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Egypt Gay Travel

Ancient ruins, endless deserts and the lush Nile River await gay travellers in Egypt.

Egypt is a rich melange of colour. Begin your journey riding camel-back into the editorial dunes of the White Desert. Then head to the marina to snorkel the Red Sea’s coral-rich ecosystem. Finally, take to the verdant Nile Delta, where most of the country’s ancient wonders are only a stone’s throw from its banks.


Quick Facts

  • Capital City: Cairo
  • Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
  • Languages: Standard Arabic
  • Best Time of Year to Visit: October & February

LGBT Rights in Egypt

Gay Egypt Travel

Best Places to Visit in Egypt

More Info

Egypt is a largely conservative country. Caution should be practiced at all times, and all public displays of affection should be avoided for the safety of yourself and your group. While large international hotels in tourist areas like Cairo won’t likely raise an eyebrow to same-sex couples, we advise travellers to avoid budget hotels and/or reserve two beds. Further, gay dating apps should be avoided as local authorities have historically targeted gay men through them. Finally, while lesbianism is largely misunderstood and ignored in Egypt, female travellers should be cautious about PDAs as well.

Gay Activity: Illegal
Lesbian Activity: Illegal
Gay Marriage: Not recognized
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Single only
LGBT Discrimination: No protections

A small, underground gay scene exists in Cairo and Alexandria. However, it is entirely geared toward locals. We do not advise LGBT visitors to attempt to participate in the gay scene.

Gay Villages in Egypt

NA

Pride Festivals in Egypt

NA

Best Gay Bars in Egypt

NA

Best Lesbian Bars in Egypt

NA

5. Luxor

This beautiful city is the gateway to the country’s highest concentration of ruins, tombs, monuments and obelisks. 

4. The Red Sea

The coral-rich Red Sea is a stunning jungle of colourful fish and aquatic plants. Wrecks make for exciting dive points, but there’s plenty to see with just a mask and snorkel.

3. Cairo

The country’s capital is layered in history. When you’re feeling ambitious, battle through the often hectic souks. For a quieter respite, spend an afternoon appreciating the city’s spiritual mosques.

2. Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are the only remaining structures from the original list of World Wonders. And while their silhouette against the desert landscape is a cliche, you will never fully appreciate their size and mystery until you are dwarfed below them.

1. The Nile River

In our opinion, the best way to appreciate Egypt is from the fertile Nile River. Historically, the river has been the life force of the entire nation and all major cities and ancient civilizations were built on its banks. Besides being the perfect entranceway to the country’s most popular sites, it is also a naturally gorgeous ecosystem that showcases the country at its most photogenic.

Best Time to Visit: October & February bookend both the country’s winter and ‘high season.’ While the occasional dust storm may delay some flights, the weather is reasonable, and the crowds are bearable.

Electricity: In Egypt, the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. For more information, visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/egypt/.

Time Zone: (GMT+2) Eastern European Standard Time

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

Other Vaccinations: Based on entry requirements, only travellers coming from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever may be required to show proof of vaccination. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Visas: Most travellers require a visa to enter Egypt. Please visit the Arab Republic of Egypt’s website here for more information on how to obtain a single-entry 30-day visa. As of September, 2023, Canadian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival and MUST apply for a visa in advance. This means Canadian travellers will not be able to board their flight to Egypt without securing the visa in advance. Please note that while in the past there have been reports of travellers being barred entry to Egypt for having Israeli stamps in their passport, this is not listed as an official disqualification for entry by the Egyptian government. If you are travelling to Israel before or after this tour, we recommend requesting that immigration does not stamp your passport. Travellers are responsible for their visas and ensuring they meet entry requirements into the country.

Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
LGBT Rights in Egypt

Egypt is a largely conservative country. Caution should be practiced at all times, and all public displays of affection should be avoided for the safety of yourself and your group. While large international hotels in tourist areas like Cairo won’t likely raise an eyebrow to same-sex couples, we advise travellers to avoid budget hotels and/or reserve two beds. Further, gay dating apps should be avoided as local authorities have historically targeted gay men through them. Finally, while lesbianism is largely misunderstood and ignored in Egypt, female travellers should be cautious about PDAs as well.

Gay Activity: Illegal
Lesbian Activity: Illegal
Gay Marriage: Not recognized
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Single only
LGBT Discrimination: No protections

Gay Egypt Travel

A small, underground gay scene exists in Cairo and Alexandria. However, it is entirely geared toward locals. We do not advise LGBT visitors to attempt to participate in the gay scene.

Gay Villages in Egypt

NA

Pride Festivals in Egypt

NA

Best Gay Bars in Egypt

NA

Best Lesbian Bars in Egypt

NA

Best Places to Visit in Egypt

5. Luxor

This beautiful city is the gateway to the country’s highest concentration of ruins, tombs, monuments and obelisks. 

4. The Red Sea

The coral-rich Red Sea is a stunning jungle of colourful fish and aquatic plants. Wrecks make for exciting dive points, but there’s plenty to see with just a mask and snorkel.

3. Cairo

The country’s capital is layered in history. When you’re feeling ambitious, battle through the often hectic souks. For a quieter respite, spend an afternoon appreciating the city’s spiritual mosques.

2. Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are the only remaining structures from the original list of World Wonders. And while their silhouette against the desert landscape is a cliche, you will never fully appreciate their size and mystery until you are dwarfed below them.

1. The Nile River

In our opinion, the best way to appreciate Egypt is from the fertile Nile River. Historically, the river has been the life force of the entire nation and all major cities and ancient civilizations were built on its banks. Besides being the perfect entranceway to the country’s most popular sites, it is also a naturally gorgeous ecosystem that showcases the country at its most photogenic.

More Info

Best Time to Visit: October & February bookend both the country’s winter and ‘high season.’ While the occasional dust storm may delay some flights, the weather is reasonable, and the crowds are bearable.

Electricity: In Egypt, the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. For more information, visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/egypt/.

Time Zone: (GMT+2) Eastern European Standard Time

Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

Other Vaccinations: Based on entry requirements, only travellers coming from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever may be required to show proof of vaccination. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

Visas: Most travellers require a visa to enter Egypt. Please visit the Arab Republic of Egypt’s website here for more information on how to obtain a single-entry 30-day visa. As of September, 2023, Canadian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival and MUST apply for a visa in advance. This means Canadian travellers will not be able to board their flight to Egypt without securing the visa in advance. Please note that while in the past there have been reports of travellers being barred entry to Egypt for having Israeli stamps in their passport, this is not listed as an official disqualification for entry by the Egyptian government. If you are travelling to Israel before or after this tour, we recommend requesting that immigration does not stamp your passport. Travellers are responsible for their visas and ensuring they meet entry requirements into the country.

Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.


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Reviews

Some from our travellers

Jeff & Dean

Well planned out and our local guide Amr was AMAZING!

Egypt: Nile River Cruise & Cairo
Rating:

Well planned out and our local guide Amr was AMAZING! A once in a lifetime experience. The rich history, beautiful architecture, and friendly people made this a trip we’ll always remember.

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Ken

Incredible cultural destination. Fascinating to see in person.

Egypt: Nile River Cruise & Cairo
Rating:

Incredible cultural destination. Fascinating to see in person, iconic symbols of Egyptian culture. The local tour guide, Aziz was friendly, knowledgeable and passionate.

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Glenn & Mike

Once again, Out Adventures provided the highest caliber adventure we could possibly imagine!

Egypt: Nile River Cruise & Cairo
Rating:

Once again, Out Adventures provided the highest caliber adventure we could possibly imagine by attending to every detail — from the daily experiences they offer to all the vendors they hire to the accommodations you stay in — to make absolutely sure you have a once in a lifetime experience.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
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James

Great adventure, a safe option for LGBTQ+ people, and reasonably priced.

Egypt: Nile River Cruise & Cairo
Rating:

Great adventure, a safe option for LGBTQ+ people, and reasonably priced. The group was unbelievably easy to get along with which made everything interesting and fun. Our guide Aziz and our host Scott really made this trip!

ACCOMMODATIONS:
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BJ

The trip was very well organized.

Egypt: Nile River Cruise & Cairo
Rating:

The trip was very well organized. Our host Scott and guide Aziz were awesome, and I really enjoyed the itinerary.

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Isaias

This was one of the best tours I've ever done, and I've done quite few.

Egypt: Nile River Cruise & Cairo
Rating:

This was one of the best tours I’ve ever done, and I’ve done quite few. Egypt is Amazing! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and experienced, and our host Scott did an incredible job. The planning and logistics were fantastic from beginning to end.

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Bob L & Tim S

Our guide was great

Egypt: Nile River Cruise & Cairo
Rating:

This trip featured unbelievable sites and treasures to be seen. Our guide was great and helped us avoid large crowds along the way.

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Ricardo G

I loved it

Egypt: Nile River Cruise & Cairo
Rating:

Egypt has been on my bucket list for many years, but I never expected to join such a wonderful group of people. Scott and Amr are absolutely fabulous. They took care of everything for us. There was nothing they wouldn’t do to make our experience as enjoyable as possible. I loved it.

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Peter L

Highly recommended!

Egypt: Nile River Cruise & Cairo
Rating:

Out Adventures came through with flying colours for my bucket list trip to Egypt. They packed all the major sites in, yet left time to relax and explore. I always felt safe despite the current problems in the Middle East. The guides were excellent. Highly recommended!

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See All Reviews

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