Egypt - Visa & Health

Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) 1. EU nationals traveling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Newiba or Taba resorts for up to 14 days. They will receive an entry permission stamp upon arrival;
(b) those continuing their journey to a third country within 24 hours, provided holding confirmed tickets;
(c) cruise ship passengers entering Egypt, at any port, for a maximum of three days.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements

(a) Those in possession of a residence permit to Egypt are not required to obtain an entry visa if they leave Egypt and return within the validity of their residence permit or within six months, whichever period is less.

Tourist and Business (single- and multiple-entry). Cost varies according to nationality. For UK nationals: Tourist: 25 US $ (single-entry); 28 US $ (multiple-entry). Business: 75 US $  (single-entry); 115 US $  (multiple-entry). For US nationals: All visas 20 US $ . Processing fees for other nationals vary considerably; check with the appropriate consulate.

Varies, but are usually valid for six months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months. Visas cannot be post-dated. Visas can be extended one week before the end of the permitted stay in Egypt at Immigration.

Same day for personal applications; seven days or more from day of receipt for postal applications.

There is a high threat from terrorism in Egypt. Attacks can be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Since October 2004 there have been three separate bomb attacks in the Sinai Peninsula. These attacks have killed and injured a number of foreign nationals. The most recent incident was on 24 April 2006 when there were explosions at three separate locations in the resort town of Dahab, in which 23 people were killed and more than 60 injured. 

Developments in the region may trigger public unrest. Travelers should take care to avoid demonstrations, which can turn hostile, and be particularly vigilant in public places.

Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Egypt have resulted in twelve human fatalities. As a precaution, travelers should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where contact with domestic, caged or wild birds is possible; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

The crime rate in Egypt is low but visitors should safeguard valuables including passport and money.

Egyptian society is conservative and women should dress modestly.

Travelers should carry some form of photographic ID at all times. A copy of your passport is sufficient.

Health Care
Public hospitals and chemists are open to tourists. Health insurance is strongly advised.

Note
1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age coming from infected areas (see below). Those arriving in transit from such areas without a certificate will be detained at the airport until their onward flight departs. The following countries and areas are regarded by the Egyptian health authorities as being infected with yellow fever: all countries in mainland Africa south of the Sahara with the exception of Lesotho, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe (and including Chad, Mali and Niger); Sudan south of 15°N (location certificate issued by a Sudanese official is required in order to be exempt from vaccination certificate); São Tomé e Principe. Also in the endemic zone are Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Peru, Surinam, Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Egypt and the country is currently not listed as infected. However, sporadic cases of cholera have been reported and precautions could be considered. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

3
Vaccination against typhoid and polio is advised.

4
Limited malaria risk, in the malignant falciparum and benign vivax forms, may exist from June to October in the El Faiyoum area. There is no risk in Cairo or Alexandria at any time.