Traveling to Egypt during COVID-19

With more people getting vaccinated and non-essential travel being permitted by most countries. Here's everything you need to know about traveling to Egypt during the pandemic.

All travelers can enter Egypt providing they can show proof of a negative Covid-19 test. As of September 2nd, 2021 no vaccination requirements have been put in place to travel to Egypt.

From 1 September 2020, all persons (including those who hold Egyptian nationality) arriving from overseas, to any part of Egypt, will be required to present a negative PCR test certificate on arrival, and an indication of when the test was taken. The Egyptian authorities have advised that PCR tests must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure. This extends to 96 hours for arrivals from Japan, China, Thailand, North America, South America, Canada, London, Paris, and Frankfurt. Children under the age of 6 are exempt from providing negative PCR test certificates.

The PCR certificate must be written in English and/or Arabic and be stamped by an accredited laboratory. All travelers must complete a personal monitoring card and show proof of health insurance on arrival.

Alternatively, those arriving in the coastal governorates of South Sinai, Red Sea and Marsa Matrouh who cannot show evidence of a negative test are able to take the test and then isolate while awaiting the results, at a cost of $30. Those found to be positive must isolate for 14 days in a dedicated area of their hotel.

Most countries need an e-visa to visit Egypt, available here.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Egypt.

• You can get a visa before you travel to Egypt from the official Visa2Egypt portal or your nearest Egyptian consulate. Tourist visas granted using the e-visa system are valid for a maximum of 3 months. It is advisable to get a visa before you travel, particularly if travelling for work or business.
• You can get a visa on arrival to Egypt, you can do so at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. The visa fee is US$25, payable in in pounds sterling, US dollars or euros. Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days. There’s no need to buy a visa from an agent. In many cases agents will charge more than US$25 for a visa.

If you’re travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days, you will receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must get a visa.

Important: You may have difficulties leaving Egypt with an out of date visa. You will not normally be allowed to leave without paying a fine if your visa is out of date by more than 14 days.

Level 2: Moderate. Make sure you're fully vaccinated before your trip to Egypt.