A Detailed Guide to Visiting Egypt during Ramadan
Travelers around the world love visiting Egypt during Ramadan. Learn about the trip details and Egypt entry visa requirements, including the Egypt e-visa to make your journey smooth and hassle-free.
Egypt is always on the bucket list of travelers around the world. The country is known for its rich history and iconic landmarks. With the diversity in the cultural contexts and warm hospitality, the country attracts tourists time and again.
A report published by Travel and Tour World claimed a sharp 5% increase in Egypt tours in 2024 from 2023. During the season of Ramadan, Egypt's tourism industry sees a major boost.
Ramadan is the festival celebrating the Muslim calendar’s ninth month. This is quite sacred, as this is the time that is believed to have had the Holy Quran’s first appearance as heaven sent this down to guide people towards salvation.
People across the world dream of visiting Egypt during the Ramadan festival to embrace its rich culture and traditions with a deep sense of spirituality. Check out the blog to understand the details, like Egypt entry visa requirements while visiting the country during Ramadan.
Understanding Ramadan in Egypt
One of the holiest months in the Muslim calendar for the Qur’an revelation is Ramadan. The month rejuvenates the intensity of spirituality and compassion among the people.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the time of the renewal and spiritual growth of the Muslim people. This month is sacred, as Muslims fast during this time. This is the month that showcases their devotion to Allah, focuses on self-disciplinary actions, and helps those who are in need.
This is the time when several communities decorate the streets, shops, and homes with lanterns and other adornments. As per the report of TGM Research, almost 97% of the Muslims in Egypt participated in Ramadan in 2024.
During Ramadan, Muslims prefer visiting their close ones in friends and family groups. With gifts and special meals, they embrace the unity among the Muslim communities.
Muslims during Ramadan start their days with morning prayer, or Fajr, before sunrise and a pre-dawn meal that includes fruits, dates, water, and porridge. They fast till the sun sets and break it with Iftar. After they have their meal, the Muslims visit their families and friends.
Performing the afternoon and evening prayers, or Zuhr, Asr, and Maghrib, is a vital part of their daily routine during the Ramadan month. Besides, the Muslims recite Tarawih, a special night prayer during Ramadan.
How Does Ramadan Affect Life in Egypt?
Major changes occur in the daily lives of those who participate in Ramadan. The business hours are almost over by 2 pm during the noon.
People across the world seek the details of Egypt entry visa requirements to participate in Ramadan in Egypt. So, there are changes in transportation during this peak season. For instance, the operating hours of the Cairo Metro are extended during Ramadan. Several cafes and restaurants remain closed during the daytime to facilitate the services after sunset, focusing mainly on Iftar.
Every Ramadan, the days in Egypt for Muslims begin with the drummers touring the streets. They hammer repetitive beats to wake the people up and have the suhoor or the pre-dawn meal. In the evening, the firing of the cannon from the top of the Citadel of Cairo is an age-old tradition to ask the Egyptians to break their fast as soon as the sun sets.
Preparing for Your Trip
The trip to Egypt is now much easier with the online application forms. The Egypt e-visa for US citizens and residents of other eligible countries is vital to entering the nation.
What to Expect as a Tourist?
Visiting Egypt during the Ramadan season is comforting for tourists. This is due to the adjustments that the authorities bring in transportation, restaurants, and other facilities. There is a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere in Egypt during Ramadan. Besides, the warmth of the residents of the country acts as the cherry on top as you spend Ramadan in Egypt.
Practical Tips for Traveling During Ramadan
Visiting Egypt during Ramadan is certainly not a difficult task once you know Egypt entry visa requirements. Just keep a few things in mind.
Dress code
Dressing modestly is vital when you visit Egypt during Ramadan. The Egyptians consider the month for supreme spirituality and thus expect the female visitors to avoid short skirts. Covering the shoulders and men avoiding sleeveless shirts are desirable to show respect to the cause during the Egypt tour in Ramadan.
Shopping
The businesses adjust the working hours during the month of Ramadan. The restaurants and shopping malls might open at unusual hours and can remain open till late at night during Ramadan.
Respect to religious observations
Being mindful during prayer events is vital. During the visits to mosques, it is a prerequisite to make sure that the worshippers can pray peacefully.
Experience Ramadan Traditions
The Ramadan festival includes a variety of cultural and traditional activities that increase the beauty and serenity of the event.
Iftar: Breaking the Fast
Iftar forms a crucial part of Ramadan. This is the meal that the Muslims eat at sunset to break their fasting during Ramadan. The best places to have Iftar during Ramadan in Egypt include the following:
- Bosco
- Garten
- The Bosporus
- Ayadina
- Al-Azhar Park
Suhoor: Pre-Dawn Meal
The pre-dawn meal, or Suhoor, provides the required nutrients and energy to the body to pass the daytime fasting. Besides, it is the prayer time required to set the day’s intentions. Some of the best places for Suhoor in Cairo:
- El Soltaneya
- Istibaha
- Bosco
- Sa7orty
- 3m Shakshakk
Ramadan Decorations and Festivities
Out of all the traditions, the celebrations using colourful lanterns or famous make the occasion more vibrant. The lights and beautiful adornments in the shops and houses perfectly set the festive mood of the visitors.
The Al-Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo are the two of the liveliest places in Egypt during the festivities of Ramadan. Dancing, folklore, and evening shopping are quite popular in these areas during Ramadan.
Must-See Attractions and Activities During Ramadan
The major attractions of Egypt that have historical importance include the following:
Khan el-Khalili
The Khan el-Khalili bazaar was built during Sultan Barquq’s reign in 1382 by the Emir Djaharks El-Khalili, a Mamluk ruler. The merchants from the Islamic regions would come, rest, and trade their items here. Early morning is the best time to have a less crowded visit.
Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan
The Egypt e-visa for US citizens and residents of other countries helps in visiting the historical mosques. One of them is the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan in Cairo. This is the Islamic educational hub for pupils across the world to study theology, philosophy, and jurisprudence.
Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza are popular as the constructions are the tombs of pharaohs depicting their status. These are the proofs of the ancient society of Egypt. Visiting the place during the early-day period is desirable to avoid the crowd. By the afternoon, the streets are almost empty and establishments get closed.
During Ramadan, the communities and the people enjoy traditional music, street performances, traditional folklore, and Sufi dancing. Also, the cultural programs in Ramadan include religious lectures and visiting mosques. The season brings joy to every corner of Egypt.
Do’s and Don’ts During Ramadan in Egypt
Following are the key points that you must acknowledge before visiting Egypt during Ramadan.
- Paying respect to those who are fasting.
- Maintaining the dressing etiquette.
- Avoid showing off with activities like drinking or eating in public.
- Being mindful during prayers in the mosques.
Things that you should not do while visiting Egypt during Ramadan month
- Disrespecting the local customs.
- Having presumptions of the opening and closing of the restaurants and shops.
- Visiting places like mosques at odd hours.
Why is Ramadan a Special Time to Visit Egypt?
During Ramadan, Egypt is more colourful and vibrant than the rest of the year. The country showcases the unity of the communities during the Egyptian visits of the foreigners. Ramadan is the perfect opportunity to embrace the ancient traditions of Egypt and its cultures. Acknowledge the eligibility criteria and Egypt entry visa requirements during Ramadan beforehand to make memories for a lifetime.
Ready to Visit Egypt During the Sacred Ramadan?
Visiting Egypt during Ramadan is a dream tour for people across the world. The serenity and piousness of the event are at their peak in Egypt when the drummers hammer repetitively for Suhoor or Cannon fires for Iftaar in Cairo. Egypt erases cultural differences and brings people across the world under one roof to enjoy the spirit of the festival. Experiencing the beauty of Ramadan is possible when you know all the Egypt entry visa requirements and fill out our Egypt e-Visa application form.
Securing a visa is important before planning an international trip. The Egypt e-visa initiative introduced by the Egyptian government simplified the process of getting a valid visa to enter Egypt. Check your eligibility for Online Egypt Visa and apply for Egypt e-Visa 5 (five) days in advance of your flight.