Most hotels now offer non-smoking rooms as well as a lot of restaurants have smoking and non-smoking areas, there are even some restaurants with a complete non-smoking policy, but don't expect it. On nile-cruisers, smoking is not allowed in the diningroom at all, but generally allowed everywhere else.

Smoking remains deeply culturally ingrained in Egypt in 2026, and many hotels continue to offer dedicated smoking rooms or allow smoking on private balconies. While international chains in Cairo and Sharm El Sheikh have increasingly moved toward "smoke-free" policies for indoor common areas like lobbies and restaurants to meet global brand standards, they almost always provide designated outdoor smoking lounges or shisha terraces. In local or mid-range hotels, the enforcement of non-smoking rules is often laxer. If you are a non-smoker, it is a 2026 "pro-tip" to specifically request a "strictly non-smoking floor," as the scent of cigarette smoke can often linger in older buildings with shared ventilation. Most luxury resorts also feature shisha cafes, where guests can enjoy traditional flavored tobacco in a social setting, reflecting the country's blend of modern hospitality and traditional social customs.