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INFO PAC

Egypt is a country where tourism plays an important role in the economy. As such visa procedures are simplified as is governmentally and bureaucratically possible. What this basically means is that if you are Western, South American, or Japanese you will be able to get your visa directly at the Sharm-el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, and Cairo international airports. for a sum which amounts to more or less $20. This varies according to nationality. You, however, must have a valid passport for at least six months. Arabs-excluding Iraqis, Sudanese, and Algerians- enter Egypt without a visa. The same applies if you are from South Africa or Malta. The six month passport validity still applies here as well. This visa entitles you to stay in Egypt for a maximum of 30 days within a three month period. This is easily renewable from the Mogamaa building in the center of Tahrir Square which is right at the center of Cairo. It is a huge building which you will not miss. If you are planning to arrive at Cairo airport, then our advice for you would be to get the visa upon arrival. It is easier and cheaper provided you carry one the above mentioned nationalities. If you are arriving by land or boat or are not sure whether your nationality permits you to get a visa upon arrival, then you should get that visa before you arrive. Egyptian embassies and consulates are found all over the world and would usually grant you the visa on the same day. If you are Israeli, it usually takes 7 to 10 days to process this visa.

If on the other hand you intend to come overland from Palestine, Israel, or Jordan, the you surely must obtain the visa before you arrive. Neither Rafah nor Taba borders issue All Egypt Visas which are required if you intend to get to Ras Mohamed. Our advice is that you get this kind of visa in any case as you might want to travel in Egypt a little bit.
Another thing to take into account is that you must have proof of immunization against Yellow Fever if you are coming from an infected area. You will also be required to take an HIV/Aids test if you are planning to stay for longer than one month.
Customs:
As a tourist, your experience at Egyptian customs will not be an unpleasant one. It is usually a very quick and simple process. However you have to keep in mind the following considerations.

  1. Although somewhat lax in Sinai, posession of drugs is a very serious crime in Egypt which can be punishable by the death sentence. Smoking a joint on the beach in Dahab is one thing. Being caught at the airport with one is a completely different story. God help you if you are caught importing drugs into Egypt.
  2. Theoretically there is a limit of 4 liters of alcohol which you can bring with you into the country. Although they will not face any problems if you have just a little bit more, traveling with three crates of whiskey will keep you busy in the company of customs officials for a little while.
  3. As a tourist, you are allowed to bring with all your personal electric appliances such as laptops, video cameras, underwater cameras,etc. However you should register these equipment on your passport upon arrival. You might also have to show this equipment that is registered on your passport upon departure.

    Finally, here you will find the visa application which you can print, fill out, send to the Egyptian or consulate in your country, or take it there yourself.


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