Safety & Health Tips in Egypt

Egypt is generally safe from the tourist point of view; if you follow some health and safety tips, the trip can become even more relaxed and satisfying. Travelling to another country can be a little stressful because of sudden climate change and atmospheric conditions. So, following some travel-friendly tips can make your experience more joyful and full of excitement.  

Are you also thinking about whether tourists are safe in Egypt or not? Then here are the clear answers: Egypt is one of the top countries on the African continent with the highest tourism numbers every year; even the report says that it tends to grow. 

The tourism department of Egypt also ensures strict rules for tourists with proper detailed guidelines that make travel easy and completely safe. From easy visas on arrival to card payments making travel experiences completely amazing, tourists should enjoy their moments in Egypt and not face hassling situations. 

Some of the Safety travelling tips for the first-time travellers 

Entry fees and Visas  

For US travelers, visa-on-arrival facilities are available; only an amount around US dollar 25 has to be paid for visa clearing. The process for getting the travel visas is smooth and easy; officers speak English and Arabic. 

One thing to keep in mind is that carrying drones in Egypt is illegal; if you are carrying one, it can be kept by security. So, ensure you do not carry any kind of drones for photography purposes. You can click pics with cameras and mobiles easily. 

Best time to visit 

Spring and winter seasons are most preferred due to comfortable weather conditions. Well, Cairo in January can be surprisingly cold, so it is advised to carry a pair of warm clothes with you while packing for the vacation in Egypt. Mostly during the day the weather seems to be dry and hot, but evenings near the Nile can be chilly and cold. Southern Egypt, Aswan, and Luxor usually experience hot weather all year round. 

Dress code for travel  

Egypt is an Arabic-dominated country, with the majority of people following the Muslim religion. So, if you have plans to explore mosques and other religious spots, then carry proper modest clothes with head covers. Otherwise you can wear regular clothes, covering shoulders and knees; no such restrictions for the clothing are there in Egypt. 

While on the Nile cruise in Egypt, you can also wear swimsuits as well to enjoy the jacuzzis on board. One thing you must keep in mind is to keep layered clothing, like jackets or shawls, for sudden cold weather near Nile River banks to manage cold during the night. 

Tipping culture  

In Egypt, one thing you will commonly notice is the tipping culture; even if you take the smallest bit of help, they will expect a tip. So you can keep the change, but you can refuse too. Also, you can learn that “La shukran” (No thank you) can be used for politely refusing. 

One thing that most travelers notice is that everything in Egypt is negotiable; if you insist on reducing the price, the charges can drop dramatically. Even if you are not good at bargaining, in Egypt you may feel like a master of it. If you are thinking it’s overpriced, you can ask for the reduced price; it’s completely okay. 

Safety 

The locals at the tourists’ place are generally safe and kind; you may find them welcoming and polite. Hotels and restaurants at the tourist places and major cities have high security, which depicts a safe environment for staying. Driving can be chaotic due to busy routes for first-time travelers; you may find it confusing, so it is advised to not rent a car. But if you are travelling on the package from tour partners, then all the transportation and other things are included in the package itself. 

Travel budget 

Travelling to Egypt is affordable, from stays to activities, and the range is enough and not much overpriced. Also, if you are exploring with travel guides, they can even help you with finding the best options. At the temple, usually only card payments are available, so prefer carrying the cards that have no international transaction fees to save on exploring. 

Accommodation & Food tips  

Checking reviews is important, as there are a number of accommodation options available. Well, in Egypt, big hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott are also available at very affordable pricing, so you can enjoy a comfortable stay in Egypt. In between $100 and $200, you can really find some amazing accommodation options for your stay. Prefer advance or online bookings to avoid last-minute hassle. 

Transportation  

Taxis are available everywhere in Egypt and generally come in budget. Before confirming the ride, ensure complete pricing and prefer flat-rate taxis. Overnight buses are also available and are best for solo travelers. 

Taking trains as the first-time travellers can be stressful and unreliable, not recommended for the international travellers. Well, if you are travelling under a package with a tour and travel company, then all these expenses are usually covered under the package; that’s why people prefer booking packaged deals for informed travel. 

Places to explore  

Aswan: one of the major shores with a lot of historical monuments to explore for travelers, like the high dam, unfinished obelisk, and museums. Mostly the Nile cruises also depart from here for multi-day cruise journeys. 

Luxor: It is the historical city of Egypt. The east and west banks are filled with major historical monuments like the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, Karnak, and Luxor Temple. Exploring Luxor should be on the list if you are traveling to Egypt. 

Cairo: The capital of Egypt, is one of the most modernized cities in Egypt. Here you can visit the newly opened Grand Museum, and with a small distance, the Giza Plateau is accessible, so explore the world wonder, the pyramids of Giza, and the Sphinx. 

Alexandria: In this port city, travellers can feel the strong essence of the Greek-Roman influence; trying food at famous cafes is advised. 

Red Sea: Visit Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, as these cities have Red Sea beaches and resorts. Here you can enjoy beaches and do scuba diving and snorkeling. 

Siwa Oasis: A desert retreat and a deeply culture-immersed place in Egypt. It is a remote location; it is advised by Nile Cruisen to travel with tour guides only. The salt pools are famous and also recognized as nature’s retreat. 

Health tips to know before you travel to Egypt  

Health insurance: While travelling to Egypt, health insurance is important, as you will be travelling internationally. Sometimes, rarely, due to adverse changes in the weather, as Egypt has dry weather, tourists may have issues because of dehydration. If you have health insurance, your expenses on medicines and treatment can be covered easily.  

Water and food safety: drink only bottled water; the quality of tap water is not advisable for drinking purposes. Avoid unhygienic street food and drinks made with tap water to ensure your safety.  

Eating only freshly cooked meals at the restaurants is preferred, as they have an optimum level of spices rather than what you can get on the streets. If you are having fruits, it is advised to wash them with bottled water and try peeling them by yourself. 

Personal hygiene: keep a sanitizer with you handy; it is advised to wash hands with soap  regularly to avoid germs and dust connecting from palms to eyes and face. If water is not available, clean your hands with sanitizer at regular intervals to prevent infections. 

Insect protection: mosquitoes and other insects are usually common in the evening. It is strictly advised to the travelers to bring the mosquito repellent with them for protection against the mosquitoes. Wear light and full-sleeved clothes to reduce the risk of bites, especially in areas with dusk or dawn.  

Health-related travel tip: pack your personal health kit with you while travelling to egypt to avoid any kind of discomfort. In the health kit, keep your regular medicines that you take with proper prescriptions included, insect repellent, sanitizer, and basic medicines for nausea and headache to deal with travel sickness effectively. 

Frequently Asked Questions  

How do I avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke in Egypt?

To avoid heat stroke and exhaustion, it is best advised not to travel at peak hours from 1 to 2 pm. If you are exploring, then stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, and use hats or head covers and sunglasses for sun protection. But if you are travelling in the spring or winter season, then you may not find much hot temperature. 

What’s the best way to stay hydrated in Egypt’s climate?

Drink plenty of bottled water only at regular intervals in small amounts; avoid ice unless it is made with purified water. Limit the alcohol and caffeinated drinks; try lemonade for flavored drinks. Eat water-rich foods like soups. Fruits are better peeled by yourself.

Are sanitary products easily available in Egypt? 

Yes, at local pharmacies you can get sanitary products easily in the major cities like Aswan, Luxor, Cairo, and Alexandria. For women, pads are a commonly available menstrual sanitary option that is widely available all over Egypt.