Egypten

Översikt

Political turmoil continues to impact the security environment in Egypt. There is a major jihadist conflict that is mostly contained within North Sinai governorate, but with sporadic terrorist activity elsewhere in the country, including Cairo. Since the 2011 revolution mass protests have become a common occurrence and a significant means of contesting unpopular political developments, although popular demonstrations are broadly met with violence from the security forces. Violent crime is widely perceived to be rising. Infrastructure challenges are substantial, with Cairo's transport network struggling to cope with the mega-city's teeming population. 

In addition, the Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent terrorist attacks on security forces and civilians. Police and military are also engaged in operations to combat terrorism and disrupt terrorist cells in the Sinai Peninsula and the Nile Valley. Additionally, unexploded landmines can be expected along the Mediterranean coast west of Alexandria, the Eastern Desert between Cairo and the Suez Canal, and much of the Sinai Peninsula. Travellers are urged to be especially cautious in these areas.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Egypt. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Egypt. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required for travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. A Yellow Fever certificate is also required if coming from Eritrea, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, and Zambia.

A Valid iinternational Certificate with proof of polio vaccination is required from all travellers arriving from Afghanistan, Congo-Kinshasa, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Syria.

There is risk of ongoing Dengue transmission in Egypt. Insect protection measures are essential.

Cases of Schistosomiasis have been reported from the Nile Delta region and along the Nile River down to the Aswan Dam area. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Egypt. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Egypt.

Most medical facilities in urban centres and tourist areas can provide adequate medical care for basic issues, but are limited in intensive and emergency care; medical facilities in rural areas (including Luxor and Aswan) are inadequate and limited at best. In the event of a serious medical issue, it may be advisable to evacuate from Egypt and seek treatment elsewhere.

Many doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance.

Pass

Passports are required for entry into Egypt and must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel. Travellers from outside of the US and EU must register with the Egyptian police within one week of arrival. Your hotel can normally take care of this for you.

Visum

Visas are required by nationals of all countries. However, there is an exemption scheme in the form of an entry permission stamp, applicable to tourists from the EU countries travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba resorts for up to 14 days. This does not include business travel. If you travel to mainland Egypt you will be required to purchase a full visa.

Visas are available at most port of entries, including Cairo International Airport. Alternatively visas can be requested from your local Egyptian consular representation and generally take seven days to process.

Single- and multiple-entry visas are valid for six months from date of issue for a maximum stay of three months. Any visa extensions should be requested to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo.