Travellers to and from Egypt to pay 30% less for COVID-19 tests

Mai Ghandour, Thursday 3 Feb 2022

The Egyptian Cabinet has issued a decision which lowered the prices of coronavirus tests accredited by the health ministry for travellers to and from Egyptian airports by 30 percent, a statement said on Wednesday.

Visitors from Russia arrive in Egypt s Red Sea resort of Hurgada on August 9, 2021. AFP
Visitors from Russia arrive in Egypt s Red Sea resort of Hurgada on August 9, 2021. AFP

Egyptians will pay EGP 650 instead of EGP 900 for the PCR test, while foreigners will pay EGP 750 instead of EGP 1,200, according to the statement.

As for the Antigen Rapid test, Egyptians will pay EGP 175 instead of EGP 250, and foreigners will pay EGP 225 instead of EGP 320.

The cabinet decision comes 10 days after the country started implementing new coronavirus-related restrictions at airports, seaports, and land crossings as part of a plan to contain the spread of the Omicron variant amid a rise in infections.

Since 22 January, Egyptian and foreign travellers arriving in Egypt, except children below the age of 12, are required to carry certificates of World Health Organisation-approved or EDA-approved coronavirus vaccination, either the single-dose vaccine or the last dose of a two-shot vaccine at least 14 days before arrival.

If travellers are not vaccinated, they must present the results of a negative coronavirus tests — the PCR test, the Antigen rapid test or the ID NOW test — issued within 72 hours before arrival.

Travellers whose coronavirus tests or vaccine certificates do not conform to established standards will have to take Antigen rapid tests at the airport. If the test is positive, they will have to self-quarantine at their hotel or residence for five days. On the sixth day, they will undergo a PCR test and will be allowed to end the quarantine if they test negative and show no symptoms of illness.

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