While the Europe is foreseeing the 3th or 4th wave of COVID-19, many of us are saying that we cannot stay without traveling anymore. Traveling to Egypt feels like a heaven and in some way of word- it is. Lots of natural vitamin D, sun, sea and fresh air. Sitting on the beach, no masks wearing, no respirators...what can be better? But what are the rules of vacationing in the Red Sea now?

First of all, be ready, that you will need to make PCR tests more than usual. Most probably, you will need to present the negative test while boarding in your destination. Make sure, you know all the rules of your aviation company. Many of them need to see your PCR test before flying you out. Your test, if you want to use it by arrival in Egypt, should not be older than 72 hours, some destinations have exceptional 96 hours. Please check this by purchasing the ticket. Egypt airports are requesting the PCR tests (incl. children from 6 years) , just in some destinations (Hurghada and Sharm inclusive) you are able to make PCR test upon arrival at the airport. The cost is 30 USD. The visa in Hurghada airport for charter flights is again paid from 1.5.2021, 25 USD.

After making test at the airport you suppose to isolate for 24 hours in your hotel room or apartment till receiving the result. If you tested negative, you will not get any message, if your result is positive, you will be contacted by testing team (as you are providing them with your actual phone number). In the case you need to change your travel plan, please be sure your travel insurance is covering COVID-19.

As we hope all of you will arrive safe and healthy, you can start to enjoy your sunny days without any problems. The hotels are following all the precautions and measures against spreading the virus, desinfecting places, distance rules and personal wearing face masks. We recommend you to wear the mask if you are going indoors, shopping, visiting pharmacy etc. You don’t need to wear it in the hotel. The hotel restaurants are serving the food, sitting tables are in distance, many items and tools are sterile packed.

If you wish to make the day trips – boat trip, sea trip, desert safari, quad driving, you are not in need to show your PCR tests. Sightseeing trips to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel are still working. For these drives you can use your PCR test, which you did in your country.

There are currently no restrictions which would stop your dream to enjoy the sun, beach and real vacation!

When it comes to the departure and returning home, again, check the rules of your air company. If they need you to present the negative PCR test again, there are plenty possibilities to make your test in Hurghada on time. You can choose the central lab in Dahar or call the private hospital, which can get your sample to the lab and provide you with the result stamped by Ministry of health. Results can take up to 36 hours, therefore be sure, you make the reservation before the flight in advance. If you are heading to governmentally shared central lab in Dahar Hurghada (https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUTngY3jxS8kj1ue8) , prepare yourself with the passport copies, flight ticket or accommodation copy. Some countries and air companies are currently accepting also antigen test results, these you can obtain in many Hurghada laboratories.

Traveling in these turbulent times is not easy. Many restrictions, flight cancelations, quarantine, testing. We believe all of us should think about health, for ourselves but also for our families. But health is not only physical but very important mental. Social isolation can cause damages and traveling is one of the receipts which we wish could be prescribed by doctors. Hopefully soon we are able to see each other in our favorite holiday places in person.