Frequently Asked Questions about Egypt

For most foreign nationals who wish to visit Egypt, a visa for Egypt is required. There are various visa or entry requirements for Egypt, such as applying for an electronic visa (e-visa) or a visa on arrival. Citizens from Germany and other EU countries, for example, can obtain a tourist visa on arrival for 30 days. Whether you need a visa and what category of entry permit you need to apply for depending on the purpose of your trip can be found in the Visa section.

Egypt offers various visas depending on how long you plan to stay and how often you intend to visit the country. You can apply for a single-entry visa for one month or a multiple-entry visa if you plan to travel more frequently. With this visa, you can visit Egypt multiple times within 180 days, but the maximum stay per entry is 30 days. For a vacation, a regular tourist visa is sufficient, but for business trips, you will need to apply for a business visa.

If you need an e-visa, you can easily apply for it online on our website. Citizens of some countries can also obtain a visa on arrival for a short tourist trip. We recommend that you familiarize yourself in advance with the Egyptian visa regulations that apply to your nationality and purpose of travel.

Yes, you can get a visa for Egypt upon arrival at the airport. However, this is only possible if you are a national of a country for which the option of "visa on arrival" is available and can provide a valid return ticket. To avoid unforeseen situations, long queues, and delays at the airport, we recommend that you apply for an e-visa in advance.

The duration of the visa depends on the visa category, the nationality of the applicant, and a number of other factors. For travelers from different countries, a tourist visa for 15, 30, 90, or 180 days may be valid, with the possibility of single or multiple entries.

The electronic visa for Egypt (e-visa) is available to citizens of over 70 countries, including Germany and the rest of Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. However, the e-visa only allows travel to Egypt for tourism, leisure, and sightseeing purposes and is valid for 30 days. For many foreign nationals, a visa on arrival is an alternative. However, we recommend applying for an e-visa online in advance to avoid queues and possible delays at the border crossing.

When traveling to Egypt, it is recommended to observe the usual precautions: Avoid being alone at night, keep valuables in a safe place, use licensed taxis, follow the instructions of local authorities, and avoid political gatherings. Tourists should be particularly careful in crowded places, markets, and public transportation to avoid pickpocketing.

For most tourists visiting Egypt, no vaccinations are required, but it is recommended to be vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus. If the tourist comes from a country where Yellow Fever is prevalent, a corresponding vaccination and certificate may be required. It is important to inform yourself about the current requirements before traveling and consult a doctor about preventive measures.

The main religion in Egypt is Islam, and the majority of the population is Muslim. Although Egypt is open to tourists, it is important to respect local customs. Excessively revealing clothing in public should be avoided, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol in public, especially outside tourist areas.

Health insurance for travel to Egypt is not mandatory but is highly recommended. It can cover emergency medical treatment and transportation in case of severe illness or accidents. Insurance is particularly important if you plan to visit remote areas or engage in active vacations such as diving or safaris. It prevents additional costs in case of unforeseen situations and accidents.

The best time to travel to Egypt is from October to April when the weather is pleasant, especially for sightseeing and excursions. In summer, temperatures can reach extreme values, especially in southern regions and desert areas, which can make travel difficult.

Egypt is considered a relatively safe country for tourists, especially in tourist areas like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. However, it is advisable to take precautions: Avoid remote areas, follow local regulations, and the recommendations of hotels and tour operators. When staying in tourist areas, the risk of potential problems decreases.

Egypt offers a wide range of activities for tourists: Visits to the ancient pyramids of Giza, sightseeing of the temples of Luxor, relaxation on the beaches of the Red Sea, and diving in its coral reefs. History enthusiasts can explore the Cairo Museum, and those looking to relax can take a Nile cruise.

Egypt has many historical and cultural monuments to offer. The Pyramids of Giza, the Luxor Temple, the Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel are the most important. In Cairo, a visit to the Egyptian Museum, the Al-Azhar Mosque, and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar is recommended. Nature lovers can visit desert oases or enjoy the view of the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Tourists can pay with cash and bank cards in major cities, hotels, and shopping centers. It is important to have small bills for small purchases and tips. Currency exchange is possible at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels.

The official language in Egypt is Arabic, but in tourist areas, hotels, and large shops, the staff often speaks English. French can also be heard in some places, especially in old cultural neighborhoods. Knowing basic Arabic phrases can be useful for communicating with locals.

Some of Egypt's best beaches are in Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Dahab, known for their white sand and clear waters of the Red Sea. For diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, the beaches in the Ras Mohammed Reserve area are suitable, where you can see a variety of coral reefs. The coast of the Sinai Peninsula also offers beaches for a secluded holiday away from the noisy resorts.

Taxis, city buses, and shuttle buses are very popular in Egypt for getting around cities. For longer trips, you can use trains that connect the major cities, as well as intercity buses. Riverboats and feluccas on the Nile are frequently used in tourist areas. For convenience, you can also rent a car, but traffic in Egypt is quite dense and may be unfamiliar to visitors.

Egyptian cuisine is full of tasty dishes. Try Koshari, a dish made of rice, pasta, chickpeas, and tomato sauce, or Molokhiya, a soup made of green leaves with garlic and spices. 'Ful medames' and 'tamiya' are the Egyptian equivalents of falafel, enjoyed in street cafes. Desserts like 'basbousa' and 'kunafa' are also worth a try.

Access to the Internet and mobile phones in Egypt is quite advanced. Major mobile operators like Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and Etisalat offer a wide range of plans, including prepaid SIM cards for tourists. Wi-Fi is often available in major cities, tourist areas, and hotels, but the speed and stability of the connection may vary. Connectivity may be limited in remote areas, so it is advisable to inquire in advance about the availability of Internet and mobile phones at planned locations.

Egypt offers a variety of souvenirs such as statues of pharaohs and gods, papyrus products, Egyptian oils and fragrances, cotton fabrics, and carpets. Jewelry and amulets, like the Eye of Horus and the Ankh, are very popular. In the bazaars, you can find pottery, lamps, and copperware. Price negotiations are part of the local culture, so haggling is encouraged.

Drinking tap water in Egypt is not recommended as the quality of tap water does not meet the usual standards and can cause stomach upsets in tourists. It is better to drink bottled water, which can be purchased in stores and hotels. It is also important to use it for brushing teeth and cooking.

For a vacation in Egypt, lightweight, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics is recommended, as well as hats and sunglasses for sun protection. Closed clothing is recommended at religious sites, and a light jacket for evening walks, as it can get cool in the evenings.