Egypt Restrictions and Requirements for Visitors
Embark on Egypt's history, from pyramids to Luxor's relics. Dive into Sharm el Sheikh's beauty and feel Cairo's vibrancy. For travel advice, visas, and visa application simplicity, visit our page.
Now, let's dive into Egypt's Travel Restrictions and Requirements, covering essential topics:
- Coronavirus Related Measures
- Entry and Exit Guidelines
- Egyptian Health Declaration Form
- Health Requirements for Travel
Stay informed for a seamless and enjoyable visit to Egypt.
Current COVID-19 Regulations for Travelling to Egypt
With Egypt reopening borders, e-Visas can be readily obtained. However, various pandemic-related restrictions instituted by the government remain in effect. Requirements evolve frequently so check official channels for updates pre-travel. Key considerations include:
- COVID test certificate norms and exemptions
- Quarantine and self-isolation policies
- Health screening procedures upon arrival
- Airline stipulations concerning medical documents
- Mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing in public venues
Current COVID-19 Test Rules for Entering Egypt
To enter Egypt, travellers must furnish negative COVID test certificates or proof of vaccination. Accepted tests include:
- RT-PCR taken max 72 hours before departures
- Rapid antigen conducted 24 hours pre-travel
- 96 hour PCR timeline for those from certain far-flung airports
Printed test results must display:
- Approval from certified laboratories
- English or Arabic documents
- Test date/time within stipulated window
- QR confirmation codes
- (Digital copies not allowed)
COVID-19 Test Exemptions When Entering Egypt
Fully vaccinated travellers with certificates reflecting doses from approved brands taken 14+ days prior are exempt from testing requirements when entering Egypt.
Currently accepted vaccinations as per Egyptian authorities are:
- AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinopharm, Sinovac and Sputnik V.
Meanwhile, children below 12 years face blanket testing exemptions barring airline restrictions. Certain carriers may enforce negative results regardless of vaccination status. Consequently, confirm medical test stipulations when booking flights. Leverage Egypt's expanded exemptions by completing WHO-recognized vaccination series pre-travel and carrying certifications for verification.
Current COVID-19 Precautions When Visiting Egypt
While Egypt no longer imposes strict lockdowns, some pandemic constraints remain active circa 2023. Although domestic flights and public transit operate, capped venue capacities and mass gathering bans continue.
Plus mandatory mask-wearing in public persists countrywide. However localised constraints may fluctuate frequently. Consequently travellers must closely follow World Health Organization guidance regarding:
- Mask protocols
- Social distancing
- Hygiene best practices
- Infection prevention in congested areas
- Self-quarantine if experiencing any symptoms
- Accessing healthcare services if required
Can I Enter Egypt Without a COVID-19 Test?
Fully vaccinated travellers can enter Egypt without PCR testing only when arriving on direct flights to approved Red Sea airports, where on-site arrival tests are permitted when showing vaccine certificates. Non-immunized visitors must undergo entry testing with waits for results in accommodations taking 12-24 hours.
Positive cases warrant government quarantines or hotel isolation at personal expense. Eligible airports with testing options are Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm El Sheikh and Taba. Assess personal risks and plan adequately to prevent complications!
Complying with Egypt's Entry/Exit Regulations
When entering or departing Egypt, several imperative immigration regulations apply:
Visitors must hold 6-month valid passports, appropriate visas like single/multi-entry e-Visas for 30 day stays, printed COVID-19 documentation, onward tickets, travel insurance, sufficient funds proof and health/customs declarations. Certain higher-risk nationalities also require additional certificates.
Moreover, strict customs allowances exist including an amount for cargo allowance and another amount foreign currency declaration threshold. Tight restrictions govern electronics and telecommunications imports too.
Departures must demonstrate entry stamps and any registered personal gadgets. Border officers can deny suspicious merchandise. Overstaying visas risks fines or bans.
Understanding Egypt's Health Declaration Form
Egypt requires all visitors complete an online Health Declaration Form, also called a Public Health Card, for tracking health status and COVID-19 monitoring purposes pre and post-entry. It generates a QR code that travellers must present during immigration processing. Key aspects include:
- Mandatory for all inbound Egypt tourists and expatriates
- Seeks accommodation, passport, medical and contact details
- Web-based self-registration using official government portal
- Submit prior to departing for Egypt
- Authorities issue reference code for follow-ups if required
Mandatory Completion of Egyptian Health Declaration Form
The completion of the Egyptian Health Declaration Form is compulsory for all individuals seeking entry into the country. For children unable to fill out the form due to age or individuals with disabilities, parents or guardians are required to complete and sign the health declaration form on their behalf.
Moreover, residents of Egypt, both nationals and foreigners, along with individuals travelling for purposes such as work, business, medical reasons, and tourists entering the country, must also fill out the health declaration form.
Required Information for Completing the Egypt Health Declaration Form
Completing the Egyptian Health Declaration Form is a simple process, typically taking around 10 minutes when done online.
To fill out the form, you are required to provide essential personal information, including your full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, and profession. Flight details and the address of your accommodation in Egypt are also necessary. Additionally, you will be asked about any COVID-19 symptoms and the locations you have visited in the past 14 days.
Contact details such as your email address and telephone number must be provided to receive approval for your health declaration.
Furthermore, you will need to upload either your negative COVID-19 test results or your COVID vaccination certificate.
Completing the Egyptian Health Declaration Form
Once you have gathered all the necessary information and documents, you can initiate the process of filling out the form. The form can be conveniently completed online, and the procedure is straightforward.
Complete all the mandatory fields in the online form, ensuring accuracy in the provided information. Additionally, you will be required to upload either your COVID test result or vaccination certificate.
Towards the conclusion, you will be prompted to give your consent and submit the form.
Timing for Completing the Egypt Health Declaration Form
The process of completing the health declaration form involves online submission and the subsequent receipt of a QR code, either via email or online retrieval. It is essential to follow specific timing guidelines for a smooth experience.
To adhere to the advised procedure, it is recommended to fill out the form at least two days before your scheduled flight departure. The completed form, inclusive of all relevant information, should be signed, and a hard copy with the generated QR code must be printed before your arrival in Egypt.
Upon submission, health authorities will review the form, and the issuance of a QR code will be subject to the approval of your application.
Post-Submission Process for the Egypt Health Declaration Form
Following the completion of the online application form, the next steps involve awaiting approval and receiving necessary documentation.
Upon submitting the form, await an approval email, signifying that the health authorities have reviewed and accepted your application. This confirmation will be sent to your email.
Alternatively, you can check the status of your application on the official website. To do so, provide your flight number, nationality, passport number, and date of birth. Once approved, you will find the QR code online. It is essential to take a picture of this QR code and print it on paper.
Important Note: The printed QR code must be presented before boarding your flight and upon arrival in Egypt, emphasising the need to have a hard copy for relevant authorities.
Health Requirements and Travel Tips for Visiting Egypt
As outlined previously, it is crucial to be well-prepared with the necessary documentation and health precautions when travelling to Egypt. Below are key health requirements and recommendations for a safe and enjoyable trip:
- Medical Records and COVID-19 Documentation
Ensure you carry all essential documents, including medical records. Present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination to Egyptian authorities. At specific entry points, COVID-19 testing is available on arrival.
- Vaccinations
Stay updated on routine vaccinations and consider additional vaccinations at a travel clinic, including MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, influenza, and others. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio (with proof of vaccination), Rabies, and Yellow Fever vaccinations are advisable.
- Food and Water Safety
Practise good hygiene, consume only cooked food, and drink boiled or bottled water. Vaccination for diseases like hepatitis A, schistosomiasis, and typhoid is recommended.
- Prescription Medications
If you require prescription medications, obtain a medical certificate stating their necessity. Some over-the-counter medications are classified as controlled substances; hence, permission from Egypt's Ministry of Health is necessary.
- Travel Insurance
Acquire comprehensive travel insurance covering medical and evacuation expenses. Be cautious of local charges by doctors and pharmacies.
- Emergency Services
In case of emergencies, dial 123 for an ambulance.
- Stay Informed
Stay updated on travel rules and regulations, as they may change. Research thoroughly and follow Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population on social media for the latest updates.
Common Queries Answered
Yes, a valid visa is mandatory for entry into Egypt. The Egypt Health Declaration Form serves the purpose of declaring your health status to the Egyptian government and does not replace the need for a visa.
Yes, the Egypt Health Declaration Form is a compulsory requirement for all travellers entering the country, regardless of possessing a COVID-19 test result or vaccination certificate. It must be completed online before your travel.
No, there are currently no quarantine requirements in Egypt for individuals who are fully vaccinated or present a negative COVID-19 test result.