Egypt Travel Tips: Know Before You Go
Egypt is a place where ancient history and daily life meet. From the Great Pyramid of Giza and the temple-lined Nile cities of Luxor and Aswan to the coral reefs of the Red Sea, Egypt rewards travelers who want archaeology, culture and marine adventure in a single trip. This guide compiles practical tips and site recommendations to help travelers make the most of a visit to Cairo and beyond.
Quick overview and headline sights
Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx, Giza plateau.
Grand Egyptian Museum, the new national museum adjacent to the pyramids; check current visitor access before booking.
Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and the temple of Hatshepsut.
Nile River cruises between Luxor and Aswan for temple and tomb visits.
Red Sea resorts such as Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada for snorkeling and diving on coral reefs.
Need to know before you go
Entry and visa
U.S. citizens require a visa to enter Egypt. A 30-day tourist visa is commonly available on arrival at major entry points for a fee, but rules can change. Confirm visa requirements for your nationality before travel.
Timing and climate
The most comfortable months for touring Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are October through April. Spring and autumn tend to provide the best balance of cooler days and clear light for photography. If traveling for Red Sea diving and beach time, many visitors also travel in spring and autumn for pleasant water temperatures.
Health, safety and practicalities
Passport validity: Passports should generally be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. Confirm specific entry rules well before travel.
Money: The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Major hotels, larger restaurants and many shops accept credit cards and U.S. dollars, but have local cash on hand for markets, tipping and small purchases.
Tipping and bargaining: Tipping is customary in Egypt, especially for guides, drivers and hotel staff. Bargaining is expected in souks and local markets; remain respectful and enjoy the interaction.
Health: Consult a medical professional about routine vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis well before departure when planning Nile cruises or Red Sea excursions.
Local laws and customs: Arabic is the official language. Respect local cultural norms, dress modestly at religious sites and avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, Cairo — luxury riverside option with multiple dining outlets and full spa services.
The St. Regis Cairo, Cairo Corniche — large, full-service luxury hotel with family amenities.
The Oberoi Zahra, Nile cruise option — a luxury river cruiser for multi-night Nile itineraries.
Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh and Rixos Premium Seagate Sharm El Sheikh — Red Sea resorts with strong dive and snorkeling access.
Practical itinerary notes
Cairo and Giza
Allow a full day for the Giza plateau and the Sphinx. Saqqara is a worthwhile half-day visit if you want access to tomb interiors and fewer crowds.
Book a guided visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum or check current access status before planning. The museum has undergone phased openings in recent years; private and guided access options may be offered even when galleries are operating on a limited basis.
Nile cruising: Luxor to Aswan
Typical Nile cruises range from three to seven nights and visit Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s temple and assorted temple complexes. Expect smaller, intimate cruise ships for private or boutique experiences.
Morning and late-afternoon temple visits produce the best light and the least heat.
Red Sea extensions and diving
Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are primary bases for Red Sea snorkeling and diving. Coral gardens and abundant tropical fish make the Red Sea one of the world’s most accessible reef regions. Environmental changes and new developments may affect specific sites, so pick operators that follow sustainable practices.
Tips for first-time visitors
Arrive in Cairo with one or two organized transfers and a short buffer day to recover from long flights before starting heavy sightseeing.
Reserve guided tours for major sites. Guides add historic context and help manage logistics such as museum entry and ticketing.
If planning a Nile cruise, pack light for internal transfers and bring layered clothing for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Keep digital and hard copies of passport and visa documentation. Losing a passport creates major delays, so treat it as the single most important item.
Use reputable dive operators for Red Sea excursions and confirm environmental policies such as reef-friendly sunscreen and no-touch rules.
Who this is for
Arts and culture travelers, families, boutique-hotel guests, digital nomads seeking urban hubs with reliable internet, and anyone who values a mix of archaeology and marine adventure. Egypt offers layers of experience from city museums to desert solitude and underwater reefs.
