Trip readiness checklist for Egypt
Egypt's vendors are persistent, its 'free gifts' aren't, and its photography rules are stricter than the postcards suggest. Here's the trip-readiness checklist for Egypt: what to pack, when to go, entry rules for your passport, and the official sources to confirm before you fly.
Build my checklistEntry rules for a US passport
E-visa required
Source: U.S. Department of State, checked September 14, 2026. Other passports get their own answer in the app. Confirm at the official source before you book.
What to pack
Egypt is desert sun, ancient stone, and the Nile. Pack light, modest cover from the sun, sturdy shoes for sandy sites, and more sun protection than you think you need.
Modest, light clothing
Loose cotton that covers shoulders and knees protects from the sun and suits a conservative culture (and mosque visits).
Serious sun protection
Desert sun is relentless — hat, sunglasses, high-SPF, and water.
Sturdy closed shoes
Sand, rubble, and temple complexes are hard on sandals.
A health kit and bottled water
Drink bottled water only; pack basics and talk to a doctor before you go.
When to go
October–April is the comfortable, peak season for sightseeing. Summer (Jun–Aug) is punishingly hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan (though prices drop). Note Ramadan affects opening hours and dining.
Money & getting around
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). Carry cash — many sites, taxis, and small shops are cash-only, and small notes help for tips. Tipping ('baksheesh') is constant and expected for small services. Agree taxi fares up front, and drink only bottled water.
Local quirks worth knowing
Egypt's vendors are persistent, its 'free gifts' aren't, and its photography rules are stricter than the postcards suggest. Forewarned is relaxed.
'La shukran' and keep walking
Vendors are persistent, not dangerous. A firm 'no thank you' with forward motion works; stopping to explain is an invitation.
The turban on your head isn't free
Neither is the camel photo, the 'gift' pressed into your hand, or the shortcut through the tombs. Everything offered has a price — ask it first.
Photography has real limits
No photos of bridges, military, or police. People often expect a small tip for posing — ask before you shoot.
Friday is the holy day
Mosques fill, some businesses pause, and during Ramadan the whole daily rhythm shifts. Check your dates.
A week in Egypt, the list starts here
Quantities scale with your dates, the weather groups arrive once we have your travel days, and your own plans add their gear on Trip Pass.
- Passport & travel documents1
- Phone charger & adapter1
- Wallet, cards & some local cash1
- Toiletries bag1
- Any daily medicationsenough for the trip
- Underwear7
- Socks7
- T-shirts / tops5
What am I forgetting?
A real answer from Trip Happens for a sample week in Egypt, departing in five weeks with a checked bag and nothing packed yet. Yours is built from your own trip.
A week in Cairo, five weeks out, nothing packed yet.
- 1.
Sun cover for desert stone
Your packing list stops at everyday shoes and underwear, and Egypt in late October is still desert sun over open, shadeless sites. Add a brimmed hat, sunscreen and light long sleeves that cover modestly as well as shade you.
- 2.
Cash, in small notes
Much of Egypt runs on Egyptian pounds in cash, and tipping for small services is constant, so large notes leave you stuck. Plan where you'll get EGP and keep a steady supply of small denominations.
- 3.
Entry rules for a US passport
You have five weeks, which is enough time to sort documents but not enough to be casual about it. Check the official Egyptian entry requirements for US travellers, and confirm your passport's expiry date yourself since we never see it.
Entry, advisories & health
These change. Confirm at the official source before you book.
Entry and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Confirm the current rules for Egypt with the official source below before you book.
U.S. State Department travel advisory for Egypt — check the current level and any alerts before you go.
CDC traveler health page for Egypt — recommended vaccines, health notices, and a packing checklist.
Get the full Egypt checklist
Add your dates and passport and we build the complete, checkable list: weather-aware packing, crowd forecasts, entry rules for your passport, and free advisory alerts if anything changes before you fly. Free, no sign-up needed.
Start my trip