Egypt

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Egypt due to terrorism. Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[20-2] 2797-3300; US Embassy in Cairo, 5 Tawfik Diab Street, Garden City, Cairo, Egypt; https://eg.usembassy.gov/; ConsularCairoACS@state.gov

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

20

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 123; Fire: 180; Police: 122

Vaccinations

An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Desert; hot, dry summers with moderate winters

Currency (Code)

Egyptian pounds (EGP)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Plug Type CPlug Type F

Major Languages

Arabic, English, and French widely understood by educated classes

Major Religions

Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 90%, Christian 10%

Time Difference

UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Memphis and its Necropolis - the pyramid fields from Giza to Dashur; Luxor's Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings; Islamic Cairo; Aswan; Deir el-Bahari; Feluccas on the Nile; Abu Simbel; Egyptian Museum; Edfu; Medinet Habu; White Desert; Siwa Oasis

Major Sports

Soccer, tennis, squash, basketball, handball

Cultural Practices

Try to avoid using your left hand to eat or greet people. Hail taxis with your hand extended rather than your thumb up.

Tipping Guidelines

It is customary to tip restaurant staff 10-15% of the bill. Tip taxi drivers around 10% of the total fare and housekeeping staff at hotels around $2 (USD) per day. Tip bellhops loose change for carrying your luggage.

Souvenirs

Papyrus scrolls and art, camel- and pyramid-themed items, copper and brassware, ankh jewelry, shisha pipes, pottery, handmade leather goods, silk, spices

Traditional Cuisine

Ful medames — a stew of cooked fava beans served with olive oil, cumin, and optionally with chopped parsley, garlic, onion, lemon juice, chili pepper, and other vegetable, herb, and spice ingredients; traditionally made in and served from a large metal jug


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Thursday, July 13, 2023