Egypt Tours from the USA
From the United States, Egypt is one nonstop flight from New York or Washington, and a single connection from most other cities. Here is what American travellers need to know about flights, the visa, time difference and the best time to travel.
Flights from the USA
EgyptAir flies nonstop to Cairo from New York (JFK) and Washington (Dulles), in roughly 11 hours eastbound. From other US cities, connect through Europe or the Middle East, for example via London, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Doha or Dubai, for a total journey of around 15 to 20 hours. From Cairo, domestic flights take about an hour to Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh.
Visa for US citizens
Americans need a visa: an e-Visa online before you fly ($30 single entry) or a visa on arrival ($30 in cash; $36 by card for the digital visa at Cairo Airport). Your passport must be valid for six months after arrival. Details in our Egypt visa guide.
Time difference
Cairo is 7 hours ahead of New York and 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles for most of the year. Because the US and Egypt change their clocks on different dates, the gap is an hour shorter for a few weeks in spring and in autumn. Plan a quiet first day to recover from jet lag.
When to go from the USA
October to April is the most comfortable season. Thanksgiving week, Christmas to New Year and spring break are the busiest and most expensive periods, so book Nile cruises and hotels early for those dates. Summer is hot inland but quieter and better value. See the best time to visit Egypt.
Money, plugs and practicalities
- US dollars are widely accepted by hotels and tour companies; bring clean, recent bills. You will need Egyptian pounds for tips and markets.
- Egypt uses European two-pin plugs (types C and F) at 220 V: bring an adapter, and check that your devices accept 220 V.
- Read the State Department advice and enroll in STEP before you go; see is Egypt safe?.
- Check that your health insurance covers you abroad, or buy travel insurance.
Planning your trip
Our tours are private, with an Egyptologist guide, airport assistance, transfers and hand-picked hotels. Browse the trips below, read how much an Egypt trip costs, or ask for a tailor-made trip around your dates.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from the USA to Egypt?
About 11 hours nonstop from New York or Washington to Cairo on EgyptAir, and roughly 15 to 20 hours with one connection from other US cities.
Do US citizens need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. Americans can buy an e-Visa online for $30 or a visa on arrival for $30 in cash; the digital visa at Cairo Airport costs $36 by card.
What is the time difference between the USA and Egypt?
Cairo is 7 hours ahead of New York and 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles for most of the year.
When is the best time to visit Egypt from the USA?
October to April. Thanksgiving, Christmas to New Year and spring break are the busiest weeks, so book early.
Can I use US dollars in Egypt?
Yes, for many tourist services, but carry Egyptian pounds for tips, taxis and markets.
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