What to Pack for Egypt
Your complete Egypt packing list — clothing, essentials and clever extras for temples, deserts and the Red Sea.
Knowing what to pack for Egypt comes down to three things: light, breathable clothing for warm days, modest layers for temples and mosques, and good sun protection. Whether you’re exploring the Pyramids, cruising the Nile or relaxing by the Red Sea, this packing list covers everything you’ll actually need.
Egypt’s climate is warm and dry for most of the year, so packing is refreshingly simple — but a few smart choices make a big difference. From respecting local dress customs at religious sites to staying cool under the strong sun, here’s exactly what to bring for a comfortable, stress-free trip.
What clothes to pack for Egypt
The golden rule for your Egypt packing list is light, loose and modest. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen keep you cool, while longer cuts protect you from the sun and respect local culture — especially important when visiting mosques and churches.
👕 Clothing
- Light, loose cotton or linen tops
- Long trousers & maxi skirts/dresses
- A light cardigan or scarf for shoulders
- A warm layer for cool desert evenings
- Comfortable, closed walking shoes
- Swimwear for the pool, cruise or Red Sea
🧴 Sun & health
- High-SPF sunscreen & lip balm
- Sunglasses & a wide-brimmed hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Hand sanitiser & tissues
- Any personal medication you need
- A basic first-aid kit
Essentials & useful extras
Beyond clothes, a few key essentials round out what to pack for Egypt — from your documents and money to the tech that keeps you going through long days of sightseeing.
📄 Documents & money
- Passport (valid 6+ months) & visa/e-Visa copy
- Travel insurance details
- Some cash in small notes for tips
- A debit/credit card
🔌 Tech & comfort
- Universal travel adapter (Type C/F plugs)
- Power bank for long sightseeing days
- Phone with a good camera
- A small daypack for excursions
For the exact entry paperwork you’ll need, see our guide to the Egypt visa for European travellers. It’s also worth checking the plug types used in Egypt (Type C and F, 220V) so you bring the right adapter.
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What to Pack for Egypt by Type of Trip
For a Nile cruise
Pack smart-casual outfits for dinner on board, plus swimwear for the sun deck. Evenings on the water can be breezy, so bring a light layer. See our Nile cruise guide for more on what to expect.
For the desert
Desert days are hot but nights get genuinely cold, so layers are essential. Add a scarf to protect against sand and sun, and sturdy closed shoes.
For the Red Sea
Bring plenty of swimwear, a cover-up, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes if you plan to snorkel or dive among the reefs.
Insider tip: dress in layers
Egypt’s temperatures swing between hot days and cool evenings — especially in the desert and on the Nile. Light layers you can add or remove keep you comfortable from a sunrise temple visit to a breezy dinner on deck.
And that’s what to pack for Egypt in a nutshell: travel light, dress modestly, protect yourself from the sun, and layer up for cool evenings. Get those basics right and you’re set for a comfortable, unforgettable trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Light, loose, modest clothing works best — cotton or linen tops with long trousers or skirts. Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites, and bring a scarf, hat and sunglasses for sun protection.
Women are comfortable in loose tops, long trousers or maxi skirts, and a scarf to cover the shoulders or head when entering mosques. Modest, breathable clothing keeps you cool and respects local customs.
Not generally — only when entering mosques, where women cover their hair with a scarf. Elsewhere it’s not required. Carrying a light scarf makes this easy whenever you need it.
Egypt uses European-style Type C and Type F plugs at 220V. A universal travel adapter covers you, and a power bank is handy for long days of sightseeing.
Shorts are fine at Red Sea resorts and pools. In cities, at temples and in markets, longer, modest clothing is more respectful and comfortable — and essential inside mosques and churches.
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