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Common Mistakes To Avoid When Visiting Egypt

Jan 3, 2023

4 min read

With so many amazing places to visit and so many top attractions to take in, Egypt is one of the most popular tourist hotspots around. There is no doubt that a trip here will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience which you will never forget.

To really get all you can from a jaunt to the country though, it is key to know which common tourist errors to avoid. But which are the most important to swerve?

brown statue in egypt surrounded by sand during daytime

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Common Mistakes To Avoid When Visiting Egypt

In this section, I'll list a few things common mistakes some travelers make when visiting Egypt. The most common mistakes are:

Not Taking Care Of Your Travel Visa

As with many countries around the world, you will need an Egypt Visa to enter Egypt legally. Although these can be applied for at the immigration counter at the airport when you arrive, this is a stressful way to handle it. It is much better to get your visa sorted out well before you travel, so you have it when you land.

Not Taking Out Travel Insurance

This is actually a common mistake tourists make when visiting any destination. However, it's certainly a widespread error for travelers to Egypt. The simple truth is that accidents and illnesses can strike anytime you're away (especially if you’re not used to the heat), and travel insurance is a must.

It's essential to have the right insurance in place to cover the cost of medical care if this does happen. Travel insurance, of course, is also handy for covering lost luggage or stolen items when traveling.

brown sandy pillars with the sun shining through a gap during daytime

Not Learning Some Basic Arabic

Don't worry – we're not suggesting you take an intensive course on Arabic before leaving. It's worthwhile, though, to learn a few basic phrases in Arabic for when you're in Egypt.

This will help you engage with the locals, get closer to the culture of the country and it'll just make your trip much more stress-free. Let's face it. Google translate isn't always the best option.

Not Adhering To Local Customs And Behaviour

This is one of the biggest errors tourists to Egypt make but can sometimes cause real offense – even if you don't mean to. It's key to know that the country is mostly Islamic, and this means they have different views about what is acceptable to wear or how to behave.

A good example of this is how tourists are expected to cover up and follow the same dress code as local Egyptians. It's not a good idea to walk around in a short skirt or a skimpy vest. If you stick to local customs like this, you'll avoid offending people.

black silhouette of people riding on camels with the pyramids in the background during sunset

Not Planning Out Your Trip In Advance

There are not only some amazing facts to know about Egypt for travelers, but also some awesome places to see while you're there.

A common error tourists make is not taking the time to plan where they'll go and what they'll see in advance. For example, if you fancy a Nile cruise at some point these often get busy and don't run every day of the week. Due to this, it's wise to book in advance so you can plan the rest of your trip around it.

This is a country with lots of other world-famous attractions to take in. This means planning out your itinerary before you leave is sensible, so you see everything you want and do things in the most efficient way.


That's All!

There is no doubt that Egypt is a great place to spend time and has plenty to offer tourists. To get the most out of your time there though, it is sensible to avoid the common tourist mistakes listed above.

If you need a travel visa for Egypt, Atlys can help. We make it simple to apply for the visa you need online and have it in order well before you jet off.

Written By: Laliq Schuman
Fact Checked By: Armando Du Preez

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Egypt Safe To Visit?

Yes, it is. Crime remains relatively low in Egypt. However, there has been an increase in violent crime including armed robbery and car jackings in recent years. It would be best if you, therefore, take sensible precautions.

Can I Apply For AN Egypt Visa Online?

Yes, US citizens can get a visa for Egypt online. Nationals from the following countries can also get an Egypt visa online:

Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Kosovo, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales), United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican, and Venezuela.

What Are The Required Documents For AN Egypt Visa?

You need a copy of your passport's biometric page and passport photo. You'll also need certain documents to provide information like proof of accommodation, return flight ticket, etc.

Can I Get A Visa At The Airport In Cairo?

Yes, you can. This visa is known as an Egypt Visa On Arrival, which US citizens can apply for.

Why Is The Visa Processing Time Delayed?

Your visa can be delayed due to many applications being submitted, forgotten documents, or if they're understaffed. This is why we suggest you apply for your visa at least 7 days before your travel date.

How Long Can I Stay In Egypt?

You can only stay in Egypt for 30 days. However, if you have a multiple-entry visa you can enter Egypt again for another 30 days, if your visa is still valid.

What Happens If I Overstay My Visa?

If you overstay your Egypt Visa, you'll have to **pay a "visa overstay penalty."**Although we can't specify the amount you must pay, we know that the fee increases each day you overstay your visa.

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