Stupid Egypt Questions re Visa and Vaccinations
Oct 13th, 2009, 06:57 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stupid Egypt Questions re Visa and Vaccinations
Sorry if this has been covered a million times -- a quick search didn't reveal an answer.
I am traveling to Egypt in December and thought I had eveything covered. A friend is going next month and has told me that she (1) took special photos for her visa; and (2) received a bunch of vaccinations, including hepatitis A and a bunch of other things, in preparation for her upcoming trip.
Do I need photos for the visa? And do I need shots?
I am traveling to Egypt in December and thought I had eveything covered. A friend is going next month and has told me that she (1) took special photos for her visa; and (2) received a bunch of vaccinations, including hepatitis A and a bunch of other things, in preparation for her upcoming trip.
Do I need photos for the visa? And do I need shots?
Oct 13th, 2009, 07:37 PM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No photos required for egypt; the visa is available upon arrival at Cairo airport.
As for vaccinations I had hepatitis A & B and also had a typhoid shot..however we stay for 5 weeks and with my husband at his apt so apparently we are at higher risk than the regular tourist...not sure why but we are; probably as we are buying food from the local markets.
Check on the WHO(world health organization) for vaccination info. The US gov't might have one also.
As for vaccinations I had hepatitis A & B and also had a typhoid shot..however we stay for 5 weeks and with my husband at his apt so apparently we are at higher risk than the regular tourist...not sure why but we are; probably as we are buying food from the local markets.
Check on the WHO(world health organization) for vaccination info. The US gov't might have one also.
Oct 13th, 2009, 08:25 PM
#3
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Abby
I agree with Lisa, you dont need anything other than your passport and payment to get your visa on arrival.
I didnt get any vaccinations although I did get a real bad tummy bug once and just hoped that it wasnt anything too serious that I should have been vacinated for.
As lisa said above check out WHO anyway and see what you want to do. I know people who have and who havent had them
Scotsgirl
I agree with Lisa, you dont need anything other than your passport and payment to get your visa on arrival.
I didnt get any vaccinations although I did get a real bad tummy bug once and just hoped that it wasnt anything too serious that I should have been vacinated for.
As lisa said above check out WHO anyway and see what you want to do. I know people who have and who havent had them
Scotsgirl
Oct 14th, 2009, 05:34 AM
#4
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No photos required for Visa if purchasing on site.
While no inocs are required for entry to Egypt, it's generally a good rule for adults, regardless where traveling (even if never leaving home) to be current on inocs, such as Tetanus (DPT), Hep-A and Polio Booster.
See the WHO or US CDC site www.cdc.gov/travel (select Egypt) for info, then make a decision in dicussion with your personal physician.
While no inocs are required for entry to Egypt, it's generally a good rule for adults, regardless where traveling (even if never leaving home) to be current on inocs, such as Tetanus (DPT), Hep-A and Polio Booster.
See the WHO or US CDC site www.cdc.gov/travel (select Egypt) for info, then make a decision in dicussion with your personal physician.
Oct 17th, 2009, 05:22 AM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 25,035
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The OP never stated her nationality and that's a question I always ask before offering advice about Egyptian visas.
If you are American you will have no problem getting your visa at the airport. Our group had Canadians and British and they were also able to get visa on the spot. If you are none of the above please check with your local Egyptian Embassy or Consulate.
If you are American you will have no problem getting your visa at the airport. Our group had Canadians and British and they were also able to get visa on the spot. If you are none of the above please check with your local Egyptian Embassy or Consulate.
Oct 18th, 2009, 01:50 PM
#9
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just a note on the Hep A shot if you decide to get one. It's two shots and you have to wait 6 months after the first one to get the second shot to be fully vaccinated. The first is good protection, but not perfect. So if you decide to get it, you'll only be partly vaccinated for your trip. I was told that Hep B wasn't *really* needed if you're only playing tourist (everyone has a different comfort level so definitely check the CDC website), but Hep A is very highly suggested. Tetanus should be up to date anyway, so if you haven't had one of those this decade you should think about getting one.
I would highly suggest getting any shots you decide to get soon and not waiting until the week before your trip. If you react to any of the shots, it's nice to get it out of the way at home and not on your trip. It turns out I'm allergic to the Hep A shot and had a goose egg size ITCHY lump on my arm for two weeks after the first shot. I'm getting the second Hep A shot two days before I leave for Egypt so I'll start on full doses of Benadryl the morning I'll get the shot to try to keep it from being so annoying this time.
I would highly suggest getting any shots you decide to get soon and not waiting until the week before your trip. If you react to any of the shots, it's nice to get it out of the way at home and not on your trip. It turns out I'm allergic to the Hep A shot and had a goose egg size ITCHY lump on my arm for two weeks after the first shot. I'm getting the second Hep A shot two days before I leave for Egypt so I'll start on full doses of Benadryl the morning I'll get the shot to try to keep it from being so annoying this time.
Oct 18th, 2009, 02:37 PM
#10
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 25,035
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Iowa_Redhead, I was told the Hep B is only needed if you plan to work in a medical facility or have sex with the locals. It was a tough call and I gave it considerable thought. But in the end I decided to skip the Hep B and to forgo any trysts with the Egyptian gigolos. 
Oct 18th, 2009, 03:38 PM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<< But in the end I decided to skip the Hep B and to forgo any trysts with the Egyptian gigolos. >>
Will refrain from comment.......will refrain from comment.....will refrain from comment.........
>>Will refrain from comment.......will refrain from comment.....will refrain from comment.........
Oct 18th, 2009, 06:33 PM
#12
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 10,509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I had to think about it seriously too. I've been single for quite a while and a tryst with an Egyptian gigolo is starting to sound like a good idea! 
My doc said most tourists really don't need a Hep B shot, but I'm always afraid to even hint at telling someone not to get a vaccine.
My doc said most tourists really don't need a Hep B shot, but I'm always afraid to even hint at telling someone not to get a vaccine.
Oct 19th, 2009, 05:46 AM
#13
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Omar Sharif, 30/yrs ago! (Dr. Yuri Zhivago) ... besides, he's a master Backgammon player... and can put his slippers under my bed! 
Hep-B is usually recommended for those who will be in-country in excess of 3/mo, working for an NGO, Peace Corp, local villages. However, there is a current inoc that combines both A & B (believed called Twinex) that some docs give. Otherwise, Hep-A is sufficient and which one can be contracted anywhere, even if you never leave home.
Hep-B is usually recommended for those who will be in-country in excess of 3/mo, working for an NGO, Peace Corp, local villages. However, there is a current inoc that combines both A & B (believed called Twinex) that some docs give. Otherwise, Hep-A is sufficient and which one can be contracted anywhere, even if you never leave home.
Oct 19th, 2009, 08:21 PM
#16
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Im still laughing about the categories of requirements for the Hep B injection PM lol
I can just see the World Health Org saying, oh yes, do you plan to work in a medical facility or have sex with a local? ah yes ok then I see..... you need the jab haha.
Funny
Scotsgirl
I can just see the World Health Org saying, oh yes, do you plan to work in a medical facility or have sex with a local? ah yes ok then I see..... you need the jab haha.
Funny
Scotsgirl
Oct 19th, 2009, 08:24 PM
#17
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I too was a youngster when the hunky Doctor Z was on the screen, re-runs only I will point out - not the original screening - for the record haha!. I then moved onto Richard Gere (officer and a Gentleman) and then onto George Clooney (in ER). Do you think i have something about men with a touch of grey?? hmmmm I see a pattern formed somewhere haha
Scotsgirl
Scotsgirl
Oct 20th, 2009, 07:47 AM
#20
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<<<None of them - Omar, Richard or George - had grey hair when we first met them! But then, neither did we!>>>
Exactly, but what they did have was that "big hair" -- thick, luxurious, with that big wave in front. I was so mad when George Clooney first changed his hairstyle. But he's lookin' good again!!!
Exactly, but what they did have was that "big hair" -- thick, luxurious, with that big wave in front. I was so mad when George Clooney first changed his hairstyle. But he's lookin' good again!!!
