GoEgypt Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Holders of Chinese diplomatic and official passports are eligible for visa free entry into Egypt for a stay of 30 days. Official ordinary passport and ordinary passport holders need to obtain visas in advance at Egyptian embassies and consulates in various countries. They can also apply for a visa on arrival to enter the country and stay for 30 days, but they need to prepare round-trip airfare, hotel reservations, cash of $2000, and a visa on arrival fee of $25.

For specific matters related to applying for a regular visa for entry, please consult the Embassy of Egypt in China or the Consulate General in Shanghai directly.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

Due to security reasons, Egyptian customs have strict management over the items carried by inbound tourists. It is recommended that tourists carefully carry items beyond their personal needs when entering the country. It is strictly prohibited to bring wireless communication devices such as aerial cameras and remote-controlled drones into the country. It is strictly prohibited to carry ivory products, sea cucumbers, and precious seafood such as seahorses out of the country. Individuals are allowed to carry cash not exceeding 5000 Egyptian pounds or 10000 US dollars when leaving the country.

Residency and Naturalization

Egypt has strict control over foreigners staying in Egypt. Chinese citizens in Egypt can apply for residence permits such as investment, work, study, and residence (only issued to those who intermarry with Egyptians) at the immigration office. Generally, the residence period does not exceed one year at a time, and the maximum residence period for investment and intermarriage can be up to five years. The application process is complex and time-consuming.

public security

Since President Sisi took office, he has continuously strengthened comprehensive social governance, severely cracked down on terrorist forces, maintained long-term political stability, and the social security situation in Egypt is good. To promote tourism development, the government is making efforts to improve the social environment and taking a series of measures, including strengthening tourist safety, which have achieved good results. However, theft, robbery, harassment and other common cases occur in scenic spots and densely populated areas, and the safety environment in some remote areas is poor.

To ensure the personal safety of Chinese citizens in Egypt, the Chinese Embassy in Egypt suggests:

1. Make preparations before departure. Proactively understand the safety situation of the travel destination and avoid traveling to high-risk countries or countries that have recently experienced terrorist attacks, riots, marches, or demonstrations. Pre check the China Consular Service Network, "Consular Express", and the websites of overseas embassies and consulates to fully understand the travel precautions of destination countries and regions. Choose a safe travel route and a legitimate service provider. If traveling with a group, please choose a travel agency with high reputation and good service, and actively consider purchasing personal accident insurance. Try to avoid solo travel and inform your family of your travel itinerary, plans, and personal situation in a timely manner.

2. Civilized and law-abiding travel. Laws, regulations, and cultural customs vary from country to country. Please abide by the law and be cautious in your words and actions while traveling. Do not purchase or carry prohibited items or engage in illegal or criminal activities. Understand the customs, cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and behavioral taboos of the destination in advance, behave appropriately, travel in a civilized manner, and showcase a good image of Chinese tourists.

3. Pay attention to traffic safety. Currently, some countries have a high incidence of traffic accidents, and accidents involving Chinese tourists also occur from time to time. Please have a detailed understanding of the road conditions, driving habits, and traffic conditions in the destination country, strictly abide by local traffic regulations, fasten seat belts when riding and driving, and prevent dangerous behaviors such as speeding, drunk driving, running red lights, and fatigue driving. If the driver is found to be fatigued or driving too fast for a long time while taking a tourist bus, timely and proactive reminders should be given.

4. Safely avoid risks. Diving, rock climbing, bungee jumping, hot air balloons and other activities have higher risks. In recent years, there have been several accidents in which Chinese tourists have been injured or killed due to engaging in related activities. It is recommended to choose carefully. If participating in related activities, please strictly follow the requirements to receive professional training and accompanying. Do not rashly go out for activities in bad weather, after drinking or taking medication, or when your physical condition is poor. Do not go to undeveloped or insecure areas. Scenic spots, train stations, shopping malls, and other places usually have a high incidence of theft and robbery cases. Please pay attention to properly keeping your own documents and property. It is recommended to keep copies and electronic versions of important documents for backup.

5. Prevent the spread of epidemics. Please pay attention to understanding the epidemic situation of infectious diseases in your travel destination, closely monitor local public health trends, epidemic prevention reminders and suggestions, timely grasp knowledge of disease prevention and control, take effective preventive measures proactively, and try to avoid passing through severely affected areas or staying in the local area for a long time. If you experience symptoms such as fever and headache, please seek medical attention promptly and do not delay.

Reasonably handle disputes. If disputes arise with intermediaries, travel agencies, airlines, and other institutions, please protect your rights rationally, resolve them through negotiation or legal means, and avoid taking extreme or irrational actions. In case of normal law enforcement by local law enforcement officials, they should cooperate, remain rational during inspections, and answer questions truthfully. If you believe that the other party has committed infringement, you can ask them to present their identification, record their work permit and license plate information, and protect your own rights through litigation and other means.

natural disaster

In recent years, there have been no major natural disasters in Egypt. During winter, occasional flash floods occur in the southern part of Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula, causing certain casualties and property damage.

Egypt has more severe sandstorms in winter and spring. Summer is hot, with an average temperature above 40 ℃, especially in southern regions such as Luxor and Aswan. The unbearable heat can easily cause discomfort such as heatstroke and shock. It is advisable to avoid traveling to Egypt during the months of June, July, and August.

FDA

The weather in Egypt is hot and food is prone to spoilage. Please pay attention to food hygiene. The incidence rate of hepatitis C in Egypt is high. Try not to eat in places with poor sanitation. Egypt is a Muslim country, do not drink alcohol in restaurants without a license to sell alcohol. During Ramadan, most restaurants in Egypt are closed for lunch. Please prepare your food in advance.

Urgent Help

Alarm hotline: 122

Fire alarm hotline: 125

Number inquiry desk: 140, 141

Medical emergency: 123

Gas emergency repair: 129

Power repair: 121

Tourist police: 126

Emergency hotline for consular protection of the Embassy in Egypt: 002-02-27363556

Emergency hotline for consular protection at the Consulate General in Alexandria: 002-01274571836

air traffic

At present, there are regular direct flights between Cairo and Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hangzhou (with the Chengdu route operated by Sichuan Airlines and the rest operated by EgyptAir). There are also multiple international routes available (with layovers in cities such as Dubai and Istanbul).

land transport

The Egypt Railway runs through the north and south, with east-west transportation mainly relying on highways. The Nile Delta in the north is densely populated with highways, and Cairo is connected to major cities and tourist attractions with good road conditions. Drivers like to drive fast cars, and there is a high incidence of traffic accidents. Special attention should be paid to traffic safety. It is recommended that tourists fasten their seat belts when taking tourist buses and avoid driving at night as much as possible. According to the latest regulations of the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, if the driving distance exceeds 480km (kilometers) and the duration exceeds 6 hours, tourist buses must be equipped with 2 drivers to avoid driver fatigue.

water communication

The main river in Egypt is the Nile River. Along the Mediterranean coast, there are ports such as Alexandria and Port Said, while along the Red Sea coast, there are major ports such as Suez, Sukhna, and Holgda. The Suez Canal is an international shipping hub.

Urban transportation

Cairo's traffic is quite congested, with Fridays being the main days of the city. During the day, there are relatively few vehicles on the streets, making it suitable for driving. There are many taxis in the city, and when it comes to foreign tourists, there may be situations such as overcharging or taking detours. It is advisable to try to ride with two people and refuse carpooling with outsiders. Uber has a good reputation and slightly lower prices compared to Beijing, but most drivers do not speak English and should prepare change (in Egyptian pounds) before taking the ride. There is a subway in the city, but there are few lines. There are not many buses, they are crowded and not punctual.

major city

Cairo: the capital and the largest city in Africa, with famous landmarks such as the pyramids, the Sphinx, the National Museum of Egypt, and Saladin Castle.

Alexandria: the second largest city, a Mediterranean port, with tourist attractions such as the Summer Palace (Montaza Palace), the Castle of Kataba, and the Library of Alexandria.

Luxor and Aswan: Ancient cities along the southern Nile River, with numerous temple ruins, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Kings, and other tourist attractions.

Sharm El Sheikh and Holgda: Famous tourist cities on the Red Sea coast, they are popular destinations for sea sports and leisure vacations.

Alamein and Matru: Mediterranean coastal tourist cities and summer resorts.

Port Said, Ismailia, Suez: important port cities along the Suez Canal.

Commodity prices

Egypt has a rich variety of agricultural products, including vegetables, fruits, and dairy products. Clothing and household appliances can basically meet the needs of daily life. The supermarket has a complete variety of items, mostly locally produced, with very few imported foods and expensive prices. Since 2016, the local currency has implemented a floating exchange rate with the US dollar, and the current exchange rate is approximately 30.9 Egyptian pounds per US dollar (as of October 2023).

Insurance Medical

The coverage of social insurance in Egypt is not widespread, so it is best to purchase accident insurance before traveling to Egypt. Large cities in Egypt have relatively complete emergency facilities and fast emergency response speeds. There are many public hospitals, but the medical facilities are poor and there are many patients. Private international hospitals have good medical conditions and highly skilled physicians, but their fees are relatively expensive. The hospital and pharmacy are separated, with multiple pharmacies and sufficient drug supply to meet general needs.

Customs taboos

Egypt is a Muslim country and should pay attention to respecting local religions and customs. Women should dress appropriately, avoid wearing overly revealing clothes, and try to avoid traveling alone. Do not engage in intimate activities such as hugs between men and women in public places. Do not drink strong alcohol in public places. It is prohibited to take photos or videos in sensitive areas such as government agencies, military facilities, hospitals, and prisons. Do not take photos of women without their permission. Prior consent from on-site management personnel is required for taking photos in mosques and museums. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, and smoking in public places during the day. Prepare some change of 1 Egyptian pound, 5 Egyptian pounds, or 10 Egyptian pounds in advance, and pay a tip after enjoying the service. Ordinary service up to 10 Egyptian pounds is acceptable.

Communications Power

Voltage 220V, power socket is round double hole (German standard), and a built-in conversion plug is required. The wireless communication and network coverage are poor, and the SIM card is the same as the Chinese standard. The network access fee and local phone bill are relatively cheap.