Egypt holidays

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). You can exchange your money for Egyptian Pounds before your trip or use ATMs in major cities and tourist areas.

Major tourist destinations such as Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh are generally considered safe, but you should always check the government’s foreign travel advice for up-to-date safety information before you travel. Remember to take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover you while you’re away. As with any destination, try to be mindful of your valuables and surroundings in crowded areas, respect the local culture, and be wary of unsolicited offers and services.

There are loads of unforgettable things to do on holidays to Egypt. Some must-see experiences include visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, exploring the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak and taking a cruise down the Nile River. Coastal locations have plenty to offer, too, with rich marine life for snorkelling or diving in the resorts of the Red Sea. In the capital, Cairo, you can spend your days wandering through the bustling markets and exploring the Egyptian Museum.

Tipping, known as baksheesh in Egypt, is a common practice. It's customary to tip for services in restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides. A general guideline is to tip around 10 to 15% in restaurants, a few Egyptian pounds for hotel staff, and about 20-50 Egyptian pounds per day for tour guides.

Local restaurants typically serve things like koshari – Egypt’s national dish, which pairs pasta, rice and lentils with fried onions and tomato sauce – and ta'ameya, Egyptian falafel made with dried fava beans. Seafood’s popular in coastal locations, and a local choice for breakfast also features fava beans and is known as ful medames. Save room for dessert if you’ve got a sweet tooth, too – flaky baklava packed with chopped nuts and sticky syrup is on lots of menus.

The best time to visit Egypt for hot weather is during the summer, from April to October. During the cooler months, temperatures may be more comfortable for sightseeing, especially in places like Luxor and Aswan. The height of summer – between June and August – can be extremely hot in those regions.

The flight time from the UK to Egypt varies depending on the destination and any stopovers. A direct flight from London to Cairo typically takes around four hours and 40 minutes. Flights to popular coastal destinations like Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada usually take between five to five and a half hours.

When visiting Egypt, it's important to respect local customs. This means dressing modestly, especially at religious sites, by covering shoulders and knees. Public displays of affection are frowned upon and it’s customary to use your right hand for eating and passing items, because the left is considered unclean. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Always ask permission before taking photos of people and remove shoes when entering mosques or homes. Bargaining is expected in markets but should be done respectfully. When greeting, wait for a woman to extend her hand first if you're a man. Lastly, treat ancient sites with care and follow local guidelines to help preserve these historical treasures.

Egypt offers lots of popular all-inclusive resorts, particularly in coastal areas. Some top choices include TUI BLUE Makadi Gardens in Hurghada, which is an adults-only spot known for its top-quality food offering and luxurious private beach. You can also try Rixos Premium Seagate in Sharm El Sheikh, with its huge waterpark and a pool for every day of the week, or TUI MAGIC LIFE Kalawy in Hurghada, which offers around-the-world dining and a jam-packed activities schedule.

You’ve got plenty of options for active and adventure holidays to Egypt. Luxor is great for hot air balloon rides over ancient temples and exploring the Valley of the Kings, while Aswan offers sailing on the Nile and visits to Nubian villages. Sharm El Sheikh is excellent for scuba diving, quad biking in the desert, and camel rides. Finally, a pilgrimage to Mount Sinai is popular for hiking, especially the night climb to watch the sunrise.

Egypt offers several family-friendly destinations. Sharm El Sheikh is ideal, with its beautiful beaches, waterparks, and family-oriented resorts offering kids' clubs and activities. Hurghada is another excellent Red Sea resort town with similar amenities, plus snorkelling and boat trips. Cairo, while bustling, offers family attractions such as the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and Nile dinner cruises. Finally, El Gouna, a smaller town near Hurghada, is known for its safe, family-friendly environment with calm lagoons and various activities.

When visiting Egypt, dress modestly when exploring local areas by covering shoulders and knees, though beachwear is fine at hotel pools and beaches. During Ramadan, eating discreetly during daylight hours is considerate as locals observe fasting. Asking permission before taking photos of people is polite and appreciated.

Tipping, known as 'baksheesh' in Egypt, is common and appreciated in many situations. In restaurants, a 10% tip is typical if a service charge isn't included. For hotel staff and tour guides, small tips are welcome. We recommend keeping small denominations of Egyptian pounds handy for tipping.

In Egypt, wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially in public areas. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool. Women should bring a scarf to cover their hair when entering mosques. In resorts, more relaxed beachwear is acceptable.

Traditional Egyptian cuisine can be found in local restaurants throughout the country. We recommend trying koshari, a popular street food, in Cairo. In tourist areas, many restaurants offer authentic dishes like molokhia and ful medames. For a special experience, some Nile cruises feature Egyptian cuisine nights. Many resorts also include local dishes in their dining options.

Egypt's Red Sea coast features excellent beaches for relaxation and water activities. Sharm El Sheikh offers golden sands with access to coral reefs for snorkelling and diving, while Hurghada provides long stretches of beach with watersports facilities. Marsa Alam attracts those seeking quieter surroundings with opportunities to see marine life including turtles.

For Egypt, bring lightweight, breathable clothing, beachwear and sun protection including sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring ancient sites and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for visiting mosques. Women should bring a headscarf for religious sites.

Egypt offers diverse shopping experiences. In Cairo, explore the Khan el-Khalili bazaar for traditional crafts and souvenirs. Luxor and Aswan have colourful markets selling spices and textiles. For modern shopping, Cairo and Alexandria have upscale malls. Many resorts also feature shops where you'll find local goods and everyday items.

Egypt offers varied evening experiences across its resort areas and cities. Sharm El Sheikh features hotel entertainment including live music and themed nights, with Naama Bay home to bars and nightclubs. Hurghada provides beachfront venues with music and dancing, while Cairo offers cultural performances including traditional music and belly dancing shows.

When visiting Egypt, you'll need a two-pin European style plug Type C for most outlets. Some places also use the two-round-pin plug Type F. We recommend bringing a Type C adapter for your UK devices.