egypt hiv travel restrictions

Egypt - Regulations on Entry, Stay and Residence for PLHIV

Restriction categories relative to egypt.

• Countries with restrictions for short term stays (<90 days)
• Countries with restrictions for long term stays (>90 days)
• Countries deporting people with HIV

HIV-specific entry and residence regulations for Egypt

An HIV test has to be performed at the Health Ministry’s central laboratory for all people who apply for a residence or work permit (students, foreign employees, immigrants). Tests performed abroad are not recognized. Foreigners diagnosed with HIV while in the country are expelled. The regulations are based on a Ministerial Decree. HIV medication can be imported for personal use. (Source: 1) All foreigners planning to study, work or train in Egypt for longer than one month may be required to undergo testing for HIV. Egyptian immigration authorities in Cairo’s Mogamma building provide information on this procedure upon application.

Medication & cosmetics Egyptian authorities consider some prescription and over-the-counter medicines to be controlled substances. They will seize all narcotic and psychotropic medications, even if you have the original prescription. For all other prescription and over-the-counter medications:

• Carry the original prescription
• Ensure the medication is in its original packaging
• Don’t attempt to enter the country with more than three months’ supply.

Authorities also regulate the import of cosmetics and veterinary products. (Source: 2) There is no HIV test requirement for a tourist visa for up to 90 days for German citizens. Different requirements may apply to citizens from other countries or when making an application from another country (not Germany). (Source: 3)

HIV treatment information for Egypt

Hiv information / hiv ngos in egypt, global criminalisation of hiv transmission scan.

• Embassy of Germany, Cairo, December 2015
• Government of Canada website, Travel and tourism information travel.gc.ca, consulted July 5, 2018
• Embassy of Egypt in Berlin website, www.egyptian-embassy.de , visa information section, consulted July 5, 2018

updated: 7/5/2018 Corrections and additions welcome. Please use the contact us form.

Comments on HIV-restrictions in Egypt

The Impact Of Hiv Travel Restrictions In Egypt: A Barrier To Global Health Equity

• Last updated Sep 03, 2023
• Difficulty Advanced

• Category United States

Egypt has long been a destination that captures the imagination with its ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. While the country offers an array of attractions for tourists, it's important to be aware of the HIV travel restrictions in place. These restrictions have faced criticism for their impact on human rights and their potential to perpetuate stigma and discrimination against individuals living with HIV. In this article, we will explore the current HIV travel restrictions in Egypt, their implications, and the broader debate surrounding them.

What You'll Learn

What are the current travel restrictions in egypt related to hiv, are there any specific requirements for hiv testing or documentation prior to travel to egypt, are there any restrictions on entering egypt for individuals living with hiv, are there any restrictions on accessing healthcare or medications for individuals with hiv in egypt, have there been any recent updates or changes to the hiv-related travel restrictions in egypt.

As of my knowledge, there are no specific travel restrictions in Egypt related to HIV. The country does not require HIV tests or proof of HIV status for entry or residency. Additionally, there are no specific restrictions regarding the entry or stay of people living with HIV.

Egypt, like many other countries, has laws ensuring the protection of the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS. The country's legal framework prohibits discrimination based on HIV status in employment, education, healthcare, and other settings. This protection extends to visitors and foreigners residing in Egypt.

It's important to note that while there may not be travel restrictions specific to HIV, all travelers are subject to general immigration and visa requirements. These requirements may include the need for a visa, a valid passport, and other documentation depending on the purpose and length of stay in the country.

It is always a good idea for individuals living with HIV to be familiar with the laws and regulations of the country they plan to visit or reside in. It's recommended to consult with the Egyptian Embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling to Egypt, as visa requirements and regulations can change over time.

Additionally, individuals living with HIV should ensure they have an adequate supply of medication for the duration of their stay in Egypt. It's advisable to carry prescriptions for these medications, as well as a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the necessity and purpose of the medication.

While Egypt may not have specific travel restrictions related to HIV, it's always important to research and plan accordingly before traveling to any foreign country. This includes understanding the local laws and regulations, as well as taking appropriate precautions for your health and well-being.

Understanding the Aurora Province Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know

You may want to see also

If you are planning to travel to Egypt, you may be wondering if there are any specific requirements for HIV testing or documentation. The short answer is yes, there are certain requirements that you need to be aware of before your trip. In this article, we will outline the details of these requirements and provide you with the necessary information to ensure a smooth travel experience.

First of all, it's important to note that Egypt doesn't have a specific policy that requires HIV testing for all travelers. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you are planning to work or study in Egypt, you may be required to undergo a medical examination, which may include an HIV test. This is especially true for individuals applying for long-term visas or work permits.

Additionally, if you are planning to stay in Egypt for an extended period of time, it is advisable to bring a sufficient supply of any necessary medication, including antiretroviral drugs. While these medications are generally available in Egypt, it's always better to have a supply on hand to avoid any potential issues or delays in accessing the medication.

In terms of documentation, it's important to note that Egypt has strict regulations regarding the importation of medications, including those used for HIV treatment. Therefore, it is essential to carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating your need for the medications. This will not only help you get through customs smoothly but also ensure that you have a legal supply of medication for the duration of your stay.

It is also worth mentioning that Egypt has a conservative culture, and some people may still hold misconceptions and stigmatize individuals living with HIV. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise discretion and maintain your privacy regarding your HIV status while in Egypt. The same advice applies to any other destination, as it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to protecting your privacy and well-being.

In conclusion, while Egypt does not have specific requirements for HIV testing for all travelers, there are some exceptions for those planning to work or study in the country. It is advisable to bring a sufficient supply of medication, carry necessary documentation such as prescriptions or letters from your doctor, and maintain discretion regarding your HIV status while in Egypt. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Exploring the Travel Restrictions in St. Louis: What You Need to Know

Egypt is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from around the world. However, like many countries, Egypt has had its share of restrictions on entering the country for individuals living with HIV.

Until recently, Egypt had a strict policy in place that required individuals to undergo an HIV test as part of the entry process. This policy was put in place in the late 1990s and remained in effect until 2010. Those who tested positive for HIV were denied entry into the country.

However, this policy has since been abolished. In 2010, Egypt officially ended the requirement for HIV testing as part of the entry process. This change was made in accordance with international guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), which aim to eliminate HIV-related travel restrictions and promote inclusive travel policies.

As a result, individuals living with HIV are no longer subject to restrictions when entering Egypt. They are granted the same rights and privileges as any other visitor to the country. This includes the ability to enter as a tourist, work, study, or engage in any other lawful activity.

It is important to note that while Egypt no longer restricts entry based on HIV status, there may still be some misconceptions and stigma surrounding the virus. It is advisable for individuals living with HIV to take necessary precautions, such as carrying a copy of their medical records and medication, in case they encounter any difficulties or misunderstandings during their trip.

In conclusion, there are currently no restrictions on entering Egypt for individuals living with HIV. The change in policy in 2010 reflects a shift towards more inclusive and non-discriminatory travel policies in line with international guidelines. However, individuals are advised to be aware of any potential stigma or misconceptions they may face and take appropriate precautions when traveling.

Biden Administration Implements Travel Restrictions on Unvaccinated Individuals

In Egypt, individuals living with HIV face various challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare and medications. While there are no specific legal restrictions on receiving healthcare and medications for individuals with HIV, social stigma and limited resources contribute to difficulties in accessing necessary treatment.

One of the main challenges is the social stigma associated with HIV. People living with HIV often face discrimination and prejudice, which can prevent them from seeking proper medical care. This stigma is fueled by a lack of awareness and misinformation about HIV transmission and treatment. Many individuals fear being shunned or ostracized by their communities if their HIV status becomes known. This fear can lead to a reluctance to disclose their status or seek medical attention, further exacerbating their health issues.

Furthermore, the limited resources and infrastructure in Egypt's healthcare system can hinder access to HIV care and medications. Public healthcare facilities often lack the necessary expertise and specialized services needed to effectively treat individuals with HIV. This forces many patients to seek care from private clinics or hospitals, which are often expensive and out of reach for low-income individuals.

In addition, the availability and affordability of medications for HIV treatment are problematic for some individuals. While antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for managing HIV and preventing the progression of the disease, it may not be accessible to all individuals in Egypt. The cost of antiretroviral drugs can be a significant barrier, particularly for those without adequate health insurance or financial resources. The government does provide some subsidies for HIV medications, but not all individuals are eligible to receive them.

To address these challenges, various organizations and NGOs in Egypt are working to improve access to healthcare and medications for individuals with HIV. These organizations provide support services, including counseling, advocacy, and assistance with navigating the healthcare system. They also work to raise awareness about HIV and combat the stigma surrounding the virus.

In recent years, the Egyptian government has taken steps to improve access to HIV care and treatment. The Ministry of Health has been implementing programs to increase testing and diagnosis rates, as well as expanding the availability of antiretroviral medications. The government has also collaborated with international organizations to provide training and support to healthcare providers in the management of HIV.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist in ensuring equal access to healthcare and medications for individuals with HIV in Egypt. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, education, and advocacy is crucial to overcoming these barriers and ensuring that all individuals receive the care they need to live healthy and productive lives.

Stay up-to-date with the latest travel restrictions to St. Kitts: What you need to know

Egypt is one of several countries that have had travel restrictions in place for individuals living with HIV for quite some time. However, there have been recent updates and changes to these restrictions in Egypt.

HIV-related travel restrictions have long been a topic of controversy and debate worldwide. These restrictions are often seen as stigmatizing and discriminatory against people living with HIV. They are also seen as unnecessary and ineffective in preventing the transmission of the virus.

In Egypt, the travel restrictions for individuals living with HIV were originally put in place in the early 1990s. The restrictions prevented individuals with HIV from entering the country or obtaining a visa. These restrictions were based on the perception that HIV was a threat to public health.

However, in recent years, there has been a push to reevaluate and remove these travel restrictions. Advocacy groups and individuals affected by the restrictions have highlighted the negative impact they have on the lives of people living with HIV. They argue that these restrictions contribute to the stigma and discrimination faced by individuals with HIV and deter them from seeking necessary medical care and treatment.

As a result of these efforts, Egypt has taken some steps towards revising its travel restrictions. In 2010, the Ministry of Health and Population issued a decree allowing individuals with HIV to enter the country for medical treatment purposes. This was considered a significant milestone in the fight against HIV-related travel restrictions in Egypt.

However, despite this progress, there are still significant challenges and limitations. The decree does not cover all individuals living with HIV and only applies to those seeking medical treatment. It does not address the issue of tourism or other non-medical travel purposes.

Furthermore, even for those seeking medical treatment, there are still bureaucratic barriers and challenges to navigate. Individuals with HIV must obtain specific documentation and approval from the Ministry of Health and Population before traveling to Egypt for treatment. This can be a time-consuming and complicated process, and it may deter some individuals from seeking treatment in Egypt.

While there have been recent updates and changes to the HIV-related travel restrictions in Egypt, there is still work to be done. Advocacy groups continue to push for the complete removal of these restrictions, arguing that they are unjust and unnecessary. They believe that individuals living with HIV should have the same rights and freedoms as anyone else when it comes to travel.

In conclusion, Egypt has made some progress in revising its HIV-related travel restrictions in recent years. However, there are still limitations and challenges that need to be addressed. Further efforts are needed to completely remove these restrictions and ensure equal treatment and rights for individuals living with HIV.

Understanding Austria's Travel Restrictions for US Citizens: What You Need to Know

Frequently asked questions.

Yes, Egypt has travel restrictions for people living with HIV. According to Egyptian immigration law, individuals with HIV or AIDS are not allowed to enter the country.

No, there is currently no official process for individuals with HIV to apply for a special exemption to enter Egypt. The travel ban is strictly enforced by immigration authorities.

If individuals with HIV attempt to enter Egypt, they may be denied entry at the airport or border, and could face deportation or even imprisonment. It is important for people with HIV to be aware of these restrictions before planning a trip to Egypt.

No, there are no exceptions to the HIV travel restrictions in Egypt. Regardless of the purpose of the visit or the individual's nationality, the ban applies to all people living with HIV or AIDS. It is recommended for individuals living with HIV to consider alternative travel destinations where they will not face such restrictions.

• Karisa Garcia Author Reviewer Traveller

• Naim Haliti Author Editor Reviewer Traveller

It is awesome. Thank you for your feedback!

We are sorry. Plesae let us know what went wrong?

We will update our content. Thank you for your feedback!

Leave a comment

United states photos, related posts.

Essential Items for a Teenage Airplane Traveler: What to Pack

• Dec 30, 2023

Understanding the Current Air Travel Restrictions in Namibia: What You Need to Know

• Sep 27, 2023

12 Exciting Activities in Twin Falls This Weekend

• May 07, 2023

Exploring the Travel Restrictions in Miami Dade County: What You Need to Know

• Sep 26, 2023

Essential Items for Attending a Korean Wedding: What to Pack

• Dec 22, 2023

11 Fun Things to Do in Orange County NY That You Don't Want to Miss

• May 19, 2023

HIV-related travel restrictions

• Press release
• Personal stories
• Infographic

With Gift Aid, your generous donation of £ 10 would be worth £ 12.50 at no extra cost to you.

I am a UK taxpayer and I understand that if I pay less Income and /or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in the relevant tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

In our 35th year we’re asking people to donate £35 – that’s just £1 for every year we’ve been providing life-changing information. Any donation you make helps us continue our work towards a world where HIV is no longer a threat to health or happiness.

• £5 allows us to reach millions of people globally with accurate and reliable resources about HIV prevention and treatment.
• £10 helps us produce news and bulletins on the latest developments in HIV for healthcare staff around the world.
• £35 means we can empower more people living with HIV to challenge stigma with our information workshops, videos and broadcasts.

Travel restrictions for people with HIV

• A number of countries restrict the entry and/or residence of people with HIV.
• Tourism or business trips are generally possible, even in countries with entry bans.
• Long-term restrictions related to work or study permits are strictly enforced.
• Undetectability is never taken into account.

Some countries limit entry for people with HIV. However, the number of countries restricting travel by people with HIV has reduced in recent years. Short-term trips usually have fewer restrictions and checks may be less consistently carried out. The rules tend to be more strictly enforced for longer-term stays, such as those requiring a work visa.

Can I travel if I am living with HIV?

Yes. Many countries clearly state that your HIV status will not affect whether you can visit, stay, or work. Most countries do not require any type of medical tests for short-term or long-term stays.

However, there are still some countries which do limit entry for people living with HIV. A small number of these have an entry ban. This means that if you travel to these countries and you are living with HIV, you might not be allowed to enter.

In other countries, restrictions only apply to longer stays. You might be allowed to enter for a short time (such as for a holiday), but not be allowed to work or live there. In these countries, you may have to take an HIV test or declare your HIV status when applying for a visa or residency permit. In some cases, you might not be asked for information about HIV, but if you are found to have HIV you could be deported (made to leave).

Travel restrictions for people living with HIV are complex and they change from country to country.  Not all countries have specific immigration laws relating to HIV, but declaring your HIV status can still sometimes cause issues. 

Travel restrictions apply even if you have an undetectable viral load. 

Which countries have HIV travel restrictions?

This page has general guidance on current regulations across different continents, based on information from the website www.hivtravel.org . This is provided by Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe, the European AIDS Treatment Group and the International AIDS Society.

Please note that the regulations may have changed since the time of writing. Before you make any travel plans, including to live or work abroad, we recommend you check the www.hivtravel.org website for up-to-date details by country. There is also a feedback form for those who need additional advice or have information to improve the site.

North America

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to North America.

In the US, people entering with prescription medication, including HIV medication , need to carry a doctor’s certificate in English, stating that the drugs are required to treat a personal condition.

Find out more: Travelling with HIV medication

In Canada, you have to take an HIV test if you plan to stay for more than six months. All long-term visitors are assessed in terms of how much ‘excessive demand’ they might put on the Canadian health service. A cost of more than CA$24,057 a year is considered ‘excessive’, but the cost of many publicly funded HIV medications is less than this amount.

Central and South America

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to Central and South America.

There are restrictions on long-term stays in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Paraguay. In Paraguay, for example, those travelling to the country because they want to apply for permanent residency have to take an HIV test. A residence permit won’t be granted if the test is positive, unless you can pay for your treatment yourself.

For Aruba, Belize, Nicaragua, and Suriname, the regulations are unclear or inconclusive. Contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to the Caribbean.

Cuba, the Dominican Republic, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos, and the Virgin Islands all have restrictions on long-term stays. For example, in St Vincent and the Grenadines, work permits are not renewed in the case of a positive HIV test result and HIV-positive foreigners have no access to treatment and services.

In the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis and St Vincent and the Grenadines, regulations are unclear or inconclusive. No information is available for Bermuda. Contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

Sub-Saharan Africa

There are generally few restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to sub-Saharan Africa. However, in Equatorial Guinea, you may have to present an HIV test certificate. If you are HIV positive you might be refused entry or deported.

The following countries have restrictions on long-term stays: Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Sudan.

Regulations are unclear or inconclusive in Angola and there is no information available for São Tomé and Prinicipe. Contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

North Africa and the Middle East

Most of the countries that restrict entry based on HIV status are in North Africa and the Middle East.

Living with HIV may mean you are not allowed to enter Jordan, Iran, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, or Yemen, even for a short stay. However, there are no restrictions if you’re passing through Dubai in transit as an airline passenger.

Countries with restrictions, or potential restrictions, on long-term stays include Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Tunisia. Almost all these countries will also deport people based on their HIV status.

Note that regulations are unclear or inconclusive in Iran, Qatar, and Tunisia. You are advised to contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

Western, northern and southern Europe

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to western, northern, or southern Europe.

In Cyprus, people from outside the EU who are applying for a temporary residence permit have to prove they don’t have HIV before a permit will be issued. However, this rule doesn't apply to diplomatic personnel and high-ranking company employees.

Central and eastern Europe

In Russia, no HIV testing is required for short-term tourist stays (up to three months), but foreign residents found to be HIV positive are expelled. You are required to present a negative HIV test result for a stay longer than three months, or if you are using a multi-entry visa.

"Travel restrictions for people living with HIV are complex and they change from country to country."

In Bosnia and Azerbaijan, there are restrictions on long-term stays, and in Slovakia, people from outside the EU applying for a temporary residence permit have to prove they don’t have HIV before one is issued.

In Hungary, you have to report your HIV status when applying for a residence permit. However, being HIV positive can’t be used as a reason for denying your permit application.

Central Asia

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan all have restrictions on long-term visits, but the rules are unclear or inconclusive. Contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to east Asia.

China used to ban short-term visitors with HIV, but it doesn’t anymore. However, the website www.hivtravel.org recommends that you don’t declare your status on visa application forms. It also advises that you should be careful with voluntary status declarations, such as wearing red ribbons. An HIV test is required for work and study visa applications of more than six months. However, Hong Kong and Macau have separate entry and visa regulations without any restrictions.

The only country in east Asia that deports people because of their HIV status is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).

South and south-east Asia

There are generally few restrictions on entry and short-term stays for people living with HIV travelling to south and south-east Asia.

However, people living with HIV are not allowed to enter Brunei and people who are found to be HIV positive can be deported. In Bhutan, you have to present the results of an HIV test that was taken in the six months before your visit if you want to stay longer than two weeks. People who test positive may be deported.

In the Maldives, Malaysia, and Singapore there are restrictions on longer-term stays.

The regulations in Malaysia and Sri Lanka are unclear or inconclusive. Contact their respective embassies prior to travelling for guidance.

For entry and short-term stays, there are generally no restrictions for people living with HIV travelling to Oceania. The exceptions to this are the Solomon Islands, where entry may be denied on the basis of HIV status, and the Marshall Islands, where HIV testing is required for temporary visitors staying more than 30 days.

In Australia, all long-term visa applicants over the age of 15 have to take an HIV test. For those under 15, an HIV test might also be carried out if you have a history of blood transfusions, your mother is living with HIV, or there is a medical sign that you might be living with HIV.

Long-term visa applicants who have any long-term health condition, including HIV, are considered according to how much they might cost the Australian health system. Information on this can be found on the Australian government’s website.

In New Zealand, people with HIV are assessed on a ‘case by case’ basis. If you are living with HIV and in a ‘long-term stable relationship’ with a New Zealand citizen, you will be granted an automatic medical waiver. This means your HIV status isn’t considered as part of your application for a visa or residency permit.

The following countries also have restrictions on long-term stays: Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands.

In the Solomon Islands and Tonga, the regulations are unclear or inconclusive. For French Polynesia and Kiribati there is no information available on travel restrictions relating to HIV status. Contact their respective embassies for guidance before travelling.

Can I travel into a country with entry restrictions?

If you’re living with HIV and you decide to travel to a country that does have entry restrictions you may be refused entry or deported. Some countries will offer waivers that let you visit in certain circumstances, such as if the trip is to visit family members, but they can be difficult to get.

Travel restrictions for people with HIV can change quickly and so they need to be checked before any trip. In countries where restrictions have been recently changed, you should take extra caution discussing your HIV status.

If you’re living with HIV you might have travelled into a country when a travel ban was in place. In this case, it’s important to know that there is still a risk of being deported even if the travel ban has now been lifted. This could happen if there was proof you knew your HIV status and still entered the country. In this case, you could be deported for breaking the law.

Can I travel with PrEP medication?

We are not aware of any countries that ban people who are travelling with PrEP. However, most countries limit the amount of prescription medication you can travel with. Usually, you will be able to take enough medication for up to a three-month stay. But should always check the rules for the countries you are travelling to and from, as some have stricter rules. It’s usually a good idea to bring your prescription with you .

If a country has entry restrictions for people with HIV, travelling with PrEP might cause problems. This is because customs officials might think the medication is for treating HIV. In extreme cases, it could even mean you are deported (made to leave the country). A letter from your doctor explaining PrEP is for HIV prevention might help.

Other useful information

When you contact an embassy or consulate to ask about travel restrictions, you can keep your name or HIV status anonymous. For British Overseas Territories, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website is a good place to start.

It may be helpful to contact an HIV organisation in the country you are travelling to and ask them for information.

There is more information about accessing HIV services and medication in some European and central Asian countries on the Stay on ART website.

You might also find the following pages useful:

• Travelling with HIV medication
• Travel insurance for people with HIV
• HIV and travel
• HIV criminalisation laws around the world

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• COVID-19 Vaccines
• Occupational Therapy
• Healthy Aging
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Which Countries Restrict Travel to People With HIV?

It was only in 2010 that the United States finally lifted its 22-year ban on travelers with HIV , a law that prohibited all infected persons from obtaining tourist visas or permanent residence status in the U.S.. The order, initiated by George H.W. Bush in 2008, was made official by Barack Obama on January 4, 2010.

While efforts are being made to end similar laws throughout the world, the Global Database on HIV-Specific Travel & Residence Restrictions (a joint European initiative published by the International AIDS Society) reports that as of 2023, 56 out of 200 countries are known to have entry regulations for people living with HIV, and seven of these countries will categorically refuse entry without exception. In some of these countries, entry may be allowed, but there are restrictions depending on the length of stay. For example, 54 countries have restrictions on stays over 90 days (student and work visas); whereas less than 10 countries have laws that can affect travelers visiting for less than 90 days (tourists). Furthermore, 18 of these countries will deport visitors discovered to have HIV.

HIV Travel Restrictions in Practice

It is important to note, however, that there is often a lack of clarity about these laws, with some either not addressing HIV directly (describing only "infectious disease" concerns) or not enforcing the laws all that stringently, if at all. As such, the assessments provided below are couched in terms that best reflect whether an action "will," "can" or "may" take place.

Similarly, there is a lack of clarity about the import of antiretroviral drugs —whether the drugs are allowed for personal use; how much can be brought in if they are permitted; or if possession of such constitutes the right to deny entry.

For these reasons, it is advised that you always speak with the consulate or embassy of any of the listed destinations if you plan to visit.

Countries With Restrictions for People Living with HIV

Algeria (>90 days)

Aruba (>90 days)

Australia (>90 days)

Azerbaidjan (>90 days)

Bahrain (>90 days)

Belize (>90 days)

Bhutan (>2 weeks)

Bosnia Herzegovina (>90 days)

Brunei (no entry, will deport)

Cayman Islands (>90 days)

China (>90 days, will deport)

Cuba (>90 days)

Cyprus (>90 days)

Dominican Republic (>90 days)

Egypt (>90 days, will deport)

Equatorial Guinea (no entry, will deport)

Honduras (>90 days)

Iran (>90 days)

Iraq (>10 days, possible deportation)

Israel (>90 days)

Jordan (no entry, will deport)

Kazakhstan (>90 days)

Kuwait (>90 days, will deport)

Kyrgyzstan (>60 days)

Lebanon (>90 days, will deport)

Malaysia (>90 days, will deport)

Marshall Islands (>30 days)

Mauritius (>90 days)

Montserrat (>90 days)

Nicaragua (>90 days)

North Korea (will deport)

Oman (>90 days, will deport)

Papua New Guinea (>6 months)

Paraguay (>90 days)

Qatar (>1 month, will deport)

Russia (>90 days, will deport)

Samoa (>90 days)

Saudi Arabia (>90 days, will deport)

Seychelles (>90 days)

Singapore (>90 days)

Slovakia (>90 days)

Solomon Islands (no entry, will deport)

St. Kitts and Nevis (>90 days)

St. Vincent and Grenadines (>90 days)

Sudan (>90 days)

Suriname (entry restrictions)

Syria (>90 days, will deport)

Tonga (>90 days)

Tunisia (>30 days)

Turks and Caicos Islands (>90 days)

United Arab Emirates (UAE) (no entry, will deport)

Uzbekistan (>90 days)

Virgin Islands (>90 days)

Yemen (no entry, will deport)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Medical examination of aliens—Removal of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection from definition of communicable disease of public health significance. Final rule . Fed Regist.  2009;74:56547–56562.

The Global Database on HIV-Specific Travel & Residence Restrictions. Regulations on entry, stay and residence for PLHIV .

By James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, MD Dr. Sifris is an HIV specialist and Medical Director of LifeSense Disease Management. Myhre is a journalist and HIV educator.

Traveling with HIV

Get tailored information about your risk and learn how to protect yourself.

Download resources from the Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign.

• HIV by Group
• HIV Risk and Prevention
• HIV Nexus: Resources for Clinicians
• HIV Public Health Partners
• HIV Resource Library
• HIV Statistics Center
• About the Division of HIV Prevention
• VIH en Español
• @StopHIVTogether
• Get Email Updates
• Send Feedback

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

• Section 10 - African Safaris
• Section 10 - Saudi Arabia: Hajj & Umrah Pilgrimages

CDC Yellow Book 2024

Author(s): Noha Farag

Destination Overview

Infectious disease risks, environmental hazards & risks, safety & security, availability & quality of medical care.

The Arab Republic of Egypt covers a land area of approximately 1 million km2, the same size as Texas and New Mexico combined; >95% of the country is desert. With an estimated 106 million people, Egypt accounts for one-fourth of the Arab world’s population. Egypt has long been considered the cradle of civilization and may be the oldest tourist destination on earth. Throughout the world, Egypt is synonymous with the legends of the Pharaohs, the Great Pyramids, treasure-laden tombs, and hieroglyphs. Travelers visit Egypt to see ancient monuments and timeless river vistas along the Nile Valley. Egypt possesses one-third of the world’s monuments and is considered “the Mother of the World” by Arabs.

A typical visit to Egypt includes arrival in the capital city of Cairo, one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East, with a population of approximately 22 million. Cairo today is a modern, cosmopolitan mix of Arab, African, and European influences. Travelers generally spend at least a few days in Cairo seeing the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (where the mummies are now housed), Pyramids at Giza, Citadel and Mosque of Al-Azhar, and Khan al-Khalili bazaar.

Most travelers include an Upper Nile River cruise as part of their itineraries (see Box 10-04 ). Egypt is a beach destination, with thousands of miles of Mediterranean and Red Sea coastlines. Alexandria, Egypt’s second largest city, with 5.5 million people, is located on the Mediterranean Sea and has a string of beaches and seafood restaurants. The World War II battlefield of El-Alamein lies along the Mediterranean coast, and divers will find an array of sunken cities and wartime wrecks to explore offshore. For a truly relaxing beach vacation, travelers can visit one of the many resorts along the North Coast referred to as “Sahel.” The resorts offer a wide array of very private secluded beaches as well as beaches with an active night life scene.

Egypt’s Red Sea coast has reefs offshore, with diving and snorkeling traditionally centered in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Edged by coral reefs and teeming with tropical fish, the Sinai Peninsula has excellent diving, snorkeling, and beaches; Sharm El Sheikh is the most developed and visited area of the Sinai. Visits to Mount Sinai (7,497 ft [2,285 m] above sea level) and Saint Catherine’s Monastery in the mountainous interior are popular destinations, especially with religious pilgrims. Adventure travelers favor desert jeep safaris and camel treks to remote oases and spectacular wadis . Travelers start in Cairo or Assyut and follow the “Great Desert Circuit” through four oases and the White Desert.

Map 10-15: Egypt

View Larger Figure

In addition to being up to date on routine vaccines, travelers to Egypt should obtain hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. Detailed Egypt-specific travel advice can be found on the Egypt destination page .

Enteric Infections & Diseases

Hepatitis a.

Hepatitis A virus (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 7, Hepatitis A ) is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Those who are fully vaccinated against hepatitis A have lower risk of infection. Instruct travelers to follow food and water safety precautions (see Sec. 2, Ch. 8, Food & Water Precautions ).

Travelers' Diarrhea

In most large international tourist hotels, the tap water is adequately chlorinated, but bottled water is generally provided for drinking. Tap water is not safe to drink outside of international tourist hotels because it might come from private water tanks not audited by the Ministry of Health. Eating thoroughly cooked meat and vegetables in tourist hotels, on Nile River cruise ships, and in tourist restaurants is generally safe. Eating raw or undercooked ground meat or shellfish should be avoided. As in many developing countries, the safety of uncooked vegetables and salads is questionable. The risk of travelers’ diarrhea in Egypt is high. Travelers affected by travelers’ diarrhea should hydrate to replace lost body fluids and minerals and use antimotility medications (e.g., loperamide). Clinicians could consider prescribing an antibiotic for travelers to Egypt to empirically self-treat travelers’ diarrhea (see Sec. 2, Ch. 6, Travelers’ Diarrhea ).

Respiratory Infections & Diseases

Coronavirus disease 2019.

All travelers going to Egypt should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines .

Sexually Transmitted Infections & HIV

Although the reported prevalence of HIV in Egypt is low, following standard precautions for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases is always advised. Egypt has historically had an alarmingly high prevalence of hepatitis C. However, in 2014 Egypt launched an intensive national elimination campaign that has led to a significant reduction in the prevalence of hepatitis C.

Soil- & Waterborne Infections

Schistosomiasis.

Egypt implemented a campaign to eliminate Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium, which were endemic. Although Egypt has made significant progress towards eliminating schistosomiasis, travelers should avoid wading, swimming, or other contact with freshwater, including the Nile River and irrigation canals. Swimming in saline pools of desert oases, chlorinated swimming pools, the Mediterranean Sea, or the Red Sea does not pose a risk for acquiring schistosomiasis (see Sec. 5, Part 3, Ch. 20, Schistosomiasis ).

Vectorborne Diseases

Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be problematic for travelers. Avoiding insect bites will prevent local discomfort and irritation and reduce the risk of vectorborne diseases (see Sec. 4, Ch. 6, Mosquitoes, Ticks & Other Arthropods ). Consider vectorborne diseases in the differential diagnosis of travelers with fever returning from Egypt (see Sec. 11, Ch. 4, Fever in the Returned Traveler ).

Dengue & West Nile virus

Dengue (see see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 4, Dengue ) has been reported rarely in travelers who visited Egypt. Although some studies indicate that West Nile virus transmission is widely distributed, infections in returning travelers appear to be rare.

Isolated local transmission of malaria was last reported in Aswan Governorate in 2014. Although CDC does not recommend malaria prophylaxis for people going to Egypt, travelers should practice insect bite precautions.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in Egypt. Egypt does, however, require travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for yellow fever virus transmission to provide proof of vaccination against this disease. For more details, seeSec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 26, Yellow Fever , Sec. 2, Ch. 5, Yellow Fever Vaccine & Malaria Prevention Information, by Country , and International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) .

Animal Bites & Rabies

As in most other low-income countries, rabies is endemic throughout Egypt. For most travelers on a package tour, the risk will be minimal. However, travelers should be aware there are large numbers of stray dogs and cats in urban and tourist areas and are thus advised to avoid contact with all animals, wild, feral, and domestic. Rabies vaccine is available in Egypt for preexposure and postexposure prophylaxis; human rabies immune globulin is also available (see Sec. 5, Part 2, Ch. 18, Rabies ). Shark attacks are rare in the Red Sea; however, sporadic incidents have been reported, including two attacks in 2020 and two in 2022.

Climate & Sun Exposure

Temperature and weather conditions vary widely in Egypt. The desert is extremely hot in summer (>100°F; >38°C) and can be cold in winter (<32°F; <0°C). Thirst is a late indicator of dehydration, and travelers should drink fluids regularly in the heat (see Sec. 4, Ch. 1, Extremes of Temperature ). Because sweat evaporates immediately, people can become dehydrated without realizing it. Travelers who are elderly or take diuretic, anticholinergic, or neuroleptic medications are at increased risk of heat-associated illnesses. To stay cool and protect themselves from sun exposure, travelers should wear a hat and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, as well as use sunscreen.

Sandstorms occur sporadically in the desert. Desert sand, dust, and smog can cause eye irritation and exacerbate asthma or other lung disorders (see Sec. 4, Ch. 3, Air Quality & Ionizing Radiation ). Travelers who wear contact lenses should ensure to pack eyeglasses and contact lens care supplies.

The majority of criminal acts in Egypt are crimes of opportunity such as purse snatching and pickpocketing. Travelers should be alert to being overcharged for various services and for being victimized in scams common to tourist destinations worldwide. The Department of State advises against travel to Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of air travel to Sharm El Sheikh), the Western Desert, and border areas due to risk of terrorism. Military and police road checkpoints are common, and security services enforce official travel restrictions. Travelers should check the US Department of State Egypt International Travel Information for up-to-date information on travel restrictions and safety precautions before travel.

Traffic-Related Injuries

Traffic incidents are common in Egypt due to overcrowded roads and reckless driving. Travelers should wear seat belts at all times (see Sec. 8, Ch. 5, Road & Traffic Safety ). Pedestrians should be very careful because traffic rules are different in Egypt and pedestrians do not have right of way when in a crosswalk.

Hotels in Egypt are required by law to have an onsite clinic and resident physician. If further clinical care is required, the traveler would be referred to a hospital. Hospitals are available throughout the metropolitan areas. Most medications are available without a prescription; however, travelers should bring an adequate supply of any routine prescription medications (see Sec. 6, Ch. 3, . . . perspectives: Avoiding Poorly Regulated Medicines & Medical Products During Travel ).

Box 10-04. Nile River cruises

Nile River cruises are usually 3–7-day trips to Aswan and Luxor. Approximately 200 riverboats are based on the Nile, and the average boat accommodates 120 passengers. The largest boats accommodate upwards of 300 passengers; chartered yachts might have just a few cabins. Riverboats have a range of accommodations from basic to 5-star luxury, and nights aboard are generally spent cruising from one port to the next while enjoying the passing riverside scenes of ancient villages, minarets, traditional feluccas (small boats), and farmers in galabiyas (traditional dress worn by farmers).

When travelers disembark they can visit the High Dam and Philae Temple in Aswan or Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor. The temples of Edfu, Esna, and Kom Ombo are all a must-see.

Generally, the Nile is a slow, smooth river. The combination of diesel fuel, heat, and motion can, however, cause distress for travelers. Most travelers do not consider the possibility of motion sickness on a river, so they are unprepared. Onboard medical services vary greatly. Travelers who know that they are sensitive to motion should carry motion sickness medication (see Yellow Book chapter, Motion Sickness). It is also important to keep in mind that the living conditions on river cruises worldwide, not only in Egypt, could be associated with spread of highly infectious diseases. Examples of this were seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, when cruise ships served as foci for spread of the virus not only on the cruise ship but onward transmission globally.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Ann M. Buff and Erik J. Reaves

Bibliography

Guagliardo, Sarah Anne J, et al. COVID-19 on the Nile: A Cross-Sectional Investigation of COVID-19 among Nile River Cruise Travellers Returning to the United States, February–March 2020. Journal of Travel Medicine, 29 Dec. 2022, 10.1093/jtm/taac153.

Hassanin a, Kamel S, Waked I, Fort M. Egypt’s ambitious strategy to eliminate hepatitis C virus: a case study. Glob Health Sci Pract. 2021;9(1):187–200.

HIV, Global Hepatitis And Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes. Criteria for Validation of Elimination of Viral Hepatitis B and C: Report of 7 Country Pilots . 1 Sept. 2022, www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240055292.

Saifullin MA, Laritchev, VP, Grigorieva YE, Zvereva NN, Domkina AM, Saifullin RF, Bazarova MV, et al. Two cases of Dengue Fever imported from Egypt to Russsia, 2017. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2018; 24 (4): 813-814.

Selim A, Radwan A, Arnaout F. Seroprevalence and molecular characterization of West Nile virus in Egypt. Comparative Immunology, Microbiology, and Infectious Diseases. Vol 71; 2020, 101473.

Yameny AA. The evolving schistosomiasis agenda 2017–2020 in Egypt: moving from control toward final elimination. J Biosci Appl Res. 2017; 3(2);48–54.           

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• About UNAIDS
• Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026
• United Nations declarations and goals
• UNAIDS governance
• UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board
• Results and transparency portal
• UNAIDS Cosponsors
• UNAIDS ambassadors and global advocates
• UNAIDS leadership
• UNAIDS evaluation office
• UNAIDS ethics office
• UNAIDS transformation
• Community pandemic response
• Education Plus Initiative
• Global alliance to end AIDS in children
• Equal access to cutting edge HIV technologies
• Save lives: Decriminalize
• Global council on inequality, AIDS and pandemics
• Resources and financing
• War in Ukraine
• Global HIV Prevention Coalition
• Global Partnership to Eliminate Stigma and Discrimination

COVID-19 and HIV

• 2025 AIDS targets
• AIDS and SDGs
• Community mobilization
• Fast-Track cities
• H6 partnership
• HIV prevention
• HIV treatment
• Human rights
• Key populations
• Private sector and the AIDS response
• Security and humanitarian affairs
• Social protection
• Universal health coverage
• Young people
• Press centre
• Publications
• Infographics
• FAQ on HIV and AIDS
• World AIDS Day
• Zero Discrimination Day
• Latest data on HIV
• Data on key populations
• Laws and policies
• HIV financial resources
• Technical Support Mechanism
• Learn about HIV and AIDS
• Take action
• Become a donor
• Investment Book

Feature Story

Feature story

Unaids supporting people stranded in egypt to access hiv treatment.

29 June 2020

Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have been stranded abroad due to the bans on fli

Hundreds of thousands of people around the world have been stranded abroad due to the bans on flights and border closures imposed to stop COVID-19. As elsewhere, thousands of non-nationals have been stranded in Egypt indefinitely.

Travel restrictions have had many repercussions on the daily lives of non-nationals, putting significant economic pressure on them and potentially putting their well-being at risk.  

The UNAIDS Country Office for Egypt has been working on COVID-19 from the start of the pandemic in the country, establishing a direct line of communication with the National AIDS Program and working with it to ensure the continuation of HIV treatment by everyone on it and to help non-nationals in Egypt to get supplies of antiretroviral therapy.

Sophia Bianchi (not her real name) is an Italian tourist stranded in Sharm El Sheikh. “I ordered my antiretroviral treatment in late April from Italy via a courier service. Unfortunately, the shipment was stuck at the airport customs in Cairo for weeks. I contacted UNAIDS and they have been very helpful, following up daily with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population to get approval for releasing the shipment and checking on me and my health. They kept pushing through the Eid holidays and it all got resolved in two weeks. It was a stressful time but now I am relieved,” she said.

Antiretroviral therapy is available in Egypt free of charge to all nationals and registered refugees. However, as there is no community-based dispensing, nor private market purchase of antiretroviral medicines, gaps remain in ensuring that non-nationals can access treatment. For this reason, UNAIDS’ work during the COVID-19 pandemic has been essential in bridging the gaps.

There are strict rules on the dispensing of antiretroviral therapy in Egypt—only close family members are able to collect it from the dispensing centre. For Fatima Ahmed (not her real name), a refugee from Yemen who because of chronic illnesses that put her at higher risk from COVID-19 cannot leave her house, this was a significant barrier to accessing her HIV treatment. UNAIDS got in contact with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population to get an exceptional approval to dispense her medicine through a nongovernmental organization.

“I have not left the house for more than three months. My family has not been able to support me financially, so I was left without revenue. Thanks to the support of the National AIDS Program and MENA Rosa, a nongovernmental organization, peer supporters have delivered three months of antiretroviral treatment to my doorstep,” said Ms Ahmed.

However, much still remains to be done in reaching out to the most in need in Egypt. UNAIDS in Egypt has been advocating for the right to health and universal health coverage for everyone and is working in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population to ensure treatment for all nationals and non-nationals in the country.

“We believe in the absolute right of everyone to have access to their basic right to health. Ensuring access to antiretroviral therapy during these exceptional times is therefore our upmost priority. We are working relentlessly with our governmental and nongovernmental partners to build long-term policies to ensure treatment and care services for people living with HIV during times of emergency,” said Walid Kamal, the UNAIDS Country Director for Egypt. 

Region/country

• Middle East and North Africa

Haiti’s crisis exacerbates vulnerability of people living with and affected by HIV. UNAIDS committed to continuing to provide support to people in need.

27 March 2024

Guayaquil joins the worldwide group of cities committed to ending the HIV epidemic

15 March 2024

Invest in women and girls’ education and health rights to end AIDS in Africa

11 March 2024

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Glob Health Action

HIV-related travel restrictions: trends and country characteristics

Felicia chang.

1 Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

Helen Prytherch

Robin c. nesbitt, annelies wilder-smith.

2 Program of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore

3 Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Introduction

Increasingly, HIV-seropositive individuals cross international borders. HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, and residence imposed by countries have important consequences for this mobile population. Our aim was to describe the geographical distribution of countries with travel restrictions and to examine the trends and characteristics of countries with such restrictions.

In 2011, data presented to UNAIDS were used to establish a list of countries with and without HIV restrictions on entry, stay, and residence and to describe their geographical distribution. The following indicators were investigated to describe the country characteristics: population at mid-year, international migrants as a percentage of the population, Human Development Index, estimated HIV prevalence (age: 15–49), presence of a policy prohibiting HIV screening for general employment purposes, government and civil society responses to having non-discrimination laws/regulations which specify migrants/mobile populations, government and civil society responses to having laws/regulations/policies that present obstacles to effective HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support for migrants/mobile populations, Corruption Perception Index, and gross national income per capita.

HIV-related restrictions exist in 45 out of 193 WHO countries (23%) in all regions of the world. We found that the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific Regions have the highest proportions of countries with these restrictions. Our analyses showed that countries that have opted for restrictions have the following characteristics: smaller populations, higher proportions of migrants in the population, lower HIV prevalence rates, and lack of legislation protecting people living with HIV from screening for employment purposes, compared with countries without restrictions.

Countries with a high proportion of international migrants tend to have travel restrictions – a finding that is relevant to migrant populations and travel medicine providers alike. Despite international pressure to remove travel restrictions, many countries continue to implement these restrictions for HIV-positive individuals on entry and stay. Since 2010, the United States and China have engaged in high profile removals. This may be indicative of an increasing trend, facilitated by various factors, including international advocacy and the setting of a UNAIDS goal to halve the number of countries with restrictions by 2015.

According to the UNAIDS report of 2012, globally 34 million (31.4–35.9 million) people were living with HIV at the end of 2011 ( 1 ). Worldwide, an estimated 0.8% of adults aged 15–49 years are living with HIV, although the burden of the epidemic continues to vary considerably between countries and regions ( 1 ). Improved global access to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) is enabling more persons living with HIV (PLWHIV) to live longer and have more productive lives ( 1 ). Increasingly, PLWHIV engage in international travel. Information on the exact numbers, demographics, and motivations of PLWHIV who cross international borders is limited, but it suggests that mobility is common and is of increased importance ( 2 – 4 ). At the same time, the complexity of mobile population dynamics between countries and regions is also increasing. These dynamics may also have an impact on the epidemiology of HIV ( 2 , 4 , 5 ).

Travel restrictions for HIV-positive individuals were generally adopted by governments in the early years of the epidemic when little was known about the disease and when there was great fear regarding its spread ( 6 – 8 ). Governments believed that controlling national borders could protect the health of their citizens by preventing the spread of the virus into the country and/or could moderate financial and systematic costs for treatment, care, and support of HIV-positive foreigners ( 6 – 10 ). Previously, the restrictions were termed ‘HIV travel restrictions’; however, due to the growing awareness that their scope reaches far beyond travel, they are now commonly referred to as ‘HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, and residence’ ( 7 ). Hereafter, they will be referred to as ‘HIV-related restrictions’ or simply ‘restrictions’. The focus of this study is on restrictions that regulate entry, stay, or residence in a country solely on the basis of HIV status. These are typically manifested as laws or administrative instructions that require people to indicate their HIV-free status before entering or to remain in a country ( 10 , 11 ). Table 1 summarizes the general procedures and potential outcomes of the restrictions.

Summary of the features of HIV-related restrictions at different stages of the travel or immigration process and the outcome of testing positive for the HIV virus

Adapted from the UNAIDS Report of the International Task Team on HIV-related Travel Restrictions. Geneva 2008 ( 10 ).

These outcomes can be applied individually or in combination.

Testing for HIV status under these circumstances differs greatly from testing or screening for health promotion and disease prevention purposes that are intended to identify and benefit persons who test positive ( 12 , 13 ). Testing associated with HIV restrictions has been compared to mandatory testing, compulsory or conditional screening, and prohibitive pre-employment testing ( 10 – 12 , 14 – 16 ). International organizations and public health professionals have historically opposed these restrictions, stating that they are impractical ( 6 , 13 ) and ineffective ( 6 ), they promote stigma and discrimination ( 7 ), and violate human rights ( 7 , 12 ).

HIV restrictions are a multidisciplinary and transnational issue ( 17 , 18 ). The lack of easily available information on such restrictions has reduced the likelihood of HIV-positive populations being forewarned about them ( 2 , 10 ). Travel medicine practitioners often lack information to provide up-to-date advice to travelers. Migrant workers may face denial of entry.

Our aim was to describe the situation of such restrictions as of 2011 in a comprehensive overview for travel medicine practitioners and public health professionals who work with mobile populations. In addition, we sought to understand and describe the geographical distribution of countries with restrictions, to identify and examine the trends of such restrictions over time, and to investigate the characteristics of the countries concerned.

We analyzed 193 World Health Organization (WHO) member states as defined in June 2011 ( 19 ). Countries were grouped according to the WHO regional categories ( 20 ). Reports published by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), International Task Team on HIV-related Travel Restrictions, and Human Rights and Law Teams were also used to identify countries with restrictions and the nature of the restrictions ( 21 – 23 ). The countries identified in these documents were based on information from the Global Database on HIV-Specific Travel & Residence Restrictions ( 24 ) that governments were given the opportunity to verify ( 23 ). A world map template was modified to display the countries with restrictions.

We selected nine indicators based on their considered relevance to the topic of HIV restrictions. All data were extracted from already standardized data sets from reputable organizations: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank, International Labour Organization (ILO), Transparency International and Ministries of health ( 25 – 31 ). Data from more recent years (2009–2010) were taken in preference to data from earlier years. Where pre-dated data were used, a note was made in the dataset.

The following indicators were investigated to describe the country characteristics: population at mid-year (in thousands), international migrants as a percentage of the population, Human Development Index (HDI), estimated HIV prevalence (age: 15–49), presence of a policy prohibiting HIV screening for general employment purposes (Yes/No), government and civil society responses to having non-discrimination laws/regulations which specify migrants/mobile populations (Yes/No), government and civil society responses to having laws/regulations/policies that present obstacles to effective HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support for migrants/mobile populations (Yes/No), Corruption Perception Index (CPI), gross national income per capita, and the Atlas method (current US$).

All available data were imported from Microsoft Excel to STATA statistical software (Version 12.0; Stata Corporation, College Station, Texas, USA) for analysis between groups of countries ‘with restrictions’ and ‘without restrictions’. Data for GNI per capita and HDI were further classified according to World Bank and UNDP categories ( 32 , 33 ).

We compared countries with HIV restrictions to countries without restrictions using χ 2 tests for categorical variables, and Mann–Whitney U tests for continuous variables.

Restrictions were present in 45 of 193 WHO countries (23%; Fig. 1 ). The majority of the countries (37 countries, 82%) with restrictions were found in the Eastern Mediterranean, Western Pacific, and European Regions. The Eastern Mediterranean has the highest percentage of countries with restrictions (62%) when taking into consideration the total number of WHO countries in the region ( Fig. 2 ). Fifty-eight percent of the countries with restrictions were in the high or very high category on the Human Development Index, 32% were in the medium category, and 11% were in the low category. Thirty-three percent of the countries with restrictions were in the high category by income, 20% were in the upper middle category, 40% were in the lower middle category, and 7% were in the low category.

Status of HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, and residence in 193 member states of the World Health Organization in June 2011.

*Countries with no information were not reported in the UNAIDS survey (Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Niger, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Bahamas, Bolivia, Honduras, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Afghanistan, Germany, Bhutan, Timor-Leste, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Tuvalu). It is uncertain whether these member states were checked for restrictions and evidence was inconclusive, or whether they were not checked for restrictions during the survey.

**This includes associate members; states and member states with observer status and diplomatic recognition.

Intraregional percentages for the distribution of the 43 countries with restrictions.

Percentage of countries within each region with restrictions, denominator is the total number of countries in each region.

Of the countries with restrictions, it was further noted that only 21 countries provide clear information regarding the stage of the travel or migratory process at which the verification of status is needed. Five countries (1.1% of all WHO countries with restrictions) require declaration of HIV status or discretionary approval (including waivers) for entry/any length of stay, four countries (0.09% of all WHO countries with restrictions) deny applications for entry by HIV-positive people for stays as short as 10 days up to 90 days, and 21 countries (47% of all WHO countries with restrictions) deport foreigners once HIV-positive status is known.

Table 2 shows countries that have made changes to restrictions between 2008 and 2011. Of the countries that removed restrictions, four were from Europe (Armenia, Georgia, Poland, and Ukraine), three were from the Americas (United States of America, Ecuador, and Panama), two each were from the Western Pacific (China and Micronesia) and Southeast Asia (Bangladesh and India), and one each from Africa (Namibia) and the Eastern Mediterranean (Tunisia).

Countries that were removed or added to UNAIDS listings between 2008 and 2011

Tables 3 and ​ and4 4 summarize the characteristics of countries with HIV-related restrictions. Countries with restrictions had a lower median mid-year population, lower estimated median HIV prevalence (age: 15–49), and a higher median percentage of the population as international migrants than countries without HIV-related restrictions. A higher proportion of countries without restrictions also had policies prohibiting HIV screening for general employment purposes than countries with restrictions.

Quantitative indicators in countries with and without HIV-related travel restrictions

Qualitative indicators in countries with and without HIV-related restrictions

HIV restrictions are present in 23% of WHO countries. Overall, there appears to have been little change in the total number of countries with restrictions in the past 20 years. Previous reports estimate 50–60 countries with restrictions in 1989 and 1991 ( 6 , 34 ), and 17 countries in Europe in 2010 ( 35 ), which is comparable to our findings. Given this apparently small overall variation in the past 20 years, the removal of 13 countries between 2008 and 2011 is a notable change. However, it is difficult to make concrete statements regarding trends in the number of countries with restrictions, due to the ambiguity of definitions ( 6 , 23 , 24 ), and lack of data ( 21 – 23 ). Despite this, some observations can be made that may provide insights into the developments related to the removal of these restrictions. The first is that two of the countries that removed the restrictions are highly influential at the international level: the United States and China. The second is that the elimination of the recent restrictions has been publicly praised by key actors, such as the UN Secretary General, and is seen as an example for other countries to follow ( 36 ). The third is that the removal of the restrictions has increased in importance on the international HIV and AIDS agenda. This is illustrated by the UNAIDS strategic goal for 2015 that calls for: ‘HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence eliminated in half of the countries that have such restrictions’ ( 17 ). The fourth is that countries in every region removed restrictions in the past 2 years, with the only new restriction found in the African Region.

The removal of restrictions by the United States stemmed from the country's position as a leader in the global response to HIV and AIDS, and also intense domestic advocacy ( http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/media/Rushton ). The Chinese government first stated its intention to remove its ban at the 2008 International AIDS Conference, although this was not confirmed until April 2010, shortly after the change in the stand of the United States had been enacted, and in advance of the 2010 World Expo held in Shanghaiz.

The analysis also indicated substantial variation in regional distribution of the countries with restrictions. In absolute numbers, the Eastern Mediterranean, Western Pacific, and Europe had the most countries with restrictions. In the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific regions, the proportions of countries with restrictions (62 and 48%, respectively) were greater than half of those in other regions. This may be indicative of similarities in regional contexts that may influence the persistence of such restrictions.

Although the categorization by specific types of restrictions varied considerably, the majority of countries had deportation restrictions rather than restrictions for entry or short-term stays. This finding supports previous reports ( 3 , 9 , 10 ) that the populations most affected are non-nationals who wish to relocate permanently, reside or stay in destination countries for longer periods of time such as labor migrants and expatriates. However, deportation may be more highly documented for several reasons: Testing is often part of the procedure for the re-issuing of residency, employment, or study permits ( 9 – 11 , 37 ) and routine and consistent implementation may facilitate identification or make such policies more difficult to conceal. There is also potential for more severe outcomes when it comes to deportation – such as death during confinement ( 11 , 38 ) prior to repatriation.

We found that 89% of the WHO countries with the highest proportions of international migrants (as a percentage of the population) have travel restrictions. This is important information for public health authorities dealing with migrant populations. The relationship between HIV restrictions and higher migrant populations may plausibly be attributed to several factors: When migrants constitute a large population, states may be faced with greater public opinions on issues such as xenophobia, stigma, and discrimination in decision making ( 39 ). Countries with higher percentages of international migrants may face conflicts due to dependency on migrant labor or tourism ( 14 ). Of the 10 countries with the highest proportions of international migrants, six are within the Eastern Mediterranean region (Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Israel, Oman, and Saudi Arabia), one in the Western Pacific (Singapore) ( 40 ). In terms of absolute numbers, two of the top 10 countries, Russian Federation and Saudi Arabia, have restrictions ( 40 ). Asia and the Pacific have the second highest number of tourists and migrants after Europe ( 41 ). Governments of such countries may be pressured into adopting more stringent laws/restrictions to exclude foreign workers ( 13 , 42 ) to address national concerns on foreign influences and appease voters ( 14 ). Rigorous policies may also be due to the fear of changing cultures, particularly in regions such as the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific that have remained fairly isolated in terms of global cultural exchange ( 7 , 42 ).

An analysis of the legal environment indicated that the absence of protective policies, laws, or regulations was more often found in countries with restrictions. The figures showing the presence of legislation aimed at protecting the human rights of PLWHIV reveal that this remains a low priority for most countries, despite the known importance for responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic ( 43 ). According to UNAIDS, HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay, or residence are often a proxy indicator for high levels of discrimination against PLWHIV ( 1 ). HIV-related travel restrictions undermine the progress toward reducing stigma and discrimination experienced by HIV-seropositive individuals and violate international agreements such as the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS , Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS , and the Siracusa Principles ( 10 ). Arguments have been made that HIV restrictions force PLWHIV to find ways to bypass formal systems ( 7 , 9 ), may be counterproductive ( 44 ), discourage people from being tested ( 45 ), or delay infected individuals from seeking treatment ( 44 ). These impacts can be long-term as illustrated in Sweden where the fear of deportation was one of the main factors associated with late testing among migrants ( 45 ).

The lack of association with GNI per capita suggests that the economic capacity of a country does not appear to influence the decision of governments to impose HIV restrictions. Our findings showed that very few countries with restrictions had a low GNI per capita, and the median GNI between countries with and without restrictions were not significantly different. This would appear to refute the economic arguments made by proponents for the restrictions.

Our findings also showed that countries with lower HIV prevalence tend to opt for HIV travel restrictions, possibly because they perceive themselves to be more vulnerable to the introduction of HIV. Furthermore, more countries with smaller populations have HIV restrictions than countries with larger populations. Perhaps HIV-related restrictions are perceived to be more important in countries with small populations because a small absolute increase in the number of PLWHIV will be proportionately larger than for countries with larger populations. The impact may be larger in the context of limited economic and health services capacity ( 8 , 46 , 47 ) to absorb HIV-positive non-nationals into the health system and perceptions of high-risk behaviors by non-nationals and PLWHIV ( 48 ). This underlies the importance of continued advocacy by health professionals on the limitations of such restrictions with a view to restrictions being reversed.

Our study showed that there are still a substantial number of countries with HIV restrictions for entry, stay, and residence, despite recent removal of such restrictions from key countries. Health practitioners working with mobile populations are well placed to advise and educate individuals who may be affected by these restrictions. Impacts on individual health include but are not limited to: increased risk of interrupted adherence to ARV medication ( 2 , 3 , 5 ), increased risk of deportation and detainment that has implications with regard to reduced access to treatment ( 38 ), and risk of psychological stress in travel/immigration process ( 45 ). HIV restrictions not only have direct implications on individual health but also influence the structural factors affecting HIV and AIDS for mobile populations. These restrictions may contribute to stigma and discrimination ( 7 ), increase the lost opportunities for treatment and prevention when persons at risk of infection or already infected with the virus avoid formal systems ( 15 , 45 ) and deter progressive developments such as the design of culturally and linguistically appropriate clinical and public health services ( 49 ). As the elimination of these restrictions becomes of increasing importance on the global HIV and AIDS agenda, health practitioners, particularly those dealing with travel and migrant issues, should be involved in the discussions and the complex contexts surrounding the restrictions.

Conflict of interest and funding

The authors have not received any funding or benefits from industry or elsewhere to conduct this study.

This paper was the result of Felicia Chang's Master Thesis as part of her Master in International Health (MscIH) at the Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg ( http://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de/Master-of-Science-in-International-Health.7084.0.html )

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update april 12, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Egypt Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 13, 2023, egypt - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Egypt due to  terrorism . Exercise increased caution in Egypt due to  the Embassy’s limited ability to assist dual national U.S.-Egyptian citizens who are arrested or detained.

Do not travel to:

• The Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) due to  terrorism .
• The Western Desert due to  terrorism .
• Egyptian border areas due to  military zones .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Egypt. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, and have targeted diplomatic facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, western businesses, restaurants, resorts, and local government facilities. Terrorists have conducted attacks in urban areas, including in Cairo, despite the heavy security presence. Terrorists have targeted religious sites, to include mosques, churches, monasteries, and buses traveling to these locations.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating within or in the vicinity of Egypt, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) and/or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). For more information U.S. citizens should consult the  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices .

Local law prohibits protesting or demonstrating without a permit. Being near anti-government protests can draw scrutiny from Egyptian police and security forces. U.S. citizens have been detained for participating in protests and for posting content on social media perceived as critical of Egypt or its allies.

The U.S. Embassy may have a limited ability to provide consular services to dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens. Egyptian law considers dual citizens to be Egyptian citizens.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Egypt.

If you decide to travel to Egypt:  

• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Obtain comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)   to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on   Facebook   and   Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report   for Egypt.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest   Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the   Traveler’s Checklist .

Sinai Peninsula – Level 4: Do Not Travel The Sinai Peninsula remains a particularly dangerous area, with frequent attacks on security forces and civilians.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula as U.S. government employees are not authorized to travel to these areas (with the exception of the beach resort of Sharm El-Sheikh; travel to Sharm El-Sheikh is only permitted by air). Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Skip to main content
• Skip to "About this site"

Language selection

Search travel.gc.ca.

Help us to improve our website. Take our survey !

COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Egypt travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 13:47 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, egypt - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Egypt due to the unpredictable security situation and the threat of terrorism.

Northern Sinai - Avoid all travel

This advisory excludes the Al Qantra Shark – Ras Sedr road between the border of the Governorate of South Sinai and Al-Ganayen, in Suez Governorate, on which you should exercise a high degree of caution.

The Western desert and Libyan border area - Avoid all travel

• within 50 kilometres of the border with Libya
• the Western Desert, west of the Giza-Luxor-Aswan-Abu Simbel road, including the oasis of Dakhla

This advisory excludes the following areas where you should exercise a high degree of caution:

• Marsa Matruh via the Marsa Matruh Road only
• The White and Black deserts via the Oasis Road only
• The oases of:
• Siwa via the Masra Matruh-Siwa Road only
• Bahariya, Farafra and Bawati via the Oasis and the Farafra-Dairut Roads only

Northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai - Avoid non-essential travel

This advisory excludes the following locations, where you should exercise a high degree of caution:

• the Dahab – Nuweiba – Taba road
• the towns of Nuweiba and Taba
• the Al Qantra Shark – Ras Sedr road up to the border with the Governorate of Suez
• cities between Ras Sedr and El Tor

Back to top

Security incidents in the South Sinai Governorate

Since October 27, 2023, projectiles and suspected drones have fallen at various locations along the Gulf of Aqaba coast in the South Sinai Governorate, including near Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba. The incidents have caused injuries.

If you are in or near the affected areas:

• exercise caution
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including air-raid sirens and evacuation orders

If you encounter debris or fragments:

• don’t get close to or touch them
• move away from them immediately
• contact local authorities

Due to recent events in Israel, West Bank and the Gaza Strip, tensions could escalate with little notice and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly. Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly recommend that Canadians register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest updates.

The security situation in Egypt is unpredictable and certain regions of the country (for instance, North Sinai, Western Desert, etc.) are particularly volatile and should be avoided. There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country. Attacks can be indiscriminate and occur with no warning, including in Cairo. While attacks in the North Sinai are frequent and mainly target security forces, terrorists have also targeted popular tourist destinations, places of worship, and other places frequented by foreigners throughout Egypt.

Terrorists have targeted Coptic Christians and their places of worship, in both urban and isolated areas. Terrorists also attacked a mosque in the North Sinai on November 24, 2017, killing over 300 people. Avoid all religious institutions in Egypt.

There is a significant presence of armed security forces and police in most governorates throughout the country. Curfews may be imposed on very short notice.

On May 19, 2019 and December 28, 2018, attacks on buses carrying tourists took place near the pyramids of Giza. The explosions resulted in multiple casualties.

There is an increased risk of incidents and attacks on and around dates of national significance, including:

• January 25, the anniversary of the 2011 Egyptian revolution;
• The week of Orthodox Easter;
• June 30 to July 3, the anniversary of the removal of former president Mohamed Morsi in 2013;
• August 14, the anniversary of clearing protesters from Rabaa and al-Nahda squares in 2013; and
• Other religious observances and holidays.

Exercise increased caution during these periods.

Be particularly cautious in commercial establishments, government facilities, public areas, tourist sites, the vicinity of churches and mosques at the time of religious services and any other areas frequented by foreigners. Avoid police stations, security installations and government buildings, as well as all crowds and demonstrations.

Western Desert

Borders with Sudan and Libya are porous, and bandits and armed groups are active in these areas. Attacks on security checkpoints and forces are expected to continue. Egyptian military and security personnel are also engaged in security operations in the area. If you intend to travel to these areas, consider the risks to your personal safety and ensure you have made appropriate security arrangements. Travel to these areas requires a permit from the Travel Permits Department at the Egyptian Ministry of Interior Affairs.

To visit the isolated oasis town of Siwa, take the Marsa Matruh-Siwa road. Access to essential services such as medical care, ATMs, fuel and mobile phone coverage is limited on the Marsa Matruh-Siwa Road and in Siwa itself. There is only one gas station on the 300km road between Marsa Matruh and Siwa. The road is poorly lit, unpaved in some areas and has a number of significant potholes. Traffic accidents are common.

If you are travelling to Siwa:

• carefully plan all road travel in advance • fill up in Marsa Matruh and make sure to have enough fuel to reach your destination • be sure to have sufficient water and cash with you • travel during daylight hours only • consider renting a vehicle with four-wheel-drive • expect military checkpoints along the way • do not travel off-road outside of the Oasis

North Sinai Governorate

The security situation in North Sinai Governorate, particularly the areas bordering Israel and the Gaza Strip, is extremely unpredictable. Terrorist groups regularly carry out attacks against Egyptian security forces. A curfew is in effect from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., due to ongoing Egyptian military operations against terrorist groups in the region. Road blockades by unsanctioned groups, kidnappings, robberies and carjackings by armed groups and terrorists occur.

South Sinai Governorate

While attacks are significantly less frequent than in North Sinai, terrorists have carried out attacks in South Sinai Governorate, targeting both security forces and tourists. Terrorist groups may expand targeted areas to include coastal resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh. While enhanced security measures are in place to protect the tourism infrastructure in Sharm el-Sheikh, the area may be seen as a high-value target by terrorists.

Coastal resorts in Sinai, including Dahab, Nuweiba and Sharm el-Sheikh, have seen incidents of petty theft.

Tensions between security authorities and local Bedouin tribes may rise unexpectedly, affecting tourism.

There are several police checkpoints along the highways in South Sinai.

You need a permit from the Ministry of the Interior to travel in a 4x4 vehicle from mainland Egypt to South Sinai through the Suez crossing.

Local authorities may ask for identification and search your vehicle. 

When travelling in the area:

• always use main highways
• avoid uncontrolled and poorly maintained roads
• stop at designated checkpoints and comply with authorities’ requests
• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• follow the advice of local authorities

Red Sea resorts and Upper Egypt

Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Red Sea coastal resorts (such as Ain el-Sokhna, el-Gouna Bay, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Safaga and Soma Bay) and to the Upper Egypt cities of Aswan and Luxor.  While the beach resort areas are generally considered safe, sporadic terrorist attacks have targeted foreign tourists in recent years. Pay particular attention to local conditions if you are visiting Upper Egypt and the historic sites of the Nile Valley. Sectarian, economic and family-related disputes have occurred and can quickly become violent. Travel in large groups and by organized transportation, and follow the advice of local authorities, hotels and tour guides if you are travelling to rural areas.

Demonstrations and Civil unrest

While the size and frequency of demonstrations has decreased significantly in recent years, they can still occur anywhere at any time without warning, but are most likely to occur on Fridays following noon prayers.

Be extremely vigilant. Avoid all demonstrations or large public gatherings. Keep well informed of developing situations by monitoring local news reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Women should take particular care, as there is a serious risk of sexual assault during demonstrations; once surrounded by a group, it can be difficult to escape.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Rates of violent and petty crime have historically been low in Egypt, although there are reports that such crime has been on the rise given the economic downturn since 2011. Crimes such as pickpocketing, bag and purse snatching and home invasion, while rare, have become more common. Purse snatching and pickpocketing occur most often in tourist locations and on the metro. Be aware of your surroundings and vigilant for thieves using different strategies to distract and rob you.

Reports of carjackings are extremely rare, however they do occur. They generally target sports utility or other high-value vehicles. Although isolated areas and night driving present the greatest threat, there have been reported incidents in daylight hours and in busy areas of Cairo. Assailants are usually armed, and a variety of tactics may be used to get vehicles to stop, including throwing objects at the windshield, feigning a traffic accident or minor collision with the target vehicle, or “sandwiching” the target vehicle to force it off the road. If you find yourself in such a situation, do not resist as carjackers are typically after the vehicle and, if the carjacking is successful, will leave the driver unharmed.

If you are a victim of crime, report it to the Tourist Police or at a nearby police station as soon as possible. Request a copy of the police report at the time the report is made. Failure to report the crime while in Egypt makes it much more difficult to seek prosecution.

Women’s safety

Women, particularly foreigners, are frequently subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. This often takes the form of staring, inappropriate remarks, catcalls and touching. The risks increase around public holidays, when more men are in the streets.

Advice for women travellers

Unexploded landmines remain a risk in some desert and coastal areas, notably the Mediterranean shore, the Western Desert, the Sinai Peninsula and the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. Known minefields are not marked by signs, but may be enclosed by barbed wire. Seek local advice, especially if travelling off-road.

Road safety

Road conditions are often poor and the rate of vehicular accidents is one of the highest in the world. Drivers generally have little regard for traffic regulations and do not follow safe driving practices. Be cautious when crossing streets as drivers do not give pedestrians the right of way.

In the event of an accident, do not move the vehicle until the police arrive, unless you are in immediate danger, such as from a crowd and need to move to safety. Exercise caution when using taxis and the metro. There have been robberies and accidents involving both. Many taxis do not have working metres, and back seats are rarely equipped with seat belts. Women should not sit in the front seat, as this could be misinterpreted by the driver. The metro can be overcrowded and is not climate controlled but does have cars for women only on most lines.

Use vehicles and hire drivers from reputable travel agencies.

Public transportation

Safety standards for rail travel vary throughout Egypt. There have been major accidents in recent years, attributed to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance and human error. Exercise a high degree of caution.

Avoid microbuses because of hazardous driving habits.

Overcrowding and poor safety standards on ferries have caused accidents. Use reputable ferry operators.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Scuba diving / aquatic activities

Sharks and other potentially dangerous aquatic animals are present in the waters off Egypt. Certain beaches and dive areas may be subject to temporary closures. Exercise caution and seek advice from local authorities, and ensure to dive with reputable and licensed operators.

Water safety abroad

Israeli Border

Due to recent events in Israel, West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the land borders could close with little notice.

Crossing at the Taba land border between Egypt and Israel is possible at this time. Cross-border movement regulations and restrictions are subject to change at any time and are the prerogative of the responsible authorities.

The Rafah border crossing point to the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by border authorities in both Egypt and Gaza, opens and closes intermittently due to the ongoing armed conflict in Israel. Global Affairs Canada continues to advise against all travel in this area due to ongoing military operations against terrorists. Consult local authorities and refer to the  travel advice for Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip  for further information.

Beyond the provision of a travel document (the passport), the Canadian government does not facilitate the crossing of borders by private citizens. It is the citizen’s responsibility to meet the entry requirements of the country where they wish to travel, in most cases either through application for a visa or simply by going to a point of entry. Authorities at the Rafah border crossing from Egypt to Gaza have sometimes requested a letter or witnessed declaration from the Embassy of Canada to Egypt as a requirement to cross the border. The Canadian embassy is unable to provide such a letter or declaration. You should avoid all travel to Gaza. Furthermore, the Canadian government has very limited ability to provide consular services to Canadians in the Gaza Strip and once there, it may be difficult to leave.

General safety information

Although most tourist sites are open, the situation across Egypt remains unpredictable and less consistently safe than it was before January 2011. There is a potential for rapid escalation into violence where large groups of people are assembled

Egypt has a special police force to assist tourists. Officers wearing a distinctive arm band saying “Tourism Police,” can be found in hotels and at tourist sites.

Carry identification at all times. Photocopy your passport and other identification in case of loss or seizure.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Egyptian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Egypt.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Diplomatic and Special passport holders are required to have visas before arrival in Egypt.

Travelers attempting to enter Egypt with diplomatic or official passports who do not have visas will be required to remain, at their own expense, in the airport transit area until their immediate departure from Egypt can be arranged. The Embassy of Canada in Egypt cannot intervene in such matters.

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

You must obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate near you before your departure.  Electronic visas issued  before October 1, 2023, remain valid until their expiry date.

If you wish to extend your stay in Egypt, contact the Immigration Authority of Egypt. You may be fined upon departure if you overstay your 30-day visa period without proper authorization.

Foreign Representatives in Canada

Entry and exit stamps

You must show proof of an entry stamp in your passport when you leave Egypt. If you cannot provide proof of entry, you cannot obtain an exit stamp and will be denied exit.

If you have entered the country with a Canadian passport and have obtained a new one while in Egypt, you must have the entry stamp transferred to the new passport by the Egyptian Immigration Authority.This requirement also applies to newborns and dual citizens.

If a child is born in Egypt to a Canadian parent, a data stamp proving that the child was born in Egypt must be added to the child’s Canadian passport before the child can exit the country. Since there will be no entry stamp in the child’s passport, you must submit both the child’s birth certificate and Canadian passport to the Egyptian Immigration Authority to obtain what Egyptian authorities term the “data stamp.” Parents are advised to contact the Embassy of Canada as soon as possible to apply for citizenship and a passport for their child, so as not to further delay what can be a lengthy process.

Regional travel

If you are contemplating onward travel to other Arab countries, bear in mind that Canadians have been denied entry because their passports bore an Israeli visa, an Israeli border stamp or an Egyptian or Jordanian border stamp issued by an office bordering Israel, which would indicate they entered from Israel.

Medication and cosmetics

Egyptian authorities consider some prescription and over-the-counter medicines medications controlled substances. They will seize all narcotic and psychotropic medications, even if you have the original prescription. For all other prescription and over-the-counter medications:

• Carry the original prescription
• Ensure the medication is in its original packaging
• Don’t attempt to enter with more than 3 months’ supply.

Authorities also regulate the import of cosmetics and veterinary products.

Health entry requirements

All foreigners planning to study, work or train in Egypt for longer than one month may be required to undergo testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Egyptian immigration authorities in Cairo’s Mogamma building provide information on this procedure upon application.

When entering from another country you may be required to provide proof of immunizations. Please verify with the Egyptian Embassy nearest to you before travelling.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Polio: Advice for travellers - 4 January, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified this country as no longer poliovirus-infected but at high risk of an outbreak . Polio can be prevented by vaccination.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are below Canadian standards.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The use of drugs and open consumption of alcohol (other than in licensed facilities such as hotels and restaurants) are prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Capital punishment is a sentencing option for certain drug-related crimes.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Demonstrations

Local law prohibits protests without a permit.

Being near anti-government protests may subject you to scrutiny from Egyptian police and security forces.

Drones are strictly prohibited in Egypt; anyone convicted of unauthorized import or use of drone technology could be subject to lengthy jail terms and deportation. Unauthorized possession and usage of drones in Egypt may carry similar charges to espionage.

Electronic devices

Egyptian officials will likely confiscate electronic devices upon entry if you did not obtain prior approval to import them. This includes:

• large video cameras
• filming equipment
• satellite phones
• certain equipment like binoculars

You may face interrogation on the intended use of your devices due to their potential use for military and surveillance purposes.

Contact the nearest Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt for further information on regulations and requirements on electronic devices.

Photography

Photography of bridges, canals (including the Suez Canal), government, police and embassy buildings and vehicles, as well as military personnel and establishments is prohibited.

Social media

Publishing or posting social media or other content that could be perceived as critical of Egyptian society, government, security forces or the President may be considered illegal under Egyptian law. Convictions can carry heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences. There is a high risk of arrest in connection to social media posts considered critical of Egypt.

Due to the current security context and political sensitivities, be conscious of your behaviour and how it may be interpreted by Egyptian authorities. Visitors including researchers, journalists, activists and development workers could encounter problems with authorities, if their activities are perceived as suspicious. Meeting with members of or expressing support for organizations banned in Egypt could be perceived as criminal behaviour.

Suspects may be detained without charges or access to immediate legal counsel during investigative stages of a criminal case.

Strict duties apply on the importation of expensive electronics, including video and photographic equipment, laptops, and computer software and hardware. Such equipment should be for personal use and you should list it (model and serial number) and check it upon arrival and departure, in which case no duty will be collected. Appropriate permits and authorizations are required for the commercial importation of any type of electronics.

It is prohibited to export any antiquity or any item older than 100 years without a licence. Contact the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Ottawa for further information regarding customs requirements.

The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP, E£).

A maximum of E£5,000 can be brought into or taken out of Egypt. You must declare any amount of currency equivalent to US$10,000 or more.

Traveller’s cheques and foreign currency are easily exchanged in hotels and banks. U.S. dollars are preferred, particularly at tourist sites. Some travel agents and tour operators request payment in U.S. cash only.

Major credit cards are accepted in larger stores and for larger purchases, but many merchants will only accept cash or may charge a fee for payment by credit card.

Forced marriages

There are reports of Canadian citizens being forced into marriage without their prior knowledge or consent.

Marriage Overseas

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Egypt.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Egypt, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

The Egyptian government considers Canadians who also hold Egyptian citizenship to be Egyptian while in Egypt, therefore our ability to offer consular services may be limited. You may be considered an Egyptian citizen if you were born to an Egyptian father, regardless of birth place.

Egyptian-Canadian men may be subject to military service when in Egypt. In order to be exempted, dual citizens are required to present many documents before leaving Egypt, including a document of discharge due to dual citizenship. This document does not necessarily provide an exemption, and obtaining it may be a lengthy process that could affect your departure date. The Government of Canada has no jurisdiction in the process, as the decision on military service rests solely with the Egyptian government. You should contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate in Canada before travelling.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Egypt.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Egypt by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Egypt to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

The work week is Sunday through Thursday. Egypt’s customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour.

Dress conservatively: for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Egyptian culture.

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Egyptian laws doesn’t criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

You could be arrested for indecent exposure, public nuisance or scandalous acts.

The Egyptian police target apps and websites popular within the 2SLGBTQI+ community. They have used fake and legitimate accounts from community members who had their phones confiscated. Assaults and arrests by the police have occurred as a result of encounters set up through dating apps.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Egypt.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Egypt, particularly Cairo and Eastern Sinai, is located in an active seismic zone. The country is also subject to sand and dust storms.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 112
• medical assistance: 113
• firefighters: 110
• COVID-19 inquiries: 105

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada in Cairo and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Home Blog HIV Travel Restrictions: Check Affected Countries

HIV Travel Restrictions: Check Affected Countries

In an age of globalization and interconnectedness, the ability to freely cross borders is considered a fundamental right. However, for individuals living with HIV, this freedom is often curtailed due to a web of visa restrictions imposed by certain countries. 

Despite advancements in understanding and managing HIV, discriminatory policies persist, hindering the movement of people based on their HIV status.

Understanding HIV Travel Restrictions

HIV-related travel restrictions encompass rules mandating HIV testing or prohibiting entry, transit, education, work, or residency in a country solely due to one's HIV status. These restrictions disproportionately affect long-term stays, where individuals may need to present a negative HIV test for approval or risk refusal of entry upon testing positive.

Countries with Restrictions for Short-Term Stays

List of countries:.

• Equatorial Guinea
• Marshall Islands
• Solomon Islands

These nations prevent individuals with HIV from entering, even for short-term purposes like tourism or brief visits.

Countries with Restrictions for Long-Term Stays

• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Virgin Islands

These 54 countries restrict long-term stays for individuals living with HIV, affecting students, j ob seekers, and those seeking extended stays for various purposes.

Countries with Entry Ban & Deportation

Certain nations, such as Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Russia, Solomon Islands, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen, have outright bans on entry for HIV-positive individuals. Others, including Bahrain, China, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, deport individuals upon discovering their HIV status.

Challenges Faced by HIV-Positive Travelers

HIV-positive travelers face multifaceted challenges beyond logistical aspects. Visa applications often include health-related questions, leading to immediate entry denial upon honest disclosure. 

Those concealing their status face dilemmas in hiding medication, while health certifications for entry create financial burdens.

Furthermore, the stigma faced by HIV-positive travelers results in uncomfortable situations, such as fellow passengers reporting their status, leading to denial of entry or deportation.

Global HIV Statistics (2022)

• Approximately 39 million people were living with HIV in 2022 , with 46% of new infections among women and girls.
• 1.3 million people globally were newly infected, indicating a significant reduction from previous peaks.
• AIDS-related deaths worldwide totaled 630,000 in 2022 , depicting a declining trend since earlier peaks.

Condemnation of Restrictions

NGOs and human rights advocates vehemently condemn HIV-related travel restrictions as discriminatory and unjustifiable. Organizations like UNAIDS stress that these measures lack public health justification, fuel stigma, and violate the freedom of movement for individuals living with HIV.

The call to eliminate such discriminatory practices remains a crucial focus for these organizations, urging authorities worldwide to review and abolish these restrictions. This step is essential to promote equality, uphold human rights, and ensure that individuals living with HIV have unrestricted access to global travel opportunities.

Impact on Treatment Access

Beyond travel restrictions , individuals with HIV may face challenges accessing treatment in foreign countries. Reports indicate instances where people with HIV are denied treatment while waiting to return to their home country after being deported.

Progress and Reforms

While several countries have lifted HIV-related travel restrictions in recent years, there is a continued need for global efforts to encourage policy reforms . The acknowledgment that these restrictions are discriminatory and lack a basis in public health is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and understanding international community.

The persistent existence of HIV-related travel restrictions highlights the ongoing struggle for the rights and equal treatment of individuals living with HIV. 

As organizations continue to advocate for the elimination of these restrictions, it is essential for nations to reevaluate their policies, fostering an environment that promotes equality, understanding, and compassion for all, regardless of HIV status.

• What are HIV-related travel restrictions?

HIV-related travel restrictions refer to rules imposed by certain countries that limit entry, transit, or residence based solely on an individual's HIV-positive status. These restrictions can include mandatory HIV testing or outright bans on entry for people living with HIV.

• How many countries enforce HIV-related travel restrictions?

As of recent data, over 50 countries have restrictions in place for long-term stays, affecting individuals intending to study, work, or reside in those countries. Additionally, around a dozen countries have restrictions even for short-term stays, impacting tourism or brief visits.

• Why do some countries have HIV travel restrictions?

Historically, fear and misinformation surrounding HIV/AIDS led several countries to implement travel restrictions as a precautionary measure. Despite advancements in medical knowledge about HIV, some nations continue to maintain these restrictions due to perceived public health concerns or lingering stigma.

• How do HIV travel restrictions affect people living with HIV?

These restrictions disproportionately impact the freedom of movement for individuals living with HIV. They may face barriers when applying for visas, deportation from certain countries, or even denial of entry based solely on their HIV status. Such limitations create challenges for travel, work, education, and healthcare access.

• Are there efforts to lift HIV-related travel restrictions?

Yes, various advocacy groups, NGOs, and international organizations have been actively campaigning for the elimination of HIV travel restrictions. Some countries have made progressive strides by lifting these restrictions in recent years. However, persistent efforts are required to encourage global policy reforms to ensure equality and non-discrimination for people living with HIV across borders.

  santra raidu says: Hi, I find the blog informative, though... nice work... do share such information. I’ll bookmark your website.It was such a wonderful and useful article about the HIV infection. It is a must-readable blog to know the brief details of <a href="https://drugcarts.com/product/xapavir-lt-tablet"> HIV infection</a>.This information is so helpful for me.

Leave a Reply

To obtain a egypt evisa.

• Step1: Complete the online application by providing your passport details.
• Step2: Submit payment online using a credit card.
• Step3: Monitor your email for confirmation of payment and receipt of your eVisa, which will be sent electronically.

Recent Posts

Egypt Aims High with Russian Visitor Projections

2024 Ramadan Observance in Egypt

Egypt's Record Tourism in 2023

Egypt's Tourism Surge in 2023: A Record-Breaking Year

Egypt Online E-Visa System

Turkey Visa for Egypt

Egypt Visa Rejection

Tourism-Boosting Festivals and Events in Egypt

Best Time to Visit Egypt

Egypt Residency and Work Authorization

Privacy Policy    || Terms and Condition

© egypt-e-visa.com .

17 Jul 22:36

Travel for HIV-positive persons has been a contentious issue. Many nations used to have limitations on whether or not someone with HIV could travel.

Fortunately, many countries throughout the world have abolished their HIV travel restrictions, and the ones that still have limitations are largely for longer-term stays for education, job, or immigration.

The Obama administration repealed the travel ban in 2010, therefore there are no longer any limitations for HIV-positive persons travelling to the United States.

This page will identify the nations that do have limitations in place, followed by some advice on what you should know about travelling with HIV.

TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES?

Do You Have U.S. ESTA VISA Travel Authorization? If You Have ESTA Application, Check if it is Still Valid!

Countries with Restriction Measures

Some nations still have HIV travel restrictions in effect. They are as follows:

• Aruba – There are no limits on short-term tourist trips, although there are on employment and resident licenses.
• Australia – There are no limitations for visitors. Permanent resident visa applicants, on the other hand, shall be assessed and considered in accordance with immigration standards for any chronic health disorders that necessitate significant treatment costs.
• Azerbaijan – To be eligible for an e-visa, applicants must be HIV-negative.
• Bahrain – Tourists face no limitations, but anyone seeking residency will be deported if they test positive for HIV.
• Bangladesh – There are no admission restrictions, but if the authorities learn of your HIV+ status, you may be deported.
• Bhutan – Travelers travelling for less than two weeks have no limitations, while stays of more than two weeks are only authorized with documentation of a recent negative HIV test.
• Brunei – People who have been diagnosed with HIV are not authorized to enter Brunei. Testing is required for all student, employment, and residence permits, and positive instances will result in deportation. Short-term visitors, on the other hand, are not tested.
• China – Short-term visitors face no limitations, while work and study visas lasting more than six months need HIV testing.
• Cuba – There are no limits for short-term tourists, but students and anybody staying for more than three months must undergo tests.
• Cyprus – Short trips are not restricted, however those from non-EEA countries seeking student, employment, or residence visas must be checked.
• Dominican Republic – Tourists are not restricted, but work and residence visa applications must be examined.
• Ecuador – Short-term tourism is not restricted, but long-term resident candidates must test negative.
• Egypt – Tourists are not required to get tested, but anyone seeking employment or residency permits must be HIV-negative.
• Equatorial Guinea – Travel to Equatorial Guinea is becoming increasingly difficult for people of all ages. It is unclear what the limits are at this time, but HIV+ persons are likely to be barred from entering.
• Honduras – There are no limits for visitors, however there are for work permit applicants.
• Iran – Visitors entering Iran with stays of up to three months face no restrictions. Longer stays, as well as all applicants for employment or residence permits, must submit a negative test result.
• Iraq – With the exception of diplomats, all visitors staying for more than 10 days are required to be tested for HIV, and positive individuals are likely to be deported.
• Israel – The only limits in Israel appear to be for individuals seeking work permits.
• Jordan – HIV+ persons are not permitted to enter Jordan. For visits of up to 30 days, no tests are necessary. People seeking work permits or residence will be tested within one month of their arrival and deported if the test results are positive.
• Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan’s only limitation is that candidates for residence must show that they are HIV-negative.
• Kuwait – For trips of up to 90 days, no testing is necessary; however, for visas of more than 90 days, the applicant must be tested for HIV. Cases that test positive will be deported.
• Kyrgyzstan – There are no limits for trips of less than 60 days. Stays of more over 60 days may need a test, and all work visa candidates must be tested.
• Lebanon – There are no limitations on immigration, however migrant labourers must pass an HIV test.
• Malaysia – There are no limitations on short-term trips, but longer-term stays require a negative HIV test, with deportation possible if the result is positive.
• Marshall Islands – Tourists visiting for fewer than 30 days have no limitations, while longer-term stays may necessitate testing.
• North Korea – There are no immigration restrictions, but if the authorities learn of your HIV+ status, you will most likely be deported.
• Oman – Short-term trips are not restricted, however longer-term stays and work permits are subject to a negative test. Cases that test positive will be deported.
• Qatar – Anyone staying for more than 30 days must get an HIV test.
• Russia – There are no limitations for persons travelling for fewer than 90 days. HIV testing is mandatory for multiple-entry visas and stays of more than 90 days. Other nations’ medical certifications demonstrating a negative test can be presented.
• Solomon Islands – HIV testing are mandatory for visitors staying in the Solomon Islands for more than 90 days. HIV+ persons are more likely to be denied entry and deported.
• Suriname – Suriname’s position is currently unknown. Visitors from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia appear to be required to certify that they are HIV negative, and employers are also likely to seek an HIV test.
• Syria – Tourist visas, including 6-month multi-entry visas, do not need testing. Work and residence permits, on the other hand, do.
• Tunisia – Tunisia’s position is unknown. Tourists who travel for a short period of time are unlikely to be limited, but employment and residency permits need a health check, which may result in refusal in HIV+ situations.
• United Arab Emirates – The UAE does not screen travelers who want to remain for less than 60 days, but screening is required for everyone else. Tests performed outside of the UAE are not recognized, and anyone found to be HIV positive will be deported.
• Yemen – Yemen prohibits all HIV+ people from entering the nation. While testing is necessary for longer stays, such as students, workers, refugees, and immigrants, visitors visiting for less than 90 days are not examined.

Restrictions on ESTA

Citizens of nations included in the USA’s Visa Waiver Program may enter the country using an Electronic Travel Authorization (ESTA) rather than a visa.

Prior to 2010, HIV+ persons could not enter the United States on an ESTA. However, now that the US HIV travel prohibition has been abolished, HIV+ patients, like everyone else, can travel to the US with an ESTA.

Apply here for your next trip, or check the status of your existing ESTA here.

Of course, the US authorities will investigate your background, and several reasons may influence the acceptance of your application. However, there is no reason to believe that HIV can cause specific issues.

If you wish to double-check your eligibility, go through the ESTA questions here.

If you’re going to be travelling for a longer period of time and applying for a visa, you can learn more about the questions you’ll be asked here.

Having HIV while travelling

Traveling with HIV medicine will have the greatest impact on you as an HIV+ tourist. If you are travelling with specific medicine, it is critical that you consider all of the issues associated with pharmaceutical travel in general.

Traveling with a letter from your doctor explaining your medicine, keeping the medication in its original packaging, and retaining a copy of your prescription with your name and address is a good place to start.

This is pretty much routine procedure when travelling to the United States with HIV medicine and any other prescription medication. A doctor’s certificate in English clarifying that the medications are for personal use is required by US customs. In addition, keep your medicine in your hand baggage in case your checked bags are lost or delayed.

You should also ensure that your travel insurance covers any medical care you may need while away from home, and that you are eligible to travel as an HIV+ person under your insurance coverage.

Can I go to the United States if I have HIV? Without a doubt. The HIV travel ban in the United States was repealed in 2010, and there are no longer any limitations on travelling to the United States with HIV.

Is an HIV test necessary to obtain a US visa? No, no longer is an HIV test necessary for US visas.

Is it possible for HIV sufferers to go abroad? Definitely. Assuming you’re healthy enough to go and have all necessary medications for the duration of your vacation, as well as adequate travel insurance.

What countries are you allowed to visit if you have HIV? Almost many Western nations have no limitations for HIV-positive travelers. Many eastern nations do impose limits. They are, however, mostly in existence for longer-term trips, such as student, work, and residence permits.

How do you transport HIV medicine when travelling? Ascertain that you have a doctor’s certificate and prescription papers confirming that your drug is yours and is required for personal usage. Check that the medicine is still in its original container and that you have enough to last if your return home is delayed.

Travel Freedom

With the exception of a few nations on the list above, the great majority of countries currently have no restrictions in place for HIV+tourists visiting for short periods of time.

When longer-term trips, study, job, or residency are contemplated, the limitations tend to kick in.

Finally, double-check the country’s limitations, make sure you have adequate medication and papers for the duration of your trip, and make sure you have appropriate travel insurance!

Related Posts

What to see in San Francisco? A California jewel

Traveling with a laptop: can you take your PC on a plane?

Washington DC: what to see in the US capital

The American health care system from A to Z Will I be insured with ESTA?

Legal disclaimer: Herewith we inform that https://estatousa.com/ is a privately owned service provider specializing in Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), advising and helping travellers to prepare data for submission. We are not representatives of the U.S. embassy and we are not related to the U.S. government.

Copyright © 2023 All rights reserved