Travel to Egypt
The pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor and the reefs of the Red Sea — Egypt remains one of North Africa's strongest destinations. Here's what you need to know before you go.
Egypt in numbers
Capital
Cairo
Population
107.2 M
Currency
Egyptian pound (EGP)
Language
Arabic
International visitors
15.7 M
Continent
Africa
Time zone
UTC+2
Airports covered
10
Why visit Egypt
Between antiquity and the Red Sea
Ancient Egypt
The pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings make Egypt one of the richest archaeological destinations in the world.
Red Sea & diving
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh rank among the best diving spots in the world.
The Nile & cruises
Cruises between Aswan and Luxor remain one of the most iconic ways to discover the country.
Markets & craftsmanship
The Khan el-Khalili market in Cairo is one of the oldest and liveliest in the Middle East.
Before you go
A country built along the Nile
Egypt is the most populous Arab nation and a transcontinental one: the Sinai Peninsula carries it across into Asia. The Nile dominates both its geography and its history, and the Suez Canal remains one of the great arteries of world trade. The pyramids of Giza are the oldest of the ancient Wonders and the only one still standing. Close by, the Grand Egyptian Museum holds about 100,000 artefacts, shows the complete Tutankhamun collection together for the first time and greets visitors with an 83-ton statue of Ramesses II in its atrium.
Seven World Heritage sites
UNESCO lists seven properties in Egypt. Six are cultural: Memphis and its Necropolis, with the pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur; Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis; the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae; Historic Cairo; Abu Mena; and the Saint Catherine Area. The seventh is natural: Wadi Al-Hitan, the Whale Valley.
Regions at a glance
Beyond Cairo, the country breaks down into a handful of very different regions, from the temples of the Nile valley to the coasts of two seas.
| Region | What you find there |
|---|---|
| Luxor | Karnak and the Valley of the Kings |
| Aswan | Philae and Abu Simbel |
| Mediterranean and north coast | Alexandria and El Alamein |
| Red Sea | Diving from Hurghada and Marsa Alam |
| Sinai | Sharm El Sheikh, Taba and Ras Mohammed National Park at the tip of the peninsula |
Heat, seasons and the sea
October to April is the best time to travel, and the shoulder months of March-April and October-November balance heat and crowds. Summer is a different matter: Cairo's highs stay below 38 °C, but between Luxor and Aswan they sit near 41 °C, and climb higher still in July and August. Nile cruises are most comfortable from October to April, when highs rarely exceed 26 °C. The Red Sea ranges from about 21 °C in February to 29 °C in August.
Getting around and tipping
Domestic flights and night trains link Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, alongside Nile cruises and buses. Hotel transfers and private drivers are common, and Uber and Careem are widely used in Cairo. Tipping, known as baksheesh, is part of daily life: in restaurants, expect to leave 10 to 15 percent on top of the service charge. The Egyptian pound is a volatile currency, so check the rate close to your departure.
Travel to Egypt
Cairo airport, covered by SniperAir
Cairo
The country's main air hub.
Beyond Cairo, SniperAir already covers 9 other Egyptian airports — from Marsa Alam to El Alamein — with nearly all destination pages now online.
SniperAir destinations in Egypt
Explore our destination pages
Egypt
Cairo
The capital and the country's main air hub.
Discover
Egypt
Luxor
Ancient Thebes, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.
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Egypt
Aswan
Philae, Abu Simbel and a felucca on the Nile in Egypt's Nubian south
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Egypt
Alexandria
The lost Library and Lighthouse, catacombs and a Mediterranean Corniche
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Egypt
Sharm el-Sheikh
Red Sea diving at Ras Mohammed, the Thistlegorm wreck and Naama Bay nights
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Egypt
Taba
Quiet Red Sea resort where Sinai mountains drop into the Gulf of Aqaba
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Egypt
Hurghada
Hurghada: a Red Sea beach resort with diving, the Giftun islands and Luxor excursions, with price alerts on flights to HRG.
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Egypt
Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam: Red Sea reefs, green turtles and Wadi El Gemal National Park, with price alerts to Marsa Alam airport (RMF).
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Egypt
El Alamein
El Alamein: war cemeteries, museum, beaches and the ancient site of Leukaspis, with price alerts to El Alamein airport (DBB).
DiscoverOther Egyptian cities (Sohag...) will progressively join this list.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Egypt
What is the best airport for arriving in Egypt?
Cairo (CAI) is the country's main air hub. SniperAir also covers 9 other Egyptian airports depending on the region you're heading to.
What is the best time to visit Egypt?
Winter remains the most pleasant time to visit, as summer is very hot, especially in Cairo.
Is Egypt more than just Cairo?
Yes — SniperAir already covers 10 Egyptian airports, from the Red Sea to Luxor. Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Cairo, Marsa Alam and El Alamein already have their own page, and other destinations will follow progressively.
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
It depends on your nationality. Many travelers can get a visa on arrival or online, but it's best to check current requirements with the relevant authorities before booking.
How do I travel between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan?
By domestic flight or night train. Between Luxor and Aswan, a Nile cruise is the classic option, and buses and private drivers cover the rest.
Which UNESCO World Heritage sites are in Egypt?
Seven: the pyramid fields from Giza to Dahshur, Ancient Thebes, the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae, Historic Cairo, Abu Mena, the Saint Catherine Area and Wadi Al-Hitan, the Whale Valley.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Egypt drops below my budget?
Create a SniperAir alert profile with your departure airport and your Egyptian destination: we track prices for you and notify you as soon as an opportunity matching your criteria appears.
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