Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Egypt? A Complete Guide for Every Traveler

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Egypt? 

Most Travelers Do — But Not Everyone

For the majority of foreign visitors, a visa is required to travel to Egypt. The good news? Egypt offers multiple convenient ways to obtain it. However, there are exceptions. Citizens from certain countries are visa-exempt for short stays.

Visa-free access is currently granted to passport holders from a select list of countries, including:

• Bahrain
• Hong Kong
• Kuwait
• Lebanon (if arriving at Sharm El Sheikh)Macao
• Malaysia
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates 

If your country isn’t listed above, you’ll need either an Egypt eVisa, a visa on arrival, or a pre-approved consular visa.

What Is an Egypt eVisa and Who Can Apply?

The Fastest Way to Secure Entry — Entirely Online

The Egypt eVisa is an electronic travel authorization system introduced to simplify visa processing for eligible travelers. Citizens of over 70 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, EU member states, Australia, and Japan, can apply for an Egypt tourist eVisa online.

Types of Egypt eVisas:

• Single-entry eVisa: Valid for one entry within 90 days, for up to 30 days of stay.
• Multiple-entry eVisa: Allows multiple entries within 180 days, with each stay capped at 30 days.
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How to apply for an Egypt eVisa:

• Visit the official Egypt eVisa portal.
• Fill out the application with passport details and travel information.
• Upload necessary documents (e.g., a passport scan).
• Pay the visa fee online (usually $25 USD for single-entry).
• Receive the visa via email in 3–7 days.

Be sure to print your eVisa before traveling. Though digital copies are accepted in most cases, a printed version ensures smoother immigration processing. 

Visa on Arrival in Egypt: Is It Still Available?

Yes, But It’s Limited to Select Nationalities

Egypt’s visa on arrival (VOA) is available to nationals from countries eligible for the eVisa, such as the US, UK, Australia, and most of Europe. You can get this visa at major Egyptian airports, including Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor.

Visa on arrival details:

• Cost: $25 USD (cash only, preferably in USD)
• Valid for: One entry, up to 30 days
• Process: Simple — pay the fee, receive a visa sticker, proceed through immigration

While the VOA is convenient, applying for an eVisa beforehand is still the safer bet. Visa lines at the airport can be long, and payment must be made in exact currency.

** Read also about All you need before visiting Egypt (Solo female Traveler).**

Consular Visa: Who Needs One? 

Required for Non-eVisa Eligible Countries

If your country is not eligible for the Egypt eVisa or VOA, you must apply for a visa through an Egyptian embassy or consulate. This includes travelers from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Somalia, among others.

Consular visa requirements:

• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photos
• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Travel itinerary and hotel reservations
• Visa fee (varies by nationality and visa type) 

Processing time can range from 1–3 weeks, so apply well in advance of your trip. 

How Long Can You Stay in Egypt with a Visa?

Most Egypt tourist visas — whether eVisa or visa on arrival — allow stays of up to 30 days per visit. For longer stays, you’ll need to apply for a long-term visa or residency permit via the Ministry of Interior in Egypt.

Important: Overstaying your visa may lead to fines or difficulties on departure, so always track your entry date and leave before your visa expires.

Egypt Visa Fees and Payment Options

What Does a Visa to Egypt Cost?

Here’s a quick breakdown of visa costs:

• eVisa (Single Entry): $25 USD
• eVisa (Multiple Entry): $60 USD
• Visa on Arrival: $25 USD
• Embassy Visa: Varies (typically $25–$60) 

Always use official platforms to pay visa fees. Avoid third-party websites charging inflated prices.

Egypt Visa Checklist: Don’t Miss These Essentials

Before departure, make sure you:

• Have a valid passport (minimum 6 months from entry date)
• Applied for your eVisa or know your visa on arrival eligibility
• Printed a copy of your eVisa (if applicable)
• Prepared supporting documents if visiting consular offices
• Checked for updates from your country’s foreign affairs office 
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** If you a First-Time Traveler to Cairo: 7 Incredible Things to Do in Cairo, read more with a click**

Frequently Asked Questions About Egypt Visa Requirements

1. Can I travel to Egypt without a visa?

Only citizens of visa-exempt countries can enter Egypt without a visa for short stays.

2. Is the Egypt eVisa legitimate and safe to use?

Yes, the official Egypt eVisa portal is secure and used by thousands of travelers.

3. What if my eVisa application is denied?

You’ll need to apply through the nearest Egyptian consulate or embassy.

4. Can I extend my Egypt tourist visa?

Extensions are possible at the Mogamma building in Cairo or through local visa offices, but approval is not guaranteed.

5. Is a visa needed for layovers in Egypt?

If you stay within the transit area and your layover is under 48 hours, no visa is required. For longer stays, a transit visa may be necessary.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re heading to Egypt for a spiritual journey, a beach escape, or to soak in ancient wonders, understanding Egypt’s visa rules is essential. With digital options like the eVisa and flexible on-arrival procedures.