What do I need and what documents do I need for Egypt?

When planning to travel to Egypt, it is essential to be aware of the entry conditions and formalities required. The Egyptian authorities have established specific rules concerning entry documents, such as passports and visas, to ensure safe and regular entry into their territory. Finding out about these requirements in advance is crucial to avoid any inconvenience or problems when you arrive in Egypt. The aim of this page is to provide you with all the information you need about the conditions for entering Egypt. We will cover essential documents such as passports and visas, as well as other formalities required on arrival. You will learn about the specific requirements for a tourist visa, the application procedures, and any additional documents that may be required. What's more, we'll provide you with practical advice to make the process easier and ensure your trip to Egypt runs smoothly.

Entry requirements for Egypt: In brief

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Egypt.
• Visa: A visa is required to enter Egypt, except for certain exempted nationalities.
• e-Visa: You can obtain an e-Visa online before your departure via the official Egyptian government website or a private service provider.
• Vaccination: It is advisable to check the necessary vaccinations, particularly against hepatitis A, typhoid, and the COVID-19 vaccine.
• Other documents: Keep a copy of your return ticket, hotel reservation and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.

Apply for a visa for Egypt!

Passport requirements for travel to Egypt

When travelling to Egypt, it is essential that your passport is valid. The Egyptian authorities generally require your passport to be valid for at least six months from the date of your intended entry into the country. It is therefore advisable to check the expiry date of your passport before you leave and renew it if necessary.

You should also make sure you have enough blank pages in your passport. The Egyptian authorities may affix entry and exit stamps, as well as visas, to specific pages. It is advisable to have at least two or three blank pages to allow these formalities to be carried out without any problems.

If you are travelling on a diplomatic or service passport, special requirements may apply. Please check with the Egyptian embassy or consulate for specific information and instructions on entry formalities for these types of passport.

It is essential to take these passport requirements into account to ensure trouble-free entry into Egypt. Always check the validity of your passport, the number of blank pages remaining and any special provisions for diplomatic or service passports before you travel. By complying with these conditions, you can avoid administrative complications and make the most of your stay in Egypt.

Visa requirements and formalities for travel to Egypt

A visa is an official document issued by the Egyptian authorities authorising entry and temporary residence in Egypt. It is essential to understand the role of the visa and the associated conditions to avoid any problems during your trip. The visa regulates the length of your stay, the purpose of your visit and may specify the geographical areas you are allowed to visit.

It is important to note that certain countries benefit from visa exemption for a tourist stay in Egypt. This means that nationals of these countries can enter Egypt without a visa for a limited time, generally for tourist stays of up to 30 days. However, it is advisable to check the current regulations before travelling to ensure that you are eligible for visa exemption.

For travellers who do not benefit from visa exemption or for longer stays, different types of visa are available. Common visa types include tourist, business, student and work visas. Each type of visa has its own specific conditions and requirements.

The period of validity of a visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the reason for your visit. Tourist visas, for example, are often valid for 30 days, 90 days or 180 days from the date of issue. It is important to respect the period of validity indicated on your visa and not to exceed the authorised deadline to avoid any problems during your stay.

The advantages and requirements of an online e-visa for Egypt :

Egypt now offers an e-tourist visa, also known as an electronic visa, which allows travellers to apply for and obtain their visa online before their departure. This simplifies the application process and avoids queues on arrival in Egypt.

The requirements for obtaining a tourist e-visa vary depending on your nationality and the reason for your visit. Common requirements include possession of a valid passport, personal details and travel documents such as accommodation bookings and return flight tickets.

When applying for a tourist e-visa, you will need to provide certain documents such as a copy of your passport, a recent photograph, proof of your travel itinerary and other personal information. It is important to follow the instructions carefully when applying online.

The e-tourist visa offers a convenient option for obtaining your visa in advance of your trip to Egypt. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements and provide the required documents for a trouble-free application.

If you would like to obtain an e-visa or online visa for Egypt quickly, we recommend that you apply for one from the official website or from a quality private service provider such as the one we recommend here.

Health formalities and vaccinations for British nationals travelling to Egypt

The following health and vaccination formalities apply to British nationals travelling to Egypt:

1. Vaccinations recommended for Egypt

• Hepatitis A: Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended for all travellers.
• Hepatitis B: Vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended for prolonged or repeated stays.
• Typhoid: Recommended for prolonged stays, particularly in rural areas or in unhygienic conditions.
• Rabies: Recommended for prolonged stays in rural areas, in the event of high-risk activities (working with animals).
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio (DTP): Make sure your vaccination is up to date.
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): Check that you are up to date, especially for children and young adults.

2. Vaccination against COVID-19

• COVID-19: Although not compulsory, it is strongly recommended that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before travelling.

3. General Health Precautions

• Malaria: The risk of malaria is very low in Egypt, but consult your doctor for personalised advice if you plan to travel to rural areas.
• Water and Food: Avoid drinking tap water and consume only bottled or treated water, and be careful with raw or undercooked food.

4. Other Health Advice

• First-aid kit: Take a first-aid kit with basic medicines (antidiarrhoeals, analgesics, antiseptics, mosquito repellents).
• Health insurance: Take out health insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation.

5. Vaccination certificates

• Vaccination Booklet: Carry your up-to-date international vaccination booklet (also known as the yellow booklet), including the recommended vaccinations and those against COVID-19.

By complying with these health and vaccination recommendations, you will be better prepared for your trip to Egypt and will be able to enjoy your stay in complete safety.

Other formalities to be aware of when arriving and travelling in Egypt:

• Customs checks: When you arrive in Egypt, you will have to go through customs checks. Customs officers may carry out random baggage inspections to ensure that you are not carrying any prohibited or restricted items. It is important to comply with the customs regulations in force and not to attempt to bring in prohibited products such as drugs, weapons or perishable foodstuffs without authorisation*.
• Security formalities: The Egyptian authorities attach great importance to the safety of travellers. You may have to go through security checks at the airport, including baggage scanners and metal detectors. You are advised to comply with the instructions of the security officers and to cooperate fully during these checks.
• Currency declaration: If you are travelling with a large amount of cash, you must declare it on arrival in Egypt. The customs authorities may ask you to complete a currency declaration form. It is important to find out what currency limits are allowed and to comply with the regulations in force to avoid any problems on arrival or departure.

Complying with the formalities on arrival in Egypt is crucial to a trouble-free trip. Comply with customs checks, security formalities and currency declaration regulations. By following these procedures, you'll be able to start your stay in Egypt hassle-free and enjoy your travel experience to the full.