Egypt is a place every traveler must visit at least once in a lifetime. But should you travel to this ancient country right now during the pandemic?
Like the rest of the world, Egypt has also been hit by the coronavirus crisis. It has implemented numerous emergency decrees to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Although the situation there is now relatively under control, local restrictions can still affect both businesses and tourists alike.
Below, you will find the latest information regarding COVID-19 and whether or not it is safe to visit Egypt this autumn.
Is Egypt safe in 2022?
Egypt is a fairly safe country to travel to if you are on your guard and observe local cultural customs. Although the crime rate in Egypt is low, beware of pickpockets and scammers.
However, if you are visiting tourist destinations, especially religious sites, consider the risk. Attacks on tourist sites do occur, but if you check local news sources about the threat situation, avoid large crowds, watch out for religious or public festivals that could trigger demonstrations or riots, and choose to travel in a small group, you can protect yourself in such situations.
Egypt – Level 3: Reconsider Travel
The U.S. government has issued a travel warning recommending travelers “reconsider travel to Egypt due to terrorism.” According to the statement, visitors should “exercise increased caution in Egypt due to the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.”
The embassy does not recommend travel to:
- “The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to terrorism.
- The Western Desert due to terrorism.
- Egyptian border areas due to military zones.”
According to the advisory, terrorists may attack diplomatic buildings, tourist destinations, transit hubs, markets, and retail malls, western companies, restaurants, resorts, and local government buildings. Such attacks may occur with little or no notice.
COVID-19 situation in Egypt
Egypt has registered 515,645 cases and 24,613 deaths related to coronavirus.
Entry restrictions in Egypt
All travelers to Egypt must present a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR, Antigen Rapid Test, or ID NOW test result for COVID-19 with Quick Response (QR) code, taken at a maximum of 72 hours prior to their trips to the country.
Why visit Egypt in pandemic times
There is only one major entry restriction in Egypt – to test negative or present a vaccination certificate. Then, you are all set to go. Visit the breathtaking Pyramids at Giza, the temples of Luxor, coffee places around Cairo, or just relax by a pool in a hotel resort. Egypt is also well-known for some of the finest diving spots in the world.
Besides, you might experience fewer crowds than usual. So why not go this summer? Don’t forget to take regular precautions and follow the latest COVID-related information to stay safe during your travels.
Update archives
September 19 – Egypt no longer on the U.K. COVID-19 ‘red list’
As of Wednesday, September 22, Egypt will be removed from the U.K.’s coronavirus ‘red list.’ It means that travelers arriving from Egypt to the U.K. will no longer have to undergo a 10-day hotel quarantine at their own expenses.
The announcement was made on the British government’s online guide to its COVID-19 travel regulations on Friday, September 17. As Egypt moves to the less strict ‘amber list,’ passengers arriving from there will have to take a PCR test three days before their trip. Also, they must undergo further testing after arrival.
Travelers who are not vaccinated will have to complete a 10-day home quarantine and test on days 2 and 8 after entering the country.
Source: Egyptian Streets
