Welcome to Egypt

Channel your inner explorer and discover what Egypt has in store, from the mighty Nile to the iconic pyramids, Pharaonic temples to the rugged Red Sea coast.

Start with the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, site of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Move on to Ramses II’s grand Abu Simbel and the wow-worthy finds of Cairo’s Egyptian Museum. Don’t miss the country’s natural wonders, too, from the mountains to the river, from the desert to the sea.

Haggle with the witty vendors of labyrinthian souks over perfumes and detailed textiles, then take a peaceful moment in a mosque or Coptic church, witnessing centuries-old traditions still revered by modern Egyptians. Sip tea with a local Nubian family in their brightly decorated home near Aswan. Or, go off the beaten path to discover the amazing historical sites of Dendera and Abydos. The treasures you will unveil throughout Egypt will be many.

Unique Facts

• Greater Cairo, with an estimated population of 22 million is the largest city in Africa and the Middle East.
• There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Egypt: Abu Mena; ancient Thebes with its Necropolis; Historic Cairo; Memphis and its Necropolis; Nubian monuments including Abu Simbel and Philae; the Saint Catherine area; and Wadi Al-Hitan, or Whale Valley.
• Ancient Egypt brought the world one of its earliest peace treaties. Negotiated in 1259 BC with the Hittite Empire, it was called the Kadesh Peace Treaty. A copy of the treaty is now housed at the entrance of the Security Council chambers at the United Nations.
• The ancient Egyptians devised the 365-day calendar. A year was 12 months of 30 days each. during the First Dynasty, five additional days were added.

Language

Egypt’s official language is Modern Standard Arabic.

When To Go

The best times to go to Cairo are March and April, and October and November. The high season is December through February.

Airports

Cairo International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Egypt: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Egyptian Pound

Getting Around

Driving in Egypt is hazardous. Intercity roads are generally in good condition, but there are several hazards, including unmarked surfaces, pedestrians, stray animals, sandstorms, fog and unlit vehicles, present on highways.

Reconsider self-driving in Egypt. Use a taxi or hired driver instead.

Public buses and microbuses are not safe.

Driver’s License

Valid driver’s license from country of origin and international driving permit required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Cairo
Consular Section
5 Tawfik Diab Street
Garden City, Cairo
Egypt
Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(20) 2-2797-3300
Fax: +(20) 2-2797-2472
ConsularCairoACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Egypt Tourist Office
Misr Travel Tower
Abbassia Square
Cairo, Egypt
Tel: 2285-4509/284-1970

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 92
Police: 91
Fire: 93

Safety and Security

Do not travel to The Sinai Peninsula, with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air, due to terrorism.

The crime rates in Cairo and Alexandria are moderate. Most criminal acts against travelers are crimes of opportunity, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. Harassment of women remains a serious problem.

Be aware of being overcharged for various services or being victimized in scams common to tourist areas worldwide. Expect to encounter aggressive vendors in urban areas and at tourist attractions.