Summary

• Traveling to Egypt is a dream for many, and proper packing is essential to fully enjoy the country’s unique climate, culture, and history.
• This guide, created by expert travel advisors at Passion Egypt Tours (ETP), outlines everything you need to pack for your Egyptian adventure.
• From modest and breathable clothing for ancient sites and mosques to swimwear for the Red Sea resorts, this comprehensive list is tailored for every season: hot summers, cool winters, and transitional spring or autumn.
• Beyond clothing, the guide highlights essential travel documents, medical supplies, electronics, and practical travel gear like power adapters, sun protection, and money belts.
• It also provides safety tips, local customs, visa requirements, and banned items to avoid delays or legal issues at customs.
• Whether you’re cruising the Nile, wandering Khan El Khalili, or marveling at Abu Simbel, this article ensures you’re well-prepared to travel Egypt in comfort, respect the culture, and capture unforgettable memories.

What to pack for Egypt is a very important question to many travelers from all over the world who enjoy their time in Egypt to the fullest while being prepared for the new and different surroundings and culture. The purpose of this article is to provide information and answers about the Egypt packing list that every traveler should have during their vacation tour in Egypt.

All the information and answers provided on this page have been provided by ETP Team, which is a group of highly trained, knowledgeable, and expert travel advisors and consultants. Every true traveler knows that preparation is vital and packing is the key to a complete and memorable vacation in Egypt.

Traveling to Egypt has always been on everyone’s bucket list as you can’t call yourself a true traveler without stepping your feet on immortal Egyptian soil. You will explore one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the great pyramid of Giza, and stare at the face of the Great Sphinx. Taking a stroll on the oldest market in the Middle East, the golden brick road of Khan El Khalili will send you back to the times of ancient tales.

Boarding a Nile River Cruise on the lifestream of Egypt between the heavenly lands of Luxor and Aswan, where you will listen to the tales of ancient times and behold all the hypnotic wonder and beauty of the Valley of the Kings, Karnak temple, Edfu temple, the great Abu Simbel temples, and many more. The beaches & shores of the Red Sea Riviera in the mesmerizing city resort of Hurghada will elevate your horizon and vision of beauty to new levels.

What Are the Most Important Items to Pack for Egypt?

The packing list for Egypt should include:

• Long, baggy skirts or pants.
• Long-sleeved T-shirts.
• Bathing suit.
• A Bag back.
• Wide-brimmed hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Comfortable and easy walking shoes.
• A scarf for women to cover their hair when visiting mosques and churches.
• A light jacket if traveling outside of summer.
• Power Adaptor.
• Medical kit.
• Credit Card.
• Important Medications.
• All the important documents.

You will begin by discovering all the items that you need to pack during your time in Egypt, starting with:

What Clothes Should I Pack for Egypt?

You should pack less than you normally would, as you’ll likely be dragging your baggage around frequently during your trip. Due to the change in the culture of this new environment, it is wise to make sure to fully understand the cultural differences and the conservative nature of some of the cities and locations of Egypt. The most ideal wear for Women for Historical Sites, churches, and Mosques includes:

• Long, loose-fitting pants or a maxi skirt.
• Long-sleeved, lightweight shirts or blouses.
• A scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders or head when entering religious sites.

But Everyday Wear Includes:

• Lightweight, breathable dresses or tops with modest necklines.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring.

As for Beach Resorts or Red Sea Adventures:

• Swimsuit for beach activities.
• Lightweight cover-ups or kaftans for sun protection.

As for Men who wish to enter the Historical Sites, churches, and Mosques, feel free to:

• Long pants or khakis.
• Long-sleeved, lightweight shirts.

When it comes to Everyday Wear:

• Short-sleeved shirts or polo shirts.
• Comfortable shorts or lightweight pants.
• Comfortable walking shoes.

Beach Resorts or Red Sea Adventures:

• Swim trunks for beach activities.
• Lightweight T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts.

The Most Fitting Packing for Each Season

The best times to visit Egypt are outlined with seasonal packing tips, ensuring travelers are ready for the climate. The weather of Egypt is known to be perfect and fitting for having the most unique travel experience in a relaxing environment, but sometimes varies significantly. Here’s a detailed packing guide for each season:

What to Pack For Spring (March, April, May)

Spring is mild and pleasant, but temperatures can vary from cool mornings to warm afternoons. With average high temperatures: 75-85°F (24-29°C) and Average low temperatures: 55-65°F (13-18°C) which make the most fitting packing includes:

Clothing:

• Light layers like t-shirts, cotton shirts, and breathable fabrics for daytime.
• A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
• A scarf or shawl (for modesty when visiting religious sites).

Sun Protection:

• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield from the sun.
• A light scarf for dust or extra sun protection.

Other Essentials:

• A daypack for sightseeing.
• A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Lip balm and moisturizing lotion (dry air in some areas).

What to Pack For Summer (June, July, August)

Summer in Egypt is extremely hot, especially in Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan). The Average high temperatures: 90-100°F (32-38°C)
while the Average low temperatures- 70-80°F (21-27°C), which makes it ideal for packing for:

Clothing:

• Loose, light, and breathable clothing (linen and cotton are ideal).
• Short-sleeved or sleeveless tops (modesty is still key, especially for women).
• Long skirts or lightweight pants to stay cool and respectful.
• Lightweight sandals or breathable shoes.

Sun Protection:

• High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• A scarf or shawl for added protection from the sun and for covering up when needed.

Other Essentials:

• Portable fan or hand-held misting spray for cooling off.
• Hydration salts or electrolyte packs (to combat dehydration).
  Cooling towel.

What to Pack For Autumn (September, October, November)

Autumn offers more moderate temperatures but can still be hot early in the season. The Average high temperature- 80-90°F (27-32°C) and the Average low temperature- 60-70°F (16-21°C), which makes it clear to pack:

Clothing:

• Light layers for the day (t-shirts, cotton blouses, and breathable fabrics).
• A light jacket or sweater for the evenings as it cools down.
• Comfortable shoes for walking (sandals or sneakers).

Sun Protection:

• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect from the lingering sun.
• A light scarf for extra sun protection or to use in conservative areas.

Other Essentials:

• Lip balm and lotion (some desert areas can be dry).
• Daypack for excursions.
• A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.

What to Pack For Winter (December, January, February)

Winter in Egypt is cooler, especially in the evenings, and can be surprisingly cold in the desert. The average high temperatures- 65-75°F (18-24°C), while the average low temperatures- 45-55°F (7-13°C), so it is wise to make your packing more fitting through:

Clothing:

• Warm layers such as sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and a heavier jacket.
• Scarves, hats, and gloves if visiting desert regions or on chilly nights.
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes or boots for warmth.

Sun Protection:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun is still strong during the day.
• Lip balm to protect against dry, cold air.

Other Essentials:

• Warm socks and comfortable shoes for cooler days.
• A thermos or insulated bottle for hot drinks during chilly mornings.
• Moisturizing lotion to counteract dryness.

Required Documents to Pack for Egypt

You should always have copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, credit card information, and traveler’s check information just in case, and carry them with you at all times away from the originals. Carry your travel insurance information with you in case you find yourself in a doctor’s office in Egypt; meanwhile, leave copies of these documents with a friend or relative back home in case of loss or theft.

If you have any discount ID cards, such as an International Student Identity card (ISIC), bring them so you can save some of the admissions fees to Egypt’s top historical monuments. You should also carry your hotel & travel agency business card and info at all times.

For Egypt entry visa, many countries are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports such as the US, the UK, EU Nationals, Australia, Canada, Croatia, Croatia, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Macedonia, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Serbia, and Ukraine. Your visa will cost $25.00 USD per person, which will be paid at the airport, and your passport will have to be valid for 6 months before its expiration date before the entry date to Egypt.

How Much Money Should I Bring to Egypt?

It’s known that each day in Egypt will cost about 650 Egyptian pounds during a day of personal spending during your vacation in Egypt, according to the latest surveys conducted by travel consultants in Egypt. You should keep your smaller bills, such as 5’s or 10’s for tipping, which represent 5% or 10% of the total bill, and anything else.

You should keep your cash and valuables in a money bag, especially in Egypt’s tourist areas and overcrowded public transportation. It is acceptable to bring a major credit or debit card with you to Egypt since many establishments accept payments with plastic, and ATMs can be found in major cities and tourist sites.

You should also bring cash to exchange for Egyptian pounds, and hoard your smaller bills and coins for tipping, taxi trips, and the various Egyptian merchants in need of small change. More and more tours, hotels, and shops in Egypt ask for payment in US dollars due to Egypt’s currency shortage, so have a small stash on you.

What Electronics Should I Pack For Egypt Vacation?

You should bring a power bank, portable wifi, Earbuds, a universal travel adapter, because you never know, and also a small camera or one with a detachable zoom lens. Once you arrive, you can purchase Egyptian phone credits or a SIM card to contact whomever you choose. You should have a portable travel strip so you can charge anything you want from your phone to your laptop or any other device. You will then continue to:

Medication to Pack When Traveling to Egypt

It’s important to include a medical kit and hygienic items on your Egypt packing list, since these aren’t always available, especially outside of the tourist sites. Every traveler should bring any medication that they may ever need. A few basic hygiene items that should facilitate your trip to Egypt include a toothbrush & toothpaste, tissues for public restrooms, oral care items, scissors, and tweezers.

Your medical kit should include bandages, antibacterial ointment, ibuprofen, Advil, aspirin, and if traveling off the beaten path or on board a Nile Cruise, you should pack Dramamine, anti-diarrhea drugs, and rehydration salts. Another must-pack is a reliable brand of sunscreen and skincare with an SPF of 30 or higher. One of the most essential items to carry at the moment is antibacterial hand gel and a mask.

What Can You Not Bring to Egypt?

The things that are allowed to bring to Egypt under the regulations of the Egyptian law include: 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco, 1 liter of alcoholic beverages, 1 liter of perfume or eau de cologne, Non-commercial articles with a total value under USD $200, Goods for personal use.

Prohibited Items to Bring to Egypt

• Narcotics
• Cotton
• Live, frozen, or stuffed birds or any bird-derived product
• Firearms, including sporting guns

There is a list of illegal drugs that are not allowed entry to Egypt, including Didrex Tablets, Nicocodeine, PROXY, NITRAZEN, Mogadon, vaccine injections, Ergotamine, Dextromethorphan, KETAMINE INJ, Pulmolar, Co-Diovan, Kodinalin, Phenobarbital, Somanil, and Nova Tablets that have an extended effect.

Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Egypt

• Check if your nationality requires a visa before arrival or if you can obtain one on arrival. Many travelers can get an e-visa via the Egyptian government’s online portal or a visa on arrival at the airport.
• The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). It’s advisable to exchange some money before you travel or upon arrival at a local currency exchange. Most ATMs accept foreign cards.
• The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. It’s helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Arabic for easier communication with locals. If you booked with a travel agency, you will be assigned a professional tour guide who speaks your language fluently during your trip in Egypt.
• Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, and conservative dress is appreciated, especially in rural areas, religious sites, and smaller cities.
  Public displays of affection are discouraged, and it’s important to respect local customs, particularly around Ramadan (the fasting month).
• Egypt has a desert climate: hot summers and mild winters. Plan for heat, especially if you visit between May and September. In contrast, the winter months (November to February) can be cooler, especially at night.
• Egypt is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always wise to stay informed about any travel advisories issued by your country. Stick to well-trodden tourist areas and use registered guides.
• Ensure your vaccinations are up to date (e.g., Hepatitis A, B, Typhoid). Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies is highly recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water.
• Bargaining is a common practice in markets and for taxis. Don’t hesitate to negotiate politely, especially in souks or bazaars.
• Tipping is customary in Egypt. Small tips are expected for most services, including restaurants, hotel staff, and tour guides.

Things You Need to Do Before Traveling to Egypt

• Pre-book your hotel or accommodations, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.
• Make sure to book tours to top attractions like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Nile cruises in advance, especially if you are traveling in peak season.
• Pack modest clothing for visiting mosques and rural areas. Women should bring a scarf or shawl to cover their shoulders when needed.
• Use offline maps like Google Maps, and download currency converters or translation apps if necessary.
• Either unlock your phone before your trip or buy a local SIM card upon arrival for easy communication and internet access.
• To reduce jet lag, gradually adjust your sleep and meal times a few days before departure to match your destination’s time zone.