Driving in Egypt as a United States National
Egypt presents challenging driving with Cairo traffic chaos, Nile Valley routes, desert highways, police checkpoints, Sinai roads, and Red Sea coast. Microbus culture and informal traffic patterns dominate.
Key Things to Know First
Egypt requires an International Driving Permit for foreign visitors. Obtain one in United States before departure.
How to get an IDPBoth United States and Egypt drive on the right. No adjustment needed.
United States uses mph, but Egypt uses km/h. Verify your GPS or navigation app is set to the correct unit.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rule | United States | Egypt | Change? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic side | Right-hand traffic | Right-hand traffic | Same |
| Speed unit | mph | km/h | Yes |
| IDP required | — | Yes | Yes |
| Min. driving age | 16 | 18 | Differs |
| Emergency number | 911 | 122 | Different |
| Road difficulty | Easy | Challenging | — |
Speed Limits in Egypt
Speed limits in Egypt are posted in km/h (kilometres per hour). Quick reference: 50 km/h ≈ 31 mph · 100 km/h ≈ 62 mph · 130 km/h ≈ 81 mph.
Documents to Carry in Egypt
- Original driving licence from United States — must be valid and unexpired
- International Driving Permit (IDP) — required in Egypt. Obtain from your national motoring association before travelling.
- Passport or national ID — carry at all times while driving
- Car insurance certificate — verify it covers Egypt before departure
- Vehicle registration / rental agreement
Emergency Number in Egypt
Primary emergency number in Egypt. Save it before you drive.
Emergency numbers for all countriesFull Egypt Driving Guide
Road rules, toll system, fuel types, parking, regional quirks — everything you need for driving in Egypt.
Read the complete guide