How to Plan a Trip to Egypt: Frequently Asked Questions

Egypt is open to American visitors.

Travelers will need a 30-day, single-entry visa which can be obtained upon arrival. The government may change restrictions or requirements for entering Egypt at any time, making it essential to check the status of these before departure.

Discover other parts of the world you can travel to restriction-free with our guide on Where Americans Can Travel Right Now

Learn more: Plan Your Trip to Egypt

The best time to visit Egypt is from mid-October to April, when the weather is milder and spending time in the desert and at monuments and markets is more comfortable.

January and February see many visitors wandering the country’s sites and Nile cruises are at their peak. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are quieter and a wonderful time to explore cities and sites.

While summer can be hot in the desert, it can also be a great time to visit Egypt if you prefer smaller crowds. Visitors to Egypt at this time can combine historical must-sees with coastal gems along the Red Sea. It is important to note that Nile cruises usually cease during June and July.

Learn more: Best Time To Visit Egypt

To truly explore Egypt’s many wonders, a minimum seven- to 10-night stay is recommended, offering the chance to experience the charm of Cairo and some historic must-sees.

Discover Cairo’s highlights over three to five nights or extend your time to 10 nights so you can uncover the mysteries of the Valley of the Kings and Queens and spend time cruising the Nile River.

Egypt offers visitors the chance to explore deserts and beaches, with diving, snorkeling and relaxation from Hurghada to Sharm el Sheik requiring an extended stay.

Learn more: Egypt Tours & Vacation Packages

Here is a list of some of the most popular destinations:

• Cairo
• Luxor
• Aswan
• Abu Simbel
• Alexandria
• Sharm el Sheik
• Hurghada

Egypt’s treasures are varied and combining city, desert, and Nile River highlights will ensure you get to experience the best of this incredible country. Our Best Places to Visit in Egypt can give you more information on what to see during your trip.

Our Egypt travel specialists have compiled recommendations for any length of trip. Below is a short list of must-see destinations, with various experiences you can enjoy:

• Explore the Egyptian Museum to view the exceptional display of antiquity
• Discover the great history of Cairo and ancient Saqqara and Memphis
• Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza
• Wander labyrinthine-like medieval lanes at Khan el-Khalili souk
• Discover the size of the Temple Complex of Karnak and view stellar designs
• Traverse the renowned Valley of the Kings to find 63 tombs, including that of Tutankhamun
• Delight in the layers of history embodied in the Luxor Temple
• Discover numbered plaques and reconstructed buildings that date back to 3000 BC
• Delight in sensational views and ancient honeycombed tombs
• Relax on splendid beaches along the southern Mediterranean or Red seas

Egypt is a destination with exciting activities for every type of traveler and you can find more options and information on the right experience for you with our Top Things to Do in Egypt.

A Nile cruise is like a floating hotel through history, and remains a highlight of any Egyptian itinerary. Spending three or four nights on a Nile cruise, and knowing what to expect on your journey, will ensure you don’t miss a single experience.

Capture the wonders of ancient Egypt from the deck of your luxury river boat or classic dahabiya as you float up or down the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan. Sunrise welcomes dramatic scenes from the river banks and sunset silhouettes temples and villages teeming with history and culture.

Day excursions take you from your boat to well-known sites and must-see destinations such as Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, or Aswan Dam. Marvel at modern engineering as you pass through the Esna Lock, embrace traditional entertainment, and enjoy outstanding Egyptian cuisine as you relax in your floating hotel.

Ancient relics and tales from Egyptologists are fascinating, making the country a great destination for families.

Planning ahead and limiting movement will ensure young explorers are kept entertained, while avoiding long days. Enjoy the magic of the pyramids and the mystery of temples and tombs, and relax on sunny beaches.

For older children and multi-generational families, consider cruising down the Nile for a couple of nights, stopping off to uncover more of Egypt’s mysteries.

Take a look at our Family-Friendly Tour of Egypt for ideas on how to spend time with your family or find inspiration with our Top Things to Do in Egypt with Family.

Egypt is a good destination for senior travelers, offering a slow pace if desired and private guidance, which helps visitors fully capture each detail of the country’s intriguing past.

By exploring from Cairo to the Red Sea’s coastline, seniors can take their time at popular temples and must-see sites.

Break your journey with a relaxing Nile cruise, taking in lectures and enjoying local entertainment as the scenic river banks offer insight into daily life. To find out more, take a look at our Egypt Tours for Seniors.

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in Egypt for Seniors

Egypt is definitely a romantic destination, with options from Cairo city stays to Nile River cruises on a Dahabiya.

An ancient Egyptian ambiance can be had in classic hotels or at temples and monuments dedicated to lovers of days gone by. Let Egyptologists decipher delightful poems and stories of romance.

Experience a spa treatment like no other, the window in front of you offering scenic views as you float along the famous, lazy river, capturing incredible in a destination far different from home.

Egypt is safe for travelers. A mixture of high-quality accommodations, customized and private tours, and local authorities help travelers stay safe.

Advice from locals will give you the best chance of a unique experience. Guides are often happy to offer recommendations on delicious and safe restaurants or specific neighborhoods to visit after a tour ends

Visitors also find comfort in knowing how guides, travel specialists, and local authorities work together to stay informed about local and regional safety. Adhering to their expert advice and guidance will ensure your trip is enjoyable and comfortable.

Your level of accommodations and guided experiences are of the best standards and while personal medical concerns and medications should be considered when packing for your trip, there are no specific health warnings in Egypt.

Drinking bottled water is a must throughout and your hotels and guides will ensure you have all you need. Quality cuisine and local delights can be enjoyed comfortably, with a variety to choose from wherever you go.

Be sure to pack mosquito repellent if traveling in the summer and sunscreen no matter when you go.

The most convenient airport to fly in and out of is Cairo. It is also the busiest in the country, with Hurghada Airport (HRG) close behind. The top active airports in Egypt are:

• Cairo International Airport (CAI)
• Hurghada Airport (HRG)
• Sharm El Sheikh Airport (SSH)
• Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport (HBE)

Each day may present a new way to explore the country. However, the standard way to get around is by luxury, air-conditioned coaches and short flights between prominent destinations.

Combine your Cairo experience with time in Aswan and Luxor, connecting by air. Travel between the latter on a Nile cruise and take advantage of quick air hops to key locations such as Abu Simbel.

From camel rides near the great Pyramids of Giza to hot-air balloons over the Valley of the Kings, discovering Egypt’s vast highlights by different means is an adventure in itself.

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (E£)

US dollars are widely used throughout Egypt, with ATMs and foreign exchange bureaus located in major cities and towns across the country. Major credit cards are also used in hotels and aboard Nile cruises; your guides can assist with any transactions or questions you may have at your destination, as well.

Be sure to have a few singles or small bills on you, as this is perfect for tipping and buying souvenirs in areas that may not have change for larger denominations. You may be given change in Egyptian Pounds.

A tourist visa is required for entry into Egypt.

However, US citizens are given a renewable single-entry visa for 30 days upon arrival at an Egyptian airport. A multi-entry visa is also obtainable for those who may include other country destinations during their trip, such as to Jordan or Israel, before returning.

Your Zicasso Egypt travel specialist can give you more information in regards to visas and the visa process should anything change between the planning process and your trip.

Our Egypt Tours & Vacation are a collection of curated trips where you can get a better idea of what your itinerary may look like.

You can select a sample trip that aligns with your ideal vacation, be it a family trip, honeymoon, adventure tour, or something else. These sample trips are often a stepping stone from which our travelers create unique itineraries.

When you are ready, you can complete a Trip Request to begin planning your vacation. We ask for more information on where you would like to go, how long you would like to spend in Egypt, the size of your party, and traveler ages to help streamline your planning.

You can also provide additional ideas and set a travel budget, after which our Travel Care team will contact you to match you with a top Egypt travel specialist. Our Egypt travel specialists will use their expertise and understanding of your preferences to curate your dream vacation.

Learn more: How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip in 4 Easy Steps • How to Plan Your Zicasso Trip Budget in 3 Easy Steps

Egypt embodies the wonder of the ancient world and the hum of contemporary life. From pyramids to pharaohs' tombs, enticing oases to distinctive Coptic Christian architecture, you can find a blend of cultures in Egypt’s layered heritage.

Egypt Tours & Vacation has sample itineraries that can help inspire your trip or discover helpful tips for planning your trip with Zicasso’s Egypt Travel Guide.