Egypt Visa & Entry Requirements: Your Guide to a Hassle-Free Trip ✈️

Everything you need to know about passports, visas on arrival, e-visas, and more to ensure a smooth trip to Egypt.

Planning a trip to Egypt is an exciting endeavor, filled with visions of ancient wonders, bustling souqs, and serene Nile cruises. But before you can walk like an Egyptian, you need to make sure your travel documents are in order. Navigating Egypt visa and entry requirements can seem a bit confusing, so here’s a straightforward guide to help you prepare for your journey to the land of pharaohs.

The Golden Rule: Egypt Passport Validity

This is the most critical item in your travel arsenal. When planning your trip to Egypt, remember the golden rule: your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Egypt.

For example, if you plan to leave Egypt on January 1, 2026, your passport must be valid until at least July 1, 2026. This is a non-negotiable requirement for most foreign nationals. Additionally, ensure you have at least one blank page for the visa stamp. Don’t risk being denied entry at the border—check your passport’s expiration date well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress regarding Egypt passport validity.

Egypt Visa Options: Your Ticket to the Land of the Pharaohs

The majority of foreign tourists require an Egypt visa to enter the country. Fortunately, the process for many nationalities, including citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and most European countries, is quite simple. You have a few options to secure your Egypt travel visa:

Visa on Arrival

For many travelers, purchasing a visa on arrival is the most common and convenient option. Upon landing at any major Egyptian airport (like Cairo, Luxor, or Hurghada), you can purchase a visa sticker directly at a bank counter before you get to the immigration desks.

• Cost: Approximately $25 USD for a single-entry, 30-day tourist visa.
• Payment: Cash only. While some places may accept Euros or British Pounds, it’s highly recommended to have crisp, new U.S. dollar bills on hand. Credit and debit cards are generally not accepted for this transaction.
• Process: After you get off the plane, follow the signs for “Visa.” You’ll see several bank kiosks. Pay for your Egypt visa, receive the sticker, and then proceed to the immigration line to have your passport and visa stamped.

Applying for an E-Visa

If you prefer to have all your paperwork sorted before you even leave home, the Egyptian government’s official e-Visa portal is the way to go. This allows you to secure your Egypt visa online prior to departure.

• Process: Apply online through the official Egyptian e-Visa portal. Be wary of unofficial third-party sites that charge exorbitant fees. The application is straightforward and usually takes a few business days to process.
• Cost: $25 USD for a single-entry visa, or $60 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
• Benefits: You can pay with a credit card, and having your e-Visa for Egypt in hand beforehand can provide peace of mind and potentially speed up your process at the airport, though you’ll still need to wait in the regular immigration line.

Getting a Visa from an Embassy or Consulate

For those who are not eligible for a visa on arrival or an e-Visa (e.g., certain nationalities), or for travelers on a non-tourist visa (for work or study), you must apply for your Egyptian visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country before your trip. This process is more involved and requires you to submit an application form, photos, and other supporting documents. Check the embassy website for specific Egypt entry requirements for your nationality.

Special Considerations for Your Egypt Trip

• Sinai-Only Visa: If you are a citizen of the US, UK, EU, or Canada and are only visiting the resorts in the Sinai Peninsula (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba) for a maximum of 15 days, you may be granted a free entry stamp upon arrival. However, if you plan to travel outside of these specific resort areas, even for a day trip, you will need a full tourist Egypt visa.
• Required Documentation: While not always asked for, it’s wise to have copies of your travel itinerary, hotel reservations, and a return flight ticket, as immigration officials have the right to request this information as part of Egypt entry requirements. Always keep these readily accessible, separate from your main documents.

By taking the time to understand these simple Egypt visa requirements, you can eliminate a major source of pre-trip stress and focus on the exciting adventure that awaits you in Egypt!