Discover Egypt: A Land of History, Adventure and Natural Beauty

Egypt is one of the world’s most fascinating travel destinations, offering an unforgettable combination of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture and warm hospitality. Located in North Africa, Egypt attracts millions of visitors who come to explore its remarkable treasures and experience its unique charm.

One of Egypt’s greatest attractions is its extraord

inary ancient civilisation. Tourists can marvel at the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the magnificent temples of Luxor and Karnak. A cruise along the River Nile provides a relaxing way to discover historic sites while enjoying beautiful scenery and traditional Egyptian life.

Beyond its historical wonders, Egypt offers stunning natural landscapes. The White and Black Deserts feature spectacular rock formations, while the Red Sea coastline is famous for its crystal-clear waters, colourful coral reefs and exceptional diving opportunities. Popular resorts such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are perfect for sunshine, relaxation and water sports.

Visitors can also experience Egypt’s rich culture through bustling markets, delicious traditional cuisine, lively cities and welcoming local communities. Adventurous travellers can enjoy desert safaris, camel rides, hot-air balloon trips and visits to peaceful oases.

With its year-round sunshine, diverse attractions and wide range of accommodation options, Egypt appeals to families, couples, history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Whether exploring ancient monuments, relaxing on golden beaches or discovering the beauty of the desert, Egypt promises a truly memorable holiday filled with discovery, excitement and unforgettable experiences for every visitor.

Generally people favour visiting Egypt between October and April, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing, exploring ancient monuments, enjoying desert adventures and discovering the country’s beautiful landscapes. However others times of the year also offer good opportunities.

Egypt’s Seasons and Weather

Temperatures are approximate and vary considerably between coastal areas, Cairo and southern Egypt.

Best Months for Different Activities

• Historical sightseeing: November to March is ideal for visiting the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

• Desert safaris: October to April offers more comfortable conditions for exploring the White Desert, Black Desert and Siwa Oasis.

• Beach holidays: April, May, September and October are excellent for enjoying the Red Sea resorts.

• Budget-friendly travel: May to September often brings lower hotel prices and fewer tourists, although temperatures can be high.

  

You need to have at least six months validity on your passport beyond the date you plan to exit Egypt at the end of your trip.

• Single-Entry eVisa: Cost is $30 USD (~£28) and valid for a stay of up to 30 days. You must apply online at least 7 days before departure through the official E-visa portal
• Visa on Arrival: Cost is $30 USD in cash at airport bank kiosks. If arriving at Cairo International Airport, digital kiosks/portals allow card payments for $36 USD (which includes a $6 service fee). 
• Multiple-Entry Visa: Cost is $60–$65 USD on the official portal, allowing a collective stay of up to 90 days across a 6-month period.

Egyptian cuisine is a delicious blend of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and North African flavours, offering tourists a wide variety of traditional dishes to enjoy. Egyptian food is known for its fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, hearty meals and affordable prices. Many dishes are made using rice, vegetables, beans, lentils, bread and grilled meats, making the cuisine both flavourful and satisfying.

Tourists visiting Egypt can enjoy everything from traditional street food stalls and lively local markets to luxurious restaurants and international dining experiences. Coastal destinations such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are particularly popular for fresh seafood, including grilled fish, prawns and calamari.

Egypt is also famous for its refreshing drinks, including hibiscus tea, known as karkade, fresh mango juice and traditional mint tea.

Food is an important part of Egyptian culture and hospitality. Visitors are encouraged to sample local specialities, explore authentic restaurants and experience the welcoming atmosphere of Egyptian dining. With its variety of flavours, traditional recipes and affordable meals, Egyptian cuisine is another excellent reason to visit this fascinating country.

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), commonly abbreviated as E£ or LE. One Egyptian pound is divided into 100 piastres.

Egyptian banknotes are commonly available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 pounds, alongside smaller coins.

Money Tips for Tourists

• Cash: Egyptian pounds are useful for shopping at local markets, paying for taxis, tipping and purchasing street food.

• Credit and debit cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and tourist resorts.

• ATMs: Cash machines are readily available in major cities and popular tourist destinations.

• Currency exchange: Visitors can exchange British pounds, euros and US dollars at banks, airports and authorised exchange offices.

• Tipping: Known locally as baksheesh, tipping is customary in Egypt, particularly in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

Travel tip: It is advisable to carry a mixture of cash and cards when visiting Egypt. Keeping smaller Egyptian pound notes is especially useful for tipping, local transport and shopping in traditional markets.

The official language of Egypt is Arabic, with Egyptian Arabic being the most widely spoken dialect throughout the country. Arabic is used in everyday conversations, while Modern Standard Arabic is commonly used in government, education, newspapers and official communications.

English is widely spoken in Egypt’s main tourist destinations, particularly in popular resorts such as Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Cairo and Luxor. Many hotel staff, tour guides, restaurant workers and people working in the tourism industry speak English, making it relatively easy for international visitors to communicate.

Other languages, including French, German, Italian and Russian, are also spoken by some people working in tourism, reflecting Egypt’s popularity with visitors from around the world.

Useful Arabic Phrases for Tourists

Learning a few basic Arabic words can make travelling around Egypt even more enjoyable.

Egyptians are generally welcoming and appreciate visitors making an effort to speak their language, even if it is just a simple greeting or thank you.

Travel tip: Tourists do not need to speak Arabic to enjoy a holiday in Egypt. English is commonly understood in major hotels, resorts and tourist attractions, although learning a few local phrases can help visitors connect with Egyptian culture and enjoy a more authentic travel experience.

Egypt has a well-established healthcare system, offering both public and private medical services to residents and international visitors. The standard of healthcare varies across the country, with modern hospitals and specialist medical centres available in major cities and popular tourist destinations, including Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.

Public and Private Healthcare

Egypt’s healthcare system consists of government-funded hospitals, public health facilities and private medical institutions. Public hospitals provide essential healthcare services, although facilities and resources can vary, particularly in rural areas.

Private hospitals generally offer more modern facilities, shorter waiting times and access to English-speaking medical professionals. For tourists, private healthcare is often the preferred option, especially when seeking medical treatment in major cities or holiday resorts.

Health Advice for Tourists

Visitors travelling to Egypt should take a few simple precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday.

• Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, as tourists must generally pay for medical treatment. Policies should cover emergencies, hospital stays and medical evacuation.

• Vaccinations: Travellers should check recommended vaccinations, including hepatitis A and typhoid, with a healthcare professional before departure.

• Food and water safety: Drinking sealed bottled or properly treated water and choosing freshly prepared, thoroughly cooked food can help prevent stomach illnesses.

• Sun protection: Egypt’s hot climate makes it important to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to intense sunshine.

• Medication: Visitors should bring sufficient prescribed medication in its original packaging, along with appropriate medical documentation, and check Egyptian restrictions before travelling.

Emergency Medical Assistance

Emergency services and specialised medical facilities may be limited in remote desert regions, so visitors planning excursions should travel with reputable tour operators and ensure their insurance covers their activities.

Overall Healthcare Experience

Egypt offers access to a range of healthcare services, particularly in its main cities and established tourist resorts. Although medical standards vary, visitors can generally find suitable treatment for common illnesses and minor injuries in major destinations.

For a safe and worry-free holiday, tourists should arrange comprehensive travel insurance, check vaccination recommendations and familiarise themselves with local medical facilities before travelling.