Do you need a visa for Egypt in 2026? +
Yes. Apply for a tourist e-Visa on visa2egypt.gov.eg for $25, issued within 7 business days, 30-day single entry. $25 visa on arrival also available at all major airports (Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh): bring US dollars in small bills. Passport valid 6 months after return.
How many days do you need in Egypt? +
Minimum 8 days for Cairo (pyramids + GEM) + Luxor + short cruise to Aswan. 10 to 12 days is the optimal format to add Abu Simbel and a comfortable night on each side of the Nile. 2 weeks lets you add 5 days on the Red Sea in Hurghada or Marsa Alam.
When to go to Egypt? +
October to April: the tourist window. December-February are perfect months for Luxor and Aswan (22-28 °C daytime, 12-15 °C at night). March-April and October-November offer an ideal compromise without peak season. From June to September: Luxor hits 45 °C, the Red Sea 38 °C, Nile cruises rare, hotels half-price but conditions tough.
Is Egypt safe in 2026? +
Yes for tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea, Alexandria, Siwa oasis). France Diplomatie formally advises against the Sinai outside the Sharm-Dahab-St Catherine triangle, the Libyan border and the southern western desert. Strong police presence on archaeological sites. Standard vigilance against aggressive baksheesh scams around the pyramids.
How do tips (baksheesh) work in Egypt? +
Baksheesh is institutional: bellhop 20 EGP, driver 50-100 EGP/day, guide 150-300 EGP/day, cruise crew €8-12 per day and per passenger. Keep a reserve of small EGP notes. Public toilets, 5-10 EGP. On sites, guards often offer access to restricted areas for 50-100 EGP: avoid (officially forbidden).
Do you need to book the GEM (Grand Egyptian Museum) in advance? +
Yes since the official opening in November 2025. Ticket 1,200 EGP (~€22) online at visit-gem.com, timed slot enforced (morning recommended for the light in the main gallery). The combo GEM + Giza plateau is the most efficient option. Plan 4 to 6 h on site, real lunch break advised.
Nile cruise: dahabieh or large boat? +
Large boat (150-300 cabins): €60-120/night in 5-star, activities, pool, stops identical to 20 other boats. Sailing dahabieh (5-12 cabins): €200-450/night, intimate atmosphere, stops at confidential temples (Gebel Silsila, El Kab), no engine half the time. For a honeymoon or premium format, the dahabieh has no equivalent.
What should women wear in Egypt? +
Clothing covering shoulders and reaching the knees in ancient sites and Cairo (long t-shirt + light trousers or long skirt, headscarf for mosques). At the Red Sea in international resorts: swimsuit and beachwear accepted on private beaches. On a cruise: casual by day, smart casual by night. Avoid short shorts and tank tops in traditional towns and villages.
