What is the best time to visit Egypt?

The best time to visit Egypt depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Pyramids of Giza. Check weather patterns for Africa before booking.

What currency does Egypt use?

Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (£). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in Egypt?

Koshari is one of Egypt's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Ful Medames and Ta'meya (Egyptian Falafel). Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit Egypt visa-free?

9 countries can enter Egypt without a visa, typically for up to 180 days. 115 more get a visa on arrival. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is Egypt safe for tourists?

Egypt is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

Egypt

Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country spanning the northeast corner…

Capital

Cairo

Language

Arabic

Currency

Egyptian pound (£)

Population

107.3M

Timezone

UTC+02:00

Visa-free access

9 countries

Travelling to Egypt

Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia via the Sinai Peninsula. It is.

Egypt is located in Northern Africa, Africa. The capital is Cairo, and the official language is Arabic. The local currency is the Egyptian pound (£). With a population of 107.3M, Egypt is one of the larger country in Africa.

Egypt requires advance visa applications from the majority of travellers. Just 9 passport holders can enter without a visa for stays up to 180 days. 115 more qualify for a visa on arrival. 5 nationalities can apply online through an eVisa portal. Everyone else — 69 countries — must apply at a Egypt embassy or consulate.

Top places to visit in Egypt

Pyramids of Giza

The last standing Wonder of the Ancient World; these 4th-dynasty limestone massifs were engineered with such precision that the Great Pyramid faces true north within three-sixtieths of a degree; enter the Grand Gallery at 8 am; the air is tight and smells of dry dust and ancient stone while the sheer scale of the 50-ton granite lintels overhead creates a crushing sense of antiquity.

Valley of the Kings

A hidden necropolis of 63 royal tombs carved into the limestone of the Theban Hills; the 14th-century BC subterranean chambers retain vivid polychrome reliefs of the Book of Gates; descend into the tomb of Seti I at midday; the heat outside vanishes as you enter a cool; silent world where the ceiling is painted a deep; astronomical lapis lazuli dotted with yellow stars.

Abu Simbel

Two rock-cut temples commissioned by Ramesses II in 1264 BC; featuring four 20-metre statues carved directly into a sandstone cliff; the alignment ensures that twice a year the sun penetrates 60 metres into the sanctuary to illuminate the gods; arrive at 5 am; the pre-dawn light turns the facade a deep; saturated ochre while the desert wind rattles the dry palm fronds in the distance.

The Grand Egyptian Museum

A 21st-century architectural monolith of translucent alabaster and steel housing the complete 5;000-piece Tutankhamun collection; the grand staircase features 87 colossal statues representing 3;000 years of pharaonic rule; stand at the base of the Ramesses II colossus at noon; the glass walls filter the Giza sun into clinical beams that highlight the mirror-polished texture of black granite and red quartzite.

Al-Azhar Mosque

The spiritual heart of Islamic Cairo; founded in 970 AD; features a sprawling white marble courtyard surrounded by five distinct Fatimid and Mamluk minarets; the interior serves as one of the world oldest universities; enter during the Dhuhr prayer; the cool marble floor offers respite from the city heat while the low murmur of students reciting in the shaded riwaqs echoes off the hand-carved arabesque stucco.

Temple of the Oracle of Amun

The 6th-century BC ruins where Alexander the Great sought divine confirmation of his lineage; perched on the mud-brick rock of Aghurmi; the site overlooks a sea of 300;000 date palms; climb the sun-bleached limestone steps at sunset; the salt-lake horizon turns violet as the desert air cools rapidly; the only sound is the rustle of fronds and the distant; sharp call of a kestrel.

See all 20 places in Egypt →

What to eat in Egypt

Ta'meya (Egyptian Falafel)

traditional

Hamam Mahshi

traditional

Explore all Egypt dishes →

Egypt visa requirements

Visa-free

115

Visa on arrival

eVisa / eTA

Visa required

Countries that can visit Egypt visa-free

9 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 180 days.

Asia

Jordan90d

Saudi Arabia180d

United Arab Emirates180d

Visa on arrival in Egypt

115 countries can get a visa at the airport. Bring your passport, a photo, and cash for the fee.

Europe

Asia

Americas

Africa

Oceania

eVisa and eTA for Egypt

5 countries can apply online before travelling. Processing typically takes 1–7 business days.

Europe

Moldova

Asia

India

Before you go to Egypt

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Egypt immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Visa on arrival

If arriving on a visa on arrival, bring passport photos and cash for the fee. Processing takes 15–60 minutes at immigration.

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Currency: Egyptian pound

The local currency is £. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: Arabic

Arabic is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check Egypt's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for Egypt

Select your passport for an instant result.

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Egypt 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore Egypt

20 places, 5 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · Egypt

Egypt — your questions

It depends on your passport. 9 countries can enter Egypt visa-free. 115 more get a visa on arrival. 5 can apply for an eVisa online. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.