How Does Driving Rules Work in Egypt?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Driving in Cairo is extremely chaotic and not recommended for tourists — use Uber or Careem instead.
2What You Need to Know
Egypt drives on the right side of the road. Cairo traffic is notoriously anarchic — lane markings are treated as suggestions, horn-use is constant, and pedestrian crossings are largely symbolic. Tourists are strongly advised against self-driving in Cairo. Intercity driving is more manageable on major highways, though road quality varies significantly outside major routes. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required alongside your home licence. The Sinai Peninsula roads require checking current travel advisories before use. Night driving outside cities is particularly hazardous due to poor lighting and animals on roads.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Rent a car with a driver (widely available from hotels and tour operators) rather than self-driving — it is often only marginally more expensive and far less stressful
- 2If you do drive intercity, plan to arrive at your destination before dark — night driving outside cities is genuinely dangerous
- 3Carry your International Driving Permit, original licence, car rental agreement, and passport copies at all times when driving
Important Warning
Driving in Cairo without local experience is genuinely hazardous. The combination of extreme traffic density, informal driving norms, and limited road markings has resulted in serious accidents for inexperienced visitors.
How does this compare?
Driving Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drive on the right, roads are excellent, but speed cameras are everywhere and the UAE has one of the world's highest road accident rates.
Drive on the right; an international driving permit is recommended, and be prepared for chaotic city driving and variable road conditions outside major routes.
Drive on the right; women have been allowed to drive since 2018; speed cameras are everywhere; Riyadh traffic is very heavy.
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