Will Ramadan Affect My Trip to Egypt? In short, no. Egypt relies heavily on tourism, so if you have any concerns that the pyramids or temples will be closed during Ramadan, don’t worry. Some places will have strange hours, usually closing down for an hour or two around iftar so that the workers can eat. However, tourists should be aware of certain restrictions during this time, such as banks closing early (around 1:30 pm), foreign exchange offices and commercial shops closing an hour or more, and some tourist attractions like the Pyramids and Temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel remaining open. What can tourists expect from a vacation in Egypt during Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims? What are the restrictions for tourists? How to plan a trip? What interesting traditions and events to see? Read the answers below on this page. The month of Ramadan and the feast of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) - not to be confused! A complete guide to Visiting Egypt during Ramadan, including the best activities like joning Iftar meals, facts, and FAQs. Explore the Allure and Safety of Egypt: Your Comprehensive Guide with answers to the question, Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt? In all honesty, as a tourist, you might not even feel the difference between Ramadan and not Ramadan. But just so you feel prepared, we've pulled together some useful info about Ramadan in Cairo that just might come in handy. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity between sunrise and sunset every day. Depending on the individual, strict observers will refuse even to swallow their own saliva. Ramadan is expected to last for 29 or 30 days. In 2025, Ramadan is likely to start on the evening of March 10 and end on the evening of April 9. During this sacred month, Muslims have to endure a month's fasting from dawn to sunset each day. Even drinking water is not allowed. Ramadan. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Egypt. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws during this time. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public or in front of people who are fasting. How does Ramadan affect tourists in Egypt? It doesn’t, it actually might be an excellent time to visit Egypt as it’s a low season, a time to escape crowds of locals & tourists, and prices considerably drop especially in the Red Sea coastal cities, however, there are some factors that you should take into account; Tourists need to remain vigilant while visiting Egypt during Ramadan as it is a holy month for every Muslim. One should try not to offend the local sensibilities with their actions during Ramadan. Therefore, here are some of the points one must keep in mind: Is alcohol banned in Egypt? According to Egyptian laws, alcohol is not completely banned in Egypt. Compared to most Islamic countries, Egypt has relatively liberal laws regarding alcohol consumption. However, there are some restrictions in place. During the month of Ramadan, alcohol is strictly forbidden for everyone, including foreigners. (Bukhari and Muslim) [info_box]Friday the 28th of February 2025 is expected to be the first day of Ramadan in 2025 and it's expected to end at sundown on Sunday the 30th of March 2025[/info_box] Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which is based on the phases of the moon. Compared to the twelve months of the Gregorian Since the new moon is not in the same state at the same time, the start and end dates of Ramadan depend on which moon visions are received at the respective locations. As a result, Ramadan dates differ in different countries, but usually only after one day. This is due to the lunar cycle. Muslims are facing their second Ramadan in the shadow of the pandemic. Many Muslim majority countries have been hit by an intense new coronavirus wave. While some countries imposed new Ramadan restrictions, concern is high that the month’s rituals could stoke a further surge. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary) Plan Ahead for Ramadan: During Ramadan, alcohol restrictions are stricter, so plan accordingly if you're visiting during this time. Don’t Drink and Drive: Remember that the legal blood alcohol limit in Egypt is low, so avoid driving if you’ve been drinking. Alcohol Alternatives in Egypt Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Try The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued updated travel advice for British tourists planning a visit to Turkey, Egypt and the UAE during the upcoming Ramadan period. The holy month is expected to begin on either February 28 or March 1, 2025, lasting for approximately 29 to 30 days. The Supreme Committee for the Management of the Coronavirus Crisis in Egypt agreed, in a meeting on Sunday, to ease a number of previously approved restrictions for confronting coronavirus. This is due to the fact that infection and hospitalization rates as well as death rates have been declining over the past six weeks. In early April, the Cabinet announced easing coronavirus restrictions in mosques during the holy month, including lifting a two-year ban on Ramadan charity banquets known as “Mawaid Al-Rahman” where poor people gather in streets around huge tables of cooked food. Egypt has imposed tight restrictions on Muslim congregational prayers in the holy month of Ramadan and Eid citing Covid-19 rules, triggering widespread anger in the populous Muslim-majority country. FCDO travel advice for Egypt. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.
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