Egypt Visa Requirements
For 🇬🇧 United Kingdom passport holders
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
At least 1 page required
Multiple Entry
Single entry
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, COVID-19. Hepatitis B for longer stays.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Exercise increased caution in Egypt. Tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts) are generally safe with heavy security presence. Avoid the North Sinai entirely and be cautious in the Nile Delta. Use official tour operators and registered taxis. Political demonstrations should be avoided. Scams targeting tourists are common - be firm and keep walking.
Money & Costs
Currency
E£ Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $40 · Mid: $100 · Luxury: $250+
Cards & ATMs
Cards accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants. Cash essential elsewhere.
Tipping
Tipping (baksheesh) is essential to Egyptian culture and expected almost everywhere. Carry small bills (£E5-20) constantly. Tip guides, drivers, boat staff, bathroom attendants, anyone who helps with bags, takes photos, or provides any service. In restaurants, 10-15% on top of any service charge. Not tipping is considered offensive.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, 220V, 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
Emergency: 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 180 (Fire)
Tourist Police: 126
Mobile/SIM
Buy a SIM card at the airport from Vodafone, Orange, or Etisalat. Tourist packages cost £E150-300 for 7-30 days with data. Registration with passport required. Activation is usually immediate. Coverage is good in the Nile Valley and tourist areas, variable in desert regions. WhatsApp is the primary communication method.
Getting There
Main Airports
Cairo (CAI) · Hurghada (HRG) · Luxor (LXR) · Sharm El Sheikh (SSH)
Airport Transfers
Cairo International: No metro connection. Uber/Careem most reliable option (£E200-350 to central Cairo, 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic). Official airport taxi around £E300. Luxor: Taxi to town (£E80-150, 15 minutes). Hurghada/Sharm: Most arrive on packages with transfers; otherwise taxi to hotels.
Local Transport
Domestic flights connect Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh - book on EgyptAir. Trains run along the Nile Valley - first class is comfortable and scenic. Uber and Careem work in Cairo and Alexandria. Cruise ships are the classic way to experience Luxor to Aswan. Avoid local buses and microbuses.
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
October-April for comfortable weather. Summer (June-August) extremely hot. December-January busiest tourist season.
Cultural Notes
Egypt is predominantly Muslim - respect prayer times when shops may close, and during Ramadan, avoid eating in public during daylight hours. Hospitality is paramount - accept offers of tea as refusing can be offensive. Friday is the holy day. Haggling is a social interaction, not confrontation. Egyptians are warm and proud of their ancient heritage.
Insider Tips
Bargain for everything except in fixed-price shops - starting at 30-40% of asking price is normal. Use only licensed tour guides at major sites - they're knowledgeable and prevent hassle. Book Nile cruises well in advance during peak season. Dress conservatively, especially away from resort areas. Carry small bills for tips (baksheesh) - Egyptian pounds are expected.
Dress Code
Modest dress essential. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Swimwear only at pools/beaches.