Egypt travel advice: entry requirements for UK visitors explained - and what are Covid rules in the country?

Local Covid measures could change, or new restrictions introduced, at short notice and without warning in Egypt
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Bookings for foreign holidays have seen a welcome boost following the announcement that testing and self-isolation rules will be eased for UK arrivals.

From 11 February, travellers who are fully vaccinated will no longer need to take a Covid-19 test on arrival in the UK, while the requirement to self-isolate for those who are unvaccinated will be dropped.

Face masks are mandatory in all closed public spaces in Egypt (Photo: Getty Images)Face masks are mandatory in all closed public spaces in Egypt (Photo: Getty Images)
Face masks are mandatory in all closed public spaces in Egypt (Photo: Getty Images)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Jet2.com and tour operator Jet2holidays reported a “notable increase in demand for holidays and flights” following the announcement from Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, with Spain, Italy and Portugal all proving popular with customers.

Travellers are still likely to face Covid-19 restrictions on arrival at their destination, with many countries requiring proof of vaccination status or a recent negative test as a condition of entry.

But what are the rules in Egypt? These are all the rules and restrictions you need to know.

What are the entry requirements for Egypt?

All arrivals into Egypt are required to complete a paper health declaration (issued by your airline or on arrival) and must provide confirmation of a valid health insurance policy to airport authorities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Arrivals must show proof of one of the following to gain entry to Egypt:

  • a full course of Covid-19 vaccination, completed at least 14 days prior to arrival
  • a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. You can book a ‘Fit-to-Fly’ Covid test through government approved providers, such as ExpressTest

Children under the age of 12 are exempt from these rules and proof of Covid-19 recovery will not be accepted.

Covid-19 vaccination certificates must be issued by an accredited laboratory in the country of issue and linked with a QR code.

Vaccinated passengers must have received the full course of the Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, Sputnik V, or Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) vaccines at least 14 days prior to arrival in Egypt.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Any travellers arriving from countries where Covid-19 variants of concern have been identified may also be required to take a rapid coronavirus test on arrival. If this is positive, a confirmatory PCR test must be taken to determine if isolation at a government hospital is necessary.

Egypt will accept the UK’s NHS Covid Pass as proof of vaccination.

PCR tests must be conducted no more than 72 hours prior to flight departure, but travellers arriving from London Heathrow only are permitted to have their PCR test conducted no more than 96 hours prior to departure.

PCR certificates must be issued by an accredited laboratory in the country of issue, and be stamped or have a QR code. The NHS testing service should not be used to facilitate travel to another country. Instead, a private test must be arranged.

What Covid rules are in place in Egypt?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The wearing of face masks is mandatory in all closed public spaces in Egypt.

This includes shopping centres, retail outlets, private offices, government buildings and on all public transport, including private taxis.

Those who do not comply with the rules risk being issued with a fine.

The Egyptian authorities’ response to Covid-19 is evolving, meaning local measures could change, or new restrictions may be put in place, at short notice and without warning.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This could include the closure of public spaces, such as parks and beaches, with little notice, particularly around public holidays.

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. NationalWorld is a new national news brand, produced by a team of journalists, editors, video producers and designers who live and work across the UK. Find out more about who’s who in the team, and our editorial values. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going. You can also sign up to our newsletters and get a curated selection of our best reads to your inbox every day.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.