Egypt | Africa

Egypt is a sovereign state in Northeast Africa and the Middle East. Its economy is supported by tourism, Suez Canal revenues, and a vast infrastructure modernization program; the capital is Cairo.

Visa & Entry Policy

As of January 11, 2026, Egypt utilizes a tiered entry system for US, UK, and EU citizens:

Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available at major airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, Sharm El-Sheikh). The fee is $25 USD, payable strictly in cash. It permits a 30-day stay.

e-Visa: Tourists are encouraged to apply via the official portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) at least 7 days before travel. Fees are $25 (single-entry) or $60 (multiple-entry).

Sinai Only Stamp: Travelers arriving at Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba for stays under 15 days can receive a free "Sinai Resort Visa." Note: This does not allow travel to Cairo or the Nile Valley.

Transit Visa: A 96-hour free transit visa program is active through April 2026 for passengers flying with EgyptAir, Air Cairo, or Nile Air with layovers between 8 and 96 hours.

Requirements: Passport valid for at least six months. Drones are strictly illegal and will be confiscated at customs.

Language & Communication

Arabic is the official language. Egyptian Arabic is the most widely understood dialect in the Arab world. English and French are common in urban tourism hubs. In Luxor and Aswan, many vendors speak basic conversational English, German, and Italian.

Currency & Payment Systems

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).

Digital Transformation: Following the 2025–2026 non-banking financial sector digital network launch, Egypt has transitioned from a cash-heavy to a digital-forward economy.

Instant Payment Network (IPN): The InstaPay app is universal for P2P and merchant transfers.

Mobile Wallets: Vodafone Cash (60%+ market share) and Fawry are the primary methods for daily micro-transactions.

USD Usage: While EGP is the legal tender, many luxury hotels, Nile cruises, and tour operators quote and prefer payment in USD cash (pristine bills only).

National Transport Grid

Monorail: The East Nile Monorail (New Administrative Capital line) commenced full passenger operations in the first week of January 2026. The West Nile (6 October City) line is in final trial stages.

High-Speed Rail: The "Green Line" (Ain Sokhna to Marsa Matrouh) is slated for full inauguration in December 2026.

Metro Line 4: Phase 1, connecting 6 October City to the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), is currently operational.

Ring Road BRT: The Bus Rapid Transit system on Cairo’s Ring Road is the standard for cross-city transit, utilizing 48 dedicated stations.

Digital Infrastructure

5G Expansion: As of January 2026, Vodafone Egypt has expanded 5G coverage to over 3,000 urban locations from Alexandria to Aswan.

Tower Infrastructure: The national grid has expanded to approximately 40,000 mobile network towers.

Fiber-Optic: All governorate innovation centers (60% coverage) and new urban developments are connected via high-speed fiber.

Climate & Seasonality

Peak Season (Oct–Apr): Mild temperatures ($18°C–25°C$); ideal for the Nile Valley.

Shoulder Season (May & Sep): Hot, but manageable for Red Sea diving.

Summer (Jun–Aug): Extreme heat in Upper Egypt (Luxor/Aswan) frequently exceeding $40°C$.

Health & Safety

As of January 2026, travel advisories recommend Exercise a High Degree of Caution.

Safety: Avoid North Sinai, the Rafah crossing, and the Libyan border (Western Desert) due to military operations and terrorism risks. Tourism hubs (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada) maintain heavy security presence.

Health: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is a risk; do not swim in the Nile. Tap water is not potable.

Emergency: Police 122; Tourist Police 126; Ambulance 123.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Greater Cairo: Hub: Giza (Pyramids/GEM) and Historic Cairo (Citadel/Bazaars).

Nile Valley: Hub: Luxor (Valley of the Kings) and Aswan (Nubian culture).

Red Sea Riviera: Hub: Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh (World-class diving).

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 15 EGP ($0.32 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 110 EGP ($2.30 USD)

1 SIM Card (20GB Data): 450 EGP ($9.50 USD)

Facts & Legends

Egypt is home to the only remaining wonder of the ancient world: the Great Pyramid of Giza. Local folklore features the Aisha Kandicha (a desert spirit) and the Ghoula. Historically, it was the site of the world's first peace treaty (Treaty of Kadesh). Geologically, the White Desert features unique "mushroom" chalk formations. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), fully operational in 2026, is the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization.