Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?

Tourist areas (Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts) are heavily policed and safe. Avoid Sinai Peninsula except Sharm el-Sheikh resort areas. Check current State Department advisories before booking.

Do I need shots or medications?

No required vaccinations. Hepatitis A/B recommended. Bring anti-diarrheal medication and stick to bottled water. Malaria risk is minimal in tourist areas.

How much should I tip?

Tipping (baksheesh) is expected everywhere. Guides: $5-10/day. Drivers: $3-5/day. Hotel staff: $1-2 per service. Restaurant: 10-15%. Always have small bills ready.

Can I drink the tap water?

No. Stick to bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Hotels provide free bottles. Buy large bottles at shops for $0.50. Ice in tourist restaurants is usually safe.

How to Plan a Trip to Egypt

Egypt needs 10-14 days minimum to see the main sights. Get your visa on arrival for $25, book internal flights between Cairo and Aswan to save time, and plan for $50-80 per day. October to March is ideal weather.

Get your visa sorted. Most travelers get a tourist visa on arrival at Cairo airport for $25 USD cash. Bring exact change. If you prefer certainty, apply online for an e-visa ($25 + processing fee) at least 7 days before travel.
Book flights between cities. Don't waste time on 12-hour bus rides. Book internal flights: Cairo to Aswan ($80-120), Aswan to Abu Simbel day trips ($200), and back to Cairo. EgyptAir is reliable. Book these before accommodation.
Plan your route: South to North. Start in Aswan (2 days), take a felucca or cruise to Luxor (3 days), then finish in Cairo (4-5 days). This follows the Nile flow and makes logical sense. Add Alexandria (2 days) if you have time.
Book accommodations early. Nile-view hotels in Aswan and Luxor fill up. Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season (Dec-Feb). Budget: hostels $15-25/night. Mid-range: $40-70/night. Luxury: $150+/night.
Hire guides for major sites. The pyramids, Valley of the Kings, and temples are confusing without context. Hire licensed guides: $30-50 for half-day tours. Book through your hotel or Egypt Tourism Authority, not street touts.
Get Egyptian pounds before arrival. ATMs work but often run out of cash. Exchange $200-300 USD at the airport. You'll need cash for tips, small vendors, and entrance fees. Keep small bills handy.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt right now?: Tourist areas (Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts) are heavily policed and safe. Avoid Sinai Peninsula except Sharm el-Sheikh resort areas. Check current State Department advisories before booking.
Do I need shots or medications?: No required vaccinations. Hepatitis A/B recommended. Bring anti-diarrheal medication and stick to bottled water. Malaria risk is minimal in tourist areas.
How much should I tip?: Tipping (baksheesh) is expected everywhere. Guides: $5-10/day. Drivers: $3-5/day. Hotel staff: $1-2 per service. Restaurant: 10-15%. Always have small bills ready.
Can I drink the tap water?: No. Stick to bottled water, even for brushing teeth. Hotels provide free bottles. Buy large bottles at shops for $0.50. Ice in tourist restaurants is usually safe.