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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. 

Traveler wandering through the ancient Karnak Temple in Egypt
Traveler wandering through the ancient Karnak Temple in 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.

Beach in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt
Beach in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

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.  

View from hotel room window at a resort in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt

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
Tourists in protective masks leaving the airport in Hurghada, Egypt

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. 

Tour Guides Wearing Masks in Hurghada, Egypt

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. 

Clouds over majestic ancient Sultan Hassan Mosque in Cairo, Egypt

Egypt Covid-19 Entry Requirements:

  1. Get proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test no older than 48 hours before arriving to Egypt
  2. Get valid travel insurance that covers COVID-19
  3. Check if you qualify for visa on arrival or an e-visa
  4. Follow all COVID-19 health protocols while in Egypt. 

Read More: 

COVID-19 Entry Requirements By Country: Travelers Guide

Countries Reopening For Tourism in the Middle East

Countries Reopening in Asia

Countries Reopening For American Tourists

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19

For Breaking Travel Reopening News & Questions, Join Our: Facebook Community

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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
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27 Responses

    • Trevor Kucheran

      The new requirement will become 48 hours as of September 1st according to government sources. I would always err on the side of caution.

  2. Janet Moore Reply

    There is conflicting information on the requirement for insurance coverage. I just wanted to share that I entered Cairo from Istanbul a few days ago. I had read the posts and, to be safe, went ahead and got COVID travel insurance. I was not asked for proof of it at the airport. When I inquired further was told it was not required. I would probably still purchase it because everything is changing at all times. Also note airlines are taking different approaches to cabin luggage. I am traveling through Turkey and Serbia after Cairo and wanted to make sure I was in compliance with the different policies. The Egypt Airlines website states that you can only bring in ONE piece of cabin luggage that weights 4 kilos. Its not the usual one piece plus a personal smaller bag. I planned accordingly but on the two flights I have been on with Egypt Air, I was allowed to take two pieces as cabin luggage. Same on Turkish Airlines. This is anecdotal information since its one example but thought it would be useful for anyone planning a trip

    • Trevor Kucheran

      Thanks for the feedback! Yes the travel insurance is still unclear. Some travelers have reported that they were asked and some haven’t. Better to be safe then sorry.

    • Dylan Star

      Thanks so much Janet Moore
      And thanks so much for this blog. I pay attention to this everyday.

  3. Charlie Reply

    Thanks for this. We are planning to travel through Cairo Airport in a couple of weeks. It’s with the same airline so no need to go through immigration etc.

    With that said, do you think the 48 hour rule applies for negative testing? It can take 2-3 days to receive results post-test which will make it tricky.

    • Kashlee Kucheran

      I am really unsure at this point if your transit will require one. I would contact the airline and the airport to see what they say. The airline would be the ones checking if you have the test with you, so they should know if you require one.

  4. Janet Moore Reply

    I would err on the side of caution and get the test done. The Egyptian authorities confirmed to me that the 48 hours is from the date of the result of the test – not from the date of the test.

    • Sarah

      That’s actually not true. Just travelled you can get a test at the airport it costed me 30 USD

    • Ryan

      Hi Sarah, I am thinking of doing this too. How was the process like? Once you take the test do you get results quickly or do you then have to quarentine yourself in the hotel for a few days until you get the results?

  6. Prince Reply

    What about children ages 6 and below any information if they need the PCR test too?

  7. Deb Reply

    Hello everyone we are travelling to hurghada in a weeks time so could anyone advise how long we have to stay in our hotel room until the test results come back. Many thanks

  8. David Reply

    My daughter is 6, does that mean she has to get the COVID-19 test? Aside from the COVID-19, is Egypt safe to travel to for US citizens?

    • Kashlee Kucheran

      It says the test is not required for younger than 6.
      Many US citizens travel to Egypt every year. Your own definition of safety is something you have to decide for yourself.

  9. Ann Rimmer Reply

    How long do the results take when the rest is done in Hurgada. Do you have to isolate in your hotel room. Tia

  10. Josh Reply

    What countries can you not enter Egypt FROM? I’m curious if there are restrictions. I’m from one of the countries that is allowed in, but not sure if they will discriminate against the country I came from.

  11. Anna-Lena Lindahl Reply

    Hello! Planning to go to Hurghada and take the test at the Airport. How long does it take to get the test result? and until the testresult has come am I waiting at the Airport or at my booked hotel?

  12. Bekah Glad Reply

    i work for an NGO and getting people we send to EGypt tested 72 hours before landing WITH results is really impossible.

  15. Tom Reply

    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.

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