Roberta Aguirre
As of 18 June 2021, all passengers arriving at Cairo Airport are required to present a negative PCR test with a QR code, taken no more than 72 hours before departure. However, it is unclear whether travellers can take a PCR test at Cairo Airport. One source mentions that PCR tests are not available at the airport, while another source mentions that rapid testing and PCR testing are available at Vienna International Airport. It is recommended that travellers contact Cairo Airport directly to confirm whether PCR testing facilities are available on-site.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is PCR test available at Cairo airport? | No |
| PCR test requirement for passengers arriving at Cairo airport | Mandatory for all passengers arriving at Cairo airport from 18 June 2021. |
| PCR test requirement for transit passengers | Not required if they are not entitled to hotel accommodation and staying at Cairo Airport until their onward flight. |
| PCR test requirement for transit passengers who are entitled to hotel accommodation | Must possess a negative PCR test even if their final destination doesn't require it. |
| PCR test certificate requirement | Must be conducted within 72 hours before departure to Egypt. |
| PCR test certificate requirement for passengers travelling from specific countries | Must be conducted within 96 hours before departure time. |
| PCR test exemption | Children below 6 years old. |
| Alternative to PCR test | Possess a WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccination certificate. |
| Alternative to PCR test for transit passengers | Not required if they do not leave the terminal building at Cairo International Airport. |
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What You'll Learn
PCR tests are not available at Cairo Airport
As of June 2021, all passengers arriving in Egypt must possess a negative PCR test with a QR code, taken no more than 72 hours before their flight's departure time. This rule applies to all passengers, including Egyptians, although children under 6 are exempt.
However, PCR tests are not available at Cairo Airport. If you need to take a PCR test to enter another country after visiting Egypt, you will need to find a testing facility outside of the airport. Most labs in Cairo offer a 24-hour turnaround for PCR tests, and some may offer an even faster service. For example, Al Borg Labs can send a technician to your hotel to administer the test for a fee. Alternatively, your hotel may be able to arrange a test for you, as many have doctors on call.
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A negative PCR test is required for entry into Egypt
As of June 17, 2021, a PCR test with a QR code is mandatory for all passengers arriving at Cairo Airport. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before the departure time of the last direct flight to Egypt. This requirement applies only to non-Egyptian travellers and excludes those arriving on direct flights to Sharm El-Sheikh, Taba, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Matrouh airports. Transit passengers arriving at these airports are also exempt from the requirement.
Children under 6 years old are exempt from the PCR test requirement. Passengers travelling from certain countries, such as Japan, China, Thailand, North America, and South America, must have a PCR test taken within 96 hours before departure.
It is important to note that the PCR test must be performed by an authorized accredited laboratory and include the hour and date of sampling. The certificate should be stamped with the laboratory's stamp or include a QR code.
Additionally, a health declaration form must be filled out and signed before boarding the flight at the departure airport for all international flights. This form should be delivered to the Quarantine Authorities upon arrival in Egypt.
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PCR tests must be taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure
As of June 2021, all passengers arriving in Egypt must possess a negative PCR test with a QR code. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before the departure time of the last direct flight to Egypt. Children under 6 years old are exempt from the test.
Transit passengers who are entitled to hotel accommodation and will not be staying at Cairo Airport until their onward flight must also possess a negative PCR test, even if their final destination does not require one.
Some sources suggest that a PCR test without a QR code may be accepted, but others advise that airlines such as EgyptAir, Qatar, and Emirates will turn passengers away at check-in if their Covid-19 test does not have a QR code. It is therefore essential to check the specific requirements of your airline and destination country before travelling.
If you are unable to get a PCR test before arriving at Cairo Airport, there are alternative options available. Some labs in Cairo offer a 24-hour turnaround for PCR tests, and some hotels can arrange for a doctor to come to your room to administer the test. Additionally, some airports in other countries have small test centres where you can get a PCR test, although this may be costly.
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Children under 6 are exempt from PCR testing
As of June 18, 2021, a negative PCR test with a QR code is mandatory for all passengers arriving at Cairo Airport, Egypt. However, children under 6 years of age are exempt from PCR testing. This age limit may vary, with one source stating that children under 12 do not require a test.
If you are travelling with young children who are exempt from testing, it is still important to be aware of the testing requirements and procedures at Cairo Airport. PCR tests can be done at Cairo Airport for a fee, subject to availability. Results are typically returned within the day. However, it is recommended that travellers complete a PCR test prior to arriving in Egypt. The test must be taken within 72 hours before the departure time of the last direct flight to Egypt. For those travelling from Japan, China, Thailand, North America, South America, Canada, London Heathrow, Rome, Paris, Frankfurt, New Zealand, or Australia, the PCR test can be taken 96 hours before departure.
The PCR test must include the traveller's name, date of birth or age, the result of the test, the date the test sample was collected, and the name and contact details of the test provider. The submitted PCR certificate must also include the hour of sampling and be issued by an authorized accredited laboratory. It should be printed, signed, and stamped, and some sources specify that it should not contain any scraping, cancellation, or addition.
It is important to note that travellers arriving at Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, Taba, or Marsa Alam airports instead of Cairo Airport who have not taken a PCR test prior to arrival can obtain a test at these destinations for a fee. They will need to isolate at their hotel until they receive the test results.
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Transit passengers may be exempt from PCR testing
As of 2021, all passengers arriving in Egypt were required to present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure. However, there were exemptions for certain transit passengers.
Transit passengers who are not entitled to hotel accommodation and will remain at Cairo Airport until their onward flight do not need to provide a negative PCR test upon arrival. This exemption applies to those transiting through Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, Taba, Marsa Alam, and Matrouh airports.
On the other hand, transit passengers entitled to hotel accommodation, even if they are not staying at Cairo Airport until their onward flight, must provide a negative PCR test, regardless of whether their final destination requires one. This rule also applies to members of diplomatic missions coming from abroad after completing their work period.
It is important to note that the PCR test requirements for Egypt are subject to change. As of 2024, PCR testing is no longer required for entry into Egypt, and only an e-visa is needed. However, it is always advisable to check the latest travel advice and requirements before departure, as these can change at short notice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all passengers travelling to Egypt must possess a negative PCR test with a Quick Response (QR) code.
The PCR test should be taken at most 72 hours before the departure time of the last direct flight to Egypt.
No, you cannot do a PCR test at Cairo Airport.
If a vaccination certificate is unavailable, you must submit a certified negative PCR, Antigen Rapid Test, or ID NOW test result that was performed in your country of departure a maximum of 72 hours prior to the departure of your direct flight to Egypt.
