Egypt: Authorities revise COVID-19-related international travel restrictions effective Jan. 22 /update 34

Event

Egyptian authorities have announced revisions to the country's COVID-19-related international travel restrictions. Egypt's COVID-19-related domestic measures have remained largely unchanged since December.

Effective Jan. 22, individuals entering the country with proof of vaccination must have received the final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., second dose of a two-shot vaccine, or single dose of a one-shot vaccine) more than 14 days before arriving in Egypt. Alternatively, arriving travelers who cannot satisfy this requirement may enter the country with a negative result from an accepted COVID-19 test (i.e., PCR test; rapid antigen test; ID NOW rapid molecular test) taken no more than 72 hours before arrival. Travelers arriving at airports primarily serving tourists (i.e., Sharm El Sheikh International Airport [SSH]; Taba International Airport [TCP]; Hurghada International Airport [HRG]; Marsa Alam International Airport [RMF]; Luxor International Airport [LXR]; Aswan International Airport [ASW]) are also required to satisfy the pre-travel vaccination rules or testing requirements from Jan. 22. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from the pre-travel test requirement.

Additionally, authorities are ceasing administration of ID NOW rapid molecular tests for travelers arriving from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, or Zimbabwe.

Travelers who cannot meet either the pre-travel vaccination rules or testing requirements are subject to a rapid antigen test upon arrival; foreign nationals who test positive must take a confirmatory ID NOW test. Those who test positive for COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for five days at their hotel and take a PCR test on the sixth day. Travelers subject to quarantine may end the isolation period after receipt of a negative result from the day-six PCR test, assuming they exhibit no COVID-19 symptoms; those whose PCR test result is positive must isolate for an additional five days.

Domestic Measures
A COVID-19 vaccine pass is required to access certain facilities. Private-sector employees who do not possess a vaccine pass are prohibited from entering their workplaces unless they take a PCR test each week. The same mandate applies to government facilities. Individuals who do not adhere to the country's safety measures or wear a facemask indoors may face a fine or prosecution. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 while in Egypt may be subject to a 14-day quarantine period.

Hotels, restaurants, and cinemas may 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 Travel Restrictions
International commercial flights are operating to and from Egyptian airports. In addition to adhering to the revised international travel restrictions described above, travelers must complete a health declaration form and provide proof of health insurance to authorities upon arrival.

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.