Visiting Egypt from Canada? List of Packing Essentials

The land of the Blue River and the majestic Sphinx, Egypt is a dream destination for Canadians. Amid finding an airline, applying for the Egypt Travel Visa, making reservations at a good hotel, and planning the sightseeing details, one often leaves packing up until the last day. 

And at the last moment, everything within a hand’s reach is thrown into the trolley, only for you to regret after arriving there! Can anything be done to change this chaotic situation? Well, yes! Make a packing checklist beforehand, and check if all the boxes have been ticked before you finally set off.

And why is it so easy now? Because you are traveling to Egypt post December 1, 2024! Canadian citizens are now eligible to apply for an eVisa, as announced by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. 

This decision has been taken to honor the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in order to improve mutual tourism and trade prospects. And so, with the elimination of the time-consuming procedure of applying for a sticker visa at the Embassy, you now do have plenty of time to plan your traveling checklist!

Make your mornings count with a visit to the pyramids and leave the afternoons for strolls in the souks – all in style!

Let’s Get the Visa Application Out of the Way First!

The introduction of the Egypt Travel Visa online has made it really easy for Canadians. The simple application procedure is not time-consuming and gets done online in just about a few minutes. To marvel at the Egyptian wonders and purchase cute little souvenirs from the souks of Luxor, you need to apply for a single-entry Tourist Visa that will let you enjoy your vacation for 30 days.

The Egypt visa requirements are pretty simple. You need a valid passport and a few other important documents, and then all you have to do is:

• Fill out the tourist visa online application form by inputting the correct details
• Upload all the correct documents, and a recent passport-sized photograph of yourself
• Pay the fee for the visa application using a credit or debit card

The visa approval will be mailed to you in the next few days. And with that begins your trip to Egypt!

The first thing you ought to remember to carry in person? A printed copy of the eVisa.

And now, we take note of the other things to carry.

Planning a Travel Checklist to Have the Best Trip to Egypt

In which will I have the best experience in Egypt? Should I pack my bag according to the months I’m visiting? 

Well, the country is beautiful all year. If you do not mind a little bit of rain in Alexandria or Cairo, November to March is the best option. And if both hiking and hitting the beaches are on your list, April to May or September to October is going to be the best time that offers warm weather but without the scorching sun. For those who do not mind a little sun, June to August is the time when you relax by the beach and poolside all day long. But you might not be able to visit Luxor, Cairo, or Aswan; the temperature almost touches 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, dig a little deeper into the pros and cons (a few maybe!) of the seasons and then start packing. Pack right; do not just pack light!

First, get the documents and immediate essentials in place

Adhere to the Egypt visa requirements to get the approval without any hassle. And as mentioned above, the printed copy of the Egypt Travel Visa should be there in your handbag. Your passport should be valid for the next six months. Other important documents include:

• A printed copy of the travel insurance policy
• Flight tickets and itinerary details to be presented at the immigration
• Accommodation confirmation 
• Credit or debit cards for larger purchases and some Egyptian Pounds for immediate smaller transactions
• A piece of paper with all your emergency contacts mentioned
• Prescription medicines along with the doctor’s discretion 

Next, pack clothing with Egypt’s weather and culture in mind

Egypt is predominantly a country with Islamic principles, and so, modest clothing is advised for women. Though tourist areas do not have any such restrictions, abiding by the cultural norms will make your trip more enjoyable. Pack light and breathable fabrics to avoid getting sunburned. And comfortable sneakers or hiking sandals? A must for both men and women! 

For women:

Long skirts and maxi dresses – you cannot go wrong with these! The loose-fitting dress protects you from the heat, while meeting the modesty standards. Get the dresses in linen or cotton.

Loose trousers or Harem pants – These pants are forgiving in the extreme heat and let you travel comfortably around the sites without feeling suffocated. You can also pack loose culottes.

Long-sleeved T shirts or tops – Protect your arms from sunburn with loose-fiitting topwear. However, be careful that you don’t wear excessively tight clothes. 

A light scarf or shawl – Use the scarf to cover your head while entering mosques and then wear it like a bandana to shield yourself from the sun.

For men:

Lightweight trousers – Light cotton or linen trousers or pants are perfect for roaming around the city all day. You can wear shorts, but it would be more appropriate to put on a pair of trousers. 

Short-sleeved shirts – Loose-fitting cotton shirts with short sleeves will let you breathe and travel without feeling suffocated. If visiting a religious site, choose a shirt over a T shirt.

Ensure comfort and hygiene with accessories and toiletries

Visiting pyramids, mosques, and souks – making the most out of every place is possible only if you do not get drained out from the scorching sun rays. So, besides linen and cotton clothing, make sure you have:

• A pair of sunglasses in the handbag
• Donned a wide-brimmed hat

The most important thing? You should carry a sunscreen and lip balm with a high SPF value to avoid getting sunburnt.

Other important toiletries and accessories in the packing list include:

• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes to maintain hygiene and get freshened up instantly during desert excursions and traveling in the sun all day
• Toilet papers, as not all public restrooms may have them
• Travel-friendly electrolyte packets to stay hydrated while roaming under the sun
• Oral care like toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Deodorants, because you are going to be sweating a lot!
• Insect repellant to be put on clothes or skin (being anywhere near the Nile is going to expose you to a lot of mosquitoes)

Besides these, pack the necessary makeup and bathing items as well.

And now, pack in the necessary gadgets and electronics

Your trip to Egypt remains incomplete if you have not captured the unbelievable beauty of the pyramids and the Nile River. So, don’t forget to pack your camera. Make sure to have memory cards and extra batteries for backup so that you never miss a chance to click the landscape, especially at sunset or sunrise. 

Besides the camera, pack:

• A power adapter
• A portable charger
• Headphones
• A tablet/laptop (optional)

The list has covered the essentials more or less. Check the Egypt visa requirements properly before applying to be safe than sorry. If you want to carry something extra like a journal to note down the memorable parts of the trip, you are most welcome to do that! Also, you can consider packing an empty weekender bag in the trolley; this comes in handy during sightseeing.

A little tip: Do not carry any CBD products like oils, gummies, or supplements. And if you are a member of the queer community, make sure to not discuss your sexuality and not carry anything that has the symbol of a rainbow on it. Apart from that, just remember to have the time of your life!

With the Essentials Packed, All Set to Fly Off to Egypt?

The right kind of packing is more than just throwing off your favorites into the trolley bag! Gaze in awe at the pyramids or marvel at the tranquil waters of the Nile or purchase trinkets from the souks, do everything by being mindful towards your own comfort and the country’s cultural sensitivity at the same time. So, apply for the Egypt Travel Visa on our portal and start packing your bags while the approval gets processed.

For further queries regarding the eVisa to Egypt, contact us!