What to Pack for Egypt: A Complete Packing List (2026)
Light, modest, sun-smart: exactly what to pack for Egypt across the temples, a Nile cruise and the Red Sea, plus the small things travellers always forget.
Packing for Egypt is mostly common sense once you know the three things that drive it: a strong sun, a conservative dress culture, and big temperature swings between baking days and cool desert nights. Get those right and you will be comfortable and respectful everywhere. Here is the list.
Clothing: light, modest, breathable
Pack loose, lightweight cotton or linen in light colours. The rule of thumb at most sites, and essential at mosques, is to cover shoulders and knees; loose long sleeves and trousers also protect you from the sun better than shorts do. Women should carry a scarf for covering hair and shoulders at religious sites. Bring a light layer for cool evenings, air-conditioned interiors and chilly desert nights, and something a little smarter if you plan a nice dinner or a cruise. For the Red Sea, normal beachwear and swimwear are fine at the resorts and on cruise sundecks.
Footwear
Comfortable closed walking shoes or trainers matter more than people expect; the great sites are large, dusty and uneven, and you will walk for hours on hot stone and sand. Add sandals for the beach and the boat.
Sun and health
Non-negotiable: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen (it is pricey and limited locally, so bring your own). Pack a refillable water bottle, a basic medical kit with any personal medication, rehydration salts and something for an upset stomach, plus hand sanitiser and tissues (public toilets often lack paper). Insect repellent is useful near the Nile and the oases.
The practical extras
A power bank and a universal adapter (Egypt uses European-style two-pin plugs, 220V). Cash in small notes for the constant small tips (baksheesh). A photocopy or photo of your passport and visa. A small daypack for water, sunscreen and a layer. A dust scarf or buff is handy on desert trips and in the wind. If you dive, your certification card.
What you can skip
You do not need heavy clothing (outside winter desert nights), formal wear, or large quantities of toiletries you can buy locally. Pack light; you will be glad of it on internal flights and in and out of cruise cabins. For the bigger picture, see the Egypt Travel Guide 2026 and the best time to visit.
Common questions
What should I wear in Egypt?
Light, loose, modest clothing in breathable fabrics that covers shoulders and knees works almost everywhere and protects you from the sun. Women should carry a scarf for mosques. Bring a light layer for cool evenings and air conditioning, and normal beachwear for the Red Sea.
What should I not forget to pack for Egypt?
A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen (bring your own), comfortable closed walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, a small medical kit with stomach remedies, hand sanitiser and tissues, a power bank and adapter, and plenty of small notes for tipping.
Do I need to dress conservatively in Egypt?
At most sites and especially at mosques, yes: cover shoulders and knees. Loose long clothing is also cooler and more sun-protective than shorts. Beachwear is fine at Red Sea resorts and on cruise decks.
What kind of shoes should I bring to Egypt?
Comfortable closed walking shoes or trainers are essential; the sites are large, dusty and uneven and involve hours of walking on hot stone and sand. Add sandals for the beach and the boat.
Keep reading
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