Latest travel updates on Coronavirus (COVID19) here
Egypt is a rich melange of colour. Begin your journey riding camel-back into the editorial dunes of the White Desert. Then head to the marina to snorkel the Red Sea’s coral-rich ecosystem. Finally, take to the verdant Nile Delta where the majority of the country’s ancient wonders are only a stone’s throw from its banks.
Egypt is a largely conservative country. Caution should be practiced at all times and all public displays of affection should be avoided for the safety of yourself and your group. While large international hotels in tourist areas like Cairo won’t likely raise an eyebrow to same-sex couples, we advise travellers to avoid budget hotels and/or reserve two beds. Further, gay dating apps should be avoided as local authorities have historically targeted gay men through them. Finally, while lesbianism is largely misunderstood and ignored in Egypt, female travellers should be cautious about PDA as well.
Gay Activity: Illegal
Lesbian Activity: Illegal
Gay Marriage: Not recognized
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Single only
LGBT Discrimination: No protections
A small, underground gay scene exists in Cairo and Alexandria. However, it is entirely geared towards locals. We do not advise LGBT visitors attempt to participate in the gay scene.
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This beautiful city is the gateway to the country’s highest concentration of ruins, tombs, monuments and obelisks.
The coral-rich Red Sea is a stunning jungle of colourful fish and aquatic plants. Wrecks make for exciting dive points, but there’s plenty to see with just a mask and snorkel.
The country’s capital is layered in history. When you’re feeling ambitious, battle through the often hectic souks. For a more quiet respite, spend an afternoon appreciating the city’s spiritual mosques.
The Pyramids of Giza are the only remaining structures from the original list of World Wonders. And while their silhouette against the desert landscape is something of a cliche, you will never fully appreciate their size and mystery until you are dwarfed below them.
In our opinion, the best way to appreciate Egypt is from the fertile Nile River. Historically, the river has been the life force of the entire nation and all major cities and ancient civilizations were built on its banks. Besides being the perfect entranceway to the country’s most popular sites, it is also a naturally gorgeous ecosystem that showcases the country at its most photogenic.
Best Time to Visit: October & February bookend both the country’s winter and ‘high season’. While the occasional dust storm may delay some flights, the weather is reasonable and the crowds are bearable.
Electricity: In Egypt the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. For more information visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/egypt/.
Time Zone: (GMT+2) Eastern European Standard Time
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on entry requirements, only travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever may be required to show proof of a vaccination. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: Most travellers require a visa to enter Egypt. Please visit the Arab Republic of Egypt’s website here for more information on how to obtain a single-entry 30-day visa. Please note that while in the past there have been reports of travellers being barred entry to Egypt for having Israeli stamps in their passport, this is not listed as an official disqualification for entry by the Egyptian government. If you are travelling to Israel before or after this tour, we recommend requesting that immigration does not stamp your passport. Travelers are responsible for their own visas and making sure they meet entry requirements into the country
LGBT Rights in Egypt
Egypt is a largely conservative country. Caution should be practiced at all times and all public displays of affection should be avoided for the safety of yourself and your group. While large international hotels in tourist areas like Cairo won’t likely raise an eyebrow to same-sex couples, we advise travellers to avoid budget hotels and/or reserve two beds. Further, gay dating apps should be avoided as local authorities have historically targeted gay men through them. Finally, while lesbianism is largely misunderstood and ignored in Egypt, female travellers should be cautious about PDA as well.
Gay Activity: Illegal
Lesbian Activity: Illegal
Gay Marriage: Not recognized
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Single only
LGBT Discrimination: No protections
Gay Egypt Travel
A small, underground gay scene exists in Cairo and Alexandria. However, it is entirely geared towards locals. We do not advise LGBT visitors attempt to participate in the gay scene.
NA
NA
NA
NA
Best Places to Visit in Egypt
This beautiful city is the gateway to the country’s highest concentration of ruins, tombs, monuments and obelisks.
The coral-rich Red Sea is a stunning jungle of colourful fish and aquatic plants. Wrecks make for exciting dive points, but there’s plenty to see with just a mask and snorkel.
The country’s capital is layered in history. When you’re feeling ambitious, battle through the often hectic souks. For a more quiet respite, spend an afternoon appreciating the city’s spiritual mosques.
The Pyramids of Giza are the only remaining structures from the original list of World Wonders. And while their silhouette against the desert landscape is something of a cliche, you will never fully appreciate their size and mystery until you are dwarfed below them.
In our opinion, the best way to appreciate Egypt is from the fertile Nile River. Historically, the river has been the life force of the entire nation and all major cities and ancient civilizations were built on its banks. Besides being the perfect entranceway to the country’s most popular sites, it is also a naturally gorgeous ecosystem that showcases the country at its most photogenic.
More Info
Best Time to Visit: October & February bookend both the country’s winter and ‘high season’. While the occasional dust storm may delay some flights, the weather is reasonable and the crowds are bearable.
Electricity: In Egypt the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. For more information visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/egypt/.
Time Zone: (GMT+2) Eastern European Standard Time
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on entry requirements, only travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever may be required to show proof of a vaccination. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: Most travellers require a visa to enter Egypt. Please visit the Arab Republic of Egypt’s website here for more information on how to obtain a single-entry 30-day visa. Please note that while in the past there have been reports of travellers being barred entry to Egypt for having Israeli stamps in their passport, this is not listed as an official disqualification for entry by the Egyptian government. If you are travelling to Israel before or after this tour, we recommend requesting that immigration does not stamp your passport. Travelers are responsible for their own visas and making sure they meet entry requirements into the country
In light of Covid-19, we’ve spent a significant amount of time and resources enhancing our health & safety practices. Here’s a look at what’s new.
Read MoreAmong the pyramids we visit on our upcoming Egypt cruise lies the necropolis Sakkara. Herein awaits the tomb of (likely) Egypt’s first gay governors!
Read MoreFor our first tour of Egypt in nearly a decade, we wanted to find accommodations fit for a pharaoh. Check out the luxe lodgings we settled on here.
Read More
