Egypt has announced new COVID-19 entry requirements that all travelers will need to follow when entering the country.
Due to a recent surge of infections, Egypt is adding new testing requirements to ensure the safety of its people and visitors to the country. Here is everything travelers need to know before booking their trip to Egypt.
Countries Permitted To Visit Egypt
Travelers from all countries are permitted to visit Egypt under regular visa requirements.
Egypt COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements
As of September 1st, 2020, travelers from ALL countries traveling to ANY part of Egypt must have proof of a negative PCR test certificate for COVID-19 performed no more than 72 hours before departure of the last direct flight to Egypt.
Test results must be presented in paper format only. Digital copies will not be accepted. Results also must be in English or Arabic.
Children under 6 do not need a test.
Tourists arriving at airports in the coastal governorates of the Red Sea (Hurghada), South Sinai (Sharm El Sheikh), and Marsa Matrouh that are unable to present acceptable evidence of a negative PCR test will need to undergo testing on arrival for a fee of USD $30.
96-Hour Exceptions
Passengers arriving from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Ecuador, France (Paris only), Germany (Frankfurt only), Guyana, Italy (Rome only), Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Thailand, USA, UK (London Heathrow only), Uruguay or Venezuela have an extra 24 hours for their test times, giving them 96 hours in total.
Egypt Quarantine Entry Requirements
Travelers are not required to quarantine when arriving in Egypt. A negative COVID-19 PCR test must be presented for entry into the country.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
The U.S. Embassy is Egypt in reporting that all travelers must present proof of travel insurance that covers COVID-19 for entry.
COVID-19 Health Screening Arriving in Egypt
Based on reports of travelers arriving in Egypt, travelers could undergo the following additional health screenings.
- Body temperature scanned
- Fill out a health declaration card
- Present proof of travel insurance
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Egypt
All travelers are required to follow COVID-19 health protocols while in Egypt. Travelers can expect the following requirements:
- Masks are required in all public areas and travelers could face fines for not abiding by the mandate.
- Strict social distancing guidelines are in effect. Follow all markers and signs
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements In Egypt
Egypt has not announced any mandates on a proof of vaccine record (POVR) for entry in the future.
Visa Entry Requirements For Egypt During COVID-19
All travelers arriving in Egypt will need to follow regular visa requirements.
Visa on arrival: The following countries are permitted to get a visa on arrival:
- All European Union Countries
- Australia
- Canada
- Georgia
- Japan
- South Korea
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Russia
- Serbia
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
E-Visa: For faster entry, travelers from 46 countries can get an ‘E-Visa' online before arriving in Egypt.
Egypt Covid-19 Entry Requirements:
- Get proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test no older than 48 hours before arriving to Egypt
- Get valid travel insurance that covers COVID-19
- Check if you qualify for visa on arrival or an e-visa
- Follow all COVID-19 health protocols while in Egypt.
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Sources: U.S. Embassy in Egypt / UK Embassy in Egypt
Disclaimer: Current Egypt travel rules are changing without notice and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
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Originally Published: August 27, 2020
Ahmed Hussain
Tuesday 16th of February 2021
I have friends who had PCR negative test results, they got in, and after arriving they got it, and tested positive, now they are locked in the hotel in Sharm Al Sheikh since 2 weeks with no clear information on what will happen next.
Any idea what is the procedure? Shouldn't they be in a hospital by now? What do they need to do so they can travel back home?
Thanks.
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 16th of February 2021
While I don't know the exact procedure by the Egyptian government, most countries that quarantine positive travelers in hotels work it like this: They are kept in quarantine for 14-days and then re-tested between the 10th and 14th day to see if release is possible after the 2-weeks. Most nations only take passengers to the hospitals if they are having symptoms or problems, they don't take asymptomatic people to hospitals. In most cases, the traveler will need to test negative before they can fly/leave
Tom
Friday 11th of December 2020
Flew from Dubai to Cairo on Tuesday, Dec 8, without problems using US passport. Was asked to show PCR test results and fill out health questionnaire. Also, I purchased 30-day tourist visa on arrival for $25 (US). Was not asked to show proof of health insurance nor onward plane ticket; however, I believed they're both required. Most everything appears open. Masks are required in public but many folks aren't wearing them.
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 11th of December 2020
Thanks so much for the update Tom!
Richard Stevenson
Monday 16th of November 2020
Ok thanks
Richard Stevenson
Sunday 15th of November 2020
Can you get a test in sharm el sheikh airport
Kashlee Kucheran
Sunday 15th of November 2020
I have heard that arrivals can get a test at SSH, but I am not 100% positive on that.
Bekah Glad
Thursday 12th of November 2020
i work for an NGO and getting people we send to EGypt tested 72 hours before landing WITH results is really impossible.