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.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
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
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Egypt: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, COVID-19.
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), Christian
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: Tuesday, April 02, 2024
