Arabic is the official language of Egypt, spoken by the entire population of over 100 million citizens. In urban centers and popular tourist destinations, many locals understand and are fluent in English. In tourist areas, other European languages—such as French, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Italian—are also commonly spoken.
No, it’s not necessary. In urban centers and popular tourist destinations, many locals understand and are fluent in English. Licensed and experienced multilingual tour guides are also available throughout Egypt to conduct private and group tours to museums and archaeological and cultural sites. Additionally, other European languages—such as French, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish, and Italian—are commonly spoken in popular tourist destinations.
Egypt is open to all travelers from around the world. Tourists coming to Egypt are required to have tourist visas, but these are easy to obtain either upon entry or online, depending on your nationality.
Over 180 nationalities qualify for getting a tourist visa upon arrival, provided the passport holder has a valid and used visa for the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Schengen Area (Schengen visa), Japan, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Additionally, 78 nationalities qualify for a visa upon arrival or getting an electronic visa via our portal. You can check the full list of eligible countries and apply and pay for your visa online using Egypt’s Visa online application portal, Egypt Visa; through all Egyptian Consulates; or get your visa upon arrival for 25 USD from the bank counter in the passport control area at the airport.
If you’re travelling to Sharm al-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permit stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must get a visa.
Some nationalities are required to process their visa applications through their nearest consulate ahead of their trip to Egypt.
If your stay exceeds its duration, you will be required to pay a fine before you board your flight.
Egypt’s climate is temperate and has short seasonal transitions, and its moderate winter extends from November to March and summer from May to September. Winters are cool and mild, with certain regions in the south remaining warm year-round, and summers are hot and dry with cooler, more humid weather on the Mediterranean coastline and even less humidity on the Red Sea coastline. Almost every day is a sunny day in Egypt, with average daylight ranging between 10 and 14 hours, depending on the time of year.
Light, loose cotton clothing is highly recommended when visiting Egypt, and a light-medium jacket or windbreaker should be sufficient if you’re visiting during fall or winter. Make sure to pack all your hot and sunny weather essentials: sunscreen, lip balm, a hat, and sunglasses! Carrying a scarf or light cardigan is encouraged, as visitors will be expected to cover their arms and legs when visiting certain landmarks and sites, such as mosques, churches, and synagogues. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for visiting archaeological sites.
If you are planning to visit mosques, churches, or any place of worship in Egypt, bring a headscarf and dress modestly; shoulders and legs must be covered. If you are visiting a fine dining establishment or attending a special event, you should dress accordingly.
If you encounter any problems, please make sure to communicate with your hotel reception desk immediately. If need be, you can call the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ hotline (+2 19654) or send an email to:
Inquiries and complaints will be addressed promptly.
For serious matters, please don’t hesitate to contact the tourism police (126).
Yes, you may ask your tour operator or an officially-authorized travel agency for detailed information regarding domestic flights.
You can purchase entry tickets at the door or online via the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ official website at:
Taking photos and recording videos using any type of camera for personal use (non-commercial purposes) in public areas is allowed—no permits required—and is free of charge.
Taking photos of children is forbidden, and Egyptian citizens can only be photographed after obtaining their written permission.
Using mobile phones, cameras, and video cameras at archaeological sites for personal use is allowed. Taking photos inside museums and at indoor archaeological sites is only allowed if the camera’s flash is disabled.
Circumstances that require a permit:
Using professional equipment—such as professional photographic lighting umbrellas, outdoor artificial lighting gear, and equipment that occupies or blocks public roads—is not allowed without a permit. Photography without a permit is prohibited in certain institutions, including ministries, legislative councils, governmental facilities, police stations, any buildings or sites affiliated to the Armed Forces, and other sovereign and security authorities.
For more information regarding the permits needed for commercial photography and videography at archaeological site and museums, please contact the Cultural Relations Department of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (Sunday to Thursday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm) via:
Phone number: +2 0227354532
Email: [email protected]
