With Islam being its established religion and
roughly 90% of the population being Muslims, Egypt is a predominantly Muslim
country. The dress code is naturally conservative, especially for women. Some
women wear a hijab (a headscarf covering the head and neck but
not the face), some wear a niqab (a veil covering the face but
leaving the eye area clear), and few don't cover their heads at all. Female
tourists are not required by law to follow the dress code. But dressing
conservatively and modestly is a way to show your respect to their religion and
may deflect unwanted attention from Egyptian men. Clothes recommended are
high-necked and sleeved blouse, loose trousers or below knee skirt perfectly
made of cotton or linen. Tight or transparent clothes shall be avoided. For
formal occasions, smart clothes with a shawl covering bare shoulders may be an
excellent choice.
While for men,
normal long trousers, sleeved shirts and T-shirts are fine. Sleeveless tops and
short shorts may not be acceptable in most areas, but they are ok in beach
areas and resorts.
Strong and
comfortable closed-toe shoes are wise choices to keep your feet from sand, dust
or mud. Sandals are not good options, except for beach areas.
The temperature
difference between day and night may be large in most areas, so packing a
casual coat or shawl can be a smart idea.