Egypt Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Diphtheria | Yes |
| Malaria | No |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Yellow Fever | No* |
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever is present.
Health Care
Healthcare standards in Egypt vary significantly between urban and rural areas. Major cities such as Cairo and Alexandria have private hospitals and clinics offering good standards of care, particularly for routine treatment and minor emergencies. Facilities catering to foreigners are also available in tourist centres and Red Sea resorts. Public hospitals are widespread but may be overcrowded and less well-equipped.
Outside major cities, medical facilities can be limited, and serious conditions may require evacuation to Cairo or abroad. Travellers are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical treatment and emergency evacuation. Pharmacies are common and well stocked in cities, though visitors should bring essential prescription medication from home.
Food and Drink
Tap water in Egypt is not considered safe to drink. Visitors should use bottled or properly filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Ice in drinks should be avoided unless it is clearly made from purified water. Bottled water is widely available and inexpensive throughout the country.
Food hygiene standards vary. In tourist areas and reputable restaurants, food safety is generally good, but visitors should take care when eating street food, choosing freshly cooked items that are served hot. Raw or undercooked meat and seafood should be avoided. Fruit that can be peeled is usually safe, and fresh juices are popular, though they should be consumed from clean, reputable establishments.
Other Risks
The main risks to travellers in Egypt are related to climate, environment and everyday travel rather than infectious disease. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are common, particularly between May and September when temperatures can exceed 40°C. Visitors should drink plenty of bottled water, wear sun protection and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Desert travel should only be undertaken with experienced guides and appropriate vehicles.
Traffic accidents are a more significant risk than crime, especially in large cities where driving standards can be unpredictable. Pedestrians should take care when crossing roads, even at marked crossings. Pickpocketing and minor theft can occur in crowded areas such as markets and public transport, though violent crime against tourists is rare. Visitors should remain alert, follow local advice and stay informed about any regional security guidance during their stay.
