🐾 Traveling to Egypt with Pets
Pet-Friendly Egypt
Egypt is increasingly accommodating to pets, particularly in tourist areas like resorts and cities. While not as widespread as in Europe, many hotels, beaches, and Nile cruises welcome well-behaved dogs and cats, especially in coastal regions and luxury accommodations.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate
Dogs, cats, and ferrets need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, confirming no infectious diseases.
Certificate must include proof of vaccinations and be endorsed by official authorities in the country of origin.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination required, administered at least 30 days before entry and valid for the duration of stay.
Boosters must be current; puppies under 3 months are not allowed entry.
Microchip Requirements
Pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before vaccination.
Chip number must be linked to all documentation; scanners are available at entry points.
Non-EU Countries
Pets from outside the EU require an import permit from Egypt's General Organization for Veterinary Services (GOVS).
Additional quarantine may apply for unvaccinated pets; contact Egyptian embassy for pre-approval.
Restricted Breeds
Certain aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers may face restrictions or require special permits.
Muzzles and leashes are mandatory in public areas; check local regulations in Cairo and resorts.
Other Pets
Birds and exotic animals need CITES permits if endangered; rabbits and rodents require health checks.
Consult GOVS for specific rules; some species may be prohibited due to disease risks.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Egypt on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Cairo & Alexandria): Urban hotels like those in Zamalek district accept pets for EGP 200-500/night fee, with access to nearby parks. International chains like Hilton and Marriott often accommodate.
- Red Sea Resorts (Sharm El Sheikh & Hurghada): Beachfront resorts welcome pets at no extra charge in many cases, offering private beaches and shaded areas. Ideal for relaxed vacations with dogs.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and local listings in Luxor and Aswan frequently allow pets, providing space for animals to move freely in Nile-view homes.
- Nile Cruise Ships: Select luxury cruises like those from Oberoi or Sonesta permit small pets in cabins, with onboard veterinary checks. Perfect for families combining history and pet travel.
- Campsites & Eco-Lodges: Sinai desert camps and Red Sea sites are pet-friendly, with open spaces for exploration. Many include pet amenities like water stations.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end resorts like Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh provide pet concierge services, including grooming and special menus for VIP treatment.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Desert Safaris & Oases
Siwa Oasis and White Desert offer pet-friendly camel treks and 4x4 tours with leashed dogs.
Keep pets hydrated in the heat; guided tours ensure safety near wildlife.
Red Sea Beaches
Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada beaches have designated pet areas for swimming and lounging.
Snorkeling spots allow leashed pets on shore; check resort rules for access.
Cities & Parks
Cairo's Gezira Park and Alexandria's Montazah Palace gardens welcome leashed pets.
Outdoor souks and promenades permit dogs; avoid crowded indoor markets.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Modern cafés in Cairo's Maadi district provide water bowls and outdoor seating for pets.
Resort areas have pet-friendly lounges; always ask before seating with animals.
Historical Site Walks
Guided walks around Luxor temples allow leashed small pets; larger dogs may need carriers.
Focus on outdoor ruins; indoor museums like the Egyptian Museum prohibit pets.
Nile Felucca Rides
Traditional sailboat trips in Aswan welcome small pets; fees around EGP 100-200 per ride.
Operators require leashes; sunset cruises offer calm experiences for pets.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (Egyptian Railways): Small pets travel free in carriers; larger dogs require tickets (EGP 50-100) and must be leashed/muzzled. Avoid first-class cars.
- Buses & Microbuses (Urban): Cairo and Alexandria public transport allow small pets in carriers free; larger dogs EGP 20-50 with restraints. Use air-conditioned options in summer.
- Taxis: Uber and Careem in Egypt often accept pets with advance notice; traditional taxis may charge extra EGP 50-100. Opt for larger vehicles.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Hertz allow pets with cleaning deposit (EGP 500-1000). 4x4s recommended for desert trips with space for crates.
- Flights to Egypt: Check airline pet policies; EgyptAir and Turkish Airlines allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review specific carrier requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: EgyptAir, Lufthansa, and Emirates accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for EGP 1000-2000 each way. Larger pets in hold with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in Cairo (like Cairo Veterinary Clinic) and Hurghada provide urgent care for expats and tourists.
Travel insurance covering pets recommended; consultations cost EGP 300-800.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Pet shops like Pet Zone in Cairo stock international brands of food, medicine, and accessories.
Pharmacies carry basic pet meds; import prescriptions for specialized treatments.
Grooming & Day Care
Resorts and cities offer grooming salons and daycare for EGP 200-500 per session.
Book in advance during peak tourist seasons; many hotels partner with local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Local services in Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh provide sitting for day trips to sites like the Pyramids.
Resort concierges recommend trusted sitters; rates EGP 300-600 per day.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in cities, archaeological sites, and public beaches. Off-leash allowed in private resort areas away from crowds.
- Muzzle Requirements: Large or restricted breeds need muzzles in urban areas and on transport. Carry one for compliance checks.
- Waste Disposal: Carry and dispose of waste properly; bins are available in tourist zones. Fines up to EGP 500 for violations.
- Beach & Water Rules: Red Sea resorts have pet zones; avoid swimming areas during peak hours. Respect other beachgoers.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Outdoor terraces welcome pets; indoor areas generally prohibit. Keep pets calm and off furniture.
- Historical Sites: Pets allowed on leads at open-air temples but not inside museums or tombs. Follow guide instructions.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Egypt
Egypt for Families
Egypt captivates families with ancient wonders, Nile adventures, and Red Sea beaches. Safe guided tours, interactive museums, and resort amenities make it ideal for kids, while parents enjoy cultural immersion. Facilities include family rooms, kids' clubs, and shaded play areas.
Top Family Attractions
Pyramids of Giza (Cairo)
Iconic ancient wonders with camel rides, light shows, and Sphinx exploration exciting for all ages.
Tickets EGP 400 adults, EGP 200 kids; family combo deals available with sound-and-light evenings.
Giza Zoo (Cairo)
Large zoo with Egyptian wildlife, playgrounds, and shaded paths in a historic setting.
Entry EGP 20-50; perfect half-day outing with picnic areas for families.
Luxor Temple & Karnak (Luxor)
Massive temples with hieroglyphs, light shows, and hot air balloon rides over the Valley of the Kings.
Tickets EGP 200-300 adults, half for kids; guided tours make history fun for children.
Egyptian Museum (Cairo)
Treasures like Tutankhamun's artifacts with interactive exhibits and mummies.
Tickets EGP 200 adults, EGP 100 kids; family audio guides available in multiple languages.
Nile River Cruise (Aswan to Luxor)
Family-friendly boat trips with onboard pools, kids' activities, and temple stops.
3-4 night cruises EGP 5000-10000 per person; includes meals and excursions.
Red Sea Snorkeling (Hurghada)
Shallow reefs with glass-bottom boats and aquarium visits for young explorers.
Family snorkel tours EGP 500-1000; life jackets provided for kids 5+.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Egypt on Viator. From Nile cruises to pyramid adventures, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Cairo & Luxor): Resorts like Mena House offer family suites (2 adults + 2 kids) for EGP 2000-5000/night. Includes pools, kids' clubs, and pyramid views.
- Red Sea Family Resorts (Sharm El Sheikh): All-inclusive properties with childcare, water parks, and family entertainment. Steigenberger Alcazar caters to families with kids' programs.
- Nile Houseboats & Cruises: Converted boats for families with private decks and onboard activities. Prices EGP 3000-6000/night with meals included.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering units in Alexandria with kitchens and beach access. Space for family meals and relaxation.
- Budget Guesthouses: Family rooms in Aswan for EGP 1000-2000/night, clean with Nile views and simple amenities.
- Historical Hotels: Stay in converted palaces like Old Cataract Hotel for an adventurous family tale. Kids enjoy the colonial architecture and gardens.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Cairo with Kids
Pyramids camel rides, Egyptian Museum treasures, felucca sails on the Nile, and Khan el-Khalili bazaar adventures.
Planetarium shows and aquarium visits add modern fun to ancient explorations.
Luxor with Kids
Temple treasure hunts, Valley of the Kings balloon rides, Luxor Museum interactives, and Nile swims.
Sound-and-light shows at Karnak entertain with stories of pharaohs.
Alexandria with Kids
Bibliotheca Alexandrina library quests, Qaitbay Citadel forts, Montazah Palace gardens, and beach days.
Underwater museum dives (via glass boats) spark imagination.
Red Sea Region (Hurghada)
Snorkeling with fish, dolphin shows, quad biking in desert, and water parks.
Easy boat trips and resort kids' clubs keep families active and cool.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Children under 4 travel free; ages 4-11 get 50% discount. Sleeper trains to Luxor have family cabins with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Cairo metro and microbuses offer family tickets (EGP 50-100/day). Air-conditioned options preferred in heat.
- Car Rentals: Child seats mandatory (EGP 100-200/day); book ahead. Minivans suit families for site-hopping.
- Stroller-Friendly: Major sites like Pyramids have paths, but temples have steps. Resorts and Nile boats are highly accessible.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Resorts and tourist spots offer simple meals like pizza or kofta for EGP 100-200. High chairs available in family areas.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Nile-view eateries and resort buffets welcome kids with play zones. Cairo's City Stars mall has diverse options.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Carrefour stock baby food and diapers. Local markets provide fresh fruits for healthy snacks.
- Snacks & Treats: Street falafel, baklava, and ice cream keep kids happy; choose hygienic vendors in tourist areas.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Found in malls, resorts, and major attractions with nursing areas.
- Pharmacies: Stock formula, diapers, and meds; English-speaking staff in cities assist families.
- Babysitting Services: Resorts arrange sitters for EGP 200-400/hour; book via kids' clubs.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in Cairo and Hurghada; international hospitals for emergencies. Travel insurance essential.
♿ Accessibility in Egypt
Accessible Travel
Egypt is improving accessibility with ramps at major sites, wheelchair-friendly Nile cruises, and resort adaptations. Guided tours assist, and tourism operators offer tailored accessible itineraries for barrier-free exploration.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: Sleeper trains to Luxor have wheelchair spaces and assistance; book ramps in advance at stations.
- City Transport: Cairo metro elevators and accessible microbuses available; taxis accommodate folding wheelchairs.
- Taxis: Wheelchair-adapted vehicles via Uber Access in cities; standard taxis for manual chairs with notice.
- Airports: Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh provide assistance, ramps, and priority services for disabled passengers.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Temples: Egyptian Museum and Luxor Temple have ramps, elevators, and audio guides; some tombs remain challenging.
- Historical Sites: Pyramids offer golf cart shuttles; Karnak has accessible paths though uneven terrain exists.
- Nature & Beaches: Red Sea resorts provide beach wheelchairs; Nile cruises fully accessible with lifts.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Winter (October-April) for mild weather ideal for sites and beaches; avoid summer heat (June-August).
Shoulder seasons (March-May, Sept) balance crowds, prices, and comfortable temperatures.
Budget Tips
Family tickets at attractions save 20-30%; Egypt Pass covers multiple sites. Group tours reduce costs.
Self-catering in apartments and picnics by the Nile accommodate budgets and preferences.
Language
Arabic official; English common in tourist areas, hotels, and with guides.
Basic phrases appreciated; locals are welcoming to families and patient with kids.
Packing Essentials
Light clothing, hats, sunscreen for sun; modest attire for sites. Comfortable shoes for sand and ruins.
Pet owners: bring heat-resistant bowls, cooling mats, leash, waste bags, and vet records.
Useful Apps
Egyptian Railways app for trains, Google Translate for communication, and local pet care directories.
Uber/Careem for rides, iOverlander for family-friendly stops.
Health & Safety
Egypt safe for tourists; drink bottled water. Pharmacies offer advice; vaccination for hep A recommended.
Emergency: dial 122 for police/ambulance. Travel insurance covers family and pet needs.