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Germany Urges Travelers Not to Enter Egypt With Only a National ID Card

The foreign office says a passport valid for at least six months remains the dependable way to clear Egyptian border checks.

Overview

  • The Auswärtiges Amt updated its Egypt travel advice on February 11, explicitly advising against entry using only the Personalausweis.
  • Entry with an ID card is still possible in practice but requires a special entry card on arrival and two biometric passport photos, with missing photos risking refusal.
  • Reports cite uneven acceptance of the German ID across Egypt, including cases where cash-transfer providers demand a passport to release funds.
  • A passport or provisional passport is recommended, and Egyptian authorities strictly enforce the rule that it must be valid for at least six months at entry.
  • Egypt began phasing out paper entry and exit cards for a digital system around February 1, and travelers are urged to confirm current rules with Egyptian embassies or consulates.