Preparing a trip to Egypt requires a minimum of organization to fully enjoy this exceptional destination. This guide centralizes all the essential practical information: visa, budget, security, ideal season and formalities.
When to leave? The Best Season
The climate greatly influences your experience. Check out our detailed guide on best time to visit Egypt with a month-by-month calendar and our recommendations depending on your type of stay (cruise, desert, beach).
Budget: How much to plan?
Hotels, meals, tips and everything in between: our breakdown of the budget needed for a trip to Egypt in 2026 gives figures by spending category, priced at today's exchange rate.
Visa & Formalities
French nationals must obtain a visa. Our guide to Egypt visa for French people in 2026 details the three options (e-visa, arrival, consulate), prices and deadlines.
Safety in Egypt
Frequently asked questions from travelers: our complete analysis of security in Egypt in 2026 gives you an objective view with safe tourist areas, precautions to take and the latest official advisories.
Special Case: Traveling During Ramadan
During Ramadan the whole country runs to a different clock. Read our advice on visiting Egypt during Ramadan and turn the month into a cultural experience you will not forget.
Organized or Individual Trip?
Are you hesitating between an all-inclusive package and an independent trip? Our comparison organized or individual trip to Egypt analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of each option. If you opt for support, find out why choose a local agency rather than a European tour operator.
Checklist Before Departure
Don't forget anything thanks to our complete checklist to prepare your trip : documents, health, luggage, useful applications, and everything you need to know before getting on the plane.
Ready to Leave?
Browse our holiday packages and Nile cruises, or request a free tailored quote.
For thousands of years Egypt has cast a spell over visitors. Home of the pharaohs and birthplace of a remarkable civilisation, it holds the Giza pyramids, the grand temples of Luxor and the storied waters of the Nile. With the Grand Egyptian Museum now open and security settled, 2026 is seeing more arrivals than at any time in the country's history.
Whether you dream of a cruise on the Nile, exploring the tombs of the Valley of the Kings or diving in the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea, this guide will accompany you step by step in preparing for your trip.
Visa and Entry Formalities in Egypt
Visa for French people in 2026
French nationals need a visa to enter Egypt. Three options are available to you:
E-Visa online: 30 USD (single entry) or 65 USD (multiple entries). Request on visa2egypt.gov.eg at least 7 days before departure.
Visa on arrival: $25 in cash for British passports, at any international airport.
Sinai Exemption: a free 15 day stay, valid solely for Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date. French people can also use their valid national identity card, provided they provide 2 identity photos upon arrival.
→ Consult our detailed guide: Egypt visa for French people 2026
Budget: What Will an Egypt Holiday Cost You in 2026?
EUR/EGP Exchange Rate
In January 2026, the exchange rate is approximately = 54 EGP (Egyptian Pound). This rate has changed considerably in recent years following Egyptian economic reforms.
Practical advice: The Egyptian pound is not convertible internationally. Calculate your expenses to avoid ending up with non-exchangeable books on your return.
| Type of trip | Budget/day/pers. | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | £20-£40 | Hostels, street food, local transport |
| Average comfort | £60-£90 | 3-4★ hotels, restaurants, guided excursions |
| High end | £120-£190 | 5★ hotels, Nile cruise, private guide |
| Luxury (dahabiya) | £230+ | Dahabiya cruise, suites, VIP experiences |
All-Inclusive Tour Prices
Nile cruise 7 nights (standard 5★): from £460-£540/person (excluding flights)
Cairo Tour + Nile Cruise 8 days: land services and Egyptian domestic flights included, personalized quote on WhatsApp (your flight to Egypt not included)
Combined Nile + Red Sea 12 days: land services and Egyptian domestic flights included, personalized quote on WhatsApp (your flight to Egypt not included)
→ Discover our all-inclusive Egypt tours
Choosing the Right Season for Egypt
The ideal period is from October to April. Temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C, perfect for visiting temples and sailing the Nile.
| Season | Month | Temperatures | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGH | Oct-Apr | 20-30°C | Ideal climate, numerous departures |
| BASS | May-Sep | 35-45°C | Reduced prices (-20%), sites with low traffic |
Our advice: November through February brings the finest conditions, above all in Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan). Summer is manageable if you sightsee early in the day and cruise on an air-conditioned boat.
→ Full Guide: When to Take a Nile Cruise
Safety in Egypt: Can we travel peacefully in 2026?
It is. Egypt is safe for holidaymakers in 2026 and enjoying its strongest tourism figures since 2010, having welcomed more than 18 million visitors in 2025.
Safe Tourist Areas
Cairo with the Giza pyramids, Alexandria, the Nile Valley cities of Luxor and Aswan, plus the coastal resorts of Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm el-Sheikh.
Areas to Avoid
North Sinai: Military zone, access prohibited to tourists.
Borders with Libya and Sudan: Unstable regions.
Tip: the police keep a visible presence wherever tourists gather. Stick to licensed taxis or Uber (which operates in Cairo, Alexandria and Hurghada) and stay off the roads after dark.
The Grand Egyptian Museum: 2026's Unmissable Opening
Opened in November 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is now running at full capacity. It sits 2 km from the Giza pyramids and ranks as the biggest archaeological museum anywhere on earth.
GEM 2026 Practical Information
Hours: 9am to 7pm every day, with late opening until 10pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Prices: $60 adults (~£40), $30 students
Reservation: MANDATORY online with nominative time slot
Duration of visit: Minimum 4 hours, ideally half a day
The Treasures of GEM
More than 100,000 artifacts, many never exhibited before. The complete Tutankhamun collection includes 5,398 objects covering 7,000 m². The colossus of Ramses II, an 11-meter statue, sits at the entrance. Khufu's solar barque has been transferred from its former location.
⚠️ Important note: Tutankhamun's golden mask is now on display at the GEM, alongside the complete Tutankhamun treasure, since its transfer from Tahrir Square in 2025.
→ Our tours featuring the Grand Egyptian Museum
Recommended Itineraries Depending on Your Length of Stay
5-7 Days: The Essentials of Egypt
Day 1-2: Cairo: the Sphinx, Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 3-6: sailing the Nile: Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan
Day 7: Abu Simbel option and return
→ Book our 8-day Nile and Cairo Cruise tour
10-12 Days: Complete Egypt
Add to the previous itinerary 4-5 days of relaxation in the Red Sea in Hurghada or Marsa Alam. Fine sandy beaches, snorkeling on coral reefs, scuba diving...
→ Discover our combined Cairo, Nile Cruise and Hurghada
2 Weeks+: Total Immersion
If you crave adventure, head for the Western Desert and its oases (Siwa, Bahariya, Dakhla), or pick a dahabiya, the traditional Nile sailing boat, for a far more intimate cruise.
→ Explore the Western Desert and Oases
Health and Vaccinations
No vaccination is compulsory for travelers from mainland France. The yellow fever vaccine is only required if you come from a risk area (including French Guiana).
Recommended Vaccines
Diphtheria, tetanus and polio boosters current, hepatitis A (15 days before travel), hepatitis B if you stay long or return often.
Practical Tips
Water: Drink only bottled (capsulated) water.
Swimming: Avoid swimming in the Nile (bilharziasis).
Mosquitoes: Protection recommended (presence of dengue fever).
Medicines: Bring your prescription treatments (Tramadol/opiates considered drugs).
Insurance: Take out travel insurance with repatriation. Bank card insurance is generally insufficient for Egypt.
Tipping (Bakchich): Guide to Use
Tips are woven into daily life in Egypt. These are the amounts we suggest:
| Service | Suggested amount |
|---|---|
| Guide (full day) | £10/day/couple |
| Driver | -£10/day |
| Luggage carrier | 50 EGP |
| Restaurant | 10-15% of the bill |
| Cruise staff (week) | £20-£40/torque in total |
Why Book with Sem Elegant Voyage?
As an agency based on the ground in Egypt, we offer real advantages:
Direct prices: Without an intermediary, you benefit from the best prices.
Expert English-speaking guides: Passionate Egyptologists and educators.
Total flexibility: Tailor-made circuits adapted to your desires.
24/7 support: our Egypt-based team is on hand throughout your trip.
FAQ: Your Questions about Travel to Egypt
Is Egypt a safe destination in 2026?
They are. The tourist regions (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, the Red Sea) are entirely safe, and the country receives 18 million-plus visitors a year. Following FCDO advice, steer clear of North Sinai and the Libya/Sudan borders.
How much should you budget for a trip to Egypt?
Allow £60-£90/day/person for a comfortable trip. An 8-day all-inclusive tour with Nile cruise starts at £990 flights included. Backpackers can get by with 30-13/day.
Will I need a visa for Egypt?
Yes, French people need a visa (30 USD). You can obtain it online (e-visa) or upon arrival at the airport. Passport valid for at least 6 months required.
Which months suit a Nile cruise best?
From October to April, with ideal temperatures (20-30°C). The months from November to February are particularly recommended. Summer remains possible with reduced prices and morning visits.
Is the Grand Egyptian Museum open?
It has been, fully, since December 2025. Doors open 9am to 7pm (until 10pm on Wed/Sat). Adult admission is 60 USD, and you must book online in advance for a timed slot.
Can you travel to Egypt with children?
Without question. Pyramids, mummies and tales of pharaohs enchant children, and we suggest travelling from 6 years old upwards. Children travel at reduced rates on our tours.
Ready to Discover Egypt?
Get in touch with our specialists for a free tailored quote inside 24 hours.
Our associated guides
- → Travel insurance for Egypt
- → What to pack for Egypt?
- → Currency in Egypt: Egyptian pound and exchange
- → Electrical outlet and adapter in Egypt
- → Time difference Egypt - France
- → Jabs and staying healthy in Egypt
- → Domestic flights in Egypt: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Sharm el-Sheikh
- → Cairo Airport: arrival and transfers
- → Car hire and driving in Egypt
- → Tailor-made trip to Egypt
- → Last minute trip to Egypt
- → Travel diary in Egypt: inspiration
- → Local agency in Egypt: advantages