Egypt attempting to open:
Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Cairo (August 27, 2020)
Location: Egypt
Event: PCR TESTING AND OTHER COVID-19 UPDATES
Starting September 1, all arriving international travelers,
including Egyptian citizens, will need to present a negative PCR test certificate for COVID-19 taken prior to arrival. Currently, PCR tests must be taken within 72 hours before arrival, but on September 1 that requirement will change to
no less than 48 hours before arrival. Travelers must present paper copies of the test results; digital copies will not be accepted. Children under the age of six of all nationalities are exempt.
Also on September 1, Egypt will re-open Luxor and Aswan governorates to international visitors, including temples, archaeological sites, and museums.
Starting August 28, Friday prayers are scheduled to reopen at some mosques under strict preventative measures; mosques have been open for daily prayers with the exception of Friday prayers. A ban on funerals and marriage ceremonies remains in place. The Coptic Orthodox Church announced Friday mass will resume on September 11; churches have been open for mass every day except Friday.
To comply with social distancing guidelines imposed by both the U.S. and Egyptian governments, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo continues to provide only emergency services to U.S. citizens until further notice. Limited passport services can be provided on an emergency basis, which normally includes urgent travel. If you require an emergency passport please contact
ConsularCairoACS@state.gov to request an appointment, and be prepared to provide proof of your upcoming urgent travel (purchased ticket). We will announce the resumption of scheduling for regular services when resources and local conditions allow. We regret the inconvenience.
The U.S. Embassy in Cairo encourages U.S. citizens seeking COVID-19 medical information to reference the Government of Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population’s social media accounts at
https://www.facebook.com/egypt.mohp/ (Arabic only). The Government of Egypt has also provided a COVID-19 dedicated hotline at
105 15335 or
15469 for additional inquiries (Arabic proficiency recommended).