Egypt travel guide

Africa · 4 destinations

Egypt

Egypt is the oldest continuously inhabited civilisation still visible — the Great Pyramid of Giza is the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, the temples of Luxor form the greatest open-air museum on earth, and a Nile cruise between Upper and Lower Egypt remains one of travel's most storied journeys.

From India

~9–11 hrs

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Visa

Visa on Arrival

Language

Arabic

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Currency

EGP (Pound)

Capital

Cairo

Best Time

Oct – Apr

visa & entry

Entry Requirements for Indians

What Indian passport holders need to know before booking

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Visa status

Visa on Arrival

Visa on arrival

Full list: visa-free countries for Indian passports →

Practical tips

  • ›Always carry a digital copy of your passport and visa
  • ›Check the official embassy website for the latest requirements before booking
  • ›Book return flights before applying for visa
  • ›Keep proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)

top experiences

What to Do in Egypt

Iconic activities and unmissable experiences across all destinations

trip planner

How Many Days Do You Need in Egypt?

Pick a trip length and get a ready-made day-by-day route — where to go, what to see, and how it all connects

travel guides

Egypt Travel Guides

In-depth city guides, budget breakdowns, and first-hand tips for your trip

budget guide

How Much Does Egypt Cost?

Daily budget estimates — accommodation, food, transport, and activities

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Budget

$35–$60/day

🛏️ Hotel

$12–25 (hostel or guesthouse in Downtown or Zamalek)

🍜 Food

$8–14 (koshary EGP 30–80, ful medames, falafel)

🚌 Transport

$5–10 (Cairo Metro EGP 10, Uber)

🎟️ Activities

$15–25 (Giza plateau EGP 600, GEM EGP 450)

Koshary (Egypt's national dish — pasta, rice, lentils, crispy onions, tomato sauce) costs EGP 30–80 at a local restaurant and is one of the world's best cheap meals. The Cairo Metro is safe, fast, and costs EGP 10 per journey.

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Mid-range

$80–$150/day

🛏️ Hotel

$45–85 (4-star hotel in Downtown or Zamalek)

🍜 Food

$25–50 (restaurant meals, Nile-side dining, Egyptian cuisine)

🚌 Transport

$15–25 (Uber + metro)

🎟️ Activities

$50–90 (Giza + GEM + Egyptian Museum, Luxor flight)

Buy the combined Giza Complex ticket (includes Sphinx and pyramids but not interior of the Great Pyramid). A Luxor day trip by EgyptAir costs $80–120 return — the cheapest route to seeing the Valley of the Kings.

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Luxury

$200–$500/day

🛏️ Hotel

$150–400 (Marriott Mena House, Four Seasons Nile, Kempinski Nile)

🍜 Food

$70–150 (Abdel Wahab, Sequoia, Felfela fine dining)

🚌 Transport

$40–80 (private car with Egyptologist guide)

🎟️ Activities

$150–400 (private Pyramids tour at dawn, hot air balloon over Luxor, private GEM access)

Marriott Mena House is the finest hotel address in Cairo — a Victorian hunting lodge at the foot of the Great Pyramid with the pyramid visible from the pool. Book a Pyramid View room. A private Egyptologist guide costs $80–150/day and transforms every site.

Prices in USD. Egypt is excellent value for Western tourists — the pound devaluation has made it one of the cheapest major destinations in the world. Main costs are monument entry fees and internal flights to Luxor.

seasonal guide

Best Time to Visit Egypt

Month-by-month weather, crowd levels, and highlights

January

15°C · Cool and clear, 10–20°C

February

17°C · Mild, 12–22°C, crisp

March

21°C · Warm, 15–26°C, Khamaseen win

April

26°C · Warm, 18–30°C, some sandstor

May

31°C · Hot, 23–36°C, increasing hea

June

34°C · Hot and dry, 25–38°C

July

37°C · Extreme heat, 27–40°C

August

39°C · Hottest month, 28–42°C

September

32°C · Cooling, 24–35°C

October

24°C · Perfect, 18–28°C, clear skie

November

21°C · Ideal — 15–26°C, low humidit

December

16°C · Cool and clear, 10–22°C

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak season
Shoulder season
Average
Off-season
Best months:NovemberMarchOctober

Cairo is best October–April when temperatures are 18–28°C and desert excursions are manageable. Summers (May–Sep) reach 38–42°C — the Pyramids and outdoor sites become punishing. Ramadan (timing varies) makes food harder to find but cultural experiences richer.

common questions

Egypt Travel FAQ

Answers to what Indian travellers ask most

How many days do I need in Egypt?

5–7 days is ideal to cover the main highlights without rushing. If you have 10–14 days, you can explore regional destinations at a relaxed pace and go deeper into local culture.

What is the best time to visit Egypt?

Oct – Apr is the recommended window — expect the most favourable weather, lower chances of disruption, and ideal conditions for outdoor sightseeing and activities.

Do Indian passport holders need a visa for Egypt?

Visa on arrival. Always verify current entry requirements on the official embassy or government website before booking flights.

What currency is used in Egypt?

Egypt uses the EGP (Pound). Carry some local cash for markets, street food, and smaller vendors — card acceptance varies outside major cities.

Is Egypt safe for Indian tourists?

Egypt is generally well-regarded for safety among international travellers. Exercise standard travel precautions, stay aware of your surroundings in tourist areas, and keep digital copies of important documents.

What language is spoken in Egypt?

The primary language is Arabic. In major tourist areas and hotels, English is widely understood. Learning a few local phrases is always appreciated by locals.

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