Travel Insurance for Egypt

Less hassle, more Egypt. Holiday Extras insurance includes 24/7 Air Doctor.

From the golden sands of Hurghada to the timeless wonders of the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt offers a holiday filled with adventure, history and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re diving in the Red Sea, cruising along the Nile or exploring colourful local markets, Holiday Extras travel insurance can help you enjoy your trip with extra peace of mind.

Every policy also includes access to AnywhereGP, powered by Air Doctor, giving you 24/7 access to local doctors abroad through an easy-to-use app. Whether you need medical advice, help locating a nearby clinic or support while travelling, it’s designed to help you feel supported throughout your Egypt holiday.

From unexpected medical emergencies abroad to cancelled trips or lost personal belongings, Holiday Extras travel insurance is designed to help protect your trip while you’re away. Choose from Bronze, Silver or Gold cover levels to find the right fit for your trip, whether you’re planning a relaxing beach escape or a busy sightseeing adventure. Cover and benefits are always subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of your policy.

Do I need travel insurance for Egypt?

Travel insurance is not compulsory for visiting Egypt, but it is often recommended before travelling abroad. Whether you’re exploring ancient landmarks, relaxing at a Red Sea resort or travelling between cities, unforeseen issues like delayed flights, lost baggage or medical treatment overseas can sometimes affect your trip.

While it is completely normal to look for a cheap travel insurance policy to keep holiday costs down, it is essential to ensure you still have the appropriate level of protection for your trip. Holiday Extras travel insurance for Egypt offers a range of cover options to suit different travel needs and budgets. Our policies can help cover emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and delayed baggage while you are away. Subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.

Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt?

British passport holders need a visa to travel to Egypt for holidays and short stays. Most travellers can apply for an eVisa online before they travel, which is often the quickest and easiest option. Alternatively, you may be able to purchase a visa on arrival at approved airports in Egypt, including Cairo, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Tourist visas are typically valid for stays of up to 30 days.

If you’re travelling only to the Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba resort areas, you may not need a visa for stays of up to 15 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival, and you may be asked to show proof of onward or return travel. Entry requirements can change, so it’s always best to check the latest FCDO travel advice for Egypt. With the right travel insurance in place, you can relax and enjoy everything from ancient pyramids and bustling markets to Red Sea snorkelling and beachside resorts.

Am I covered for pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, you may still be able to get travel insurance for Egypt if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Holiday Extras offers cover for a wide range of pre-existing medical conditions, subject to declaration, acceptance and policy terms. When getting your quote, it’s important to declare all medical conditions honestly and accurately so your cover can be tailored to your circumstances. This can include conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, gallstones, abdominal conditions, diabetes, asthma and many other ongoing or previously diagnosed medical issues.

Depending on your medical history and individual circumstances, your policy may cover pre-existing medical conditions once they have been declared and accepted as part of your cover. With Holiday Extras travel insurance for Egypt, you’ll also have access to AnywhereGP, powered by Air Doctor, giving you 24/7 local GP support while you’re away. Having the right cover in place can help provide support if you need emergency medical treatment abroad, so you can relax and enjoy your Egypt holiday with confidence while travelling. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply, so always check your policy documents carefully before travelling.

Festivals and celebrations in Egypt

Egypt is home to vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations throughout the year, from the famous Abu Simbel Sun Festival in February and October to the colourful celebrations of Ramadan and Eid. Visitors can also experience Coptic Christmas on 7 January and Sham El-Nessim, a traditional spring festival celebrated across the country. These busy events can mean crowded airports, packed resorts and busy tourist hotspots, especially during peak travel periods.

If you’re travelling to Egypt during a major festival or celebration, Holiday Extras travel insurance can help protect you against some of the sudden problems that can happen while you’re away. This can include cover for delayed flights that disrupt your travel plans, as well as protection for personal belongings and gadgets if they are lost, stolen or accidentally damaged during your trip. Whether you’re exploring lively markets, travelling between cities or heading to a packed event, having the right cover in place means you can focus on enjoying the experience rather than worrying about the what-ifs.

Does travel insurance for Egypt include activities?

From snorkelling above colourful coral reefs in the Red Sea to exploring the ancient temples of Luxor and taking guided tours through desert landscapes, Egypt is packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re discovering bustling bazaars in Cairo, setting sail on a Nile cruise or relaxing at an all-inclusive resort in Hurghada, it’s important to check your travel insurance covers the activities that you have planned before you go.

Holiday Extras Egypt travel insurance includes cover for a wide range of popular holiday activities as standard, so you can spend less time worrying about the details and more time enjoying your trip. This can include everyday holiday activities like swimming, guided tours, camel riding, hotel-based water sports and sightseeing excursions around Egypt’s famous landmarks.

Water Sports

Egypt is one of the world’s most popular destinations for water-based adventures, especially around Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Many lower-risk activities, such as snorkelling, swimming and guided boat trips, are often included as standard. Depending on your policy, certain activities like scuba diving may also be covered within specified depth limits, provided safety guidelines are followed.

Extended Risk add-on

If you’re planning to add a little more adventure to your Egypt holiday, some activities may require additional cover before you travel. Our Extended Risk add-on can help cover a range of higher-risk activities, including organised safari trekking on foot, bungee jumping within the organiser’s safety guidelines, catamaran sailing in-shore if qualified, and high diving in pools.

Use our handy activity checker to see whether your chosen activity or sport is covered as standard, or if you’ll need to add extra cover.

Top tips for travelling to Egypt:

Egypt’s famous landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel, can involve long days in the heat with plenty of walking. Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes and plenty of water are essential when sightseeing, especially during the summer months.

The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While larger hotels and resorts often accept cards, cash is still widely used in local shops, markets and for tipping. If you’re visiting busy souks or bazaars, keep valuables secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash while exploring.

Egyptian cuisine is full of flavour, from grilled meats and fresh flatbreads to local street food and traditional desserts. To help avoid stomach issues while travelling, many visitors stick to bottled water and eat at busy restaurants or well-reviewed food spots.

Egypt uses type C and F plugs, so UK travellers will usually need a travel adaptor. WiFi is available in many hotels and resorts, but buying a local SIM or eSIM can make it easier to access maps, taxis and travel updates while exploring Egypt.

Popular destinations like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are known for snorkelling, diving and boat excursions. Always book trips through trusted providers and follow local safety guidance during water-based activities and excursions. Remember to check your policy wording for what is and isn’t covered if you’re unsure.

Egypt has strong local traditions, so it’s important to dress respectfully when visiting religious sites and traditional areas. Carrying something to cover your shoulders and knees can be helpful at mosques and historic landmarks, and couples may wish to keep public displays of affection minimal in more traditional areas.