Egypt: Authorities maintain some COVID-19 measures as of Aug. 12 /update 28

Event

Egyptian authorities continue to ease restrictions related to COVID-19; efforts to vaccinate people across the country continue. The capacity restrictions at hotels, restaurants, and cinemas have increased to 70-percent. Public parks and beaches have reopened, but large social gatherings, such as sporting events and concerts, remain prohibited. Places of worship are also open but must adhere to strict public health measures.

International commercial flights to and from Egyptian airports are operating. All travelers are required to complete a monitoring card and provide proof of health insurance to authorities upon arrival. Fully vaccinated individuals are exempt from taking a PCR test if they have approved vaccination certificates with valid QR codes. However, vaccinated individuals from high-risk countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, India, Latin America, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam) have to take an ID NOW COVID-19 test upon arrival. If the results are positive, they will have to proceed with a PCR test. Authorities will transfer individuals who obtain a positive result for the PCR test to quarantine facilities. Unvaccinated individuals, meanwhile, have to provide a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. A 14-day quarantine period will apply to travelers who test positive for COVID-19 while in Egypt.

The following measures remain in place for travelers to coastal governorates:

• Travelers arriving at airports in Hurghada in the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh in South Sinai, and Marsa Matruh in Matrouh governorates will be subject to testing if they cannot provide a negative PCR test. The fee for the test is 471 EGP. Following the test, travelers are required to self-isolate at their hotel until they receive their test results. Test results normally become available within 12-24 hours.

• If travelers test positive for COVID-19, they will be required to self-isolate for up to 14 days at the hotel. If symptoms continue, patients may be transferred to a public or private hospital.

Authorities may impose further travel restrictions and other preventative measures over the coming days, depending on the evolution of disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.