How to Get a Visa for Egypt
Traveling to Egypt is a dream for many, but before you can walk through ancient temples or sail the Nile, there’s one important step, getting your visa. Fortunately, Egypt offers several convenient options for travelers, whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or transit. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you navigate the process smoothly. Check our travel packages!
Do You Need a Visa to Enter Egypt?
Most travelers will need a visa to enter Egypt, but the process varies depending on your nationality. Citizens of many countries can apply online (e-Visa) or get a visa on arrival, while others must obtain one in advance from an Egyptian consulate or embassy.
Check Egypt’s official visa portal or your local embassy website to confirm the latest rules for your country.
1. Egypt e-Visa (Recommended)
The Egypt e-Visa is the easiest and most popular option for tourists. It’s available to citizens of over 70 countries, including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and EU nations.
How to Apply:
- Visit the official portal: https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg
- Create an account and complete the online form
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport
- Pay the fee using a credit or debit card
- Processing Time: Usually 2–5 business days
- Validity: 90 days from issue (you can stay up to 30 days)
- Fees: Around $25 USD for a single-entry visa; $60 for multiple-entry
Why it’s great:
- No need to visit an embassy
- Fast and easy to manage online
- Receive your visa via email
2. Visa on Arrival
If you didn’t apply online, travelers from certain countries (such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe) can purchase a visa on arrival when they land at Egyptian airports.
- Where to Get It: Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, and other major airports
- How Much: $25 USD (single-entry, cash only, USD preferred)
- Validity: Stay up to 30 days
Tips:
- Bring exact change in USD if possible
- Avoid long queues by applying for an e-Visa in advance
- Not recommended if you’re transiting quickly or want less hassle
3. Apply at an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate
If you’re from a country not eligible for e-Visa or visa on arrival, you’ll need to apply through your nearest Egyptian embassy.
Required Documents Often Include:
- Completed application form
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized photo
- Travel itinerary or hotel booking
- Visa fee (varies by location)
- Processing Time: Usually 5 -10 working days
Best For: Travelers from countries not on Egypt’s visa waiver or e-Visa list
4. Visa-Free Entry (Limited Cases)
- A few nationalities may enter Egypt without a visa for short stays, including:
- Nationals of certain Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries
- Malaysian citizens (up to 14 days)
- Some diplomatic and official passport holders
Again, rules can change, so it’s essential to verify with your local embassy or Egypt’s official visa website.
Final Advice Before You Go
- Print a copy of your e-Visa or keep it on your phone
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry
- If you’re entering via land borders (e.g., from Israel), check specific requirements
- If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, inquire about visa extensions or multiple-entry options in advance
Egypt is welcoming and relatively flexible when it comes to visas, but getting yours sorted early saves time and ensures a smoother arrival. With the convenience of online applications and visa-on-arrival options, your Egyptian adventure is just a few clicks away. Check our special offers in Egypt Trips Packages!
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