Your Complete Egypt Packing List

Packing for Egypt is different from packing for most other destinations. The combination of intense sun, dusty archaeological sites, conservative cultural norms, and varied activities means you need to strike a balance between practicality and respect. Here's everything you need.

Essential Documents

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
• Visa (on arrival or e-Visa)
• Travel insurance documents
• Hotel confirmations and tour bookings
• Emergency contact numbers

Clothing

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics — cotton and linen are ideal
• Long sleeves and trousers — essential for sun protection and mosque visits
• A modest dress or skirt — below the knee for women
• A light scarf or shawl — for covering shoulders at religious sites
• Comfortable walking shoes — archaeological sites have uneven ground
• Sandals or flip-flops — for hotels and the Nile
• A light jacket or sweater — desert evenings can be cool
• Swimwear — for hotel pools and Red Sea resorts

Sun Protection

• High SPF sunscreen (50+) — the Egyptian sun is intense
• Wide-brimmed hat — essential for pyramid visits
• Sunglasses — UV protection is crucial
• Lip balm with SPF

Health and Hygiene

• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Basic first aid kit
• Personal medications
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Rehydration salts

Technology

• Universal power adapter (Type C and F plugs)
• Portable charger
• Camera with extra memory cards
• Offline maps downloaded before you go

What NOT to Pack

• Expensive jewelry — keep it minimal
• Too many clothes — laundry is cheap and available everywhere
• Heavy guidebooks — download them to your phone

The key to packing for Egypt is layering. Mornings at the pyramids can be cool, midday is scorching, and evenings by the Nile are breezy. Plan for all three.