Important information - The Egypt Visa on Arrival has currently been suspended. The suspension applies to US Green Card holders and US citizens; they cannot currently get a Visa on Arrival in Egypt. They should apply for the Egpyt eVisa before their trip to ensure entry to the country. This is recommended for tourism purposes.
Egypt attracts travelers from around the globe worldwide. Egypt's rich history and culture offer a journey through time, from the majestic Pyramids of Giza to the enchanting Nile River. However, before embarking on this fascinating journey, travelers must understand Egypt's visa policy.
Egypt tourist visa policy
Understanding the country's tourist visa policy is essential when visiting Egypt for tourism. The majority of international travelers need a visa to enter Egypt. Applicants can obtain one of the following:
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Egypt eVisa (electronic visa): The most convenient option for citizens of eligible countries, the eVisa is processed and approved quickly, 100% online. It eliminates the need to physically visit an embassy or wait in long airport queues.
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Visa on Arrival: Eligible travelers can get a visa directly at the Egyptian airport upon arrival, though it might involve longer waiting times.
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Visa application at Diplomatic Offices: Travelers can also apply for a visa at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Learn more about each visa type, eligibility, and how to apply.
Egypt eVisa
The Egypt eVisa is a digital solution for travelers seeking to visit Egypt for tourism, business, or medical purposes. The eVisa system aims to streamline the visa application process, enabling travelers to apply for and receive their visas online.
Applicants have two options: a single or multiple-entry visa. The single-entry eVisa is valid for 90 days after issued, allowing a stay of up to 30 days per entry, while the multiple visa offers more flexibility, allowing multiple visits within three months, with each stay capped at 30 days.
Eligible countries to apply for an Egypt eVisa
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Albania |
Estonia |
Japan |
Montenegro |
Slovakia |
Australia |
Finland |
Korea, Republic of |
Netherlands |
Slovenia |
Austria |
France |
Latvia |
New Zealand |
Spain |
Belgium |
Germany |
Lithuania |
Norway |
Sweden |
Bulgaria |
Greece |
Luxembourg |
Poland |
Switzerland |
Croatia |
Hungary |
Macedonia |
Portugal |
United Kingdom |
Cyprus |
Iceland |
Malta |
Romania |
United States of America |
Czechia |
Ireland |
Moldova, Republic of |
Russian Federation |
Ukraine |
Denmark |
Italy |
Monaco |
Serbia |
Vatican City (Holy See) |
How to get an Egypt eVisa
Applying for an Egypt eVisa is straightforward and has many benefits, including convenience and speed. Here’s a simple three-step process:
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Visit our website or iVisa app. Enter your contact and travel details. Select a processing time that fits your travel schedule and pay the visa fees.
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Complete the rest of the application form and upload a scanned copy of your passport.
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Submit your application. You’ll receive your Egypt eVisa via email. Print a copy and keep a digital version for your journey.
Egypt Visa on Arrival
The Egypt Visa on Arrival is available for travelers who prefer to get their visa upon entering Egypt. This option is suitable for citizens of certain countries and allows them to receive a visa directly at specific airports. The Visa on Arrival is primarily for short tourist trips, offering a single or multiple-entry option, similar to the eVisa.
While this method can be convenient, it's important to note that it involves uncertainty, as there's no pre-arrival approval, and waiting times at entry points can be significant.
Eligible countries for the Egypt Visa on Arrival
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Australia |
Greece |
Poland |
Austria |
Hungary |
Portugal |
Belgium |
Ireland |
Republic of Korea |
Bulgaria |
Italy |
Romania |
Croatia |
Japan |
Russian Federation |
Cyprus |
Latvia |
Serbia |
Czech Republic |
Lithuania |
Slovakia |
Denmark |
Luxembourg |
Slovenia |
Estonia |
Malta |
Spain |
Finland |
Macedonia |
Sweden |
France |
Netherlands |
Ukraine |
Georgia |
New Zealand |
United Kingdom |
Germany |
Norway |
United States |
How to get an Egypt Visa on Arrival
Applying for a Visa on Arrival involves a degree of risk, requiring travelers to arrive in Egypt without a guaranteed entry visa. This can lead to lengthy waits at border points. Here's how to apply:
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Arrive in Egypt at one of the following airports:
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Cairo International Airport, Cairo
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Hurghada International Airport, Hurghada
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St Catherine International Airport, St Catherina
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Borg El Arab International Airport, Alexandria
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Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
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Luxor Airport International Airport
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Upon landing, head to the designated Visa on Arrival counters. Fill out the visa application form provided at the counter.
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Pay the visa fee and receive your entry stamp.
Egypt Consular Visa
Certain nationalities are required to apply for an Egypt visa in person through consular services. The application process for a Consular Visa can take up to eight weeks, and the consulate will inform applicants of the decision via email, phone, or SMS.
The Egyptian government recommends not making any definitive travel arrangements until the visa approval is confirmed. Be aware that initial applications don’t require original documents or fees until approval is granted.
Eligible countries for the Egypt Consular Visa
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Afghanistan |
Mali |
Algeria |
Mauritania |
Bangladesh |
Moldova |
Burundi |
Morocco |
Chad |
Myanmar |
Comoros |
Niger |
Djibouti |
Nigeria |
Eritrea |
Pakistan |
Ethiopia |
Palestine |
Ghana |
Philippines |
Indonesia |
Rwanda |
Iran |
Sierra Leone |
Iraq |
Somalia |
Israel |
Sri Lanka |
Kosovo |
Sudan (non-residents in the UK) |
Lebanon |
Thailand |
Liberia |
Tunisia |
How to get an Egypt Consular Visa
The application process for a Consular Visa is detailed and requires preparation. Follow these steps:
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Contact the nearest Egyptian Embassy for initial guidance and to receive the application form.
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Complete the form and submit it with copies of supporting documents as instructed by the consulate. Pay the visa fees.
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Follow any additional instructions the consular officer provides and wait for the visa to be processed. Usually, the Embassy or Consulate will contact you to present the original documents and pick up your visa.
Since the procedures may change from country to country, we recommend contacting the nearest embassy for the most accurate and detailed information regarding the Consular Visa application.
Egypt Business Visa
Travelers visiting Egypt for business-related activities, including conferences, seminars, and courses, need a Business Visa. This visa requires a supporting letter from the company detailing the purpose of the trip and information about the organization you’ll visit in Egypt.
The eVisa system covers business travelers, offering a convenient online application process. For those ineligible for the eVisa, the process mirrors that of a tourist consular visa, emphasizing the need for detailed documentation and pre-approval.
Egypt Work Permit
Foreign nationals planning to work in Egypt must get a work permit and a business or work visa before arrival. You must get a work permit through your Egyptian employer. The Ministry of Manpower and Migration issues it. These permits also grant residency rights in Egypt.
Egypt visa-exemptions
Certain nationalities can enjoy visa-exempt entry into Egypt under specific conditions. This exemption usually applies to short stays and is limited to tourism purposes.
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Visitors from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom can visit Egypt without a visa if they stay in specific locations: Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba.
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The stay must not exceed 15 days.
The travelers will need a visa to visit any other location in Egypt or to stay longer than 15 days.
Egypt visa policy for Gaza
The border with Gaza is subject to the Egyptian government's strict regulations and is opened infrequently and unpredictably. Groups or humanitarian aid convoys needing to cross at Rafah must seek permission from the Egyptian Embassy before their journey.
All travelers are thoroughly screened at the Rafah border crossing. The region, including the Sinai Peninsula, is considered dangerous due to the ongoing conflict and presence of militant groups.
More Egyptian travel requirements you should know
Travelers should know specific requirements and regulations when planning their trip to Egypt. This includes guidelines for traveling with minors and pets.
Traveling with minors to Egypt
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Only one visa is required if a child under 16 is listed on a parent's passport.
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However, children with their own passports, including infants, must have their individual visas.
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Minors under 16 traveling without an adult need a parent or legal guardian letter.
Traveling with pets
- Pets must have a legalized health certificate from veterinary authorities, indicating all vaccinations, especially Rabies, have been administered.
We're here to help
Our team is ready to provide support for any questions or assistance with your Egypt eVisa application. We aim to provide a smooth and error-free application process for your travels. Contact us through our online chat or email us at help@iVisa.