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Even though people often admire Egypt’s pyramids, rulers and religious gods, many of the country’s traditions seem strange by today’s standards. Let’s look at some of the most unusual and engaging ones. Ceremonial Masturbation into the Nile River One of the strangest traditions involved pharaohs ceremonially masturbating into the Nile River. This wasn’t simply a crazy activity, but an important note in religious rituals. In the writings of the Egyptians, Atum brought the world into being by stimulating himself sexually. It was widely believed that Atum's ejaculation caused the Nile’s waters to provide life. Therefore, in their rituals, pharaohs often mimicked the creator’s action to show that the land would be fertile and the river’s waters would not dry up. Reversed gender roles in labor History records that according to Herodotus, Egyptians had cultural differences from other ancient peoples. While men spent their days at the loom in the home, women were seen in the marketplace and business world—something that was rare for their role in ancient history. Egyptians also wove fabric downward, unlike other cultures where fabric was woven upward and Herodotus noted this as just another way their culture stood out from others. Public vs. private behavior In a different aspect of their culture, the Egyptians have meals outdoors but deal with private bodily needs inside. Their reasoning? Since eating is so clean, we ought to do it where others can see. Everyday actions like eating and drinking were done in public, while private bodily functions were handled inside the home. Disregard for the brain The practice of mummification involved grabbing the brain with a hooked probe and tossing it away. Ancient Egyptians believed that the heart was the center of thought and emotion, not the brain. Because of this, the brain was not seen as valuable in the afterlife and was thrown away like general waste. Extreme cleanliness and ritual purity Being clean was very important to the priests. Every other day, they shaved their whole bodies to keep lice and dirt away, washed themselves four times each day and put on only linen clothes and papyrus sandals. Religious purity was so important that Egyptian priests avoided foods like beans and fish, which were considered impure. Even if these actions seem strange or odd today, they were important to the people of ancient Egypt to support cosmic balance, keep the environment clean and receive the gods’ approval.

As a religious minority in a Muslim-majority nation, Coptic Christians often navigate societal pressures and challenges. While officially recognized and able to practice their faith, they sometimes encounter subtle discrimination or restrictions in public life. The history and life on a daily basis of Copts in Egypt is overcome with a protracted yearning for survival, dignity, and freedom of religion in a society in which they are religious members of a minority. Historical background: Centuries of challenges The origins of the oppression of Copts can be traced back to the Arab invasion of Egypt in the 7th century. In the first period of Arab rule, initially, things appeared to be in control for Coptic Christians. Though the situation changed when the Caliph Omar came to power – restrictions tightened up. Copts had to pay more taxes than Muslims, were limited to build or repair churches and could only take up specific kinds of jobs because of their status of “dhimmis” (non-Muslim subjects of Islamic rule). From this time on, there was an exponential decrease in the Coptic share of the population, resulting in a Muslim majority in Egypt. Over the years, many Copts either converted or left and only those who were really committed remained firm in their religious belief. This situation continued for centuries with spates of relative calm interspersed by continuity of social and political restraints. Under British colonial rule, things improved a little, but total equality was never attained. Egyptians of any religion desired the right of self-governance, though Copts still had systemic issues to deal with. Modern history: From Nasser to Mubarak The mid-20th century brought some shifts. The government under the Presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser contained the Muslim Brotherhood– an Islamist organisation, thus, controlling anti-Coptic violence up to a certain level.Under President Anwar Sadat, the Muslim Brotherhood was allowed to reemerge in limited public discourse, which coincided with rising Islamist sentiment and some increase in sectarian tension. During Hosni Mubarak’s rule, religious extremism and violence attacks on the Coptic communities continued to rise. Nevertheless, a lot of Copts managed to suffer in silence, waiting for the better times. The 2011 revolution and its aftermath The Egyptian Revolution, 2011, had raised challenges for a secular and egalitarian Egypt. Some of the Copts were convinced that democratic elections would stop their oppression. But the election of an Islamist and a member of the Muslim brotherhood, Mohamed Morsi, smashed these hopes. During Mohamed Morsi’s presidency, concerns were raised within the Coptic community regarding representation and protection of minority rights, especially as the 2012 constitution was perceived as favoring Islamic principles. Morsi’s subsequent overthrow by the military led to violent reactions. Islamist mobs accused Copts of having a hand in his ousting and set afire more than dozens of churches and ramped up hate campaigns on social media. The time was getting dangerously bad for Copts. Ongoing violence and fear Since the fall of Morsi terrorist attacks on the Copts have taken a steep rise. Churches and community centers have been a target of bombing and shootings resulting in hundreds of lives lost. The worst attack in 2017 was on Palm Sunday when suicide bombers killed 45 people in Tanta and Alexandria- including two of the author’s cousins. Narratives on violence and persecution are not scarce: Coptic old women have been dragged in the streets in an act of public humiliation while families live in constant fear. The emotional toll and faith The never-ending grief and violence take a toll on Coptic Christians of Egypt. Many are overwhelmed by the slow pace of social change and hostility that they experience. However, their faith helps them. The Coptic community finds hope in the belief in a God who sacrificed everything for them so as to have the courage to endure hardships and be able to get through tough times. Conclusion The state of being a Coptic Christian in Egypt is thus the combination of the status of resilience, the status of faith, and discreet hope. It is a life formed by centuries of historical struggles, a life which continues to struggle and faces moments of fear but also moments of relentless devotion. In the midst of discrimination, violence, and marginalization that Coptic Christians in Egypt have to endure, they are a valuable part of the country’s cultural and religious mosaic, and continue to cling to the identity and faith while the chips are down. In recent years, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has taken visible steps to support the Coptic community. He was the first Egyptian president to attend Christmas Mass, has promoted church construction and legalization, and spoken out publicly against sectarian violence. While challenges remain, these developments mark a shift in state-level efforts toward religious inclusion.

New Cairo has quickly become one of the most talked-about residential areas in Egypt, attracting locals and expatriates alike. But is it truly a good place to live? Like any city, it has its pros and cons. Here’s a clear, realistic look at what living in New Cairo is really like, so you can decide if it suits your lifestyle and needs. Why New Cairo could be a great place to live Climate and weather For those who prefer warm and arid climate, New Cairo would be an ideal city. The summers in the city are very hot and rather high temperatures, winters can be quite cool but not cold. You will not worry about the earthquakes, hurricanes, and extreme weather events, which are typical in other places. The rain and snow are seldom, so the weather remains predictable, and the fact is liked by many. Vibrant nightlife and dining New Cairo offers a relatively active nightlife by Egyptian standards, with restaurants and cafes open late, especially in commercial centers and compounds. For the wealthy and comfortable lifestyle seekers New Cairo is usually considered as a wealthy area. The cost of living is greater here as compared to other places in Cairo or in cities such as Giza. Housing, especially, is expensive. When you have a decent income or you are financially secure and do not need a job in the city, you can live a high standard of life with the opportunity to obtain luxury amenities and gated communities. Car ownership is almost a must New Cairo and many other modern Egyptian cities were planned with cars on mind and not the pedestrians. Most sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas are only located in gated compounds. Public transport facilities are few, and moving around by ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Careem is not cheap or convenient for day-to-day travels. If you are a car owner, New Cairo is tenable. If it is the case, living here may get difficult. Quality education and international institutions The New Cairo has numerous international schools and universities, including those of the Americans, Canadians, and Germans. This makes it the preferred choice for families, who ensure that they take their children to schools which provide quality education and international curricula. However, these universities are usually not a part of the city’s social activity and therefore they may not provide much integration into the local culture or community activities. Diverse and multicultural population Its diversity is one of the things that are outstanding about New Cairo. Compared to the more conservative Old Cairo, New Cairo is rather liberal and open socially speaking. There are many expatriates or Egyptians from different walks of life like those who lived abroad or people of different parts of Egypt and neighboring countries. This combination not only creates a multicultural environment, but people tend also to be more open-minded and socially conscious in it. Why New Cairo might not be the best choice Lack of cultural scene If you are a big fan of cultural activities and places in which you can visit museums, operas, symphonies, or see a world’s class theater performance, then, there are high chances that New Cairo would not impress you. Some critics argue that New Cairo lacks the historic charm and cultural richness found in downtown Cairo. Commercial entertainment in this case is largely dominated by shopping malls, restaurants and night clubs rather than the traditional culture. Infrastructure issues Although New Cairo is modern, it has had enormous infrastructure challenges in the past. A case in point is back in April this year when heavy rains resulted in flooding causing havoc on private homes, shopping malls, and even the American University campus. Flooding had led to power outages in a number of areas in some cases. These problems brought out the fact that the city’s infrastructure can still be improved even though measures are being taken to address these issues expeditiously. Dependence on private transport As stated, the design of New Cairo refers to cars, which may be a drawback in case you don’t have a car or enjoy walking and public transport. Commuting without vehicles can be hard and costly for those without them, restricting mobility and social choices. Final verdict New Cairo is a perfect location to live in if you appreciate modern services and infrastructure, a lively night life, not forgetting quality international education and diverse cosmopolitan lifestyle. It’s very ideal if one is financially comfortable and he/she owns a car. But, if you are looking for rich cultural experience, an easy walking distance, and cost effective living, then New Cairo may not excite you. The city’s infrastructure is yet coming up and its social life is more based on having fun and shopping rather than having traditional arts or culture. Finally, New Cairo provides a comfortable modern living to a certain group of residents – mainly the rich ones and those who want to live in a multicultural cosmopolitan territory far from the rush of Old Cairo. If that is what you’re after, New Cairo can be a great place to live.

While travelers from GCC countries often enjoy many travel benefits, how do GCC residents who are not citizens fare in terms of traveling? If you do not have citizenship of GCC but live there, you may not be sure about getting a visa on arrival when visiting Egypt. This describes Egypt’s present and clearly stated procedures regarding GCC visas for people who do not have GCC citizenship. Understanding the basics: GCC citizens vs. GCC residents It’s important to distinguish between GCC citizens and GCC residents: GCC citizens: Nationals of states in the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)). Such citizens enjoy special visa exemptions or ease of getting visas for many countries including Egypt. GCC residents (Non-citizens): People who live and work in GCC countries but have a passport of other countries (e.g., India, Pakistan, the Philippines and even Egypt itself, etc.). Their visas’ privileges mostly depend on their nationality and not their status of residency. Egypt visa policy for GCC citizens Egypt allows citizens of all GCC countries to enter visa-free for varying periods, typically up to 90 days. This is a benefit based purely on citizenship, meaning GCC citizens enjoy easy entry without needing to obtain a visa beforehand or on arrival. What about GCC residents who are not citizens? Being a GCC resident and having a passport of another country doesn’t mean much, and your visa on arrival in Egypt greatly depends on the country your passport has been issued by rather than your GCC residence. Egypt does not offer at the moment a visa-on-arrival in particular because you are a GCC resident. Visa on arrival for Egypt: Which nationals are eligible? Only citizens of certain countries—such as the US, UK, Japan, and select EU nations—are eligible for visa on arrival in Egypt. Usually, your visa is granted to you as you enter Canada, depending on your nationality. So, people from nations like the United States, Australia, Japan, among others, may get a visa as soon as they land. Should your passport not allow you to travel to Egypt without a visa, you have to obtain a visa prior to your trip. Does GCC residency help with Egypt visa application? While Egypt does not offer visa on arrival specifically for GCC residents, having GCC residency can sometimes simplify the process of obtaining an Egyptian visa in advance. For instance: Some Egyptian consulates in GCC countries facilitate easier or quicker visa processing for residents. GCC residency status can sometimes allow for multiple-entry or longer validity visas due to established diplomatic ties. However, the key factor remains your nationality, so you must check Egypt’s visa requirements based on your passport. Alternative: Egypt e-Visa for GCC residents For easier travel, Egypt has adopted an electronic visa (e-Visa) for many nationalities. If your passport can qualify, then you can apply for an e-visa online prior to your trip. This is in most cases the easiest way that is also very speedy for GCC residents who are not eligible for VOA. Practical advice for GCC residents traveling to Egypt Check your passport’s visa status: Ensure to check Egypt’s visa policy for your nationality all the time before travelling. Apply for e-visa if eligible: If you do not qualify for visa on arrival with your passport, then you should try to apply for the e-Visa of Egypt online. Contact the Egyptian consulate: If one is in doubt, he/she should contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate, in the GCC country within which he/she is living, in order to get clarification on the visa requirements. Carry valid residency proof: Although the residency permit per se does not entitle you to visa on arrival, having it with you may sometimes assist when you are applying for a visa or entering. Conclusion In conclusion, one is not automatically eligible for a visa on arrival in Egypt upon being a GCC resident. Egypt’s visa policies are mainly dependent on the nationality of your passport. GCC residents have to apply for their own country’s visa when entering the country. The most appropriate way for both GCC residents and non-GCC residents is to establish eligibility for an Egypt e-Visa or apply for visa in advance through official channels to enjoy the visit.

When searching for the origins of civilization, one nation is not uncommonly found out. Egypt. But is Egypt the oldest country in the world? The answer depends on our definition of “country” – but by a lot of historical standards, yes, Egypt is the oldest nation-state in the world. The birth of ancient Egypt: Around 3150 B.C.E. Egypt’s claim to being the world’s oldest country comes from its established history of centralized government, culture, and writing, dating back to around 3150 B.C.E. This is believed to mark the start of King Narmer's reign, the first pharaoh of a unified Egypt. This date is often cited as the official founding of Egyptian civilization, transitioning it from a collection of smaller regional cultures into a single political and cultural entity. Who was narmer? King Narmer, called Menes in certain historical sources, is recognized as the king of Upper and Lower Egypt, who founded the First Dynasty of ancient Egypt. This event is when one of the most sophisticated and long lasting civilizations in the world started. The Narmer Palette, an archaeological finding of approximately 3200–3000 B.C.E., gives us visual evidence of this unification. On one side of the palette, the White Crown of Upper Egypt is depicted on Narmer; on the other, he wears the Red Crown of Lower Egypt. This imagery points to the real collapse of the two regions into a united kingdom under Narmer. A unified, literate, and powerful state Academics are in concurrence that Egypt by the time of Narmer has turned into a centrally organized state, in print, and a very strong one. According to historian Robert J. Wenke, writing in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt (2001), the era of Narmer’s reign is “precisely the period in which Egypt first became a unified, powerful, wealthy, and literate state.” They include centralizing government, defined territory, written language, and cultural identity, which are the main identifying characteristics of a modern state. How Egypt compares with other ancient civilizations gypt is often considered the oldest existing nation-state, but it’s not the only ancient civilization. Mesopotamia (today’s Iraq), for example, shows earlier signs of urban development and is home to the world’s earliest known writing system. However, Egypt's early political unification under a central authority gives it a strong claim to being the first true nation-state in recorded history. However, Egypt is different because its national identity has been fairly stable over millennia, even during invasions by foreigners and regime change. Unlike cities that rose and fell in Mesopotamia, Egypt was a unified kingdom, with a lasting government, culture, architecture such as the Pyramids of Giza and temples along the Nile which define its historical remains. Conclusion So, is Egypt the oldest country in the world? If we define a “country” as a centralized and unified state with a lasting cultural identity, ancient Egypt is a leading contender. However, it’s important to note that the modern sovereign state known as the Republic of Egypt was officially established in 1953. Therefore, Egypt is more accurately described as one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations rather than the oldest existing modern country. Originating from 3150 B.C.E. under King Narmer, Egypt, the world’s oldest nation-state, is widely known to have accumulated over 5000 years of historic and cultural significance.

Egypt's geography is defined by one overwhelming natural feature: the desert. Without the life-giving presence of the Nile River, Egypt would be a vast, uninhabitable desert. This makes the Nile the most significant geographical and environmental feature in the country, shaping not only the land but also Egypt's civilization and economy. Egypt is mostly desert Egypt has the dominant geographical landscape that is desert; some of the part of Sahara desert is Egypt, the largest hot desert of the world. Over 90% of Egypt is arid and dry, with very little rain (2.5 centimeters or 1 inch annually on average). These desert regions include: The western desert: Extending to the Sudanese border, this is 2/3rds of Egypt and is to the west of the Nile. It includes sand dunes, rocky plateaus and some oases. The eastern desert: Sitting east of the Nile River and stretching along the Red Sea coastline, this is another, albeit hilly, arid area featuring rugged terrain and areas with mineral resources. These two deserts, along with the Sinai Peninsula, make up the major part of Egypt’s geographical terrain. The Sinai Peninsula features rugged mountain ranges, including Mount Saint Catherine—the highest point in Egypt at 2,629 meters—and its geography contrasts sharply with the flatter deserts to the west and east. The Nile River: Egypt’s lifeline Despite the prevalence of desert, the Nile River breaks up this pattern as the geographical feature present. The Nile, which flows from south to north, runs through the Egyptian core and forms a narrow fertile strip along its banks. The Nile Valley is the primary region capable of supporting dense human settlement, agriculture, and urban life. Historically, the river Nile inundated its valley every summer following rains in Ethiopia, depositing rich, fertile silt essential for farming. However, since the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1970, the river’s flow is now regulated, and natural flooding no longer occurs. Modern agriculture relies on controlled irrigation instead. Without this yearly flooding, Egypt would not be able to support its food production and settlements. The Nile delta: Fertile northern Egypt To the north of Cairo, where the Nile River spreads before ending in the Mediterranean sea lies the Nile delta, a vast triangular piece of fertile farmland. This happens to be one of the fertile spots in the entire of Africa, and it is very highly populated. The Delta provides most of Egypt’s agriculture due to the rich soil it has and water from the Nile. Divided Geography: Upper and lower Egypt Geographically, Egypt is traditionally divided into: Upper Egypt (southern region): Characterized by low mountains, desert plateaus, and the narrow Nile Valley. Lower Egypt (northern region): Includes the wide Nile floodplains and the Nile Delta, with desert areas to both the east and west. The names “Upper” and “Lower” are based on the Nile’s flow direction—from the highlands of East Africa in the south toward the Mediterranean Sea in the north. Conclusion So, what kind of geographical landscape dominates Egypt? In short: desert dominates, covering most of the country. However, the Nile River and its valley cut through the desert like a green ribbon, making life possible. This contrast between arid wasteland and fertile riverbanks is what defines Egypt’s unique geography.

In case you are planning a trip to the Middle East, the question may be: How far is it from Israel to Egypt? These are two historically rich countries that have a land border and are not far from each other at all (relatively speaking), meaning that we can easily get from one to the other. Overview of border Egypt-Israel  The Egyptian – Israel land border is about 208 kilometers (129 miles). It is between Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula and the region to the south of Israel towards the towns of Taba (in Egypt) and Eilat (in Israel). The best travel land route between one country and another for travelers is this crossing. Distance between major cities The distance between major cities varies depending on your route and mode of travel. Here’s a quick breakdown: Cairo to Jerusalem: 427 kilometers (266 miles) by road. The car or bus ride is normally 8–10 hours, assuming reasonable border procedures and traffic. Cairo to Tel Aviv: It is approximately 490 kilometers (304 miles) by road distance. Travel overland can take up to 10–12 hours including Taba Border crossing time. Taba to Eilat: Sitting directly across the Egypt-Israel border, these cities are. The two are within less than 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) distance and you can walk there between the two on the Taba Border Crossing, the only official overland entry point for tourists. Travel options between Egypt and Israel Overland travel (Most common): Most people who travel choose to cross the Taba Border Crossing which is close to the Red Sea. This makes for a good entry point if you’re coming from South Sinai (e.g., Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab) into Eilat, Israel’s southern resort town. From there, it is easy to reach other destinations in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Flying: EgyptAir and El Al operate direct flights between Cairo and Tel Aviv. Though it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes flight time, it is the fastest way to travel between the two capitals. Bus services: East Delta Travel runs bus routes from Cairo to the Taba Border. After that, Israeli bus lines, such as Egged, can take you on from Eilat to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and elsewhere. Important travel tips Visas: Make sure that you meet the entry requirements for both countries. While many nationalities can obtain an Egyptian visa on arrival or online, travelers not eligible for visa-free entry to Israel must apply for a visa in advance. Although Egypt does not stamp Israeli entry in passports, having Israeli entry or exit evidence (e.g., stamps from the Taba border) may cause issues when entering certain Muslim-majority countries. Consider using a second passport if applicable. Border hours: The Taba Border Crossing is not open 24/7. It typically operates from around 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with variations depending on the day of the week and season. The crossing may close early or shut down completely on Jewish holidays and during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening), so travelers should always check the latest hours on official or trusted travel sources before planning their trip. Security considerations: While the Taba Border itself is considered safe and regularly used by tourists, travelers should be aware that parts of North Sinai remain under security advisories due to occasional military or terrorist activity. It is highly recommended to travel via well-known tourist routes such as Sharm El Sheikh or Dahab when heading to Taba. Avoid attempting to cross any land border other than Taba. How far is Egypt from Israel, then? Just a few hundred kilometers separate major cities, and it isn't a long way to the border towns. Traveling in both these fascinating countries by any means i.e. road, air or bus is simple and full of scenic routes and travel experiences.

The Nile River serves as Egypt's primary waterway and remains Africa's longest river on top of its status as a global river of enormous length. Throughout numerous millennia the Nile has maintained its essential connection to Egyptian identity while determining the development trajectory of the nation. Geographical path of the Nile in Egypt From Africa the Nile River flows northward until reaching the Mediterranean Sea at its river endpoint. The Nile River flows across Egyptian territory between the Sudanese boundary and the Mediterranean Sea. The city of Aswan together with Luxor and Cairo lie along the Nile River which functions as the essential transport artery of the country. Sources and tributaries of the Nile The Nile is formed by two primary tributaries: The White Nile, which originates in Lake Victoria. The Blue Nile, which begins in the Ethiopian highlands. These two rivers merge in Sudan, forming the main Nile that enters Egypt. Once in Egypt, it becomes a singular, powerful water source for the nation. The Nile Valley and Nile Delta The Nile Valley and Nile Delta region serves as Egypt's prime farming land because of the river's location. The annual Nile floods over centuries dumped beneficial silt onto the lands which became ideal for farming. Through natural river flooding ancient Egyptians could produce harvests which enabled their population to flourish and establish their prosperous civilization. Importance of the Nile in Ancient and Modern Egypt In ancient times, the Nile was central to religion, transportation, and daily survival. The banks of the river served as the main construction sites for all significant ancient temples as well as pyramids and settlements. Today, it still holds enormous value: Freshwater supply for most Egyptians Irrigation for agriculture Transportation and river cruises Cultural and religious significance The Nile River supports over 95% of Egypt’s population, who live along its banks or nearby. Modern engineering: The Aswan High Dam A major development on the Nile is the Aswan High Dam, constructed in the 20th century. This dam: Controls the river’s flow Prevents destructive floods Generates hydroelectric power Helps manage water for irrigation However, it has also led to political discussions with neighboring countries over water sharing. Conclusion: The river that defines Egypt The Nile River runs through Egypt while forming all aspects of its physical landscape as well as economic system together with cultural legacy and historical progression. Modern industry alongside ancient agricultural practices both depend on the life-sustaining resource status of the Nile in Egypt.

Egypt attracts world tourists because they visit its famous landmarks including the Pyramids of Giza along with viewing the Nile River and visiting vibrant coastal resorts. Travellers need to keep themselves informed about the newest travel warnings regarding Egypt to maintain their security during their trip. Current travel advisory overview Many countries have issued cautious travel advisories for Egypt as of May 2025 due to regional security risks combined with terrorism dangers and scattered civil unrest instances. The warnings issued by nations about traveling to Egypt carry unique country-related details alongside general safety warnings. Travelers are advised to: Stay alert in crowded areas and near government institutions. Avoid regions with known security concerns. Monitor local news and updates during their stay. High-risk areas to avoid Unstable security conditions along with terrorist threats make specific areas of Egypt dangerous for tourists to visit. These include: North Sinai is closed to non-essential travel due to ongoing militant activity. The minimal presence of people and weak security networks in Western desert areas create additional dangers for visitors. Several border areas between Egypt and Libya and Sudan maintain limited accessibility because of local border tensions together with security instability. The majority of international governments strongly advise people to avoid visiting dangerous locations because traveling alone or without experienced guidance is considered particularly risky. Safer travel zones in Egypt The main tourist areas of Egypt maintain safety by following standard precautions though specific places come with safety concerns. These include: Tourists find Egyptian capital Cairo and its main neighborhoods together with historical sites to be secure destinations. People should exercise caution because petty theft might happen even in this situation. Luxor and Aswan draw tourists because they house famous temples and are main cruise destinations. The sites receive strong protection from security forces and welcome many tourists who stop by. Three notable Red Sea beach towns including Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada and Marsa Alam offer elevated security protocols to tourists who have frequented these destinations for years. Tourists visiting these regions must exercise standard safety procedures by minimizing contact with protests while keeping their possessions discreet and maintaining contact with their tour guides and hotel representatives. Practical travel tips for Egypt To make your trip as smooth and secure as possible, consider these travel tips: Register with your embassy: Many countries offer services to track and assist citizens abroad. Carry ID at all times: Security checkpoints are common, especially in Cairo and on highways. Use authorized transportation: Rely on licensed taxis, ride-hailing apps, or hotel transport for safety and clarity. Avoid political gatherings or demonstrations: These can escalate quickly and may be monitored by authorities. Dress conservatively: Respect local customs, particularly in rural or religious areas. Final thoughts Travelers should exercise caution by staying vigilant but explore the numerous safe tourist destinations according to the current travel warnings from Egypt. Egypt will continue to attract travelers in 2025 as long as visitors make themselves prepared and keep themselves aware of their surroundings.

The classification of Egypt as a long-haul destination depends significantly on your point of departure. Egypt is a long-haul destination only from specific regions such as North America, East Asia, or Oceania, where flight durations exceed 6 hours and often go well beyond 10 or even 17 hours. However, from Europe or the Middle East, Egypt is considered a medium-haul or even short-haul destination, given the relatively short travel times. So, referring to Egypt as a “long-haul destination” is only accurate from select regions—and not correct when traveling from Europe or the Middle East. What defines a long-haul flight? In aviation, flights are typically categorized by duration: Short-haul: Under 3 hours Medium-haul: 3 to 6 hours Long-haul: 6 to 12 hours Ultra-long-haul: Over 12 hours Travelers and airlines benefit from these categorizations because they determine the expected duration of flights with corresponding amenities. Flight durations to Egypt from various regions Departure region Average flight duration to Egypt Classification North America 10–12 hours Long-haul Europe 4–6 hours Medium-haul Asia 8–12 hours Long-haul Australia 17–20 hours Ultra-long-haul Middle East 2–4 hours Short to Medium-haul Note: Flight times remain approximate yet they will differ depending on departure airport and flight directions alongside stopover points. Examples of flight times to Egypt New York City to Cairo: Approximately 10–11 hours (direct flights) London to Cairo: Approximately 4.5–5 hours (direct flights) Sydney to Cairo: Approximately 17–20 hours (with layovers) Dubai to Cairo: Approximately 3.5–4 hours (direct flights) These examples illustrate how flight durations to Egypt can range from short to ultra-long-haul, depending on the starting point. Preparing for a long-haul flight to Egypt Here are some travel tips to improve your comfort during long-haul flights to Egypt: The process of staying hydrated should begin with adequate water intake both before as well as during the flight. Education tour operators should dedicate brief time intervals to pacing around the cabin to avoid blood circulation problems. Travel pillows alongside eye masks will help you achieve rest during flight time. Enter your journey equipped with books along with films and music for entertainment purposes. Select garments that fit loosely while wearing compression socks for better comfort. The proper planning of your journey will help control the travel experience thus creating a positive travel experience in Egypt.