Insurance requirements for Egypt travel during Covid-19
My first time in Egypt post-Covid, I purchased international health coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield. But, was this necessary?
A nebulous requirement that brings up lots of questions is what the Egyptian Government means when it says travelers need “proof of insurance” in order to enter the country during the time of Covid-19.
The U.S. Embassy in Egypt website has a lot of information regarding up to date Covid-19 statistics, testing/vaccine locations, and entry and exit requirements, but even they do not answer clearly what type of insurance travelers need to have in order to visit Egypt.
And while the U.S. State Department recommends that travelers “obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation”, is this a requirement in order to enter the country, or just a suggestion?
The last two times I have personally been to Egypt and brought clients was in October-November of 2020 and March-April of 2021. Both times I (and my clients) was never asked to show proof of insurance at the airport, but was prompted to fill in my insurance policy number on the entry form provided to me en route to Cairo and that I handed over to Ministry of Health officials at the airport after they looked over my negative Covid-19 test result. The first time I went, I purchased a separate international health-insurance policy for about $75, covering my one-month trip. The second time I went, I simply brought a copy of my U.S. health insurance card, hoping that would be enough.
Shortly after getting back from Egypt in April of 2021, I was lucky enough to get both of my doses of the Covid-19 Moderna Vaccine. Here’s to hoping for more normal travel in the future!
To get rid of the guesswork, I reached out to the Egyptian Consulate in Chicago, and here is what they said:
Dear Gus,
Kindly find the attached latest information for Covid-19 requirements. Health insurance is not required. A Health Declaration Form will be given by the airline to passengers to be filled before they land or after so they can keep records in case they need to be contacted during their visit.
I hope this helps!
Best regards
The Covid-19 PCR test requirements are the same that they have been since September 16, 2020 (this is according to the consulate, received on 8.7.21):
According to the instructions received from the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, the information is as follows:
• Starting September 16, 2020 all travelers (Egyptians and Foreigners 6 years and over) who are flying into Egypt (all airports) must carry with them an actual certificate showing a Negative result of PCR test for Covid-19.
• The PCR test should be taken 96 hours max from the departure date. • Failing to provide the certificate will be denied entry.
The certificate will be accepted if the following conditions are met:
• The certificate should indicate the date and time the sample was taken
• Stamped from the laboratory
• Listing the type of sample that was taken
• Listing the type of test that was taken (PCR-RT)
Even with these requirements, my experience has differed from what the Consulate says is necessary:
-I would recommend getting a Covid-19 PCR test 72 hours prior to your departure flight time, not 96 hours. It’s better to have a shorter time window when possible. It’s even a good idea to get two tests if possible, one 72 hours prior to departure, and one 48 hours prior
Here are the Covid-19 test results I printed out and had with me to enter Egypt in March of 2021. This is the same format I used in October of 2020. Notice it does not say what type of sample was taken, nor does it have a “stamp”.
-My Covid-19 test never said what type of sample was taken
-My Covid-19 test never had a laboratory “stamp”, just a copied signature
-Even though insurance is not required, you will still need to write an insurance number on the Health Declaration Form you will receive en route to Cairo. Bring a paper copy of your normal health insurance card just in case.
Still nervous whether you are meeting requirements? Feel free to email the Egyptian Consulate nearest you—I emailed the Consulate in Chicago, and they got back to me within the same business day. Emails for the consulates can be found here: Egyptian Consulates contact info.
