Visa Requirements for Visiting Egypt
Almost all travelers require a visa to enter Egypt. Fortunately, the process is straightforward, and a little advance planning goes a long way. This guide will help you navigate the entry requirements for visiting the land of pyramids on a tourist visa.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Egypt?
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Egypt. However, citizens of several countries can apply for an e-Visa in advance or opt for a visa on arrival at Egypt’s international airports, with both costing US$25.
Obtaining an e-Visa is generally a smoother process than acquiring a visa at the airport. Apply online in advance on the Egyptian Government’s official e-Visa website. Complete the online application form and make the payment.
If you choose to obtain a visa upon arrival, be prepared for potential waits in line. Bring your own pen to complete paperwork while waiting. Additionally, ensure you have cash available (only US dollars, euros, or British pounds are accepted; Egyptian pounds are not) for payment.
Visa-free entry for up to 90 days is granted to citizens of Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Macau, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Citizens of Malaysia can enter for up to 14 days.
If you are not eligible for a visa on arrival or e-Visa, you will need to apply in person at an Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country. Be aware that this process may take several weeks.
How to Get an e-Visa for Egypt
To save time, apply for an e-Visa before your trip. Citizens of eligible countries can apply on the Egyptian government’s official website. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months before your intended date of arrival.
The application process is simple: fill out the online form and pay the US$25 fee using a credit or debit card. You will receive email updates as your application is processed.
Upon approval, you will receive a link to download and print your e-Visa. Present this document along with your passport when you arrive in Egypt. Additionally, it’s wise to have a copy of your accommodation details or travel itinerary in case you are requested to show them at the airport.
Egypt’s e-Visa can be issued as a single or multiple entry. The single-entry visa permits one entry into the country for a stay of up to 30 days, while the multiple-entry visa allows unlimited entries over a period of 180 days, with up to 30 days for each stay. Be sure to apply for a multi-entry visa at least seven days before your trip.
Visa on Arrival in Egypt
If you don’t have time to apply for an e-Visa, you can still get a visa on arrival at the airport if you are eligible. These visas can be purchased (US$25) at a kiosk located in the arrivals hall before the immigration counters.
It is crucial to have the correct amount in cash, in a major foreign currency (US dollars, euros, or British pounds), to avoid delays.
Your visa will be stamped in your passport, which you must present at the immigration counters and passport control.
If you opt for a visa on arrival, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months from your arrival date, along with travel documentation confirming accommodation or tour bookings.
Visa on arrival service is available at all international airports in Egypt. However, be aware that you can only receive a single entry visa, and the lines at the airport may be long.
You Don’t Need a Visa to Stay in Sinai on Short Trips
If you are visiting the resort towns on the Gulf of Aqaba coast and will not be traveling to mainland Egypt, you can stay in Sinai for 14 days without an Egyptian visa. The Sinai-only visa allows travelers to visit popular areas such as Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, and St. Catherine; however, entry to Ras Muhammad National Park is not permitted.
The Sinai-only visa can be obtained at the airport in Sharm El Sheikh or at the Egypt–Israel border crossing at Taba. If you arrive at Taba and plan to visit mainland Egypt, you must purchase a visa online in advance or at an Egyptian embassy abroad.
