Egypt
Travel Destination – Egypt
From the ancient pyramids and bustling markets of Cairo to the serene waters of the Red Sea and the timeless beauty of the Nile, Egypt offers a rich and unforgettable travel experience. Whether you're planning to explore archaeological wonders, sail on a felucca, or relax at a coastal resort, being aware of local health risks and taking a few simple precautions can help ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
It’s a good idea to discuss your trip with a travel doctor before heading to Egypt. They can provide a personalised travel health plan based on your specific itinerary—whether you're visiting major cities like Cairo or Luxor, taking a Nile cruise, or exploring more remote desert regions. Your doctor will review and recommend any necessary immunisations, issue prescriptions for relevant vaccines, and ensure you have the medications you might need while abroad. Ideally, book your appointment at least six to eight weeks before departure, to allow time for any required vaccinations to be given over the appropriate schedule. Even if your trip is approaching soon, it’s still worth seeing a travel doctor, as some vaccines can be given on an accelerated timetable.
Insect avoidance
In Egypt, mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as dengue and West Nile virus. Avoiding insect bites is a key preventive measure to protect yourself from these infections. To reduce your risk, stay in air-conditioned rooms or spaces with fly screens. When outside wear long sleeves and long pants. Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Food and water hygiene
Egyptian cuisine is a highlight for many travellers, and with a few simple precautions, you can enjoy it while minimising your risk of gastroenteritis and other gastrointestinal infections. Always wash your hands with soap and water or use antiseptic hand gel before eating. Avoid raw, undercooked, or reheated food, and be cautious with buffet items that have been sitting out. Street food can be a safe and enjoyable option when it’s freshly cooked in front of you and served hot. Choose fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself - such as bananas, oranges, or cucumbers - and avoid salads washed in tap water. To stay safe, drink only bottled, boiled, or filtered water, and avoid ice unless you’re certain it’s made from treated water.
Rabies prevention
Australia is one of the few countries where rabies does not occur, but in Egypt, rabies is present in animals such as dogs and cats. The virus is transmitted through bites and scratches, and once symptoms develop, the illness is almost always fatal. The best way to prevent rabies is to avoid contact with animals - particularly strays, which are common in many areas. Rabies vaccination is often not required for short-term travellers, but may be recommended if you’ll be working with animals, visiting rural or remote regions, or spending extended time in Egypt. Discuss your itinerary with a travel doctor to determine whether pre-travel vaccination is advised. If you are bitten or scratched while in Egypt, seek medical care immediately. Prompt post-exposure treatment is vital.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Egypt?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, typically spread through contaminated food or water. The severity of illness can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can lead to serious complications. While Hepatitis A is uncommon in Australia, it remains more prevalent in countries like Egypt. Travellers who have not previously completed a two-dose course of the Hepatitis A vaccine are strongly advised to get vaccinated before their trip. This is particularly important if you planning a homestay.
Typhoid
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Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi or Paratyphi, typically spread through contaminated food or water. It can lead to high fever, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms. In Egypt, where sanitation and food hygiene standards can vary, typhoid is a recognised risk - particularly for travellers eating street food, visiting smaller towns, or staying for extended periods. A typhoid vaccine is available and provides three years of protection. Your travel doctor may recommend it based on your itinerary and planned activities.
Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and is spread through contact with blood or bodily fluids—for example, through unprotected sex, tattooing, or sharing personal items like razors. While many younger Australians are protected through routine childhood vaccination, not all adults are immune. For travel to Egypt, hepatitis B vaccination is generally recommended for those who will be staying for a prolonged period, making frequent short visits, or who may engage in activities with a higher risk of exposure. If you're unsure of your vaccination status, a travel doctor can assess whether immunisation is appropriate for your plans.
Routine vaccinations
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Thanks to Australia's strong immunisation programs, many common infections - like measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus - are rarely seen at home. However, in countries like Egypt, these diseases may circulate more widely, increasing the risk of exposure for travellers. Preparing for your trip is an ideal time to review your routine vaccinations and ensure you're up to date. This may include boosters for measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus, influenza, and COVID-19. A travel health consultation can help identify any gaps and provide recommendations tailored to your health history and itinerary.
Other health risks in Egypt
Other health risks in Egypt
Dengue and West Nile virus
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In Egypt, mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and West Nile virus can pose a risk to travellers. Both are viral infections spread by mosquito bites, and while many cases are mild or go unnoticed, symptoms can include fever, fatigue, body aches, and in some cases, more serious complications. Dengue fever can be more severe during repeat infections, with risks of bleeding and dangerously low blood pressure. West Nile virus may occasionally lead to severe neurological illness.
Mosquito avoidance remains the best form of prevention. Use insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, wear long sleeves and trousers and stay in accommodation with good mosquito control, such as air conditioning or screened windows.
Rabies
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Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection transmitted through the bites or scratches of infected animals, including dogs, cats, and other mammals. While Australia is free from rabies, the virus remains present in many countries, including Egypt. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal, making prevention essential.
Travellers are advised to avoid contact with animals—especially stray dogs and cats. A rabies vaccine is available and may be recommended if you’ll be working with animals, spending extended time in rural or remote areas, or if access to medical care may be limited. If you are bitten or scratched while in Egypt, seek medical attention immediately. Even vaccinated individuals will need a prompt course of post-exposure treatment to prevent infection.
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis, often referred to as traveller’s diarrhoea, is commonly caused by bacteria such as Campylobacter, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and Salmonella, which are ingested through contaminated food or water. In Egypt, where sanitation and food handling standards can vary, the risk of these infections is higher. Symptoms typically appear within 24 to 72 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort.
The primary treatment for gastroenteritis is to maintain hydration, which can be done through oral rehydration solutions that replace lost fluids and salts. Antibiotics are generally reserved for severe or prolonged cases, or for travellers with underlying health risks. Most cases resolve within one to three days without complications. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or if you are unable to keep up with fluid intake.
Preventive measures include washing your hands thoroughly before eating, using antiseptic hand gel, and avoiding high-risk foods - such as raw, undercooked, or reheated meals - as well as drinking only purified, bottled, or boiled water.
Non-infectious conditions
Deep vein thrombosis
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Prolonged travel by air, road, or rail can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the veins, usually in the legs. This is caused by reduced blood flow due to prolonged periods of immobility. The risk is higher on long-haul flights to destinations like Egypt.
To reduce your risk of DVT during travel, try to move around regularly—stand up, stretch, and walk every couple of hours. Staying well-hydrated is also important, as dehydration can increase the risk of clotting. For individuals with pre-existing risk factors, such as a history of DVT or certain medical conditions, wearing below-knee compression stockings can help improve circulation. Should DVT occur, treatment typically involves blood-thinning medications to prevent further clotting.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Part of travelling is embracing new experiences and adventures—but it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to stay safe. If you're considering riding a motorbike while overseas, make sure you have the appropriate skills, understand local road rules, and always wear a helmet. When using other road transport, choose vehicles equipped with working seatbelts whenever possible.
If you're planning to dive for the first time, choose a licensed instructor with strong safety credentials, and ensure equipment is properly maintained and checked. Egypt’s Red Sea is a world-renowned diving destination, but proper guidance is essential for a safe experience.
In hot climates like Egypt’s, excessive heat exposure is a real risk. To avoid it, stay well hydrated, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Don’t forget sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
Whatever activities you choose, it’s always wise to take out travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency evacuation.