Common questions from American travelers

Is Egypt safe to visit right now?

Tourist areas — Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts — see millions of international visitors a year and have a strong, visible security presence. Our guides and drivers are local and know these routes well. Conditions vary by region: the US State Department advises against travel to northern and central Sinai and to Egypt's border zones, none of which are on our itineraries. Check its current advisory for Egypt at travel.state.gov before you book. We will give you a straight answer about anywhere you are considering, including when the answer is no. Traveling with children? See how we plan family trips.

Do I need a visa?

Yes, US citizens need a visa. You can buy one on arrival at the airport, or apply in advance on Egypt's official e-Visa portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg — take care, as many look-alike sites charge extra. A standard tourist visa covers a stay of up to 30 days, and your passport needs at least six months' validity and a blank page. Visa fees change from year to year, so we don't print one here. We send current instructions once your dates are confirmed, and can arrange for the on-arrival fee to be paid on your behalf. Our visa and meet and greet page explains how we meet you before passport control.

Which places should I include on my first trip?

Most first trips combine Cairo and the pyramids with Luxor and Aswan, usually linked by a Nile cruise. Add the Red Sea if you want to finish with a few slow days by the water. Our Where to go in Egypt guide covers each destination, how many days it is worth and when to go.

What's the best time of year to visit?

October through April is the most comfortable, with cooler temperatures for sightseeing. May through September is hotter but quieter and often less expensive, especially for the Nile Valley. Our month-by-month guide covers Ramadan, the spring sand winds and the two Abu Simbel sun mornings.

Will I have the same guide and driver the whole trip?

On private itineraries, yes wherever possible — one guide gets to know you and your pace rather than starting over each day.

How far in advance should I book?

We can turn around a custom itinerary quickly, but 2–3 months ahead gives the most flexibility on Nile cruise cabins and hotel availability, especially for Christmas, New Year and the rest of December–January, when the Nile boats and the best Cairo hotels fill first.

Do I pay anything to get a quote?

No. Sharing your dates and interests costs nothing — you'll get a full itinerary and price back before any payment is involved, and there is nothing to pay until you decide to book.

How and when do I pay?

You choose. Every booking — multi-day journeys, day tours and transfers — can be paid now, in advance, or later, in cash or by card when you arrive in Egypt. Either way, your itinerary and final price are confirmed in writing first. All prices on this site are in US dollars, with no conversion at checkout. Full details are in our booking terms.

What if I need to cancel or change my trip?

It depends on the service. For day tours, you can cancel up to 48 hours before at no charge. For multi-day journeys, ask us for the cancellation and refund terms before you pay, so you know them in advance. You can read the summary in our booking terms, or ask us.

What's included in the price?

Every quote is itemized — hotels, guide, private vehicle, entrance fees, and any domestic flights or cruise nights are listed separately so you know exactly what you're paying for.

What if something goes wrong during my trip?

You'll have a direct contact with our Cairo team reachable for the full length of your trip — not a call center, someone who already knows your itinerary.

Your office hours are Sunday to Thursday. Who do I call at night or on a weekend?

These are two different services. Our office hours (Sunday to Thursday, 9am–6pm Cairo time (2am–11am in New York)) are for questions, quotes and new bookings. Once you are traveling with us, you also have a 24/7 emergency line. The number is in your travel documents, and it is answered day and night, weekends included, by someone who knows your itinerary.

How much does a private Egypt tour cost?

From October to April, our private journeys start from $1,590 per person for 5 days in Cairo, and the 8-day Classic Egypt from $2,820. May to September is about 13% lower, and 20 December to 5 January about 13% higher than October–April. Prices assume 2 travelers sharing and 5-star hotels.

See all journeys →

How many days do I need, and where should I go?

Most first trips combine Cairo and the pyramids with Luxor and Aswan, linked by a Nile cruise, in about 8 days. Add the Red Sea for a few slow days at the end; 10 to 12 days lets you do both properly.

Where to go →

Nile cruise or dahabiya?

A 5-star Nile cruise moves you between Luxor and Aswan while you sleep. A dahabiya, a small sailing boat with a handful of cabins, is quieter and more private, and can be added on request.

Journeys with a cruise →

What should I wear?

Egypt is relaxed in resorts and conservative elsewhere. Cover shoulders and knees in cities, at religious sites and in villages. Women need a headscarf inside mosques, so carry one. Beachwear belongs on the beach.

Customs & etiquette →

How does tipping work?

Small tips are part of daily life in Egypt, so keep small notes. Tipping is not included in our prices, and we tell you in writing what is normal for each part of your trip before you travel.

Customs & etiquette →

Is the food and water safe?

Drink bottled water and skip ice outside hotels and established restaurants. Eat where it is busy and choose hot, freshly cooked food. Bottled water is in your vehicle throughout, and your guide will steer you to good places.

Eating & drinking →

Is it OK to travel during Ramadan?

Yes, and many people find it the most interesting time to visit. Opening hours shift, some restaurants close during daylight, and the roads are busy just before sunset.

Best time to visit →