The essentials

  • Beach and hotel pool: a two-piece swimsuit is accepted; topless and nudity are not.
  • Town and souks: shoulders and knees covered, loose light fabrics; long shorts or a skirt below the knee are fine.
  • Mosques: arms and legs covered, hair covered with a scarf, shoes removed at the entrance.
  • Churches and monasteries: sober clothing, shoulders and knees covered.
  • Pack: a large scarf or sarong, which serves as a veil, a wrap and sun protection.

At the hotel and on the beach

In hotels and on their private beaches, Western beachwear is no problem. On public beaches and in less touristy resorts, Egyptian women often swim fully dressed: a one-piece swimsuit, shorts and a T-shirt are more discreet (see Hurghada public beach). Do not walk around in a swimsuit away from the beach or hotel. Topless sunbathing is not allowed.

In town, souks and restaurants

There is no law on tourists' clothing, but short or tight clothes attract stares and comments. The most practical: light trousers, a long dress or a skirt below the knee, a short-sleeved T-shirt. Cotton and linen cope best with the heat. For verbal harassment and scams, see Is Hurghada dangerous? and before you go to Hurghada.

In a mosque

Non-Muslims can visit some mosques outside prayer times; in Hurghada see the El Mina mosque, and in Cairo the Muhammad Ali mosque in the Citadel. The usual rules:

  • Women: arms and legs covered to wrists and ankles, hair covered. A large scarf is enough for the hair.
  • Men: long trousers, no tank top or shorts.
  • Everyone: shoes removed (wear socks), quiet voice, no photos of people praying.
  • Some mosques lend scarves or robes at the entrance, but not all: bring your own. Avoid prayer times and Friday midday.

Churches, monasteries and ancient sites

Coptic churches and monasteries such as Saint Anthony and Saint Paul require sober clothing. For the ancient temples of Luxor or Aswan there is no particular rule, but the sun calls for a hat, light sleeves and sunscreen.

If you book an excursion

Most excursions from Hurghada pass through places of worship or markets. A private guide will tell you what to wear; otherwise leave with a scarf and a light long-sleeved top. See for example the guided Cairo visit offered below, which includes mosques.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear shorts in Hurghada? Yes at the hotel and on the beach; in town, knee-length shorts are preferable.

Is the bikini allowed? Yes on hotel beaches and by pools; not outside those areas.

Do you have to cover your hair? Only in mosques (for women); elsewhere it is optional.

What should you wear to visit a mosque? Long trousers or skirt, long sleeves, a scarf over the hair, shoes removed.