Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: Most UK travellers to Egypt need hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations as a minimum. Hepatitis B is recommended for some. Rabies is worth considering for longer stays. Egypt is not a malaria risk destination for most tourist itineraries. Ensure your routine NHS vaccinations are up to date before travel. |
Egypt is one of the most visited destinations for UK travellers, from the pyramids and Nile cruises to the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam. Health risks vary significantly between tourist resort areas and travel to more rural or inland regions. Newdays Pharmacy provides travel health consultations and vaccinations for Egypt from our branches across Berkshire.
Travel Vaccinations Recommended for Egypt
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is recommended for all travellers to Egypt. The virus is transmitted through contaminated food and water, and Egypt carries a significant risk for unvaccinated travellers eating outside international hotel chains. A single dose provides at least one year of protection; the full two dose course extends protection for twenty five or more years.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for travellers to Egypt who will be eating local food, staying outside of all inclusive resorts, or visiting rural areas. The risk is lower for travellers staying exclusively in five star resort hotels with reliable catering standards, though it is not zero. A single injection or a three capsule oral course is available.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is recommended for travellers who may receive medical or dental treatment abroad, have sexual contact during travel, or undertake activities that may result in blood exposure. Egypt has a moderate hepatitis B prevalence. The standard course requires three doses over six months; an accelerated course can be completed over three weeks if time is short.
Rabies
Rabies is present in Egypt, including in urban areas through stray dog populations. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for travellers visiting for a month or longer, those involved in animal handling or veterinary work, cyclists, and children who may be bitten without reporting it. The three dose pre exposure course should be started at least four weeks before departure.
Do I Need Malaria Tablets for Egypt?
Malaria is not a significant risk for most UK travellers to Egypt. There is minimal and seasonal malaria risk in a small area of the Fayoum Governorate. Tourist destinations including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, the Red Sea coast, and Sinai are malaria free. Malaria prevention tablets are not routinely recommended for standard Egyptian tourist itineraries.
| Vaccinations typically recommended✓ Hepatitis A✓ Typhoid✓ Hepatitis B (selected patients)✓ Rabies (selected itineraries) | Not typically required✗ Malaria tablets (standard tourist routes)✗ Yellow fever (UK origin travel)✗ Japanese encephalitisAlways confirm with a travel pharmacist for your specific itinerary |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all destinations in Egypt, including Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. Typhoid vaccination is also worth considering if you plan to eat outside your resort. Make sure your routine UK vaccinations are up to date. Malaria tablets are not required for Red Sea resorts.
Street food in Egypt carries a higher risk of hepatitis A, typhoid and traveller’s diarrhoea than food prepared in hotels with high hygiene standards. Vaccination against hepatitis A and typhoid can reduce your risk, but you should also follow good food and water hygiene practices throughout your trip.
Ideally, book your travel health consultation six to eight weeks before departure. This allows enough time for vaccines to become effective and for any multi-dose schedules to be completed. If you’re travelling sooner, it’s still worth booking an appointment to receive the protection available before you leave.
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |