What to wear at the pyramids

Is there a dress code for the pyramids?

No formal one. Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees are the comfortable and respectful choice, and UK travel advice asks visitors to dress modestly in Egypt.

The UK Foreign Office advises visitors to dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs, and notes that during Ramadan clothing that does not follow local customs may cause more offence. The plateau is a tourist site, not a mosque. Covering up still makes sense: it protects you from the sun and draws less attention from sellers.

A simple outfit works for everyone: loose trousers or a long skirt, a linen or cotton shirt with sleeves, a hat and sunglasses. In winter mornings add a light jacket; the Saqqara listing asks guests to bring warm clothing as well as comfortable clothes.

Can ladies wear shorts in Egypt?

There is no law against it, and you will see shorts at the pyramids. Knee-length or longer clothes are more comfortable in the sun and attract fewer comments in Cairo.

Nothing stops you wearing shorts on the plateau, and many visitors do. Away from the pyramids, in old Cairo, the bazaar and mosques, the FCDO's advice on modest dress matters more. A light scarf in your bag covers your shoulders or hair when you need it, for example at a mosque.

If you plan one outfit for the whole day, choose loose trousers or a midi skirt and a top that covers your shoulders. You will be comfortable on the shuttle, in the museum and at lunch.

Can I wear sandals to the pyramids?

You can, but closed shoes with a good grip are better: the plateau is sand and loose stone, and the floors inside the pyramids are steep and worn smooth.

The half-day and Saqqara tour listings both ask guests to bring comfortable shoes. Sand gets into open sandals within minutes. Trainers or light walking shoes are ideal. If you plan to go inside a pyramid, grip matters more than anything else on your feet.

Are there toilets at the pyramids?

Yes, at the new visitor centre area, according to news reports. Out on the plateau facilities are basic, so carry tissues and small notes.

Al-Ahram Weekly lists rest areas, restaurants, ATMs and shaded seating among the facilities at the new entrance, and reported that a parliamentary committee asked for the restroom fees to be looked at again. Use the facilities before you board the shuttle, because the plateau itself is open desert.

Should you bring toilet paper to Egypt? Yes. Carry a pack of tissues and some hand sanitiser on any day out.

What not to bring to Egypt and the pyramids?

No drone, no large bag, no professional camera kit without a permit. Bring a card for tickets, your passport, water and sun protection.

• A drone: the UK Foreign Office says you must not import, use or produce a drone without prior permission from the Egyptian Ministry of Defence. Guides report that drones are taken at the plateau gate.
• Large bags and luggage: several tour listings say they are not allowed. Come with a small daypack.
• Professional photo or film equipment: needs a permit, per the FCDO.
• Cash for tickets: ticket desks take cards only. Carry small notes for tips and water instead.

Do bring your passport or a copy: the museum day and the Saqqara listing both ask for a passport or ID card.

Is it safe to go to Egypt right now in 2026?

Cairo and Giza are not on the UK's list of areas to avoid, and the US State Department lists Egypt at Level 2, "exercise increased caution". Check the current advice before you travel.

The UK Foreign Office advises against travel to some parts of Egypt, including the border with Libya, North Sinai and much of the Western Desert. Cairo and the Giza plateau are not among them. It warns of a terrorism threat across the country and notes that extra security measures are in place at tourist sites. The US State Department gives Egypt a Level 2 advisory and describes crime levels in Cairo as moderate.

On the plateau, the everyday problems are heat, touts and pushy sellers. If something goes wrong, the tourist police number is 126. Women travelling alone are advised by the FCDO to take care in taxis at night and to share the driver's details with a friend.

How do you handle touts, camels and scams at the pyramids?

Say no once, keep walking, and agree any price and the return trip before you get on a camel. A guide does most of this for you.

The common tricks are well known: a man in uniform who says your path is closed and leads you to a stable, a claim that tickets are sold out, a "free" scarf or photo that then needs a tip, and a camel ride that is easy to start and expensive to end. The FCDO notes that scammers and touts sometimes target foreigners in tourist areas.

Since 2025 the camels and horses work from a designated riding zone, a stop on the shuttle loop. Agree the length of the ride, the price and the way back before you mount. Quad bikes and camels are not allowed in the monument area; the quad ride runs in the desert beside it.

A full day with an Egyptologist at Saqqara, Memphis and Giza, in a group capped at 13. A guide at your side keeps the sellers at a distance.

8 hours · Small group, hotel pickup

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Is it illegal to take pictures of the pyramids?

No. Personal photos with a phone or camera are part of an ordinary visit. Drones, professional shoots and photos of military or police subjects need permission or are banned.

The FCDO says to ask Egyptians before you photograph them, never to photograph children, and to avoid military sites and officials. Rules for photos inside the pyramids have changed over the years, so ask at the interior entrance. The inside-the-pyramid guide covers that climb in detail.

One more tip: people who offer to take your photo at the pyramids usually expect payment. If you want a picture with the Sphinx, ask your guide or another visitor.

Frequently asked questions