What to Pack for Egypt Trip
Egypt is so close to the UAE. It takes only 4 hours to reach Cairo from Dubai by flight, but the country feels like a whole new place absolutely different from the vibe of the Emirates. Old streets and fascinating stories of the past – Egypt is truly magical. It is an easy pick for a long weekend or Eid. Most of the people think that since the weather is hot like Dubai, they can pack the same clothes and go, but that is not fully correct. Between the Pyramids, the Nile cruise, the desert and the Red Sea beaches, your bag needs few different things, so this is a very common question that people usually ask before the trip.
Egypt Tourist Visa: Requirements, Fees, and Travel Documents
First on the travel essentials list is the Egypt tourist visa – because that decides how your trip will be. Many nationalities can apply e-visa online on the official website and some passport holders can also get the visa on arrival at Cairo Airport. Egypt has increased the visa fee recently and it is now around USD 45, so check the latest amount before you go. Many expats living in the UAE with a valid residence visa can also get visa on arrival, but it depends on nationality and few conditions, so better to confirm with the airline or a travel agent before booking.
In your bag, keep the passport with minimum 6 months validity, your Emirates ID, a printed copy of the e-visa approval and hotel bookings. Also keep some US dollars in cash, because if you are taking visa on arrival they ask for payment in dollars at the bank counter before immigration.
What to Wear in Egypt
Now when its about clothes, Egypt is a conservative country, specially outside the tourist resorts. Light cotton clothes are best for day time, but keep long trousers or long skirts and tops which cover the shoulders, because when you visit places like the Mohamed Ali Mosque, Al Azhar or the churches in Old Cairo, they will not allow shorts or sleeveless. Ladies should carry a scarf in the bag which is useful for mosques and also for covering from the sun and dust. Having said that, in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and the resort areas, normal beach wear is fine, so pack swimwear also if you are going to the Red Sea side.
Egypt Weather Guide
Many people from Dubai do not expect this but Egypt can be cold in winter. From December to February the evenings in Cairo come down to around 10°C to 12°C, and in the desert or on the Nile cruise deck at night it feels even colder. If you are planning the Mount Sinai sunrise hike, then it is proper cold at the top, so carry a warm jacket for that. In summer, Luxor and Aswan go above 40°C, so the jacket is not needed but a cap, sunglasses and sunscreen are must in every season, because most of the sightseeing is outdoor.
Best Shoes for Exploring Egypt
A quick tip on footwear that you should keep in mind is to carry comfy sneakers or walking shoes. No heels or even strappy sandals. Giza, Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings are all about walking. The ground is sandy, rocky and uneven. Choosing comfortable shoes will keep your tippy toes pain free. Keep one pair of slippers for the hotel and the beach. Suppose you are doing snorkelling in the Red Sea, then you can carry your own mask also, as the hotel ones are sometimes not in good condition.
Here is quick overview of What to Pack for Egypt Trip:
| What to Pack | Why You Need It |
| Passport, UAE visa, Egypt tourist visa | Passport valid 6 months, keep visa printout and Emirates ID |
| US Dollars in small notes | For visa on arrival, tips and small payments |
| Light cotton clothes | Daytime heat in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan |
| Long dress or trousers and scarf | Mosques, churches and Old Cairo areas |
| Light jacket or hoodie | Winter evenings, desert nights and Nile cruise deck |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Giza Pyramids, temples and uneven streets |
| Sunscreen, cap and sunglasses | Strong sun at all outdoor sites |
| Type C plug adapter | UAE plugs do not fit in Egypt |
| Basic medicines and wet wipes | Stomach upset is common for first timers |
| Swimwear and snorkel mask | For Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab |
Currency
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). You can always exchange money at the banks or airport. Just remember to keep small change – both US dollar notes and small pounds. Tipping is common. Drivers, guides and hotel staff will thank you when you hand it over. Cards work in hotels and big restaurants, but local markets like Khan El Khalili are mostly cash. Egypt uses the Type C round pin plugs which is different from the three pin plugs we use in UAE, so do not forget the adapter. A power bank also helps as you will be out whole day taking photos.
Travel Health
Health wise, many first time visitors get stomach upset because of change in food and water, so carry basic medicines for stomach, headache and allergy, and drink only bottled water. Wet wipes, tissue and hand sanitizer are very useful also, since public toilets in some places do not have paper. If you need help with the Egypt tourist visa or a full holiday package from Dubai, you can contact Tunz Travel Tourism and our team will guide you. Below is a quick packing table which you can check before closing the bag.
