Egypt is a wonderful country to visit, full of culture and historical interest. However, it is always wise to check out the up-to-date vaccination requirements for any country that you go to.
Currently, the WHO (World Health Organisation) and your own local health authorities will recommend jabs for protection against:
- Hepatitis A and typhoid – usually contracted through food and water.
- Hepatitis B – usually contracted through blood and bodily fluids.
- Tetanus – usually contracted through wounds.
- Yellow fever – usually contracted through mosquito bites, as with malaria.
From time to time, cholera and rabies jabs are also recommended, so it is always best to check the latest information about vaccinations for Egypt.
As well as needing immunisations to visit this country, you may also require an Egyptian travel visa. To find out if you’re eligible and how to get yours, visit our dedicated page.
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All About Vaccinations to Travel to Egypt
Finding out about the immunisation jabs for Egyptian travel is straightforward, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Always check out the list of official recommendations, and make sure you do them in advance of travel; a few weeks should do.
Some people have allergic reactions to certain vaccinations, and you do not want to be travelling if you do not feel well. Some of the common illnesses are stomach bugs, diarrhea and sickness, so it is wise to take medications to treat these from home.
What Injections for Egypt Do You Need to Travel There?
Mainly the ones listed above, although other injections for Egypt may include polio and diphtheria. As these are waterborne, there is a possibility of contracting them through tap water, swimming in polluted areas and even eating salads that have not been washed in clean water. So take sensible precautions!
Do You Need Vaccinations for Egypt From the UK?
Yes, you do, as recommended by the NHS. The vaccinations listed above are purely recommended and not enforceable (however, wise to have). For up-to-date information for any country ahead of travel, please check with the NHS, which provides a comprehensive list. This is updated on a regular basis.
Please note that from time to time a vaccination against rabies may be required for travellers coming from any country. Generally speaking, people travelling from Europe as a continent require fewer immunisations than those travelling from the African continent or regions such as the Middle East or Far East.
Do You Get Vaccinations for Egypt on the NHS?
If your doctor is registered for immunisation, you can get the following vaccinations on the NHS free of charge:
- Polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
- Typhoid
- Hepatitis A
- Cholera
Vaccinations that are not provided free of charge, and can be costly, are:
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- Meningitis vaccines
- Rabies
- Tick-borne encephalitis
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Yellow fever
How Long Do Vaccinations for Egypt Last?
Vaccinations or injections last varying amounts of time and depend on when you were last inoculated for each one. It is best to check with your GP or medical practitioner on the validity and duration of each vaccination depending where you live, any other underlying illnesses, or whether your country of origin has any specific requirements.
- Hepatitis A can last 6-12 months, but if you are spending time long-term in Egypt, you may find that boosters are needed on a regular basis.
- Polio/diphtheria/tetanus combined – lasts approximately 10 years, then a booster is needed.
- Typhoid – vaccinations against typhoid are recommended every 3 years.
- Cholera – nowadays, many doctors administer this as a drink, given in 2 doses which last up to 2 years.
Always get your vaccinations/injections/immunisations several weeks before travel as side-effects may occur. For other less common illnesses in Egypt, always refer to your doctor for up-to-date information.
Information on Egypt Vaccinations for Kids
Depending on the age of your children, you may need to ensure that their vaccinations are up-to-date. The first thing to do is keep their usual childhood jabs current (i.e. measles, mumps, rubella) but check with your doctor what else is needed and acceptable for their age.
Some doctors will not administer various vaccinations for certain age groups, i.e. babies. Information on vaccinations required for Egypt for kids varies from country to country. In some areas, for instance, babies are vaccinated against Hepatitis A at a young age and given boosters within the first two years.
FAQs
We’ve now addressed the key points you need to know to get your shots and jabs before you visit Egypt. However, you may wish to know more, so find below the answers to some frequently asked questions, such as regarding vaccinations for certain locations of Egypt and where to buy medication while you’re there.
Do You Need Injections for Egypt, Hurghada?
Whilst Hurghada is a fun-packed and popular resort on the Red Sea in Egypt, it is still not devoid of illnesses, due to the number of visitors on a regular basis. Both the National Travel Network and Centre, plus the WHO, recommend all the vaccinations listed above.
Waterborne and food diseases which can cause Hepatitis A and typhoid can occur, so if nothing else, follow their current advice on injections for Hurghada. A course of anti-malaria tablets may also protect against infection from mosquitos during the hot weather, but are not essential.
Do You Need Injections for Sharm el Sheikh?
As another Red Sea resort, you could be prone to picking up diseases from this popular tourist area. There is also a risk of Dengue, a viral infection originating from mosquito bites. So as well as any other vaccinations, you should always protect yourself against this by using mosquito repellent. There is no vaccine for Dengue, so protection is essential.
Another illness that can be contracted is Schistosomiasis, usually picked up by swimming in ‘fresh’ water, so avoid swimming in anything other than the sea. Parasites are the cause of infection, so unless you feel comfortable bobbing about in unprotected water, please avoid it.
Please be careful in any resorts you are staying in. Avoid tap water, and always check if you have bottled water that the caps are sealed when buying.
How Long Before Travel Do I Need a Hepatitis A Vaccination?
At least a few weeks, depending in which country you reside. Certain countries vaccinate children at birth, but in the UK for instance, it is not a regular situation.
Potential side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain and a slight fever may occur, so it is best to have the injection sooner rather than later. You can combine vaccinations with Hepatitis B and/or typhoid – check with your doctor.
Everyone can help protect themselves against contracting hepatitis by sanitising your hands on a regular basis, particularly children who want to put everything into their mouths. Keep a check on the little ones as much as you can.
Is There Malaria in Egypt?
Malaria in Egypt is quite rare, but a possibility. The last reported cases were back in 2014. The best way of protecting against malaria in the country is by using diethyltoluamide, commonly known as DEET, an insect repellent known to be effective against mosquitos.
It will protect against bites, and is a good item to take, particularly for the children. DEET based plug-ins for your hotel rooms are also a particularly good idea for overnight.
What Services Do the Ministry of Health Supply for Tourists in Egypt?
As tourists are one of the main revenue producers for Egypt, the Ministry of Health in Egypt does supply a service. However, healthcare in Egypt can be better depending on where you are.
Public hospitals in the main cities such as Cairo have relatively good facilities, but in other areas, tourists report that facilities may be out-of-date and queues can be long. Sanitisation is also pending improvement.
Make sure you have a good travel insurance policy as health care is not a free service for tourists, only for locals and expats.
Is Egypt in Europe for Travel Insurance Purposes?
In brief, it is for some companies and not for others. You need to be careful when selecting a travel insurance policy for Egypt, as it can be classified as a ‘worldwide’ destination, which does make it more expensive. It is best to do your homework regarding your travel plans and find out the most comprehensive policy with the most competitive pricing.
You also need to check accident coverage, repatriation, loss of luggage, theft and all of the usual things that you may need to be covered for. Medical expenses are usually well covered on most Egypt travel insurances, usually up to several million pounds. Delays, cancellations and natural disasters are also things you may want cover for, so check them out.
Where Can I Buy Egyptian Medicine When I Am There?
Most of us know the medications that work for us, so it’s worth checking that they’re available in the country you’re travelling to if need be. Always take any prescription drugs with you that you take on a regular basis, as they may only be available in a different form than you would recognise back home.
Standard items such as headache tablets, insect repellent, nappies and all the things you would normally buy are readily available in the major cities and larger tourist resorts. The pharmacies in Egypt are reasonably knowledgeable and most speak English, but in the less populated and poorer areas, English-speaking doctors and pharmacists will be less common.
A lot of Egyptian medicine is generically produced, so be safe and take as much of your own brands as you can. If you need to buy medicine, check the packages are clearly marked and sealed to ensure that they’re of high quality.
So to conclude, with the information we’ve provided here, you’ll be snapping photos of the pyramids and contemplating the mysteries of the Sphinx, safe from any illnesses on your travels! For more useful guides ahead of your holiday, learn about driving in Egypt and the local climate.
