Egypt Travel Restriction

Traveling to Egypt is once again possible now that COVID-19 restrictions have been eased. Flights to the country have restarted and foreigners are able to cross the border provided they meet the Egypt COVID-19 entry requirements.

The Egyptian government is now issuing visas, visitors from eligible countries should apply for an Egypt eVisa online to avoid face-to-face contact at an embassy or consulate.

This article contains information for foreigners who wish to travel to Egypt during coronavirus including:

Travelers should be aware that the rules for traveling to Egypt could change at short notice. It is important to check the latest information before making any arrangements.

Do I Need a COVID-19 Test to Fly to Egypt?

As a safety measure, all overseas visitors traveling to Egypt during the pandemic must present a printed negative PCR test certificate on arrival. The test must be based on a nasal or oral swab and the certificate issued by an approved laboratory. Certificates are accepted in Arabic or English.

In all other cases, it is required that the coronavirus test medical certificate be issued no more than 72 hours before departure of the flight to Egypt.

Children under the age of 6 are exempt from this entry requirement.

Coronavirus testing on arrival in the Red Sea Governorate

Passengers on direct flights to any of the airports listed below will be required to take a PCR test on arrival if they fail to obtain the medical certificate before departure:

Travelers who have the test on arrival should stay in their hotel room until they receive the result. Individuals are generally notified of the result in 12 to 24 hours. In case of a positive result, self-isolation for 14 days is mandatory. The cost of this test is covered by the traveler.

Public Health Card to Travel to Egypt

Travelers must also present a completed Public Health Card on arrival in Egypt. Countries across the world are introducing this kind of entry requirements during coronavirus to prevent the spread of the virus.

Passengers are asked to provide flight information and contact details so that they can be notified if someone they traveled with later tests positive for COVID-19, in which case they would be required to self-isolate.

Egypt Airport COVID-19 Procedures

Temperature checks are in place at airports in Egypt. Travelers are required to wear a face mask at all times in the airport terminal. Passengers are also asked to maintain a safe distance between themselves and others, especially when boarding and disembarking the aircraft.

Hand sanitizing stations have been set up, travelers are advised to wash their hands or make use of the alcohol-based hand gel at regular intervals.

At the airport passengers arriving from overseas will be asked to present the medical certificate, public health card, and proof of valid health insurance.

Applying for an Egypt Visa during COVID-19

Egypt is open to tourism and the government is now issuing visas. The safest way to obtain a visa during the pandemic is by using the Egypt online visa system. By applying online, travelers from 46 countries can avoid attending an embassy or consulate in person.

Foreigners should check they meet all the Egypt eVisa requirements before proceeding with the application. The eVisa form is straightforward to complete, requiring just a few personal and passport information in addition to travel details. Visa fees are paid securely online using a debit or credit card.

Once approved and issued, the Egypt visa is valid for 30 days which means that travelers have 1 month to enter the country for the first time. Single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas are available. Both permits allow for stays of up to 30 consecutive days in Egypt.

Foreigners who are not eligible for the Egypt visa should contact their nearest embassy or consulate.

Activity Restrictions in Egypt

Egyptians and foreigners who are currently in the country have been asked to respect activity limitations designed to minimize the risk of contagion.

The evening curfew previously in place in Egypt was abolished on June 27th, although restaurants and cafes are still required to close by 10pm. Shops are now required to close no later than 9pm.

It is still compulsory to wear a mask when out in public in Egypt, and those who do not may be denied entry to Egyptian public transportation.

Travelers seeking accommodation in Egypt should be aware that hotels are currently operating, at 50% capacity with reinforced hygiene standards. Cafes, restaurants, movie theatres, and sports clubs are also now open and able to operate at reduced capacity.

Places of worship have also reopened with limitations on the number of attendees and other health precautions in place.

Egypt COVID-19 Travel Advice

After coronavirus cases were reported in the country, COVID-19 testing and quarantine facilities have been set up at hospitals across Egypt.

Foreigners in the country should follow this travel advisory for Egypt

• Avoid large gatherings of people
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after contact with others
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Try to maintain a distance of at least a meter between yourself and strangers when out in public