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The United States has dropped its travel advisory for Egypt from a level 4 ‘do not travel’ to level 3 ‘reconsider travel’.
After Egypt successfully flattened its curve of COVID-19 cases, the U.S. State Department has now reduced the advisory.
Under the current COVID-19 entry requirements for Egypt, Americans are permitted to travel to the country for tourism.
Between May and June, Egypt was recording on average over 1000 new cases of COVID-19 daily. Since flattening its curve at the beginning of August, the country has been able to keep its number of cases on average to around 150 per day.
The updated travel advisory that was issued on September 21st also warns to “excercise increased caution due to terrorism” and the American Embassy’s “limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.”
A level 4 ‘do not travel’ is still in place for the following areas in Egypt:
- The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.
- The Western Desert due to terrorism.
- Egyptian border areas due to military zones.
What Is Open In Egypt?
The following businesses have reopened and are currently allowed to operate at 50% capacity
- Restaurants
- cafes
- sports clubs
- movie theaters
- malls
Beaches are open at resorts and hotels but public beaches may still be closed in certain areas.
COVID-19 Entry Requirements For Americans:
As of September 1st, 2020, All American tourists arriving in Egypt must have proof of a negative PCR test certificate for COVID-19 performed no more than 72 hours before arriving.
There are health screenings on arrival and those showing symptoms of COVID-19 could face quarantines.
Travelers that present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours and do not show symptoms of COVID-19 will not need to quarantine.
EgyptAir announced that they have resumed flights from the United States from the following cities:
- Washington
- New York
Although the U.S. State Department has dropped the level 4 warning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Egypt due to COVID-19. The CDC website states “COVID-19 risk in Egypt is high”.
Masks are required in all public areas and travelers could face fines for not abiding by the mandate.
Egypt has confirmed 102,141 cases as of September 22nd, 2020 resulting in 5787 deaths.
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Laura
Friday 25th of September 2020
Wrong info about pcr test! 72 hours max before departure!
Kashlee Kucheran
Saturday 26th of September 2020
Hi Laura. When we published this article, the rule was 48 hours (like you saw here) They have since changed it. When we researched this again, some sources now say 72, and many also say 96 hours (like IATA and UK embassy to Egypt)