Egypt: Government no longer requires ID NOW COVID-19 test for arrivals from several countries as of Nov. 10 /update 31

Event

Authorities in Egypt have announced that they will no longer require the administration of the rapid ID NOW COVID-19 test for arrivals from several countries as of Nov. 10. Passengers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Latin America had to undergo the test upon arrival previously due to the high number of COVID-19 cases and variants.

Officials also announced that they would require a COVID-19 vaccine pass to access certain facilities. Beginning Nov. 15, employees cannot enter workplaces without a vaccine pass unless they take a COVID-19 PCR test each week. From Dec. 1, the same measure will apply to government facilities. Authorities have yet to issue further instructions about the vaccine pass.

Authorities continue to ease COVID-19-related restrictions amid efforts to vaccinate Egyptian residents, allowing hotels, restaurants, and cinemas to operate at up to 70 percent capacity. 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 must 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 (quick response) QR codes. Authorities will transfer individuals who obtain a positive result for the PCR test to quarantine facilities.

Unvaccinated individuals must provide a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival. Individuals traveling from Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, North America, South America, South Korea, and Thailand and transiting through Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Paris, and Rome may present test certificates taken 96 hours before departure; this is primarily due to the long trip and transit period from these airports. 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 on 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 EGP 472. Test results are generally available within 12-24 hours, and travelers must self-isolate at their hotels until they receive their results. Travelers who hold a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate are exempt from these measures.

• If travelers test positive for COVID-19, they must self-isolate for up to 14 days at the hotel. If symptoms continue, authorities may transfer patients 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.