Egypt Visa Types, Requirements, and Application

If you’re planning a visit to Egypt, understanding the various visa types, requirements, and application processes is essential. Egypt, a country rich in history and ancient wonders, welcomes visitors from around the world. In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of all you need to know about Egypt visa.

Do I Need a Visa for Egypt?

In most cases, travelers to Egypt need to obtain a visa before their journey. Exceptions exist for nationals of specific countries who can either obtain visas on arrival or apply online, which simplifies the process for many visitors.

Countries whose citizens can enter Egypt without a visa for stays of up to 90 days include:

Bahrain
Hong Kong
Kuwait
Lebanon (Note: Specific entry points apply for charter flights)
Macao
Oman
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Malaysia (for stays of up to 14 days)

Additionally, citizens of several other countries may be exempt from an Egypt visa based on certain conditions. For instance, citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, China, Jordan, Morocco, and others may not require a visa if they meet specific criteria, such as age or special circumstances.

Travelers visiting as part of a tourist group consisting of at least 5 people, with a return ticket, reserved accommodation, and a letter of guarantee from a travel agency, can enter without a visa. The same applies to travelers from various countries like Azerbaijan, Belize, Russia, and others.

Furthermore, exemptions apply for certain individuals, such as those with an Egyptian parent or spouse and certain residents of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) member states. For travelers from countries that require pre-clearance to apply for an Egypt visa, pre-approval from the Egyptian State Security Authorities is necessary. These countries include Iran, Kosovo, Iraq, Lebanon, Somalia, Mauritania, Syria, Sri Lanka, and Yemen.

Egypt Tourist Visa

The Egypt tourist visa, typically valid for up to 90 days, is the most common visa type for visitors. Nationals of countries exempt from tourist visas often don’t need to apply in advance. However, individuals planning to stay long-term must obtain a visa. It’s important to note that citizens of some countries can get an Egypt tourist visa on arrival or apply online, making it convenient for short-term visitors.

Who Is Eligible for an Egypt Visa On Arrival?

Citizens from most countries are eligible for Egypt visas on arrival. However, there is a list of countries whose citizens must obtain a visa in advance. This list includes countries like Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, India, Iraq, and others. Certain exceptions apply, such as age or residency requirements for some countries.

Applying for an Egypt Visa On Arrival

Travelers eligible for an Egypt Visa On Arrival can obtain it upon arrival at Egyptian entry points. The visa fee must be paid in cash with the exact amount.

While this option is available, many eligible travelers still prefer to apply for their Egypt visa in advance, either online or through an embassy or consulate. This allows them to have their visa approved before making travel plans.

Who Can Get an Egypt Visa Online?

Egypt offers an eVisa system that allows travelers from specific countries to apply online before their trip. Travelers from European Union countries, Canada, the United States, and more can apply online, providing an added layer of security by knowing their visa status before making travel arrangements.

Applying for an Egypt Visa Online (e-Visa)

To apply for an Egypt e-Visa, you should do so at least seven days before your intended travel date. The application process involves creating an account, entering your travel details, attaching a scanned copy of your passport, paying the visa fee, and waiting for processing. If approved, you’ll receive an electronic visa that should be printed and presented upon entry.

When traveling to Egypt, you must have your passport, valid for at least six more months, the printed Egypt e-Visa, a travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation, as well as a letter of invitation if applicable.

Applying for an Egypt Visa at an Embassy or Consulate

For travelers not exempt from Egypt visa requirements and those ineligible for an e-Visa or Visa On Arrival, obtaining a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate is necessary. The application process can vary by location but generally includes setting up an appointment, completing the Egypt Visa Application Form, gathering required documents, paying the visa fee, and submitting the application.

Note that the specific application process may vary depending on the country where you are applying. Required documents include the visa application form, passport-sized photos, a valid passport, proof of residence (if applicable), a return or onward travel ticket, proof of accommodation, and proof of visa fee payment.

The processing time for Egypt visas varies depending on the application method. Visa On Arrival is processed at the entry point, e-Visas take approximately seven days, and embassy or consulate applications usually take at least ten working days. It’s crucial to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates, but no earlier than three months. If applying by mail, consider the additional time needed for mailing documents back and forth.

Duration of an Egypt Visa

The duration of an Egypt visa depends on the type and number of entries it allows:

Egypt Visa e-Visa and On Arrival: Valid for 90 days, single entry, and a maximum stay of 30 days.
Single-entry Egypt tourist visas: Valid for 6 months, with a maximum stay of 60 days.
Multiple-entry Egypt tourist visas: Valid for 6 months, allowing a collective maximum stay of 90 days.

Extensions may be available for Egypt tourist visas for an additional 90 days, which can be obtained through the Egypt Passport and Immigration Administration.

Do I Need an Egypt Transit Visa?

Whether you need an Egypt Transit visa depends on the duration of your transit:

Less than six hours: No transit visa is needed, but you must remain in the airport.
6 – 48 hours: You may leave the airport with your valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Longer than 48 hours: You must obtain the relevant visa.

Submitting an Egypt Visa Application from the UK

UK nationals have various options for obtaining an Egypt visa, including applying online, obtaining a Visa On Arrival, or visiting one of the Egyptian consulates in the UK. Detailed explanations of the application processes for Egypt e-Visa and Visa On Arrival are provided.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?

Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Egypt, but they can apply for it online or upon arrival at the Egyptian port of entry. The application process for these options is detailed above.

Egypt Visa Fees

For eVisas and Visas On Arrival, issued primarily for tourism purposes, the fees are as follows:

Single-entry visa: $25
Multiple-entry visa: $60

When applying at an Egypt embassy or consulate, the visa fees may vary by nationality, so it’s advisable to confirm with the specific embassy or consulate you plan to use.

Note: Diplomatic or official passport holders and UN Laissez-Passer holders are exempt from Egypt visa fees.