Countdown to Aug 2, 2027
Exact dates: Monday, Aug 2, 2027. In Luxor: partial phase 11:40 am to 2:26 pm local time, totality about 6 min 22 s around 1:05 pm.
When it happens again: NASA lists the greatest duration of this eclipse at 6 min 23 s, near Luxor. Totality this long over a city with easy access is very rare; the next total eclipse in Australia is July 22, 2028.
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What it is
A total solar eclipse: the Moon fully covers the Sun, the sky goes dark in the middle of the day, and the Sun's corona appears. Luxor sits close to the point of greatest duration.
Why go, and why it's rare
More than six minutes of totality, above the temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, in a desert region that is almost always cloud-free in August.
Up to 6 min 23 s of totality, near Luxor
What to expect
- Activities
- Eclipse viewing, Karnak and Luxor temples, Valley of the Kings, sunrise hot-air balloon over the West Bank, Nile cruise.
- Markets and food
- Koshary, ful medames, grilled fish on the Nile, fresh mango and hibiscus juice in season.
- Crowds
- Expect very high demand for Luxor hotels and Nile ships in the eclipse week.
- Weather
- Extreme heat: daytime highs often above 105 °F in August. Clear skies are very likely.
- Mobility
- Moderate Heat is the main challenge. Temple sites involve uneven ground; the Valley of the Kings tombs have steps.
Best way to experience it
- Suggested trip
- A 4 to 7 night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan timed around Aug 2, or 3 to 4 nights in Luxor.
- Before and after
- Pre: Cairo and Giza (Grand Egyptian Museum). Post: Aswan and Abu Simbel, or the Red Sea.
- Stopover cities
- Cairo, Istanbul, Doha or Dubai.
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Plan this experience
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Before you go
Entry requirements
For U.S. passport holders on a vacation. Other passport? Your advisor will check for you.
Egypt
Visa required (e-visa recommended)
- Check your passport. At least 6 months' validity. At least 1 blank page.
- Apply online before you fly. E-visa US$30 single entry, US$65 multiple entry. Apply at least 7 days before departure. 2 to 4 weeks before travel. Apply on visa2egypt.gov.eg (official) ›
- Know your stay. 30 days on a tourist visa.
- Visa on arrival is also possible at Egyptian airports (about US$30, exact U.S. dollar cash). We recommend the e-visa so you skip the line.
- Many lookalike sites sell Egypt e-visas at up to double the price. Use only visa2egypt.gov.eg.
- Drones are illegal to bring into Egypt.
- Carry your printed e-visa, hotel details and itinerary.
Use only the official site linked above. Lookalike sites charge extra and are not faster.
Last verified Oct 12, 2026.
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Entry rules change, sometimes with little notice. Always confirm before you travel. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
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