What to pack for Egypt — complete packing list 2026

The Egypt packing rule: light, versatile, two-climate. Hot dry days (28–35 °C / 82–95 °F) and surprisingly cool evenings (15–22 °C / 59–72 °F) — desert nights drop another 10 °C on top. This list covers what experienced travelers actually use.

Documents and money

• Passport — valid at least 6 months beyond travel date
• Passport photocopy, kept separately (or photographed on your phone)
• Flight tickets — digital is fine, print is sturdier
• Hotel booking confirmations
• Travel insurance policy and 24h hotline number
• USD 30–50 in small bills for visa-on-arrival
• EUR 200–400 cash for the week, split across two locations
• Two cards — Mastercard / Visa (Amex rarely accepted)
• Your embassy's Cairo phone number (search before flying)

Clothing — hot day, cool night

Layered, lightweight, modest enough for temples and mosques. Linen and cotton beat synthetics in the heat.

• 3–4 light tops (T-shirts, long-sleeve linen, cotton shirts)
• 2–3 shorts or light trousers
• 1–2 long trousers (desert evenings, mosques)
• 1 light jumper or cardigan (evening strolls, AC inside)
• 2–3 swimsuits / bikinis
• 1 beach cover-up or kaftan
• Knee-length skirt or dress for women (or a light scarf for mosque visits)
• A week's worth of underwear and socks
• Light sleepwear

Footwear

• Beach sandals or flip-flops
• Comfortable walking shoes — Cairo and Luxor mean kilometers on uneven stone
• Closed shoes for quad-biking, horseback, or desert hikes
• Water shoes for snorkeling (optional but useful — coral reefs are sharp)

Sun protection and comfort

• Sunscreen SPF 30–50 (Egyptian sun is strong even in winter)
• After-sun lotion or aloe gel
• Sunhat or cap — non-negotiable, even brief exposure burns
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Reusable water bottle (1L) — refill at hotels
• Cooling spray (optional, helpful on long site visits)

Toiletries and medicines

Hotels supply basic shampoo, soap, body wash. Bring your preferred items if you're picky about brands.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body wash
• Razor, deodorant
• Feminine hygiene products (limited brand selection locally)
• Wet wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Plasters and small bandages

Medicines:

• Your prescriptions plus a printed copy in English
• Pain reliever (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Anti-diarrheal (Imodium) — "Pharaoh's revenge" is common
• Oral rehydration sachets
• Antihistamine for unexpected allergies
• Burn cream or aloe
• Motion-sickness tablets for boat trips

Electronics

• Phone + charger (EU plug works, otherwise pack a Type C adapter)
• Power bank (10,000 mAh+) for long site days
• Camera (phone is fine, but for the Pyramids and Karnak a real one earns its place)
• Spare memory card
• Headphones
• Kindle or paperback for beach / pool

Bags

• One main suitcase (wheeled, 50–70L)
• Small daypack (15–20L) for excursions
• Separate beach bag (water-resistant if possible)
• Wallet with a hidden pocket for street walking

What NOT to pack

• Drones — banned, will be confiscated
• Walkie-talkies, satellite phones — restricted without permits
• Pornographic material — strictly prohibited
• Politically or religiously sensitive material
• More than 1L of alcohol (over that, customs duty)
• Fresh-cut flowers (customs issue)
• GPS units (built-in phone GPS is fine; standalone units sometimes flagged)

What to bring back

Good Egyptian souvenirs that are worth the suitcase space:

• Dates (fresh or dried — ½ kg for EGP 50–100)
• Hibiscus tea (karkadeh) — pleasantly tart, travels well
• Spices (cumin, cardamom, saffron — buy in markets, not airports)
• Silver crafts from Khan El Khalili (haggle!)
• Genuine papyrus paintings (small thumbprint stamp = authentic)
• Scented oils (jasmine, rose, sandalwood)
• Egyptian cotton towels and sheets — the real thing is excellent

Final weight target

Aim for 15–18 kg checked for a week. Less than you'd expect — hotels supply most basics, and Egypt is cheap for things you forgot. Better to come back with extra space than to lug spares both ways.

Other practical reads: Egypt visa guide, Money & currency, Tipping in Egypt, and When to visit.