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
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
