Egypt
🏛️ Capital: Cairo
👥 Population: 116.5 million
💬 Language: Arabic
💰 Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
✈️ Reasons to travel: Pyramids of Giza, Nile River cruises, Red Sea resorts, ancient temples, vibrant bazaars
📈 High Season: October to April
📉 Low Season: May to August
☀️ The warmest month: July
❄️ The coldest month: January
🌧 The rainiest month: December
Safety
Travelers should check government safety advisories before any trip to avoid dangerous situations. These sources offer reliable updates on security risks, health alerts, and local laws.
Check out the travel advisory from at least one of these government websites:
Average safety level:
Exercise increased caution
Try our travel preparation app for free, and get an overview of safety, entry requirements, local laws, contacts for hospitals, and more.
Health
Sanitation and drinking water:
Score: 53/100
Rank: 96th/180
These are based on indicators such as types of facilities and sewage systems in households, water sources, water treatments, etc. The higher the score the safer the drinking water and sanitation (based on the Environmental Performance Index from Yale University).
A lower score may suggest a higher risk of food-borne illnesses like traveler’s diarrhea.
Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases in Egypt:
- Dengue fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Polio
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Typhoid fever
Infectious diseases in Egypt with no vaccine currently available:
- African Tick-bite fever
- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
- Cutaneous larva migrans
- Rift Valley fever
- Schistosoma
- Scrub typhus
- West Nile virus
Yellow fever certificate requirements:
A vaccination certificate is required upon entry if arriving from a country at risk, or after transiting for more than 12 hours at a country at risk.
Would you like to learn more about Egypt?
Use our app to find important information about relevant vaccines, what medication to pack, and how to address risks at your destination, so you can enjoy your travel to the fullest.
We’ve connected data from hundreds of scientific publications with the most recent recommendations from the world’s top authorities, including the WHO, the American CDC, and the UK’s NHS, to help you get the best preparation for the trip possible.
Try MyGlobdoc now! Egypt is already available there.
Egypt FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Egypt in terms of health risks?
Yes, Egypt is a safe and popular destination, but travelers should be aware of health risks. Foodborne illnesses are common, dehydration is a risk in desert climates, and medical facilities outside major cities can be limited. With preparation and preventive measures, most travelers enjoy a healthy visit.
What vaccinations do I need before traveling to Egypt?
Recommended vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. Depending on your activities, hepatitis B and rabies may also be advised, especially for extended rural stays or contact with animals. MyGlobdoc can help create a personalized vaccination plan based on your travel details.
Are there any common diseases in Egypt that travelers should know about?
Yes. Traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid are the most common risks. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, can occur in the Nile and freshwater canals, so swimming in them should be avoided. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue occasionally occur in certain regions.
How can I avoid food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea in Egypt?
Eat freshly cooked food from clean restaurants or food stalls. Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruits, undercooked meats, and unpasteurized dairy. Drink bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice unless you are certain it comes from a safe source. Wash your hands often or use sanitizer.
Is malaria a risk in Egypt, and do I need anti-malarial pills?
No, malaria is not a risk in Egypt. However, mosquito bites can still transmit illnesses such as dengue in some areas. Travelers should use insect repellent and wear protective clothing, especially during evenings.
What mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Egypt?
Dengue fever has been reported in some areas, although it is not widespread. Mosquitoes can also be a nuisance in certain regions, especially during warmer months. Prevent bites with DEET-based repellents, long clothing, and screened accommodations.
Do I need travel health insurance for Egypt?
Yes, travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Private hospitals in Cairo and Alexandria provide good care, but treatment can be expensive, and rural facilities are often limited. Insurance ensures access to quality care and covers emergencies.
What should be in a travel medical kit for Egypt?
Include oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrheal medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, pain relievers, adhesive bandages, and prescription medicines. For desert travel, pack extra hydration supplies and electrolytes. MyGlobdoc can generate a customized packing list for your itinerary.
How can I stay healthy while backpacking through Egypt?
Stay hydrated in the hot, dry climate, and protect yourself from sunburn with sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Eat carefully to avoid foodborne illness, and use insect precautions in mosquito-prone areas. Carry a compact medical kit for common travel health issues.
Is Egypt safe for pregnant travelers or travelers with chronic illness?
Yes, but extra precautions are needed. Pregnant travelers should be careful with food and water safety and avoid areas with dengue activity. Those with chronic heart or respiratory conditions should consider the effects of extreme heat and possible air pollution in Cairo. Always carry sufficient medication and insurance coverage.
What should I do if I get sick in Egypt?
Seek care at private hospitals or clinics in Cairo or Alexandria for the best treatment. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. Always keep your insurance details and emergency contacts with you in case of emergencies.
What travel health documents or certificates are required for Egypt?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country. No other special health documents are required for most travelers. Always check the latest entry and vaccination requirements before departure.
Sources
Map generated with https://www.mapchart.net/index.html
Orthographic map By Addicted04 – This W3C-unspecified vector image was created with Inkscape ., https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20230908 / CC-BY-SA-3.0 edited in Canva
Travel safety map obtained from https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
https://datatopics.worldbank.org/world-development-indicators/
Block, S., Emerson, J. W., Esty, D. C., de Sherbinin, A., Wendling, Z. A., et al. (2024). 2024 Environmental Performance Index. New Haven, CT: Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy. https://epi.yale.edu
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any health problem. The use or reliance on any information provided on this page is solely at your own risk.
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