Egypt visa

The Arab Republic of Egypt, a transcontinental country connecting the northeast corner of Africa with the southwest corner of Asia (Sinai Peninsula), is a cradle of civilization and a land of immense historical and cultural significance. World-renowned for its ancient monuments such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings, Egypt also attracts millions of visitors annually with the natural beauty of the Nile River and the coral reefs of the Red Sea. Most foreign nationals require a visa for entry, with the e-Visa system and Visa on Arrival (VOA) being convenient options for many tourists.

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Egypt.

Visa Exemption:

  • Nationals of certain Arab countries: Citizens of some Arab countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) may be exempt from visa requirements for short stays under specific conditions. The exact list and conditions can vary.
  • Special regulation for certain Sinai resorts ("Sinai Only" stamp): Nationals of many European countries (including Germany, Austria, Switzerland), the USA, and Israel can obtain a free entry permission stamp for up to 15 days if arriving directly at certain airports in the Sinai Peninsula (e.g., Sharm El Sheikh, Taba, St. Catherine). However, this permission is exclusively valid for stays in the resort areas of the Sinai Peninsula (such as Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba) and does not authorize travel to other parts of Egypt (e.g., Cairo, Luxor). A regular visa is required for travel beyond the Sinai Peninsula.

E-Visa (Electronic Visa): For nationals of many countries (approx. 70-80+, including most European countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand), the e-Visa is a convenient way to obtain entry permission online in advance.

Visa on Arrival (VOA): Nationals of many of the countries eligible for the e-Visa can alternatively obtain a visa upon arrival at major international airports in Egypt.

Visa via Embassy/Consulate: For nationalities not eligible for an e-Visa or VOA, or for specific travel purposes (e.g., work, study, long-term stays), a visa must be applied for in advance at an Egyptian embassy or consulate.

It is strongly recommended to check the specific requirements for your nationality and purpose of travel before your journey.

Visa Categories for Egypt

Egypt offers various types of visas tailored to the respective purpose of stay:

Visa Exemption / Sinai Resort Permission ("Sinai Only")

Full visa exemption for citizens of some Arab countries. The "Sinai Only" entry permission is a special regulation for tourists of many nationalities who exclusively visit the Sinai Peninsula (specific resort areas) for up to 15 days and enter via designated Sinai border points. This permission is not a full Egyptian visa.

Key Requirements for "Sinai Only":

  • Documents: Valid passport from an eligible country (often with a minimum validity of 6 months). Direct entry at a participating Sinai border point (e.g., Sharm El Sheikh airport). The stay must be confined to the designated resort areas of the Sinai Peninsula.
  • Application Process: No formal application in advance; permission is granted upon arrival (stamp in passport) if conditions are met.
  • Fees: Free of charge.

Tourist E-Visa (Electronic Tourist Visa)

Allows entry for tourism purposes. It is available online for nationals of many countries and can be applied for as a single-entry visa (valid for a stay of up to 30 days within a 3-month validity period from issuance) or as a multiple-entry visa (valid for stays of up to 30 days per entry within a 6-month validity period from issuance).

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Scanned color copy of the passport data page (valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of arrival in Egypt), possibly proof of hotel bookings or an itinerary, a valid email address, an international credit or debit card for payment.
  • Application Process: Online application on the official e-Visa portal of the Egyptian government (<u>www.visa2egypt.gov.eg</u>). The form must be completed, documents possibly uploaded, and the fee paid online. It is recommended to apply at least 7 days before the planned travel. The approved e-Visa is sent via email and must be printed and carried for entry.
  • Fees (as of May 2025, subject to change): Approx. 25 USD for a single-entry visa, approx. 60 USD for a multiple-entry visa.

Tourist Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Available to nationals of many countries who are also eligible for the e-Visa (e.g., EU citizens, citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan). It is issued upon arrival at major international airports (e.g., Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam), is typically for a single entry, and valid for a stay of up to 30 days.

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from date of entry). Sufficient cash (preferably US Dollars; Euros or British Pounds may sometimes be accepted, but USD is safest) for the visa fee. An entry form may sometimes be provided.
  • Application Process: At special bank kiosks or visa counters before passport control at the airport. The visa sticker is purchased and affixed to the passport (or a stamp is given). Then proceed to regular passport control. Queues may occur.
  • Fees (as of May 2025, subject to change): Approx. 25 USD, payable in cash.

Regular Visa (Application via Embassy/Consulate)

Required for nationals not eligible for an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival, or for stays that are not for tourism or exceed the validity of these visas (e.g., work, study, long-term stays, journalism, certain business visas not covered by the e-Visa scope).

Key Subcategories: Work visa (requires a work permit obtained by the employer in Egypt), student visa (requires admission from an Egyptian educational institution), business visa (for more extensive business activities), residence visas for longer durations.

Key Requirements:

  • Documents: Valid passport, completed application form from the respective embassy, passport photos, specific supporting documents depending on the visa type (e.g., employment contract and approvals from Egyptian authorities, university admission letter, official invitation letter from an Egyptian business partner, proof of financial means).
  • Application Process: Submission of documents to the responsible Egyptian embassy or consulate general in the applicant's home country or country of residence. Processing times can vary.
  • Fees: Vary significantly depending on nationality, visa type, and validity period.

Visa for Egypt: Final Points to Consider

For many tourists, entry into Egypt is relatively straightforward due to the availability of e-Visas and Visas on Arrival. However, it is important to note the specific conditions, especially the passport validity (minimum 6 months recommended), and to use only the official government portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) for e-Visa applications. The special regulation for the Sinai Peninsula offers a flexible option for resort-only holidays in that region. Visitors should always stay informed about current travel and security advisories for Egypt and respect local laws, customs, and traditions, especially at religious sites. Online-Visa.com strives to provide you with clear and comprehensive information, but this cannot replace individual research with official government sources or legal advice. With proper preparation, you can safely and relaxedly experience the historical wonders and natural beauty of Egypt.