Travel Health: Egypt
Essential vaccines, malaria advice, and health guidance for Egypt travellers.
Egypt
North Africa / Middle EastEgypt attracts hundreds of thousands of British visitors each year, drawn to its ancient pyramids, Red Sea resorts, and Nile cruises. While resort areas like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada are generally low risk, travellers venturing to Cairo, Luxor, and the Nile Valley face higher exposure to food and waterborne illnesses, extreme heat, and other health hazards. A pre-travel health consultation 4–6 weeks before departure is strongly recommended.
Recommended Vaccines for Egypt
Hepatitis A
Recommended for all travellers. Risk is significant outside major international hotels.
Typhoid
Recommended, especially for travellers visiting local markets, street food stalls, or rural areas.
Hepatitis B
Recommended for longer stays or if you may require medical or dental treatment.
Rabies
Consider if visiting rural areas, desert excursions, or likely to encounter stray animals.
Polio Booster
Egypt has historically had polio cases. Ensure your polio vaccination is up to date.
DTP Booster
Ensure routine diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccinations are current.
MMR
Ensure you've had two doses of MMR. Measles cases occur in Egypt.
Cholera
Consider for aid workers or those with extensive exposure to areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria Risk in Egypt
The risk of malaria in Egypt is very low. The main tourist areas including Cairo, the Nile cruise route, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts are considered malaria-free. Antimalarial tablets are generally not required. However, the El Faiyum area has had occasional cases. Mosquito bite prevention is still advised to protect against other illnesses.
Key Health Risks
- Travellers' diarrhoea — extremely common. Avoid tap water, salads washed in tap water, and street food from unhygienic vendors.
- Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia) — do not swim or wade in the Nile or freshwater canals. The parasite enters through skin.
- Extreme heat — summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C. Heat stroke and dehydration are serious risks.
- Rabies — stray dogs are common. Avoid contact and seek medical attention immediately if bitten.
- Air pollution — Cairo has significant air quality issues that can affect those with respiratory conditions.
- Road traffic accidents — driving standards differ significantly from the UK. Use reputable transport.