Changed travel regulations during and after the corona pandemic
For entry from Germany, a negative PCR test is required, which must not be proven to be older than 72 hours, for entry via Frankfurt Airport not older than 96 hours. The test result must be presented in English or Arabic. A QR code can be requested on the test result; the Egyptian authorities can provide further information on this. If the test result does not contain any details on the date and time the smear was taken, entry will be denied. Children under six years of age are exempt from the obligation to test.
Alternatively, proof of full vaccination status with a WHO-approved vaccine can be provided. The vaccination certificate must comply with the rules of the issuing country and contain a QR code.
Entrants from or via countries in which the Egyptian government assumes the occurrence of a virus mutation (currently the South American continent as well as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) must have another one despite proof of a PCR test or vaccination Perform a PCR test upon arrival at Cairo Airport.
For tourists arriving directly to Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Marsa Alam and Marsa Matrouh, there is the possibility of having the required PCR test carried out for a fee upon arrival at the respective airports. A mandatory quarantine applies for the waiting time until a negative test result is available (e.g. in the hotel room).
If the test is positive, quarantine measures are taken. The implementation of the quarantine measures is inconsistent. Due to limited capacities, there may be waiting times when testing in the airports and when the test results are issued. Increased entry controls and temperature measurements can be expected at airports. On arrival, a health card must be filled out, in which information about health insurance coverage is requested.
General provisions for travel and residence (until the corona pandemic)
Visa types
A visa is required to enter Egypt (information on the electronic visa). Depending on the type and length of stay, there are different visas and application methods. Below you will find an overview of the visas. The listed necessary documents and fees mainly relate to German citizens. For Swiss and Austrians, the conditions may differ slightly. Please contact the consulate responsible for your catchment area.
Tourist visa 30 days
Travelers arriving directly from Germany, Austria or Switzerland will receive a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport. The fee is 25 US dollars (or the equivalent in euros) and is to be paid at the bank counters provided at the airport. To enter the country you need a passport which is valid for at least another 6 months after arrival. For this visa, German citizens can also enter the country with an identity card and 2 biometric passport photos.
The tourist visa is valid for one entry for one month and can be extended to the Visa Office or the Embassy. For travelers who do not enter directly from the above-mentioned countries, other entry regulations apply, which can be obtained from the embassy. The tourist visa does not permit employment in an employment relationship.
If necessary, the visa can be applied for at the responsible consulate before departure. To issue the visa, a valid passport (only the identity card is not sufficient), a copy of the first page of the passport, 2 biometric passport photos and the completed visa application must be presented to the consulate. The fee is to be paid in cash on site and is € 22 for German citizens. When sending the application by post, an envelope stamped as registered mail and the fee must also be enclosed.
Tourist visa up to 90 days
According to allcitycodes, this visa is valid for a stay of more than 30 days up to 90 days and must be applied for in your home country before departure. If your stay is extended unplanned, there is also the possibility of applying for a visa extension in Egypt. To apply, you need your original passport, a copy of the first page of the passport, 2 biometric passport photos, proof of the duration of the trip by means of a hotel booking or rental agreement, the completed and signed visa application and the fee of 22 € (for German citizens). In the case of an extension on site in Egypt, you can contact the police.
Tourist visa 180 days
This visa entitles you to enter Egypt 5 times within a period of 180 days. Each individual stay may not exceed 30 days. In contrast to the 1-month tourist visa, this visa must be applied for in your home country before departure. The fee is 57 € for German citizens.
To issue the visa, a valid passport (only the identity card is not sufficient), a copy of the first page of the passport, 2 biometric passport photos and the completed visa application must be presented to the consulate.
Business visa
The application is made before departure at the responsible consulate. The fee for a single business entry is € 59 and for a multiple entry € 83 for German citizens. The completed and signed visa application must be accompanied by the original passport, a copy of the first page of the passport, 2 biometric passport photos, an accompanying letter from your company, the invitation letter from the Egyptian business partner, a copy of the return flight ticket, an envelope with sufficient postage and the corresponding fee.
Health insurance, vaccinations
When entering Germany directly, there are no special vaccination regulations to be observed. You should be up to date with the standard vaccinations. There are also some recommended vaccinations for Egypt, but they are voluntary and not mandatory. These include tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies. If the entry comes from a yellow fever infection area, a yellow fever vaccination is necessary for entry.
