Egypt

Egypt is a country in North Africa with a long history and culture dating back to ancient times. It is known for its pyramids, ancient temples, hieroglyphs, and the powerful pharaohs who once ruled the country. The country also has a significant influence on the Islamic world, as it is the center of Sunni Islam and home to the famous Al-Azhar University.

The capital of Egypt is Cairo, a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Other major cities include Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada. Egypt is also known for the Nile, the world’s longest river, which flows through the country and contributes to its rich agricultural heritage.

From a tourism perspective, Egypt is a popular destination for its ancient sights, beaches, and diving spots. Among the most famous sites are the Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Aswan Dam, the Red Sea, and the diving paradise of Sharm El-Sheikh.

Here are some of the most popular vacation spots in Egypt:

Hurghada: One of Egypt’s most famous coastal cities, known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and abundance of water sports such as diving, snorkeling, and kitesurfing.
Sharm El-Sheikh: Another popular resort town on the Red Sea, known for its beaches, diving and snorkeling opportunities, luxurious resorts, and lively nightlife.
Luxor: A historic city on the banks of the Nile, known for its ancient temples and ruins, including the famous Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
Cairo: Egypt’s vibrant capital, known for its historic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum.
Dahab: A small coastal village on the Red Sea known for its laid-back atmosphere, affordable diving and snorkeling opportunities, and breathtaking sunsets.
Aswan: A city at the southern end of the Nile, known for its historical sites such as the Temple of Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk, as well as its spectacular riverside scenery.
El Gouna: An artificial city on the Red Sea, known for its luxury resorts, exclusive restaurants, golf courses, and water sports.
Marsa Alam: A quiet coastal resort known for its pristine beaches, diving and snorkeling opportunities, and the chance to spot turtles and other marine life.

There are many other places in Egypt worth visiting, depending on your interests and itinerary.

Location

Egypt extends across two continents. Most of the country is located in Africa, while the Sinai Peninsula lies in Asia. With a total area of approximately 1,010,000 square kilometres, Egypt is more than three times the size of Germany.

Entry requirements

German citizens require a visa to enter Egypt. A visa can be obtained either as an e-visa or on arrival. A passport or identity document with sufficient remaining validity is required. Further information is available from the German Federal Foreign Office.

Safety:

low high

Travellers should pay close attention to official security information and avoid carrying unnecessarily large amounts of cash. Some regions may be subject to increased security risks and travel restrictions.

Tourist areas on the Red Sea generally have a visible police and security presence, and many resort areas and hotels operate their own security measures.

Getting around

Pay attention to the current security situation, particularly in higher-risk regions, and agree prices before starting a journey where appropriate.

Public transport:

Price:
cheap expensive

Availability:
low high
Bus, metro

Safety:
low high

Taxi:

Price:
cheap expensive
Agree the fare in advance

Availability:
low high

Safety:
low high

Rental car:

An International Driving Permit is required together with the national German driving licence.

Price:
cheap expensive
from €14

Availability:
low high

Safety:
low high

More information

Official language: Arabic (English and German are also spoken in some tourist areas)

Population: approx. 101,062,000 (2020)

Currency: Egyptian pound (EGP)

Capital: Cairo

Administrative divisions: 27 governorates

Largest airports: Cairo (CAI), Hurghada (HRG), Sharm El Sheikh (SSH)

Time difference: German winter time +1 hour / summer time 0 hours

Public holidays: Coptic Christmas, Revolution Day, Coptic Easter, Sham El Nessim, Ramadan, Sinai Liberation Day, Labour Day, June 30 Revolution Day, July 23 Revolution Day, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Armed Forces Day, Mawlid and Christmas

Climate

Subtropical, dry and hot

Best time to visit: November to April

From May to October it is particularly hot. Average temperatures range between 30 and 34 °C, with daytime highs sometimes exceeding 40 °C. At night, temperatures rarely fall below 25 °C. Between November and April, daytime highs generally range between 18 and 24 °C.

Cairo

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Min. °C	9	10	12	15	18	21	23	23	22	19	15	11
Max. °C	19	20	23	28	32	34	35	35	33	30	25	21
Rainy days	6	4	2	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	2	3
Sunshine hours per day	7	6	8	9	11	12	11	10	10	9	6	6
Water °C	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-