Egypt 2025 — Travel Guide, Visa, Things to Do

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About

Egypt in 2025 is one of the most dynamic destinations in the Middle East–North Africa region, combining ancient monuments, desert landscapes and booming Red Sea resorts that are busier than ever. Tourism numbers have reached record levels again, helped by new hotels, upgraded museums and improving flight connections from Europe, the Gulf and beyond.

Travel basics and entry
Egypt aims to make entry easier, with many nationalities eligible for online e‑visas or visas on arrival, usually for short tourist stays of around 30 days. Requirements depend heavily on your passport, so travelers must ch...

Cities and Resorts

12°

Egypt

Cairo

16places

Egypt

Cairo

16places

Attractions

Khan el-Khalili Al-Muizz Street Coptic Cairo Ibn Tulun Mosque+12

11°

Egypt

Siwa Oasis

15°

Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh

5places

Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh

5places

Attractions

Tiran Island Ras Mohammed National Park Naama Bay Old Market (Sharm Old Town)+1

12°

Egypt

Marsa Matruh

16°

Egypt

Aswan

4places

Egypt

Aswan

4places

Attractions

Abu Simbel Temple of Kom Ombo Philae Temple Nubian Village

15°

Egypt

Hurghada

5places

Egypt

Hurghada

5places

Attractions

Hurghada Marina El Gouna Giftun Island Mahmya Island+1

15°

Egypt

Luxor

6places

Egypt

Luxor

6places

Attractions

Temple of Abydos Karnak Temple Valley of the Kings Temple of Esna+2

13°

Egypt

Alexandria

2places

Egypt

Alexandria

2places

Attractions

Bibliotheca Alexandrina Qaitbay Citadel

What to See

Museum

Khan el-Khalili

Egypt

Architecture

Al-Muizz Street

Egypt

Religious

Abu Simbel

Egypt

Religious

Coptic Cairo

Egypt

History

Temple of Abydos

Egypt

Museum

Hurghada Marina

Egypt

Religious

Ibn Tulun Mosque

Egypt

Religious

Karnak Temple

Egypt

viewpoint

Cairo Tower

Egypt

Museum

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Egypt

History

Temple of Kom Ombo

Egypt

Entertainment

El Gouna

Egypt

Nature

Tiran Island

Egypt

Nature

Ras Mohammed National Park

Egypt

History

Nilometer

Egypt

Nature

Giftun Island

Egypt

History

Pyramids of Giza

Egypt

Religious

Al-Azhar Mosque

Egypt

History

Dahshur Pyramids

Egypt

History

Great Sphinx

Egypt

History

Valley of the Kings

Egypt

Religious

Philae Temple

Egypt

History

Qaitbay Citadel

Egypt

History

Cairo Citadel

Egypt

Beach

Mahmya Island

Egypt

Beach

Naama Bay

Egypt

Entertainment

Senzo Mall

Egypt

History

Saqqara Necropolis

Egypt

Religious

Muhammad Ali Mosque

Egypt

Museum

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Egypt

Entertainment

Old Market (Sharm Old Town)

Egypt

History

Temple of Esna

Egypt

Architecture

Baron Empain Palace

Egypt

Museum

Egyptian Museum

Egypt

History

Temple of Dendera

Egypt

Religious

Luxor Temple

Egypt

Entertainment

Soho Square

Egypt

History

Nubian Village

Egypt

Things to watch out for

Use Uber/Careem instead of street taxis — fixed prices, GPS tracking, safer.

Beware of 'free' services (camel photos, 'gifts') — they will demand money after. Firmly say 'La, shukran' (No, thanks).

faq.title

faq.subtitle Egypt

Yes, but you can get it on arrival at the airport for $25. E-visa is also available. Stay period is 30 days.

Egyptian Pound (EGP). Dollars and euros accepted in tourist areas but at poor rates. Better to exchange at banks.

Resort areas (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) are safe. In Cairo and Luxor, take normal precautions. Avoid demonstrations.

October-April is ideal. Summer is very hot (up to 45°C). Beach holidays year-round, sightseeing better in winter.

Budget: $30-50/day. Mid-range: $80-150/day. All-inclusive from $50/night. Tours $30-100. Restaurant meals $5-15.

No mandatory vaccinations. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Drink only bottled water.

Local SIM cards (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat) from $5 with data. Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes. 4G works well in cities.

Sunscreen, hat, modest clothing for temples, comfortable shoes, stomach medicine.

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Egypt

Use Uber/Careem instead of street taxis — fixed prices, GPS tracking, safer.

Drink only bottled water. Avoid ice, raw salads and street food from questionable places.

Have small bills for tips (10-50 EGP). Bargain at markets — initial price is usually 2-3x inflated.

Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques (shoulders and knees covered). Women recommended to wear headscarf in religious places.

Beware of 'free' services (camel photos, 'gifts') — they will demand money after. Firmly say 'La, shukran' (No, thanks).

Women: avoid solo taxi rides at night, don't let hotel staff enter room when alone. Share your location with family/friends.

Official Websites

Useful links

Official Website Tickets

Connectivity & Internet

Average Speed40 Mbps

4G Coveragegood in cities and tourist areas

SIM from Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat or WE costs $5-15 for 10-30GB. Available at airports (24h). VoIP may be restricted. Coverage along Nile is good.

Electricity

Voltage:220VV

Frequency:50HzHz

⚡

European plugs Type C and F. Voltage 220V. Standard European-style system. US/UK travelers need adapter

Useful Apps

Uber

Ride-hailing with fixed prices. Works in Cairo and Alexandria. Safer and cheaper than street taxis.

Careem

Ride-hailing working across Egypt including resorts. Owned by Uber. Also food delivery.

inDrive

Ride-hailing with price negotiation — you offer a price, driver accepts. Cash only. Often cheaper than Uber.

Google Maps

Talabat

Food delivery. Largest service in Egypt. Works in major cities and resorts.

Main messenger in Egypt. Locals prefer it over email and calls. Contact hotels, guides, drivers.

Local Transport

Operators: Go Bus, Blue Bus, Super Jet, West Delta

Booking: gobus.com.eg, bus stations

Popular Routes

Cairo-Luxor9-10h

EGP 370-620

Cairo-Hurghada5-6h

EGP 250-465

Cairo-Alexandria2.5-3h

EGP 155-310

Cairo-Sharm El Sheikh6-7h

EGP 310-560

Egypt distances are huge—flying recommended for Luxor/Aswan. EgyptAir from EGP 1,395 ($45). Cairo to Luxor: bus 10h (EGP 370/$12) vs flight 1h15min (EGP 1,395/$45). Buses comfortable—Go Bus best with AC. Trains cheap but slow and often delayed. Cairo Metro dirt cheap (EGP 6-15/$0.20-0.50). Uber/Careem work in Cairo. Book Go Bus online.

Getting Around

Health

Tap Water✗ Not safe

InsuranceRecommended

Recommended coverage: $50,000

Should include: medical evacuation

Recommended Vaccinations

Hepatitis ATyphoidHepatitis BPolio boosterRabies

No mandatory vaccinations (except Yellow Fever if arriving from endemic countries). Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Drink only bottled water. Don't swim in fresh water (schistosomiasis risk). Travel insurance with evacuation strongly recommended.

Emergency Services

Universal

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Tourist Police

Traffic Police

Universal emergency number 112 has been active since 2022. Tourist police (126) speak English and assist foreigners. Ambulances are unreliable — better to take a taxi to hospital.

Local Cuisine

🌱$

Hummus

Chickpea dip with tahini and olive oil

🌱$

Kushari

Egyptian national dish with rice, pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce

🌱$

Falafel

Deep-fried chickpea balls, Egyptian style

Kofta

Tipping

Expected

Local term: Baksheesh

Restaurants

10-15%

Taxi

Round up fare

Hotels

Porter20-50 EGP per bag

Housekeeping20-50 EGP per day

Concierge50-100 EGP for special service

Tours

Guide (per day)100-200 EGP per person

Driver (per day)50-100 EGP per person

Tipping (baksheesh) is essential in Egypt. Expected everywhere. 10-15% restaurants. Small tips for many services. Part of culture.