Last update: 12/01/2023
Egypt has been open for tourists since July 1, 2020, and is one of the countries that are open for tourism now. Currently, travelers from any country can visit Egypt, although there are some entry requirements in place.
One of the most important Egypt entry requirements is that all unvaccinated travelers must have a paper copy of a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of departure to Egypt. Vaccinated travelers must present a vaccination certificate with a QR code issued by an approved lab.
All travelers should also expect to have their temperatures checked, to complete a health card with personal details, and to provide evidence of a travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage.
Museums, temples, and archaeological sites such as the Giza pyramids have been open since September 1, 2020, so it is still possible to see Egypt’s most famous sights.
Can I travel to Egypt right now?
Egypt is open to travel from any country. Below is a map of all the countries that can currently visit Egypt.
Egypt - EN
- Egypt
- Countries allowed to travel to Egypt
Egypt has reopened borders to tourists from these countries
Tourists from all countries are welcome to travel to Egypt.
Egypt travel ban is in place for these countries
Egypt has not currently banned travelers from any country.
Egypt COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
Egypt may be open to travelers from all countries, but there are still several entry requirements that tourists need to observe.
All unvaccinated tourists must present a paper copy of a medical certificate for a negative PCR COVID test result that was obtained within 72 hours before departure, although travelers from certain countries may present test results from up to 96 hours prior to arrival.
Vaccinated travelers must have received their final dose at least two weeks prior to traveling to Egypt and must present a vaccination certificate with a QR code.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers who have been in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, India, Latin America, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Vietnam in the past 14 days must undergo an ID Now COVID-19 test on arrival in Egypt.
Tourists flying direct into airports in the Red Sea area will have to pay $30 for a PCR test at the airport if they cannot present valid negative PCR test results upon arrival and will need to self-isolate until test results are obtained.
Do you need a covid-19 vaccine to travel to egypt?
Vaccinated travelers who present an unmodified vaccination certificate with a QR code that was issued by an approved lab are exempt from presenting a negative PCR test result on arrival.
Travelers must have received the final dose of their vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel. Acceptable vaccines include Sputnik, Pfizer, AztraZeneca, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac, and Johnson & Johnson.
Travelers who have been in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, India, Latin America, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Vietnam in the past 14 days must undergo an ID Now COVID-19 test on arrival in Egypt, regardless of their vaccination status.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Egypt?
A PCR COVID test is mandatory for all unvaccinated travelers. Unvaccinated travelers must provide a paper copy of a medical certificate for a negative PCR test result from within 72 hours prior to their departure for Egypt.
However, unvaccinated travelers coming from Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, France (only Paris), Germany (only Frankfurt), Guyana, Italy (only Rome), Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Suriname, Thailand, United States, United Kingdom (London Heathrow only), Uruguay, and Venezuela can present a negative PCR test result from up to 96 hours prior to departure for Egypt due to the length of travel from these destinations.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Egypt?
Only paper copies of test results are accepted; digital copies are not considered valid. Children under the age of 6 from any country are exempt from presenting a negative PCR test certificate.
If you are flying directly into airports in the Red Sea area (Hurghada and Marsa Allam), the South Sinai area (Sharm El-Sheikh), and Marsa Matrouh and you do not present evidence of a valid negative PCR test result, you will be tested at the airport at your own expense and will have to self-isolate until your test results are returned.
Is there any mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Egypt?
No, there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Egypt unless you fly into Hurghada, Marsa Allam, Sharm El-Sheikh, or Marsa Matrouh and do not have a valid negative PCR test certificate. If that is the case, you will take a test at the airport at your own expense and be required to self-isolate in a hotel until the test result is ready. If your test results are positive, you must quarantine for 14 days in a specially allocated room in your hotel.
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 while in Egypt will have to quarantine for 14 days.
Is there any mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Egypt?
Is travel insurance mandatory to enter Egypt?
Yes, you need to present proof of valid travel insurance to be able to enter Egypt.
If you’re not sure which health insurance policy to get, we highly recommend Heymondo. They are one of the best travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage, since they include COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad without out-of-pocket expenses for you.
Not many insurance policies include this, so Heymondo is a great option if you want to stay safe. You can even get a 5% discount on their policies just for being our reader.
Other travel restrictions for Egypt during COVID-19
There are a few precautions travelers must take while they are visiting Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic:
-
- Travelers from all countries should expect to have their temperature checked upon arrival.
-
- All travelers must complete a public health card and provide proof of valid travel insurance.
-
- Face masks are required in public areas.
-
- Social distancing must be observed.
-
- You may need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in Egypt
Egypt has reopened many businesses and attractions, including some of its most famous archaeological sites. However, some places, such as beaches and public parks, remain closed.
Hotels that are open in Egypt
Many hotels in Egypt are open at the moment. All hotels that are currently open must obtain a safety certificate from the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism.
You can check which hotels are open in Egypt here.
Beaches that are open in Egypt
Beaches in Egypt are currently open. If you want to enjoy the Red Sea, I recommend staying in one of these hotels with a private beach:
- Steigenberger Aldau Beach Hotel
- Sunrise Romance Resort Sahl Hasheesh
- Baron Palace Sahl Hasheesh
- Sunrise Royal Makadi Resort
- The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh
Attractions and Pyramids that are open in Egypt
Many of Egypt’s museums, temples, and archaeological sites reopened on September 1st, 2020. This includes famous landmarks such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Great Sphinx of Giza, and the Valley of the Kings.
Attractions and Pyramids that are open in Egypt
We recommend booking in advance if you want to visit the Pyramids of Egypt that are open to tourists or take any of the popular tours that are running during the pandemic:
- Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara & Memphis
- Valley of the Kings from Hurghada
- Dendara and Abydos Temples
- Dinner Cruise on the Nile River
- Historical Alexandria
- Diving Tour in Hurghada
- Giftun Island snorkeling tour
Restaurants that are open in Egypt
Restaurants are open in Egypt at the moment. They must close by 11 PM. Social distancing and wearing a face mask when you enter a restaurant is mandatory.
Airports that are open in Egypt
All of Egypt’s major international airports are open and international flights have resumed.
Cairo Airport is the largest airport in Egypt and where most tourists arrive. However, if you are looking to have a beach holiday, we recommend flying to Hurghada Airport, Sharm El Sheikh Airport, or Marsa Alam Airport.
In all airports in Egypt, there are many safety measures you will be requested to follow, such as social distancing, frequent hand sanitizing, and wearing face masks. Airports have also implemented health screenings and temperature checks.
Where to get a PCR test in Egypt
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get tested in Egypt, here is a list of places you can get a PCR test.
Egypt reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Egypt reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to Egypt right now?
Yes, you can travel to Egypt no matter which country you’re from.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are currently 38,000+ active cases and 16,000+ deaths due to COVID-19 in Egypt as of today. The CDC classifies travel to Egypt as “Level 3 – High Risk.” If you have a pre-existing condition or any health condition that could increase your chances of serious illness, do not travel to Egypt. Additionally, even if you are not high-risk, you might want to reconsider traveling to Egypt.
Is there a travel ban in Egypt?
No, there is currently no travel ban on any travel to Egypt.
Is quarantine required to visit Egypt?
No, you do not need to quarantine upon arrival in Egypt. You only need to self-isolate if you have been tested at an airport and are awaiting your results. If your results are positive, then you will need to quarantine for 14 days.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Egypt?
Yes, every unvaccinated traveler, unless they are under the age of 6, must present a paper copy of a medical certificate for a negative PCR COVID test result to enter Egypt. Check the specific requirements for your country to see if the PCR test must be taken up to 72 or 96 hours before departure.
Is a curfew in place?
No, there is currently no curfew in place in Egypt.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
No, there are currently no restrictions on intercity or interregional travel in Egypt.
Are hotels open in Egypt?
Yes, hotels in Egypt are open at the moment.
Are airports open in Egypt?
Yes, Egypt’s airports are currently open. Commercial flights are available from many parts of the world.
Are restaurants and cafes open in Egypt?
Yes, restaurants and cafes are open in Egypt.
Are museums, temples, and archaeological sites open in Egypt?
Yes, museums, temples, and archaeological sites in Egypt were reopened on September 1, 2020.
Are beaches open in Egypt?
Yes, beaches in Egypt are open.
Is the Great Pyramid of Giza open?
Yes, the Great Pyramid of Giza is open and you can book tours to see it. It is open from 8:30 AM to 4 PM at the moment.
Is the Great Sphinx of Giza open?
Yes, the Great Sphinx of Giza is open from 8 AM to 4 PM at the moment.
Is the Valley of the Kings open?
Yes, the Valley of the Kings in Egypt is currently open.
Is Egypt open to American tourists?
Yes, Egypt is currently open to American tourists.
Is Egypt open to Canadian tourists?
Yes, Egypt is currently open to Canadian tourists.
Sources
We will update this guide on Egypt reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Egypt, you can check these official sources:
