What documents and requirements do I need to travel to Egypt?

Documents required to travel to Egypt:

First of all, some official documents are of course essential if you want to go to Egypt. Here is the list:

• A valid passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of return from Egypt or a national identity card (depending on the country of residence)
• A visa valid for a minimum stay of one month. Note that if your stay is longer than one month, it will be possible to extend it on the spot by going to the country's Immigration Office in Alexandria.

To obtain a visa for Egypt, there are three different solutions:

• You can apply for a tourist visa at an Egyptian consulate in your country of residence if you are travelling with a passport and bring two passport photos and your passport. The visa fee is payable in cash and the average processing time is 3-6 days, although it is advisable to apply at least two weeks before departure.
• If you are travelling with an identity card (only if you are a Belgian, French, German, Italian or Portuguese national), you can apply for your visa on arrival in the country with a form provided by the Egyptian authorities.
• Finally, since 2017, it is possible to apply for an e-visa online to travel to Egypt. This formality is done directly on the Internet, without having to travel.

It should also be noted that if you are travelling with children, each child must have their own individual passport. An exit permit will also be required for minors travelling with a parent or without a parent.

Egypt entry requirements and documents: key points

• A number of requirements must be met before planning a trip to Egypt
• Obtaining a visa is one of the requirements for travelling to Egypt.
• Passports are another essential document for travelling to Egypt.
• It is also important to find out about customs requirements in Egypt.

What are the customs formalities in Egypt?

Customs formalities are also very strict in Egypt and it is advisable to take some precautions before your trip with regard to personal items that you may bring in or out of the country.

As for what you can bring into Egypt, the country has import restrictions including:

• The amount of cash you can take with you must not exceed LE 500 or equivalent. Otherwise, you must declare the amount you are taking with you. You can only take a maximum of LE 5,000 in cash with you.
• For alcohol and tobacco, you can only take 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco and 2 litres of alcohol with you.

As for what you can bring back from your trip to Egypt, and while there is a wide variety of handicrafts, there are also certain rules that must be followed.

Specifically, you cannot import or export antiques older than 100 years. Also note that you should be wary of local antique dealers. They sell many objects under this name, but in reality they are only copies and not authentic objects. The latter are forbidden for export. Some rare antique dealers in Cairo or Luxor have a real licence to sell authentic pieces and can give you a certificate of authenticity.

Formalities and health requirements for travel to Egypt:

As far as your state of health is concerned, you will not be required to have any vaccinations to travel to Egypt, with the exception of yellow fever if you are a traveller coming from a high-risk country.

However, it is recommended that you ensure that you are up to date with certain mandatory vaccines such as diphtheria, tetanus and polimyelitis, as well as recommended vaccines such as whooping cough, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever and rabies. It is not necessary to take anti-malarial treatment as the proliferation of mosquitoes is limited in the country.

To avoid getting sick during your stay in Egypt, there are a few simple rules to follow:

• Avoid drinking tap water
• Don't take ice with your drinks
• Peel the fruit you eat
• Favour cooked foods
• Wash your hands before each meal
• Equip yourself with a good mosquito repellent

How to get a visa to Egypt quickly?

Now that you know the conditions to respect to go to Egypt, you only have to fill in the different formalities to go there, including the visa application.

This is compulsory for all travellers wishing to enter the country, even if it is only for tourist purposes.

To obtain your visa for Egypt quickly and in the best conditions, it is recommended to use, when possible, the e-visa procedure.

Recall that the e-visa is an electronic application system for travel authorisation that was introduced in 2017 by the Egyptian government and allows you to obtain a visa quickly online, without any trip to an embassy or consulate and without sending any documents.

The procedure here is extremely simple as you just need to go to a website offering this type of service, such as the one we recommend on this website, and fill in a simple application form. Don't forget to bring your passport number to which your authorisation will be attached.

Once you have paid the fees, your application will be processed within a few days and you will receive your visa by email. All you have to do is print it out and present it at the time of departure.

What other documents should I bring with me when travelling to Egypt?

In addition to your visa and passport, other documents are essential for travelling to Egypt, to ensure a smooth trip and adequate preparation. Here are the main documents you should have with you when you travel:

• Return air ticket: Egypt often requires travellers to prove that they have a return or onward ticket to another destination. This is to show that you do not intend to extend your stay indefinitely.
• Proof of accommodation reservation : It is important to have proof of your accommodation during your stay in Egypt. This could be a hotel confirmation, an Airbnb reservation, or a letter of invitation if you are staying with friends or family. The authorities may ask you for this document on arrival.
• Travel insurance: Although not compulsory, it is strongly recommended that you take out travel insurance to cover medical expenses and repatriation if necessary. Medical care in Egypt, particularly in private establishments, can be expensive. A good insurance policy will ensure that you are covered in the event of a health problem or accident.
• Vaccination certificate (if applicable): Egypt does not currently require a vaccination certificate to enter the country. However, this may vary depending on the global health situation (particularly for Covid-19). It is also advisable to check the WHO recommendations concerning specific vaccines such as those against yellow fever or typhoid, especially if you plan to travel to rural areas.
• Travel itinerary: It is always useful to have a detailed itinerary of your travels in Egypt. Not only may it be required by the authorities on entry, but it will also help you to organise your visits and movements on the ground.
• Copies of passports and travel documents : Having copies of your passport, visa and other important documents is an essential precaution. In the event of loss or theft, it makes it easier to deal with the local authorities and embassy.
• Bank cards and proof of funds: Although Egypt does not impose a minimum amount to prove, it is advisable to have sufficient funds to meet your needs during your stay. Having bank cards and copies of your bank statements or proof of funds can be useful in the event of an inspection.

These documents will help you to travel with peace of mind in Egypt and to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. It is always advisable to check the latest entry and travel requirements with the Egyptian authorities or embassy before you leave.