From documents to vaccinations, here’s everything Egyptian authorities require for international arrivals.
Whether you’re traveling on a multiple-entry visa or entering Egypt with a visa on arrival, the Egyptian government has entry and exit requirements you must meet. The proper documentation protects you while traveling abroad, as well as protecting the people of Egypt.
Egypt Travel Requirements: Know Before You Go
Egypt Required Documents
- Passport: For travel to Egypt, you’ll need a valid passport with at least one blank page. It should be valid at least six months beyond your date of travel.
- Valid Visa: It’s possible to visit Egypt without a visa, although most foreign nationals are required to have a valid travel visa to enter Egypt, be it a Tourist Visa, e-Visa, or Business Visa. In some cases, you can apply for a visa online or obtain a visa on arrival at an Egyptian airport.
- Entry and Exit Forms: Entry and exit forms are required for all passengers arriving in Egypt by air or sea.
Egypt’s entry and visa requirements may vary by country. Confirm if there’s anything else you need to enter Egypt by contacting Entriva, or your country’s Egyptian embassy.
How Do I Obtain a Passport?
If you do not already have a passport, you can apply for one at your local passport office. The process typically takes four to six weeks, so make sure to apply well in advance of your trip. If you already have a passport, make sure to check its expiration date and renew it if necessary.
To get a United States passport, an American citizen needs to follow these steps:
- Fill out form DS-11: The DS-11 form is available online or can be obtained at a passport acceptance facility.
- Gather required documents: You will need to provide proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate) and a government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license).
- Get a passport photo taken: Your photo must meet specific requirements, such as size, lighting, and positioning.
- Pay the application fee: The fee varies depending on the type of passport and processing time selected. The average processing time for a new passport is four to six weeks, but expedited services are available for an additional cost.
- Submit your application in person: You can submit your application at a passport acceptance facility, which can be found at many post offices, courthouses, and libraries.
- Track your application status: You can check the status of your passport application online or by phone.
How Do I Obtain an Egypt Visa?
You can obtain a visa prior to your trip to Egypt by applying online. The application process typically takes between two and eight days, depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Make sure to apply well in advance of your trip to allow for processing time. You can also opt to obtain a visa upon arrival at an Egyptian airport by paying an in-person fee. However, you must make sure that you’re carrying the required documentation.
How Do I Obtain an Entry and Exit Form?
The entry and exit form can be obtained on the plane or at the airport upon arrival in Egypt. To get your entry and exit stamps, make sure to fill out your form completely and accurately, as it will be checked by Egyptian immigration officers.
Egypt Health Requirements and Screenings
To stay healthy and safe, foreign tourists and business travelers alike should monitor local media, keep an eye on government warnings and travel restrictions, and pay attention to your health after you land. Here are Egypt’s health requirements for entry.
COVID-19
Currently for travel to Egypt, there are no COVID-related entry requirements. That means travelers do not need to show a vaccination certificate or produce a negative PCR test result.
However, anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 while in Egypt is required to quarantine for 14 days. COVID-19 testing is available at private testing centers and the Central Public Labs. The US Embassy in Cairo keeps a list of medical providers that US citizens in Egypt have previously used.
As an ongoing global health issue, COVID-19 restrictions are subject to change with little or no warning. Be sure to check for COVID-19 updates from the Egyptian government’s Ministry of Health and Population or the website of your nearest Egypt embassy.
Vaccinations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises being up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including chickenpox; diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; flu; measles, mumps and rubella; polio, and shingles. The following vaccinations are recommended or required:
- COVID-19: Recommended
- Hepatitis A: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers older than one year and infants ages six to 11 months
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60
- Rabies: Should be considered if your activities mean you’ll be around dogs or wildlife
- Typhoid: Recommended for most travelers
- Yellow Fever: Recommended for travelers 9 months old or older from countries with risk for yellow fever virus transmission; this includes airport transits or layovers greater than 12 hours.
Medical Records
If you’re traveling to Egypt on a visa for medical treatment, you’ll need to provide a copy of a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the medical procedure, as well as any other relevant health records.
Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to cover overseas medical costs and medical evacuation, as well as issues relating to theft or damages, is recommended.
Preparing for Your Egypt Trip
Don’t be caught off guard by unexpected requirements before your Egypt trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting an Egypt visa. Start your visa application process.
For more information on other aspects of travel to Egypt, including banking and money, airport transportation, and local customs and culture, visit our Egypt content hub.