What to Pack for a Holiday in Egypt

Egypt, the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and stunning coral reefs, is one of the most popular holiday destinations for travellers from across Europe. This ancient country offers not only a rich history and culture but also gorgeous beaches and year-round warm weather.

When you’re preparing for a trip to Egypt, however, it’s important to carefully think about what to pack. In this article, we bring you a complete Egypt packing list – everything you’ll need for your holiday in the land of the Nile.

Packing List: What to Pack for a Holiday in Egypt

If you’re heading off on holiday to Egypt, we’ve put together a packing list of all the essentials that shouldn’t be missing from your suitcase.

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Documents and Important Paperwork for Travelling to Egypt

Passport

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date
• Check its validity several weeks before departure

Visa

• A single-entry visa costs 25 USD and is valid for 30 days
• British citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Egypt

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Travel Insurance

• Make sure you have insurance covering medical care, cancellation fees, and lost luggage – for example from SafetyWing
• Keep your insurance card with emergency assistance contacts on you at all times

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Document Copies

• Physical copies of your passport, insurance policy, and reservations (store separately from originals)
• Digital copies (email, cloud storage)
• Contact details for your country’s embassy in Cairo

Money and Payments in Egypt

Cash

• Bring a combination of EGP, EUR, or USD
• Cash is needed for everyday small expenses, tips (baksheesh), and market shopping
• Exchange offices in towns and cities usually offer the best rates

Payment Cards

• Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops
• Check your bank’s fees for overseas transactions
• Have at least two different cards available, and we also recommend using a Revolut card for better exchange rates on foreign currency payments

Baksheesh (Tips)

• Small banknotes for baksheesh (5–10 EGP for standard services)
• Tipping is expected for almost all services
• Higher amounts at luxury resorts

Clothing and Footwear for Egypt

Light, Breathable Clothing

• Cotton t-shirts and shirts
• Shorts, skirts, and light dresses (if you tend to overheat easily, we recommend ultra-lightweight fabrics)
• Long trousers and tops with sleeves for excursions outside resorts
• A light jumper or hoodie for evenings and air-conditioned spaces

Sun Protection

• Hat, cap, or headscarf
• Quality sunglasses with UV protection
• A lightweight scarf (pashmina) for women – also useful as a cover-up when visiting mosques

Swimwear and Beachwear

• At least two pairs of swimwear
• Beach dress or sarong
• A lightweight top for sun protection while snorkelling

Footwear

• Comfortable sandals for everyday wear
• Sturdy shoes for excursions (to the pyramids, into the desert)
• Water shoes (for protection against coral reefs)
• Flip-flops for the beach

Sun and Heat Protection in Egypt

Sunscreen Products

• Sunscreen with a high protection factor (SPF 30+, ideally 50+)
• Waterproof, with both UVA and UVB protection
• Specialist facial sunscreen
• Lip balm with UV protection

Hydration

• A travel water bottle (ideally an insulated flask that keeps drinks cool)
• Electrolyte tablets or powder
• Mineral drinks to replenish after a day in the sun

After-Sun Products

• Aloe vera gel to soothe the skin
• Moisturising body lotion
• Cooling spray for quick relief

First Aid Kit for Egypt

Digestive Medications

• Anti-diarrhoea medication (Imodium, Pepto-Bismol)
• Probiotics to support gut health
• Antispasmodic tablets (Buscopan)
• Activated charcoal

Pain Relief

• Painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol)
• Migraine medication, if you suffer from them
• Sore throat lozenges

Allergy and Skin Reaction Medication

• Antihistamine tablets
• Antihistamine cream or gel
• Products to soothe sunburned skin

Disinfectant and Bandages

• Travel-size hand sanitiser
• Antibacterial wet wipes
• Plasters of various sizes, especially waterproof ones
• Sterile bandages and gauze
• Wound disinfectant

Insect Protection

• Insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin
• Bite relief gel or cream

Regular Medications

• Sufficient supply for the entire stay plus extra in reserve
• Prescription or doctor’s note in English

Other Health Supplies

• Eye drops for irritation
• Motion sickness tablets for boat trips
• Thermometer
• Tweezers for removing splinters or sea urchin spines

Tech and Electronics

Mobile Phone and Accessories

• Check your roaming tariffs (Egypt is not covered by EU roaming)
• Consider a local SIM card for cheaper data, or an eSIM from providers like Holafly or Yesim
• Waterproof phone case for taking photos near water
• Phone mount for filming videos

Charging

• Power bank with a minimum capacity of 10,000 mAh
• Chargers for all your devices
• Plug adapter (Egypt uses type C sockets, the same as most of Europe, and type G – the British standard). If travelling from the UK, you’ll need an adapter for type C sockets

Camera and Accessories

• Compact camera or action camera
• Plenty of memory cards
• Spare batteries
• Waterproof housing for underwater photography

Other Electronics

• E-reader
• Headphones for listening to music or watching films

Beach and Sea Essentials in Egypt

Snorkelling Gear

• Mask and snorkel (your own is more hygienic than rented ones)
• Fins, if needed

Water Protection

• Water shoes to protect against sharp coral and sea urchins
• Rash guard or lightweight wetsuit for sun protection
• Swimming goggles for pool use

Beach Accessories

• Quick-dry beach towel
• Beach bag resistant to sand and water
• Waterproof pouch for valuables
• Inflatable lounger or pool float

Other Beach Essentials

• Parasol or beach tent (if going outside a resort)
• Cool bag for drinks
• Beach games (ball, badminton, cards)
• Underwater camera or waterproof case for your existing camera

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Other Practical Items for Egypt

For Daily Excursions

• Small backpack or day bag for trips
• Folding umbrella (as sun protection)
• Pocket guidebook or offline maps on your phone
• A phrasebook of basic Arabic expressions

Toiletries

• Tissues
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitiser gel
• Toilet paper to keep in reserve (not always available everywhere)

For a Comfortable Stay

• Book or e-reader
• Travel pillow for long flights or excursions
• Lockable pouch for valuables
• Earplugs and sleep mask
• Padlock for luggage

For an Active Holiday

• Fabric or mesh bags for shopping and souvenirs
• Small torch or head torch
• Multi-tool or pocket knife (checked luggage only!)
• Travel clothesline
• Travel laundry sheets

What to Watch Out for in Egypt

When visiting Egypt, it pays to stay alert. Local vendors can sometimes be very persistent – learn to say no assertively and don’t be afraid to haggle, as bargaining is a normal part of the local culture. Watch out for pickpockets in tourist areas and crowded places such as bazaars.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Egypt, so only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. When eating at street food stalls, be cautious – choose food that is freshly prepared and thoroughly cooked.

During the summer months, temperatures can reach extreme levels, so don’t forget to stay well hydrated, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen regularly. Respect local customs and traditions – dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, where women should cover their shoulders and knees.

When getting around cities, use official taxi services or pre-arranged transport and always agree on a price before setting off. For monuments and excursions, only hire licensed guides to avoid scams. Book your tours and activities through trusted platforms like GetYourGuide. And as in any country: keep important documents and valuables in the hotel safe.

Frequently Asked Questions