Egypt History & Red Sea Holiday

Good to Know

Travel Information

Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information

We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Egypt.

To enter Egypt, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive, and at least one blank page. British passport holders normally need a visa – if staying under 15 days at resorts in Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba you'll get a free entry permission stamp on arrival instead, but travelling outside the resorts or staying longer requires a visa, obtainable online in advance as an e-visa (valid up to 3 months), through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK, or on arrival at approved airports for $25 cash (valid up to 30 days).

You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. It is illegal to encourage people to convert to Christianity or any other religion. During Ramadan, it is culturally insensitive to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours, or to play loud music, dance or swear in public. Police check ID regularly and may detain you if you cannot show your passport and visa (a digital or paper copy is fine). Public displays of affection beyond holding hands are frowned upon. Drinking alcohol anywhere other than licensed premises or certain tourist resorts is illegal, and possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence that can lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty, even for small amounts. A permit is required to bring in professional photography or filming equipment. Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised, but LGBT+ people have been prosecuted under 'debauchery' laws.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccine recommendations and health risks for Egypt, and make sure you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation. If travelling with prescription medication, carry a letter from your GP confirming the condition being treated, the amount you're carrying, and that it's for personal use only. Emergency numbers: Ambulance 123, Fire 180, Police 122, Tourist Police 126.

What to Bring

Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, long sleeves/trousers for sun protection and modesty at cultural sites, a hat or cap, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, a light scarf or shawl for sand protection and temple etiquette, swimwear if your excursions involve water activities, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a type C/F travel adapter for Egyptian sockets.

Notify your bank before you travel so your card isn't flagged for suspicious activity – ATMs are plentiful in major cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, including at major airports.

While You're There

The currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP/E£). You can bring up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds into or out of Egypt, and must declare foreign currency worth more than $10,000 on arrival – there is no limit on the amount of foreign currency you can bring.

You may be denied entry if your gender expression or physical appearance does not match the sex marker in your passport or passport photograph. There are strict customs rules on goods brought into or out of Egypt, including declaring high-value electronic devices and recording equipment – check the current regulations before you travel.