Travel Vaccines and Advice for Egypt
Egypt’s 3,000 year history is rich and complex, filled with more than just mummies and pyramids. This land has ties to people and places that existed millenniums ago.
There are many sights to see in Egypt. The pyramids of Giza, the oldest of the original seven wonders of the world, remain still largely intact. The life-giving Nile River. The legendary tomb of King Tut.
But, as many sights as there are in Egypt, recent conflict in and around the country has increased the risks of travel there.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Egypt?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Egypt
Health Notices and Outbreaks in Egypt
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Egypt?
What Is the Climate Like in Egypt?
Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt?
Egyptian Rules, Customs and Laws
Suggestions for Women Traveling in Egypt
What Should I Take to Egypt?
U.S. Embassy in Egypt
Do I Need Vaccines for Egypt?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Egypt. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Egypt: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Required if arriving from a country with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Egypt |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
Polio | Food & Water | Required if arriving from a country with polio transmission. Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Egypt |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid, a severe infection transmitted via contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended for travelers and those with elevated infection risks. Practicing proper hygiene and safe food handling can also reduce the likelihood of contracting typhoid.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, and close contact. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine and maintaining proper hygiene. Vaccination is a critical step in preventing this contagious liver infection, according to health authorities.
- Polio – Polio, a viral disease impacting the nervous system, is primarily transmitted through fecal-oral contact. Vaccination is the primary safeguard against polio. The vaccine triggers immune responses that build immunity and form a vital part of the global strategy to eliminate this debilitating disease.
- Rabies – Preventing rabies involves avoiding contact with infected animals and ensuring timely vaccination. The rabies vaccine is a critical tool, offering protection through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and preemptive vaccination for high-risk individuals like travelers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection, is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention includes practicing safe behaviors, but the cornerstone of protection is hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine activates the immune system, generating antibodies that offer potent and enduring defense against the virus.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.
Decisions should be made based on travel plans and whether there is an increased personal risk for contracting certain diseases.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Egypt
Prevent Bug Bites in Egypt
Safeguard against bug bites by following CDC-recommended practices like donning long attire and using EPA-registered repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug activity times and bolster your sleeping space with nets and screens. In the event of bug bites, clean the area, resist itching, and use over-the-counter treatments to help with itching. Be sure to seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Egypt
Safeguard your health during international travels by eating fully cooked, hot meals, at reliable dining establishments. To minimize the chances of travelers’ diarrhea, follow these precautions: choose safe foods, avoid untreated water, practice frequent hand-washing, consider probiotics, and exercise caution when indulging in unfamiliar cuisines.
Altitude Sickness in Egypt
At high altitudes, altitude sickness can strike, causing symptoms like headaches and nausea due to oxygen deprivation. Preventive measures include gradual ascent, hydration, and medication like acetazolamide. If symptoms develop, swift descent to lower altitudes, rest, and medical evaluation if necessary are crucial for recovery and safety.
Infections To Be Aware of in Egypt
- African Tick-Bite Fever – Protect against African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) by wearing long sleeves, applying insect repellent, and regularly inspecting for ticks. Consult healthcare experts for guidance when planning trips to affected regions.
- Avian/Bird Flu – Avian flu, a virus that affects birds and can transmit to humans, can be prevented through vaccination of poultry, strict biosecurity, safe poultry handling and cooking, outbreak surveillance, and public awareness campaigns highlighting preventive measures.
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a tick-borne disease that can be transmitted between humans through bodily fluids. Preventive strategies comprise tick avoidance, healthcare worker safety measures, and research efforts towards a vaccine to halt its transmission.
- Dengue – Dengue fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, significantly impacts global health, affecting up to 400 million people yearly. Without specific antiviral treatments, prevention through avoiding mosquito bites is key. Repellents and nettings are recommended.
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis spreads via sand fly bites but can also be transmitted through other means. Prevention includes using insect repellents, covering up, and staying indoors during sand fly activity.
- Rift Valley Fever – Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is a zoonotic virus transmitted by mosquitoes and contact with infected animals. Preventing RVF involves mosquito control, safe animal handling, and vaccination of livestock, along with public health education to raise awareness.
- Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection transmitted through contaminated water. Avoiding contact with infected water sources and using protective clothing can reduce the risk of infection. Seeking medical evaluation promptly if symptoms such as fever and fatigue manifest enables timely diagnosis and treatment, preventing complications and promoting recovery.
- Zika – Zika virus, transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, can have serious consequences, especially for pregnant women and their babies. To prevent Zika, individuals should protect themselves from mosquito bites, practice safe sex, and eliminate breeding sites.
Health Notices and Outbreaks in Egypt
- Polio – Polio cases have been reported in Egypt over the last 12 months. Vaccination is considered the best form of protection against the virus. Make sure your polio vaccine history is up-to-date. If you have received the polio vaccine in the past, a single, lifetime booster may be needed.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Egypt?
US Citizens must have a visa to travel to Egypt as well as a valid passport.
Single and multiple entry visas are available that permit a stay in Egypt of up to 30 days.
If you attempt to leave Egypt after the end date noted on your visa, you will be fined. Should you find yourself in this situation, be sure to arrive at the airport well before your flight and with plenty of Egyptian currency.
Egypt Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Egypt? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ||
Tourist Visa | ||
Business Visa | ||
Vaccinations |
Sources: Embassy of Egypt and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Egypt?
Egypt only has two seasons – a hot summer and a moderate winter. In general, Egyptian days are warm or hot and nights are cool or even cold. While the majority of Egypt is desert, there are four unique physical regions with different climates.
The Nile Region
- Nile Delta – The ancient city Alexandria is located in the Nile Delta. This area was created by the world’s longest river and is the most expansive oasis in the world. The delta begins north of Cairo and extends farther north to the Mediterranean Sea. This region has a hot desert climate. But, the most northern part closest to the sea is the wettest region in the country. It has higher humidity and more moderate temperatures, reaching no higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Nile Valley – This region includes the two major Egyptian cities Luxor and Aswan. The Nile Valley is hot and dry, with very little precipitation. The summer months get especially hot, with daytime temperatures reaching highs of up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit at the peak of the summer. Nighttime temperatures dip down to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit at the lowest points. The winter months are much more moderate with less fluctuation from night to day.
Western Desert
The Pyramids of Giza are located in the northeast corner of this region.
This region is one of the driest areas in the Sahara Desert. It spans from the Mediterranean Sea south to the Sudanese Border, and from the Libyan border east to the Nile River Valley. The area rarely sees any rain. Hot, dry sandstorms, called khamsins, are common in the spring months and can be dangerous.
Temperatures vary greatly. In summer months, temperatures can get up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 45 degrees Fahrenheit at night. In winter months, temperatures fluctuate less, but the desert can get to 65 degrees Celsius during the day and as low as 30 degrees Celsius at night.
Eastern Desert
The Eastern Desert is mountainous. The topography increases east of the Nile to become dry, rocky hills, the Red Sea Mountains, at elevations around 1,900 meters or higher. This is a dry, desolate area that is isolated from the rest of the country. There is not much in this part of the country because it is not suitable for agriculture or other sustained settlements.
Sinai Peninsula
This is a triangular peninsula that connects Asia with Africa. It is also known as the Sinai Desert because of its arid climate. The rest of Egypt is to the West, Israel and the Gaza Strip to the east. The Mediterranean Sea is to the north and the Red Sea is to the south.
The peninsula has two distinctly different climates. The northern part of the peninsula, closer to the Mediterranean, is dry and intensely hot during the summer and sees more rain during the winter. The southern part, closer to the Red Sea, is at higher elevation and is more prone to clouds, especially near the tops of the hills. The temperatures fluctuate a little more, getting cooler at night. Humidity is higher near the coasts on the peninsula.
Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt?
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Non-essential travel to Egypt is not recommended. The U.S. Department of State has issued travel warnings to Egypt.
Travelers should avoid going to the Western Desert toward the Libyan border and the Sinai Peninsula due to an unpredictable security situation.
When traveling to coastal resorts, exercise a high degree of caution.
Travelers should use reputable Egyptian travel agencies if they still decide to make the trip. Those agencies are informed about the security issues and will know how to best advise.
Egyptian Rules, Customs and Laws
Public Behavior
- Intimate behavior and any sort of public displays of affection including cuddling, kissing and even hand-holding are seen as inappropriate.
- When visiting a home, it is customary to bring a small gift and remove shoes before entering.
- Egyptians have unique functions for the two hands. The left hand is to be used for “unclean” functions, like putting on shoes or wiping in the bathroom. It’s is seen as unhygienic to put food into the mouth or into a communal food bowl with that hand. The right hand should be used for greetings and eating.
Conversation
- Egyptians are passionate about certain subjects and conversations about those subjects, including Israel, Islam and Palestine, should be treated carefully. There is potential for serious offense if careful consideration is not taken, especially when expressing opinions about religion.
Dress
- Dress should be modest. Shorts are considered acceptable only near the coastal resorts, and shirts for both men and women should cover the shoulders. Immodest clothing encourages disapproval from the Egyptians as well as gropers.
- Be conscious of dress when visiting mosques or other sacred places. Travelers should be especially modest, with women covered from wrist to ankle and men covered from below the shoulder to below the knee. Travelers should also remove their shoes or wear overshoes.
Suggestions for Women Traveling in Egypt
- Wear loose, opaque clothes that cover all immodest areas (chest, thighs, upper arms)
- When traveling alone on public transportation, sit with other women or, when offered, sit in carriages reserved for women
- When traveling with a man, wear a wedding ring. It is more respectable to appear to be married than “just friends”
- Appear confident and travel with purpose
- Avoid eye-contact with Egyptian men and appear standoffish rather than overly friendly
- When swimming in pools or open-air springs, wear a t-shirt and leggings
- If hassling or groping does occur, call out and make a scene
What Should I Take to Egypt?
- Travel Documents – Make sure to have copies of all important travel documents, including your passport, visa, travel insurance, etc.
- Protection from the Sun – Be ready to prevent sunburns. Don’t forget sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, a hat and sunglasses.
- Light, breathable cotton clothing – Bring clothing that is easy to wash. Whether in Egypt’s coastal regions or arid desert areas, light clothing will help with comfort in the heat, even in winter months.
- Jacket – This will help protect against potential summer windstorms and also provide backup for when indoors get chilly from heavy air conditioning.
- Comfortable shoes – Many of Egypt’s most exciting sites require at least some walking and sightseeing. In general, it is best to go with comfortable shoes.
- Health and Hygiene – Pack a basic medical kit filled with items that may not be readily available in parts of Egypt. Kits should include things like: bandages, antibacterial hand gel, pain relievers, anti-diarrhea drugs and re-hydration salts.
- Egyptian travel adapter – To charge your phone, you will need a travel adapter made for Egypt.
U.S. Embassy in Egypt
All Americans visiting Egypt should register online with the US State Department before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
If you plan to purchase a local SIM card you can also enter your phone number to receive SMS updates from the office.
U.S. Embassy Cairo
5 Tawfik Diab Street
Garden City, Cairo
Egypt
Telephone: (20-2) 2797 3300
Fax: (20-2) 2797 3200
Visit the Embassy of the United States to Egypt website prior to your departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
If you have any questions about traveling to Egypt or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Egypt
“I met my nurse three years earlier when she helped me get the inoculations I needed for Egypt. She was very patient with my questions, I didn’t feel rushed. She was cordial and and clearly explained the information and things to look out for on this particular trip tho Egypt. I was glad to be able to get some Meds there that I needed. She is really good at what she does. She is a person I immediately liked. I really thing she is a jewel!”
“This is a great service if you’re traveling overseas. Easy appointment. Doctor was very friendly and informative. She really listened and gave me great advice for staying healthy during my trip to Egypt. Easier and better than seeing your regular doctor, since these doctors are travel specific. Highly recommended.”
“I am an er physician, was getting immunization for Egypt the receptionist and travel nurse were both extremely PERSONABLE, and more importantly knowledgeable….I actually picked your company over another local one just based on the conversation I had with the receptionist”
“My visit was great and was well informed on the health requirements on traveling to Egypt, Thanks”
“I went to Passport Health expecting to get the shots I needed for our trip to Egypt. What I got was so much more! A very detailed, personalized booklet with all kinds of information. Passport Health provides a real service to its clients!!!”