museum in the world, housing more than 100,000 artefacts including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. The centrepiece is a monumental atrium containing a 12-metre-tall statue of Ramses II, setting the tone for one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Egypt's modern history.
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Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 123 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Egypt see where to get vaccines and whether y
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police122
Ambulance123
Fire180
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Egypt
Entry requirements vary by passport; check your specific requirements on the Egypt destination page at Yoogo.
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Cash is widely preferred, particularly at markets, smaller restaurants, and heritage sites. ATMs are readily available in Cairo, Luxor, and other major tourist cities, and larger hotels and chain restaurants typically accept Visa and Mastercard. It is worth carrying small-denomination notes for tips and everyday purchases.
Egypt's main tourist areas, including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts, are generally considered safe for visitors and are heavily policed. Tourist Police officers are present at major attractions and can be reached on 126. As with any destination, travellers should remain aware of their surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and follow current advice from their government's travel advisory service before and during their trip.
Egypt offers a range of transport options. Overnight sleeper trains connect Cairo with Luxor and Aswan, making for a practical and scenic journey between sites. Domestic flights serve major cities and save considerable time across long distances. In Cairo, the metro is affordable and efficient for navigating the city centre, while ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem operate widely. For inter-city travel, private drivers and organised tours are also popular choices.
October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures, with daytime highs typically ranging from 20-28 degrees Celsius across most of the country, making it ideal for sightseeing at outdoor monuments. Summer months (June to August) are intensely hot, particularly in Upper Egypt around Luxor and Aswan, where temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The Red Sea coast is pleasant year-round for beach and diving holidays.
Arabic is the official language of Egypt. Egyptian Arabic is the local dialect and is widely understood across the Arab world. In tourist areas, hotels, and major attractions, English is commonly spoken by staff and guides. French is also understood in some hotels and cultural institutions. Learning a few basic Arabic greetings, such as 'marhaba' (hello) and 'shukran' (thank you), is warmly appreciated by locals.
Most travel health authorities recommend that visitors are up to date with routine vaccinations, including hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus, before travelling to Egypt. Drinking tap water is not recommended; stick to sealed bottled water throughout your trip. Sun protection, including high-SPF sunscreen and a hat, is essential given the intense sun, particularly when visiting open-air monuments. Consult a travel health clinic at least four to six weeks before departure for personalised advice.