Do you need vaccines before visiting Egypt?

Nothing is required for entry from Europe, the UK, North America or the Gulf. Yellow fever certification is required only if you arrive from a country with yellow fever transmission. Beyond that, the question is what's worth having.

Recommended for most visitors

• Hepatitis A — spread through food; one dose gives protection for a year and a second dose gives 20+ years. Worth having for any trip to Egypt.
• Tetanus, diphtheria, polio booster — if your last one was more than ten years ago.
• Routine vaccines up to date — measles (MMR) in particular. Egypt ran a national measles–rubella campaign in 2026 precisely because measles still circulates.

Depending on your trip

• Hepatitis B — longer stays, medical work, or any chance of medical or dental treatment.
• Typhoid — travel beyond resorts, rural areas, or longer stays.
• Rabies — long trips, cycling, working with animals, or travel far from a city. Egypt has rabies in dogs and cats; pre-exposure vaccination simplifies treatment enormously if you're bitten.
• Influenza — for older visitors and anyone with a chronic illness, especially in winter.

Malaria

There is no malaria risk in Egypt's tourist areas including Sharm El-Sheikh, the Red Sea coast, Cairo and Luxor. No tablets needed.

Timing

Most vaccines need two weeks to work and some need multiple doses, so aim for a consultation 4–6 weeks before you fly. If you've left it late, come anyway — a single dose of hepatitis A given the day before travel still provides useful protection.