Imagine stepping off the plane and onto the tarmac in Cairo, the warm desert air brushing your face, the call to prayer floating gently in the background, and within hours you’re standing before the Great Pyramid of Giza. After more than ten years advising travellers on journeys across the world and making several trips myself to Egypt, I can tell you: a trip to Egypt is one of those experiences that stays with you. In this comprehensive Egypt travel guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials — from flying in with EgyptAir (and what to expect), to what you should know before you travel to Egypt, and crucially where and how to get your visa. If you read on, you’ll finish this guide feeling confident to book your flight, arrive, and enjoy your trip without surprises.
Booking Your Flight with Egypt Airlines
When planning your trip to Egypt, one of the first big decisions is how you’ll get there. For many travelers, flying in with EgyptAir is a strong option.
Why choose EgyptAir
EgyptAir is the national carrier of Egypt, offering direct flights to Cairo and other Egyptian cities from many destinations.
Tips when flying EgyptAir
- Seat selection: If you’re tall or prefer extra leg-room, try to select an aisle seat or a bulkhead seat early (preferably when you check-in online).
- Baggage rules: Double check the included baggage allowance. EgyptAir often allows one checked bag in economy, but weight limits may be strict.
- Arrival ports: Flying into Cairo (Cairo International Airport) gives you the most connectivity. But you can also arrive directly into Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh or Luxor if you plan a resort or Nile-cruise style trip.
- Flight timing: Try to arrive during daylight hours if possible. Arriving at night means navigating immigration, luggage and taxis in the dark, potentially adding stress.
What You Should Know Before You Travel to Egypt
This section covers the practical and cultural things you’ll want to know before you jet off. Treat these as the “pre-departure checklist” for your Egypt travel guide.
Passport & Arrival Requirements
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. For example, the UK Government’s foreign travel advice reminds you that an Egyptian passport-control will expect this.
Currency, Payments & Tipping
- The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Many places accept major credit cards but in more traditional markets you’ll need cash.
- Tipping (or “baksheesh”) is common: a guide might expect a small tip, porters at hotels often expect a few Egyptian pounds. In your mind budget a bit extra for this.
- If you carry dollars or euros, it’s wise to exchange some on arrival (or withdraw cash) so you’re prepared for taxis, markets etc.
Health & Safety Basics
- If arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need a vaccination certificate.
- Always keep water with you, especially if you’ll be exploring in the heat.
- Respect cultural norms: Egypt is generally conservative, especially outside major resorts. Dressing modestly in towns and religious sites helps.
- Stay aware of your surroundings; while Egypt welcomes tourists, it’s wise to avoid isolated areas at night and heed local advice about where to travel. The U.S. travel advisory provides more detailed advice around regions like the Sinai Peninsula.
When to Go & What to Pack
- The best months for fair weather are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Summer can be extremely hot, especially inland.
- Pack lightweight cotton clothes, a sun-hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a scarf/shawl if you plan to visit mosques or more traditional places.
- If venturing into the desert or Nile cruises, pack a light jacket — nights can get cool.
Cultural & Local Insights
From my years of travel I’ve learned: greet people with a smile, accept tea (if offered), take time to browse local markets rather than rush them. For example in Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili bazaar I spent a leisurely hour talking with a vendor about papyrus art and he offered a small discount once he knew I appreciated his craft. These moments make the trip richer.
Where to Get a Visa for Egypt
One of the most important topics in this Egypt travel guide: obtaining your visa. Let’s break it down into what you need, how to do it, and real-world tips.
Visa Options & Requirements
Here are the main avenues:
- e-Visa (electronic visa): Many nationalities can apply online in advance here.
- Embassy/consulate: If your nationality requires pre-approval, you may need to apply at an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Typically you’ll need:
- Passport valid for 6+ months.
- Blank passport page for visa stamp.
- Completed application form (for consulate) or online form (for e-Visa).
- Photo (passport size) or digital photo for online application.
- Fee payment: For e-Visa many pay by credit/debit card; for visa on arrival you may need cash (often USD) at the airport.
- Return or onward ticket, accommodation bookings and sufficient funds (depending on your home nationality).
Visa Validity – What to Expect
- Remember: having a visa doesn’t remove your obligation to meet entry conditions, such as a valid passport and acceptable reasons for travel.
Where to Check/Apply
- The Egyptian e-Visa portal
- Your country’s Egyptian embassy or consulate website.
Arriving & Getting Around Egypt
The next chapter in your travel journey begins when you land. Whether flying with EgyptAir or another carrier, here’s what to expect on arrival and how to get around.
Arrival at Cairo or Other Airports
If you arrive via Cairo International Airport (or another major hub), you’ll go through immigration, collect baggage, and pass customs. My arrival at Cairo was smooth though busy — arriving during daylight made it easier to find the taxi ranks.
For resort hubs like Sharm-El-Sheikh or Hurghada, arrival is often more relaxed but still include the same formalities.
Transport from Airport
- Taxis: At major airports there are official taxi stands; agree on a fare or use a meter (if available). I recommend using the official counters rather than random drivers offering outside.
- Ride-sharing apps: In Cairo you can use Uber or local alternatives; they tend to be safer and more predictable than random street hires.
- Domestic flights: If you’re exploring different regions (e.g., Cairo → Luxor → Aswan), flying saves time and is worth considering.
Getting Around Locally
- Metro in Cairo: Cairo has a metro system that is efficient and cheap — great for city travel.
- Coach / bus: For longer distances you can take inter-city coaches.
- Private guide / driver: If you want more comfort and flexibility (especially when visiting remote sites like the Valley of the Kings), hiring a driver or joining a small group tour pays off.
- Cruise the Nile: A highlight for many travelers is taking a Nile river cruise between Luxor and Aswan — one of those must-do experiences.
Travel Time & Distances
Keep in mind: Egypt is larger than many first-time travelers imagine. Going from Cairo to Aswan by road might take 10+ hours; flying can reduce that to one hour. Plan accordingly so you’re not spending all your trip in transit.
What to See & Do – Recommendations from a 10-Year Expert
Now to the fun part of this Egypt travel guide: what you can explore once you’re there. I’ll highlight some of the top experiences and weave in personal stories.
Cairo & the Pyramids
No trip is complete without visiting the Great Pyramid of Giza and the nearby Sphinx. I recall standing there at sunrise, enjoying the quiet before the crowds arrived — pure magic. Also visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (soon to be relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum).
Tip: Go early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds.
Historic Cities on the Nile
- Luxor: Home to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings. I enjoyed watching the sunset over the Nile from the Luxor Temple walls.
- Aswan: More relaxed, great base for visiting Abu Simbel.
- Cruising the Nile: Staying aboard a boat for 2-3 nights is an unforgettable experience: gentle evenings, starry skies and waking up to ancient temples on your doorstep.
Beach Resorts & Relaxation
Egypt offers fantastic beach resorts:
- Sharm El-Sheikh: Excellent for diving/snorkeling, Red Sea coral reefs.
- Hurghada: Another resort choice with easy access.
Relaxation days between active cultural touring are essential — I always give myself at least one “rest day” near the sea after 3-4 days of temples and travel.
Unique Experiences
- Hot air balloon ride over Luxor: Early morning, needing an alarm for 4 am, but the view of temple columns from above at sunrise is breathtaking.
- Bedouin desert trip: In the Sinai or Western Desert, a 4×4 drive, camel ride or overnight camp under the stars adds adventure to your itinerary.
- Local food markets and cafés: In Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili or smaller town bazaars, sampling street-food kafta, freshly squeezed juice or traditional Egyptian coffee is a highlight.
Budget, Costs & Practical Money-Saving Tips
As someone who has helped travelers plan for a decade, I know budget matters. Let’s break down what you’ll likely spend, and how to save without sacrificing experience.
Typical Costs
- Accommodation: You’ll find everything from budget hostels/guesthouses to luxury resorts.
- Food: Local restaurants are often very affordable; high-end resorts cost more.
- Transport & tours: Private drivers and guides cost more but add comfort.
Smart Money-Saving Tips
- Book flights early: Getting your flight with EgyptAir or other airlines early often gives better rates.
- Off-peak travel: Visiting outside peak summer can reduce costs and improve your experience (less heat, fewer crowds).
- Use public transport when possible: In cities like Cairo, the metro is cheap and efficient.
- Negotiate fair fares for private drivers: Ask for an all-inclusive price (fuel + driver) rather than paying per stop.
- Group tours: If travelling solo, sometimes joining a small group tour for a day trip saves money while still giving you flexibility.
Final Tips and Wrap-Up Before You Go
Here are some final pearls to round off your travel-preparation.
Double-Check Before Departure
- Passport validity, visa/paperwork, return ticket.
- Accommodation confirmations.
- Credit cards unlocked for international use + some cash in USD or euros for backup.
- Download offline maps (Google Maps works), local translation or phrase-book apps if helpful.
- Pack a travel adaptor (Egypt uses Type C and F plugs commonly) and check your phone data/roaming options.
On the Ground: Stay Flexible
Travel has surprises. A bus might be delayed, a temple could close unexpectedly, weather might change. In Egypt I once planned an early morning camel trek but the track was flooded after rain — we switched to a beautiful local village visit instead. Flexibility made it memorable.
Remember: the journey matters as much as the destination.
Respect and Awareness
- In religious sites/during Friday prayers dress and act respectfully.
- Avoid discussions about politics if you’re unsure; smile, listen and move on.
- Follow local rules (e.g., no drones without permission). The U.S. travel advisory reminds travellers that some activities may carry legal risk.
The Big Picture
Your trip to Egypt can be one of the most memorable you’ll ever undertake. The sweeping history, the warmth of the people, the contrast between ancient and modern — it all adds up. With this Egypt travel guide, you’re better prepared to enjoy the journey rather than just survive logistics.
So there you have it: a detailed Egypt travel guide covering how to fly with EgyptAir, what you should know before travel to Egypt, and where to get a visa. If you take one piece of advice away: prepare ahead, allow room for wonder, and embrace the unexpected.
If you enjoyed this guide, I encourage you to start planning your trip — check flight options with EgyptAir (or other carriers), apply for your visa early if you can, pick the region(s) you most want to explore (e.g., Cairo + Nile + resort) and build in rest time to soak it all in.
When you land, pause. Take a deep breath. You’re in Egypt — enjoy the moment.
FAQs
Do I need a visa before travelling to Egypt?
It depends on your nationality. Many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa in advance; others can get a visa on arrival; some need to apply at an embassy in advance. Always check the specific entry requirements for your country.
Can I fly with EgyptAir into Egypt and immediately move on to another country without staying?
Yes, you can transit through EgyptAir flights and onward connections, but if you intend to enter Egypt (even briefly) you should ensure you meet the visa/entry requirements and the airline knows your itinerary. If simply transiting airside, you may not need a tourist visa — check your route and connection time.
What areas of Egypt should I avoid for safety reasons?
While most of the popular tourist destinations (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts) are well-visited and generally safe, some regions (notably parts of the northern and central Sinai Peninsula) have security advisory warnings. Always check your government’s latest travel advice before departure.
