- Checklist 2026 -
Summer and winter outfit, Nile cruise, seaside stay, mosque visits, health kit - everything you need to bring to Egypt.
- The underestimated subject -
Prepare your suitcase well = successful trip
Mal packing your suitcase for Egypt means exposing yourself to uncomfortable situations: freezing nights on the deck of the boat in January, severe sunburn in June, refusal of entry into a mosque for unsuitable clothing, medicines that cannot be found there. This guide gives the exhaustive checklist by season and type of trip based on feedback from our customers since 2020.
Egypt presents a strong thermal amplitude : 38°C in full sun in Karnak then 22°C in an air-conditioned cabin, 28°C during the day in Hurghada then 18°C on the deck of the boat in the evening. The traveler's #1 enemy in Egypt = dry heat (you don't sweat as much as in a tropical country but you become dehydrated very quickly). Enemy #2 = sand and dust everywhere (eyes, electronics, clothes).
- Summer clothes -
April to October - outfit checklist
Women
- 5-7 long dresses or loose tunics in linen or cotton (covering shoulders and knees for venues)
- 2-3 light pants (linen, cotton) or light jeans
- 3-4 short or long sleeve t-shirts (anti-sun)
- 1 light shawl or scarf (mosques, excessive air conditioning)
- 2-3 swimsuits (pool cruise + Red Sea)
- 1 wide-brimmed hat or floppy hat + category 3 UV glasses
- Closed sandals (sandy archaeological sites) + 1 pair of walking shoes + beach flip-flops
- 1 light sweater or light jacket for the evening
Men
- 5-6 cotton t-shirts or polo shirts (short or long sleeves)
- 2-3 light pants (linen, cotton, chinos) - avoid jeans in summer
- 2-3 long shorts for the beach and casual lunch
- 2-3 swimsuits
- 1 cap or hat + UV glasses
- 1 pair closed shoes (sites) + flip flops + sandals
- 1 smart-casual shirt for 5★ cruise dinners
- Winter clothing -
November to March - outfit checklist
The classic low season mistake: forget the cold of the night. In Luxor in January-February, it can be 7-10°C at 10 p.m. on the deck of the boat. In Sharm el-Sheikh in December, 14-16°C in the evening. Adapt accordingly:
- 3-4 fine cotton or cashmere sweaters (for the evening)
- 1 warmer or fleece sweater (for evenings on the deck of the boat)
- 1 mid-season jacket (leather, thick jeans, windbreaker)
- All summer clothing above, warmer (thicker pants)
- 1 thick stole (women) for cruise evenings
- Sun cream remains essential (strong UV rays even in winter in Aswan)
- Health kit -
Take-home medications and care
Egypt has pharmacies but many French medicines require a prescription or are not available. Prepare a complete kit in advance:
- Anti-diarrheal: Imodium or Loperamide (turista affects 30-40% of travelers)
- Anti-nausea: Domperidone (in case of seasickness on cruises or flights)
- Smecta or equivalent (gastroenteritis)
- Analgesic: paracetamol, ibuprofen
- Skin antiseptic: Biseptine or Betadine
- Dressings + small first aid kit
- DEET 30% mosquito repellent cream (mosquitoes on the cruise in summer)
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (the Egyptian sun beats down hard)
- SPF lip balm (extreme drought)
- Eye drops (dust in Luxor and Karnak)
- Moisturizing nasal spray (very dry air conditioning in the cabin)
- Condoms if necessary (discreet but limited pharmacies)
- Miscellaneous essentials -
Not to be forgotten
- Phone chargers + power bank 10000 mAh (long days of visits)
- Universal cable (Lightning + USB-C)
- International SIM card Orange or local SIM purchase at the airport (8-£10 for 20-30 GB 4G data)
- Reusable water bottle with filter (Lifestraw recommended)
- 20-30 L day backpack for excursions
- Headlamp or torch (tombs of the Valley of the Kings, certain corners of Karnak)
- Small compact mirror and wet wipes (dust)
- Waterproof plastic bag for phone on the beach and in felucca
- Small denominations USD or euros (5-10 USD) for tips
- Additional ID photos (security, formalities)
- FAQ - Baggage Egypt -
Frequently asked questions
Which suitcase to choose for Egypt - hard or soft?
Soft suitcase recommended for the Nile cruise (easier storage in the cabin, no corners that scratch the furniture). Hard suitcase acceptable for Cairo + Hurghada only (taxi/bus transfers). Format medium 60-70 L ideal for 10 days, 40 L cabin in addition to essentials and electronics.
What weight of luggage is allowed for Egypt?
EgyptAir and Air France: 23 kg in the hold, 8-10 kg in the cabin. Air Cairo (domestic flights): 20 kg hold, 5-7 kg cabin. For domestic flights Cairo-Luxor and Cairo-Hurghada on EgyptAir: 20 kg only (but in practice, up to 23 kg tolerated without surcharge except in extreme cases). Avoid overtaking so as not to have to negotiate at the counter.
Is there a dress code in Egypt?
No strict code but good behavior required. Women: covered shoulders and knees in public places (mosques, popular markets). On the resort beach, western beach attire allowed (bikini OK). Men: long shorts or pants, t-shirt, avoid shirtless off the beach. Mosque visits: covered shoulders + knees required (and removal of shoes at the entrance). For dinners on a 5★ cruise, smart-casual attire (no flip-flops or shorts).
Do I need a power adapter for Egypt?
No, sockets identical to France (220V, European C/F sockets). No adapter required for French nationals. All 4-5★ hotels have USB sockets at the bedside. For UK/US/Swiss travelers: European adapter required.
What medicines to take to Egypt?
Basic kit: Imodium or Loperamide (turista), Smecta (diarrhea), Domperidone (nausea), paracetamol, analgesics, skin antiseptic, dressings, hand disinfectant, anti-mosquito cream (DEET 30% for the cruise), SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm, eye drops (dust in Luxor). Keep your medications in cabin baggage. No problem getting through Egyptian customs.
Is it necessary to bring cash or a bank card is enough?
Recommended mix: £230-£380 in cash (tips, market, small restaurants) + Visa/Mastercard (hotel payment, restaurant 4-5★, ATM machines). Prefer small denominations USD or euros for tips (5-10 USD more appreciated than a 50 note). Vending machines available at the airport, hotels and city centers Cairo/Luxor/Aswan. Check that your bank accepts payments abroad before departure.
What size luggage for a Nile cruise?
A medium 60-70 L suitcase per person is more than enough. The 5★ cruise cabins have built-in wardrobe and drawers. Avoid very large 80-90 L suitcases which do not fit under the bed. Beach bag or tote bag in addition for day excursions. Anti-theft: boats 4-5★ have a cabin safe for passport, money, jewelry.
What documents to take for Egypt in addition to the passport?
Essential: passport valid 6 months after return date, passport copy (separate), printed e-visa (or USD 30 cash for visa on arrival), airline tickets (printed or electronic), travel insurance (paper), hotel/cruise confirmations, transfer vouchers. Recommended: additional identity photo (formalities), international driving license if you plan to rent a car (Hurghada only, Cairo not recommended).
- To go further -
Our related guides
- Prepare your trip -
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