What are the rules for tourists in Egypt? A Complete Guide

Travel to Egypt to have an exhilarating experience but understanding and respecting the rules and the customs is necessary for a successful trip. What are the rules for tourists in Egypt? We will help you to have a memorable journey and provide you with all the requirements, customs, prohibitions and permissions, and some advice for you as a tourist in Egypt. Join Egypt Tours Group as our blog will help you with all you need, an

d you will also find the most suitable itinerary to Egypt with the best price. 

Types of Visa and Entry Requirements

Before you take any steps, you should ask “What are the rules for tourists in Egypt?” Obtaining the correct Visa is one of the most essential rules for tourists in Egypt 

Egypt Tourist Visa : Valid for 90 days from the issue date permitting you to spend 30 days in Egypt. The two options of Single and Multiple Entry Visas are available. 

Here are Egypt Tourist Visa requirements and some tips to obtain your

 Egypt tourist visa:

• Online (e Visa): you should apply at least 7 days before departure, you will pay online by credit or debit card. 
• Visa on Arrival: Available only for certain nationalities, you will apply for your visa when you arrive at the airport, and you will pay in cash. 
• Embassy or Consulate application: From the nearest Egyptian Embassy, you can apply for your visa. It takes from 2 to 7 days to be processed. 

Business Visa:

• Valid for 30 days, with single-entry and multiple-entry options. 
• You can apply for it from the Embassy, you need to submit a completed application, valid passport, an invitation letter from your Egyptian employer or partner, and a proof of accommodation. It takes up to 10 days to be processed. 

Student Visa:

• Its validity depends on the duration you will stay. 
• You can apply for it at the Embassy, you will need a valid passport, an acceptance from the educational institute you will study at, proof of accommodation, proof of sufficient funds. 

Work Visa:

• Its validity depends on the duration of your contract. 
• You can apply for it from the Embassy, you will need a valid passport, a job offer letter from the Egyptian employer, proof of qualifications, and any additional documents as required by the Egyptian authorities.  

Transit Visa:

• A short time visa, only for a few days according to the length of the layover. 
• You can get it from the embassy, you will need a valid passport, a completed visa application form, proof of onward travel, and sometimes proof of accommodation. 

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Entry Requirements for Egypt 

In answer to the question of what are the rules for tourists in Egypt? So, in addition to the Visa, travelers to Egypt need some other requirements to be allowed to enter Egypt 

•  Passport: 

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the departure time and containing at least two blank pages. 

• Health Certificate: 

The vaccination certificate against the yellow fever virus disease. It is obligatory only for citizens travelling from countries with yellow fever risk. 

•  Other Required Documents: 

The documents list includes the return ticket, financial proof (credit card or bank statement) and accommodation proof. Travellers participating in or hosting business activities in Egypt are asked to bring business-related documents (cover letter or business invitation). 

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Respecting the Egyptian Dress Code 

Egypt is a Muslim Country, so you must follow the answers of “what are the rules for tourists in Egypt?” One of them is that you should dress modestly especially when visiting religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders and knees.  

Swimming wear must be suitable at beaches and pools and not to be worn at public places. 

Understand Local Etiquette and customs 

• Respecting personal space and boundaries is one of the answers for “What are the rules for tourists in Egypt?”, and avoid public displays of affection by kissing or hugging. Shaking hands is a common greeting.  
• One other answer for “What are the rules for tourists in Egypt?” The following involves photography. Always ask for consent before taking pictures of locals and be mindful that photography is often restricted in areas like military installations, airports, and even some museums. 
• When you are visiting a mosque, you should remove your shoes before entering. Women should cover their heads with a scarf, and everyone should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Keep silent or speaking in a low voice while in the mosque is also essential to show respect.  

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Be Mindful of Local Laws and Avoid Prohibited Activities 

•  During your visit to Egypt, you must respect the Egyptian law even if it is not familiar to you as it strongly matches “What are the rules for tourists in Egypt?”.
• You mustn’t use any kind of drugs, or you will be punished by fine or imprisonment.  
• You should keep your public behavior quiet and polite, by keeping your clothes modest and not causing any public intoxication or you will be arrested.  
• Alcohol is available in some restaurants and hotels, but it’s better not to consume it in public. 

Tipping Culture in Egypt (Baksheesh) 

Baksheesh is very common in Egyptian Culture. 

• At restaurants, tipping is about 10%- 15% if the service charge is not included. 
• Tipping for guides and drivers is an appreciation for them. It is around $50 to $100 according to the service quality. 
• At hotels, tipping porters or cleaning staff around $10- $20 per service is typical. 

Avoid Political Discussions 

As a tourist in Egypt, you must follow “What are the rules for tourists in Egypt?” By not taking part at any political events such as protests or demonstrations or you will be arrested or fined as political stability is a very sensitive and important topic and law prohibits foreign nationalities from participating at any political engagement. Photography of protests during your accommodation can lead to detainment or deportation.  

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Traveling Around Egypt: Public Transportation Rules 

Taxies and ride hailing apps: Ride hailing apps are common in Egypt like Uber and Careem. It’s a safe, private, convenient way to get to your destination. Taxies are available all over Egypt, but you should negotiate the fare before starting your trip not to be cheated. Women should ride back and avoid engaging extensive conversations with the drivers.  

Public Buses and Trains: Public transportation is available all over Egypt all the time, but you should be aware of the crowdness. Women should use the women- only train carriages on the metro to avoid being confused. 

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Respect for Historical Sites 

Egypt is considered as a massive open- air museum including nearly half the antiquities of the world. So, you should respect its historical sites and keep the monuments intact.  

Here are some of “What are the rules for tourists in Egypt?”:  

• Don’t touch you shouldn’t touch monuments, statues, and artifacts. Even the simple touch may cause harm to the antiquities.  
• Stay on Marked Paths: you should stay on your marked path while wandering at the monuments and discovering them to avoid damaging them.  
• No Flash Photography: photography may be permitted at many sites, but flash is prohibited at museums and tombs as it may cause damage to the artifacts. 

Be Aware of Scams and Overcharging 

Egypt is the most favorable destination for tourists. It is safe and affordable. Here is some advice not to be overcharged:  

Don’t deal with unofficial guides offering to accompany you in the busy tourist areas, it’s best to hire a licensed one thought your hotel or the tourist agency that you confident.  

When you go to buy souvenirs, try to bargain as it’s common in Egypt. But always use nice words and smile while bargaining to gain the seller’s acceptance.  

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Health and Safety Precautions 

Here are some precautions to keep safe and healthy:  

• Only use the bottled water as the tab water in Egypt is not safe for use even for the locals. Bottled water is available at all the markets or kiosks. It’s best for you to brush your teeth with this water to avoid stomach issues.  
• The Egyptian sun is very hot especially during summer months so you should wear sunglasses, light clothes, and use sunscreen. You also should keep hydrated all the time, especially when discovering the outside monuments like the pyramids and Valley of the Kings.  
• When it’s related to food, Egypt has a very tasteful cuisine, but you should select fresh, well cooked, and cleanly prepared meals. Avoid street food, uncooked Vegetables, or unknown source meals. 

Money Matters: Currency and Payments 

• Before you travel to Egypt, you should know that the Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency in Egypt. Most of the markets and small shops still deal with cash, not by credit or debit. So, you should have some cash money for markets or even for tipping.  
• When you want to exchange your local currency to Egyptian Pounds, you should do this from the banks or currency exchange centers, but not from the street. 
• Credit cards or debit cards can be accepted at large hotels or restaurants but small shops or cafes deal only with cash money, so you should have some cash money with you as this will help you a lot in several situations. 

Connectivity and SIM Cards 

  In Egypt, it’s too easy to stay connected as there are several mobile service providers presenting tourist SIM cards. When you arrive at the airport, you can get a local SIM card, or you can buy it from mobile agencies. Having a local SIM and a phone with internet will make several things easy for you; you can use Google maps, translation, ride hailing apps, and other more things through your accommodation. 

Women Traveling in Egypt 

Egypt is a safe country for both genders, but women should take certain precautions to stay safe and convenient.  

• Women should dress modest and respectable clothes to avoid any confusion or unwanted attention.  
• Women should also avoid walking alone at night as it not safe for them.  
• Being resolute in any unwanted or unacceptable situation is acceptable. You should be firm and say stop to anyone who confuses you.  

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Emergency Contacts and Tourist Police 

There is a dedicated tourist police force in Egypt existing at the tourist areas to assist the tourists with their problems and issues from scams to lost items. They wear a distinctive uniform to easily recognize them. If you have any problem or issue and need some help, you can easily without hesitation ask them for help.  

Tourist Police Number: 126 

Emergency Services: 122 (Police), 123 (Ambulance), 180 (Fire Department) 

Cultural Sensitivity and Language 

Egyptian speak Arabic, but many of them can speak basic English especially at the tourist areas. You can learn a few basic words in Arabic to engage in friendly conversations and build a rapport with them like “Salam” means “Hello” and “Shokran” means “Thank you”. In Egypt, you will be welcomed and friendly treated.  

You should call elder people “Haja ” for female and “Haj” for male to show respect for them. 

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Additional Travel Advisory to Follow 

  As of November 11, 2024, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) presents the following travel guidance for Egypt: 

• Egypt-Libya Border: Avoid travelling within 20 km, El Salloum is excepted (essential only); active military operations are ongoing. 
• North Sinai: Avoid travelling because of the high risk of criminal activity and terrorist attacks. 
• Northern South Sinai: Essential travel is only north of the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road (excluding coastal areas); permits are required for 4WDs. 
• Red Sea Tourist Areas: Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam are safe; security checks are routine. 
• Eastern Ismailiyah Governorate: Essential travel only east of the Suez Canal; military operations and checkpoints forbid access. 
• Western Desert: Essential travel only, excluding key tourist sites; permits and guides required. 
• Al Bawiti-Siwa Road: Avoid travelling; the road is closed and controlled by military checkpoints. 
• South-West Border Areas: A permit is required because of the presence of bandits and armed groups near the Sudan and Libyan borders. 
• Hala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil: Essential travel only; they are disputed or unclaimed areas. 

Egypt Customs Regulations 

Egypt has customs regulations for national security purposes and some other reasons. Every traveler must adhere to them, or they will be exposed to punishment. Here are a few Egypt border regulations to consider:  

1. Verifying Identity: By Checking your travel documents such as passport, Egypt visa, and the other required documents, the Egyptian Officials can verify your identity.  
2. Prohibited Items: Prohibited Items differ from country to other, so you should check the list of Prohibited Items to Egypt such as explosives, drugs, fireworks, firearms, narcotics, antiques, and food products.  
3. Currency Declaration: You must get a declaration for your currency to enter Egypt. The limit of currency you have is $10000 or the equivalent foreign currency. You should look for the latest updates and follow them.  
4. Security and Baggage Checks: Every traveler is obligated to be checked upon their arrival in Egypt. All your baggage and luggage will be checked.  

List of Prohibited Items: Here are some prohibited items that cannot be brought to Egypt or carried out or you will expose yourself to punishment:  

• Illegal drugs 
• Weapons, explosives, firearms and fireworks 
• Drones (without permission)  
• Antiques 
• Toxic substances and chemicals  

List of Restricted Items: The restricted items fall under the category of items that travelers are allowed to bring or take but are limited in terms of their quantity or under certain conditions and such. 

• One liter of liquids or alcoholic 
• 100 mg of cosmetics items 
• 25 cigars and 200 cigarettes 
• 200 grams of tobacco 
• Lithium batteries up to 100-160 Wh 
•  Agricultural seeds 
• Food products 

Conclusion 

Egypt is an astonishing destination that promises to be an unforgettable experience for every visitor. By understanding the Egyptian rules for tourists, you can help preserve its rich history and culture while enjoying a stress-free adventure. From respecting local dress codes and avoiding political discussions to ensuring proper conduct at historical sites, these guidelines will help you make the most of your time in this beautiful country. By adhering to these rules, you not only safeguard your own comfort but also contribute to a positive perception of tourists, paving the way for future travelers to enjoy all that Egypt has to offer. 

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 FAQ: 

What are the unspoken rules in Egypt? 

In Egypt, people are very friendly and respectful. It’s important to greet others politely and show respect to older people. If someone offers you food or drink, it’s nice to accept or thank them kindly. Dress modestly, especially in local areas, and avoid hugging or kissing in public. People expect small tips in many places, and you should bargain when shopping in markets. Time is not always exact, so being late is common. Egyptians like to ask personal questions, but it’s usually just friendly. Family is very important, and most people put their families first. 

Do and don’ts in Egypt? 

Do’s: 

Greet people politely. 

Respect older people. 

Dress modestly. 

Smile and be friendly. 

Tip for small services. 

Bargain in markets. 

Say “Insha’Allah”. 

Accept tea or food kindly. 

Don’ts: 

Don’t hug or kiss in public. 

Don’t wear revealing clothes. 

Don’t speak badly about religion or family. 

Don’t take photos of people without asking. 

Don’t show the bottom of your feet. 

Don’t expect people to always be on time.