Egypt Packing List (20 Things You Might Forget to Bring)

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I’m thrilled that you’re preparing for a trip to Egypt! I can’t wait for you to explore the incredible country I’ve been living in for the past three years.

Egypt offers numerous attractions, but that makes packing for a trip here challenging. The country boasts drastically different environments, and a wide range of outdoor activities, so you need a diverse wardrobe. 

Luckily, I’m here to help! Whether diving, hiking, or sailing down the Nile, this list has got you covered no matter what you have on your Egypt itinerary.

Travel Essentials for Egypt

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Linen Pants

In much of Egypt, shorts are uncommon outside beach resorts, but you’ll quickly regret spending the day in heavy denim. A pair of loose-fitting breathable linen pants is the perfect compromise, offering plenty of airflow while providing the coverage that’s appreciated at religious sites and in local neighborhoods.

I personally like the KICZOY Womens Linen Wide Leg Pants. Whether strolling across the Giza Plateau in the desert heat, or sailing down the Nile, these linen pants work for every occasion. 

Handheld Fan

Long bus rides, delays on the tarmac, standing in queues for the pyramids: You’ll often do a lot of waiting in Egypt in the heat. A portable compact fan will dramatically increase your comfort. 

I love the JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan because it also works as a flashlight and a small backup powerbank. 

Adventure Camera

Egypt offers some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, from ancient temples to desert canyons to vibrant coral reefs. An action camera lets you capture adventures without worrying about bulky equipment. 

The Insta360 produces stunning stabilized footage and excels in both desert and underwater environments. I personally like the Insta360 better than any model of GoPro. 

Lip Balm

The dry climate quickly causes cracked lips, especially on desert excursions and Nile cruises. A lip balm with SPF offers protection from both dehydration and sun exposure. 

Aquaphor Lip Repair SPF 30 is long-lasting and easy to keep in your pocket.

Reefsafe Sunscreen

Most sunscreen is toxic to coral, but sunburn is toxic to us! Find a solution and purchase certified reefsafe sunscreen for your tropical beach days. 

The Neutrogena Beach Defense is a crowd favorite, because it gives a great bang for your buck. Most reefsafe sunscreens come at a premium price point for a very low volume, but not this one. 

Snorkel Gear

The Red Sea offers some of the world’s best snorkeling. Bringing your own mask and snorkel ensures a better fit and cleaner equipment. 

Cressi is a trusted brand among divers and snorkelers worldwide. The Cressi Explorer Snorkel Set is a much higher quality than your average snorkel rental and will make for a more pleasant experience absorbing the beauty of the Red Sea.

Versatile Walking Shoes

When you’re travelling, you don’t want to have to carry many pairs of shoes – it’s great when you can find a versatile shoe that works for multiple situations. 

Whether you’re strolling around the streets of Cairo, or walking through the rocky desert, the Hoka Clifton 10 can do it all. They are super lightweight and comfortable, yet incredibly sturdy. 

They come in multiple colors and men’s and women’s sizes. 

Power Adapter

Most international travelers will need an adapter. Rather than carrying several chargers, pack one universal adapter. 

The EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter includes multiple ports so you can charge your phone, camera, smartwatch, and power bank simultaneously. It has three different international plug types, so you can use it no matter where you travel. 

Packing Cubes

Most Egypt itineraries involve moving between several destinations, whether that’s Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, or the Red Sea. Packing cubes make unpacking and repacking incredibly easy while separating clean clothes from dusty outfits after long sightseeing days. They’re one of the simplest ways to make travel feel more organized. 

This BAGAIL Set is one of the most highly rated on Amazon, and I like that it comes with eight different sizes so you have plenty of options.

Foldable Daypack

You’ll rarely want your full luggage with you while exploring Egypt’s archaeological sites. A lightweight packable daypack gives you room for water, sunscreen, snacks, and camera gear, then folds away when you don’t need it. 

The Osprey Ultralight Stuff Pack is exceptionally lightweight yet durable and unflimsy. It packs into your suitcase while taking up practically no room at all. 

Travel Towel

Many hotels provide towels, but a lightweight microfiber towel is incredibly useful for the Red Sea beaches, desert camping, or impromptu pool stops. 

The Rainleaf Microfiber Travel Towel dries much faster than cotton and comes in six packable sizes so you can pick the one that matches your preference. 

Wet Wipes

From dusty archaeological sites to public restrooms without toilet paper, wet wipes quickly become one of the most useful things in your backpack. They’re also handy before eating street food or cleaning your hands after climbing around ancient ruins.

I find the wetwipes from DUDE to be incredibly convenient, because they are the shape of a floss container that easily fits in your pocket.

Checklist of Other Egypt Essentials to Pack

• US dollars to pay for visa on arrival (Euros not accepted)
• Passport
• Toothbrush
• Toiletries
• Phone charger
• Laptop charger
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Immodium 
• Ear plugs
• Headphones 
• After sun lotion
• Hand sanitizer
• Medication
• Books

Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Egypt

Egypt is a relatively conservative country; it’s considered disrespectful for both men and women to show their legs. It’s permitted in more touristy areas or beach towns, but, when exploring Ancient Egypt, you will want to cover up while staying cool. 

Men and women are expected to wear pants (or long dresses). For women, showing shoulders can be frowned upon, but t-shirts are fine. I prefer to wear a tanktop with a coverup that can be removed, or zipped up and down, depending on my itinerary for the day.

When visiting a mosque, women must cover their hair, so make sure you pack for that if needed. 

Lightweight Scarf

A lightweight scarf is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring to Egypt. Women may use one to cover their hair when visiting mosques, while everyone can use a scarf for warmth on evening Nile cruises or protection from blowing desert sand.

I like the scarf line from GERINlY, which offers many elegant patterns and colors.

Wool Shirt

Wool clothing can dramatically reduce how much you need to pack, especially if you’re moving between several destinations. 

Merino Wool Shirts regulate temperature, wick moisture, and resist odors, making them ideal for Egypt’s varied climates. The shirts come in a women’s version, too, and this one includes a free pair of hiking socks as a bonus.

Linen Button Down Shirt

A loose linen shirt is one of the most versatile pieces you can pack. It protects your skin from the sun, works for mosque visits, and can be layered over a tank top throughout the day. 

This HOTOUCH Women’s Linen Button Down Shirt is lightweight and comfortable even in the middle of summer; and you can wear it in many different ways! And for men, this COOFANDY Linen Button Down Shirt is an affordable option that travels well.

Comfortable Sandals

While closed shoes are best for archaeological sites, comfortable sandals are perfect for evenings, beaches, and Nile cruises. 

Teva Original Universal Sandals provide far more support and stability than flip-flops, making them a much better travel option. 

Windbreaker

The desert can be surprisingly gusty. Whether you’re standing on a dune, riding in an open 4WD across the Sahara, or taking an early morning hot air balloon flight over Luxor, a windbreaker makes a huge difference.

The Colombia Spire Valley Hooded Windbreaker is lightweight, packs down into almost no space, and provides just enough protection against wind, sand, and unexpected chills without causing you to overheat.

Other Clothing, Shoes, & Accessories to Pack for Egypt

So what clothing, shoes, and accessories should you pack for Egypt? Here is a quick clothing checklist:

• 2-3 pairs of shorts (for beach towns)
• 4 pairs of lightweight pants
• 2 pairs of heavier pants 
• 1-2 swimsuits
• 1 scarf (for religious sites and desert sand)
• 1 ball cap or sunhat
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 pair of sturdy sneakers
• 4 t-shirts
• 2 lightweight longsleeve shirts
• 7 pairs of underwear
• 5-6 pairs of socks

Seasonal Items to Pack for Egypt

Egypt’s weather changes more than many travelers expect. Summer is consistently hot, with scorching temperatures from morning until late evening. Winter, on the other hand, brings warm, sunny days that are ideal for sightseeing, so lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen and 100% cotton are still your best bet.

Once the winter sun goes down, however, temperatures can fall surprisingly fast – particularly in the desert. That famous desert chill feels even more pronounced in Cairo because most buildings have little insulation or heating, meaning it can actually feel colder indoors than outside.

Here are a few seasonal items worth packing depending on when you’re visiting Egypt.

Stuffable Down Jacket

I love a good stuffable down jacket; it takes up minimal space and is incredibly portable, so you can bring it everywhere just in case. 

My RAB Microlight Down Jacket is on the expensive side, but it has served me well on so many occasions – from sleeping in the Egyptian desert to trekking in Nepal. 

Knit Beanie

It might seem strange to pack a beanie for Egypt, but winter mornings in the White Desert, Mount Sinai, and even Cairo can be surprisingly cold. 

The Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie weighs almost nothing, and you’ll be glad to have it if you’re outdoors before sunrise.

Goggles

I know this looks a bit ridiculous, but if you plan on spending time in the desert, especially during the spring, goggles are really helpful. Spring is peak sandstorm season, and it’s incredibly unpleasant to be stuck in a sandstorm without eye protection. 

These Sellstrom Odyssey II fire safety goggles work well in the desert, especially if you’re joining an ATV tour. 

Other Seasonal Items to Pack for Egypt

So what seasonal items should you pack for Egypt? Here is a quick checklist: 

• 2 sweaters
• 1 fleece jacket
• 2 pairs of wool socks 

Egypt Packing Tips

Prepare for cold desert nights

The desert may feel insufferably hot during the day, but the moment the sun sets, the temperature drops significantly – especially in winter. Don’t be caught off guard; ensure you have warm clothing for those cold nights. 

Laundry is cheap and widely available

You don’t need to bring enough clean clothes for your entire vacation. Laundry services are abundant and affordable throughout Egypt. 

Your hotel may charge a premium, but a local laundry service will wash, dry, and iron a bag of clothes for less than $10.

Check airline offers for dive gear

Deciding whether to bring your dive gear? Select carriers like Turkish Airlines offer a free checked bag with dive gear on flights to Sharm el Sheikh. Compare baggage offerings before booking your flight.

Carry cash

Most nationalities can purchase a 30 day visa on arrival at the airport. The visa costs $30 and must be paid in USD. 

Outside the airport, many venues in Egypt are still cash-only, and you should carry sufficient local currency. You can retrieve Egyptian pounds from any ATM, but I recommend the National Bank of Egypt or the Bank of Cairo because they don’t charge foreign transaction fees. 

Bring conservative clothing

In beach towns like Sharm el Sheikh, it’s acceptable to wear pretty much whatever. But outside of the beach towns, you should dress a bit conservatively: no shorts, tank tops, etc – that rule goes for men and women!

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Well, that’s a wrap on the packing list. Yalla habibi, Egypt is waiting. Up next, if you’re headed to Cairo, make sure to read my guide to where to stay in Cairo before you go!