Once There – Entry

A visa is required to enter Egypt (see Visas in Essentials). Generally, all personal items brought into the country to be taken out upon departure are exempt from taxes. Unless you are bringing at least US$5000 into the country, there is no formal declaration for personal items.

For important additional information on all aspects of travel in general and some specifics on Egypt, see Essentials. Most travelers to Egypt arrive via chaotic Cairo. Try to pre-plan your escape route from the airport, train, or bus terminal before you actually arrive. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, purchase a visa stamp if you have not done so already. Visas cost US$ 15 or the equivalent in hard currency for all nationalities. These rates may rise unexpectedly. Don’t panic if an official disappears with your passport; it will be returned, stamped and unharmed.

Yon must register your passport with the police within seven days of your arrival or risk a heavy fine (LE26.30). It’s one form. Ask the tourist office or your hotel manager where to register-frequently the manager will handle the paperwork for you. You may register at a passport office in any regional center (Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, Sharm ash-Sheikh, or Marsa Matrouh), or with the less reliable local police in smaller areas. If you are unabie to register, don’t panic. The U.S. embassy issues a free letter of apology for U.S. citizens, with which you ma;’ register late at the Mugama Building at Tahrir Square in Cairo.