Visa-Free Entry to Egypt for Travelers

Egypt's visa policy mandates visa and valid passport for most foreign travellers. E-Visa is the quickest and simplest route, offering a 30-day stay, single or multiple-entry. Some countries allow on-arrival visas but involve queues, local currency payment, and entry risks. Some travellers may qualify for short-stay exemptions in Egypt for specific purposes.

The option of obtaining a visa on arrival in Egypt remains in effect for eligible tourists, and it has been a longstanding practice. Travellers who can avail of the Egypt visa on arrival include individuals from EU nations and passport holders from Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States.

• Requirements for Visa on Arrival in Egypt

To be granted a visa on arrival in Egypt, visitors must possess a passport from one of the eligible countries and satisfy the entry conditions.

• Additional Visa Requirements

For certain nationalities, it is necessary to possess a valid visa issued by countries within the Schengen Area, the US, the UK, Japan, or New Zealand in order to be eligible for a visa on arrival in Egypt.

Obtaining a Visa on Arrival for Egypt

For U.S. citizens seeking a visa on arrival in Egypt, the essential requirement is a valid passport. Meanwhile, citizens from select EU member countries, such as Belgium, France, and Italy, have the option to present their national ID card in lieu of a passport. However, those using their ID cards must also furnish passport-sized photographs, which will be affixed to the visa.

• The Process of Acquiring a Visa on Arrival

The visa on arrival for Egypt, as the name implies, is issued once the traveller has already arrived in Egyptian territory. It cannot be obtained in advance. Upon landing, foreign nationals are required to locate and queue at the designated visa desk at the airport before proceeding to the immigration office.

• Availability of Visa on Arrival at Various Entry Points

The Egyptian visa on arrival is accessible at several airports and other entry points across the country. Notable entry points include Cairo Airport and Hurghada Airport, where travellers frequently opt for this visa.

• Visa on Arrival Duration and Type

Once granted, the visa on arrival permits international visitors to stay in Egypt for up to 30 days and is valid for a single entry. For an extended convenience, Egypt is planning to introduce a multiple-entry visa on arrival, which will be valid for five years starting in 2023.

• International Entry Points Offering Visa on Arrival

Egypt offers the visa on arrival service at various airports and entry points across the country. Prominent options include Cairo International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, St Catherine International Airport, Borg El Arab International Airport in Alexandria, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, and Luxor International Airport.

Cost of Egyptian Visa on Arrival

The fee for a single-entry Egyptian visa on arrival varies over time depending on one's nationality.

• Payment Methods and Currency

Applicants are required to make the payment in either US dollars, Euros, or British Pounds. It is recommended to arrive at the Egyptian entry point with the exact visa fee to prevent any delays. 

It's important to note that Egyptian authorities exclusively accept cash payments; credit or debit card payments are not permitted. Depending on the entry point, there may be currency exchange desks available, although exchange rates may be unfavourable, and these desks may not always be operational upon arrival.

Visa Requirements for Egypt

It's important to note that the Egypt visa on arrival is not mandatory but rather an alternative option. The majority of travellers eligible for the visa on arrival are also eligible for the e-Visa, which is commonly considered the simpler and more secure choice.

• Visa-Free Travelers to Egypt

In general, nearly all foreign nationals intending to visit Egypt will require some form of visa. There are only nine countries whose citizens can enter Egypt without a visa. These countries include Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macao, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Malaysia.

• Seeking Further Visa Information

For comprehensive details regarding the visa on arrival and other immigration-related inquiries, consulates situated worldwide can offer valuable assistance.

Distinguishing Between Visa on Arrival and Egypt e-Visa

Nationals hailing from countries eligible for the Egypt visa on arrival also have the option to apply for an electronic visa, often favoured for its perceived convenience and reliability.

Overall, the Egypt e-Visa is the more convenient and reliable option, as it eliminates the need to queue at the airport and allows for visa approval in advance of travel. Additionally, the e-Visa application process is simple and straightforward.

Egypt's Tourist Visa Policy

Egypt's policy regarding tourist visas stipulates that the majority of individuals seeking entry for tourism purposes must secure a visa.

• Visa Acquisition Options

Prospective tourists have several options for obtaining a tourist visa:

1. Application for an electronic travel visa (e-Visa) online.
2. Submission of a visa application at the nearest government diplomatic office.
3. Queuing for a visa on arrival at a border entry checkpoint.

• Benefits of the Egypt Tourist e-Visa

Among these options, the Egypt tourist e-Visa stands out as the swiftest and most convenient choice for eligible citizens. This type of tourist visa is typically processed and approved promptly, and it can be acquired through a straightforward online application.

Significantly, the e-Visa eliminates the necessity for in-person embassy visits or the expenditure of travel time waiting in border queues.

• Eligibility for the e-Visa

The electronic visa is exclusively available to travellers who meet the eligibility criteria and intend to visit Egypt for tourism purposes. Tourists who do not qualify for the e-Visa must secure their visa either upon arrival at the immigration control or through the nearest embassy or consulate.

Egypt e-Visa Information

Egypt's visa policy accommodates the application of an electronic visa (e-Visa) for citizens of over 70 countries through a convenient online process.

• Ease of Obtaining an Egypt e-Visa

The Egypt e-Visa is widely acknowledged as the most straightforward and hassle-free means of visiting the country for tourism purposes. To acquire this visa, one simply needs to complete a brief online application.

• Swift Processing and Delivery

Once the online form is submitted, eligible applicants can anticipate receiving their Egypt e-Visa for tourism via email within a mere 2 days. This process is notably faster than the processing times typically associated with embassy visas.

• Flexibility in Entry Options

Eligible travellers have the choice of obtaining either a single-entry or multiple-entry e-Visa. Both variants enable entry into Egypt within 3 months of approval. The single-entry e-Visa permits a single visit within this period, while the multiple-entry e-Visa authorises multiple trips to Egypt within 6 months of the initial entry.

• Duration of Stay

As per Egypt's visa policy, e-Visa holders are entitled to a stay of up to 30 days per permitted entry into the country.

• Passport Validity

Travellers applying for an Egyptian e-Visa must possess a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from their anticipated date of arrival in Egypt.

• Electronic Visa Issuance

Upon approval, the e-Visa will be electronically linked to the traveller's passport, and a copy will also be sent via email. It is imperative for travellers to print out the e-Visa and present it at immigration control when entering Egypt.

• Non-Tourist Visits

Travellers from e-Visa-eligible countries who plan to visit Egypt for purposes other than tourism, such as work or study, must follow the requisite visa application process at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.

Below is a comprehensive list of countries for which an e-Visa is a prerequisite for visiting Egypt.

Here is a list of the countries you provided: Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela.

Visa on Arrival Option

Citizens of over 60 countries worldwide are eligible for a visa on arrival in Egypt. This visa is a single-entry travel document that permits a stay of up to 30 days. However, there are some important points to consider before applying for a visa on arrival:

• Lengthy wait times: Applying for a visa on arrival typically involves a lengthy wait in an immigration queue, which can be cumbersome after a long journey.

• On-site application: Applicants must complete a visa application form on-site and pay the visa fee in cash only. Credit or debit card payments are not accepted.

• Passport requirements: Applicants must have a valid passport with at least two blank pages.

• Risk of visa denial: There is a risk of visa denial at the border, in which case the traveller will be prohibited from entering Egypt and may need to purchase a return flight ticket.

To mitigate the risk of visa rejection and avoid the time-consuming application process at immigration, it is strongly advised for eligible travellers to obtain an Egypt visa in advance. The most convenient method for eligible applicants is to apply for the e-Visa online.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Visa fees: The visa fee for a single-entry visa on arrival varies due to some factors.

• Accepted currencies: The visa fee must be paid in Egyptian pounds (EGP). Foreign currencies are not accepted.

• Immigration checkpoints: Visa on arrival is available at all major international airports in Egypt, as well as at some land and sea border crossings.

• E-Visa: The e-Visa is a more convenient option for travellers who wish to avoid the hassle of applying for a visa on arrival. The e-Visa can be applied for online and is typically processed within a few days.

Here is a list of the countries and territories that can obtain a visa on arrival: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Grenada, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Laos, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Suriname, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Visa Application Process through Embassy or Consulate

The immigration regulations dictate that citizens of countries not exempt from Egypt's visa requirements and those ineligible for e-Visas or visas on arrival must seek a visa through an embassy or consulate in their country of residence. 

This requirement applies to approximately 130 nationalities worldwide.

• Non-Tourist and Long-Term Visas

Furthermore, all non-tourist visas, including business visas, work visas, and others, regardless of the traveller's nationality, must be obtained through a diplomatic mission.

• Visa Application Procedure

The process of acquiring an Egyptian embassy visa entails initiating a request for an appointment at an Egyptian consular office. It is advisable to schedule this appointment well in advance of the intended travel dates, as the processing and approval of an embassy visa application may take up to 2 weeks or longer.

• Passport Requirements

All embassy visa applicants must possess a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the intended date of arrival in Egypt.

• Visa Types and Durations

Single-entry Egypt tourist visas remain valid for 6 months and allow a traveller to stay in Egypt for a maximum of 60 days. Multiple-entry Egypt tourist visas, also valid for 6 months, permit a traveller to stay in Egypt for a maximum of 90 collective days.

• Supporting Documentation

Applicants are required to provide supporting documentation corresponding to the purpose of their intended stay, whether it be for tourism, business, transit, work, study, or residency in Egypt.

• Application Form and Visa Fee

All individuals seeking an embassy visa for Egypt must complete an application form with relevant information and remit the necessary visa fee before the travel document can be approved.

Approximately 130 nationalities, including: Afghanistan, Aland Islands, Algeria, American Samoa, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Aruba, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Christmas Island, Cocos Islands, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Curacao, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greenland, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea Bissau, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jersey, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, New Caledonia, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, North Korea, Northern Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Palestinian Territory, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Reunion, Rwanda, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Helena, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sint Maarten, Somalia, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Uganda, United States Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Visa Exemption

Under the Egyptian visa policy, specific travellers may enter Egypt without the need for a visa, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria.

• Resort-Specific Visa Exemption

Tourists of select nationalities staying at particular resorts in the Sinai Peninsula region may qualify for visa exemption.

• Transition to e-Visa System

Certain countries that previously offered short-term visa exemptions for Egypt have now been incorporated into the e-Visa system.

• Varied Exemption Criteria

Egypt's visa-free program extends to citizens of various countries, contingent on specific conditions tied to age, gender, place of residence, travel destinations, and passport conditions, all of which are subject to variations based on nationality. Furthermore, many foreign citizens with familial ties to Egyptians, including children and spouses with valid proof of marriage, are eligible for visa exemption. Notable countries in this category encompass Afghanistan, Algeria, Libya, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Sudan, South Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.

• Passport Validity Requirement

To traverse the Egyptian border without a visa, travellers are generally required to present an eligible passport with a minimum validity of 6 months.

• Visa-Free Transit

Visa-free entry to Egypt also encompasses transit purposes, provided that the stopover is of a brief duration. For transits exceeding 48 hours in Egypt, a transit visa application becomes a prerequisite, while transits under 6 hours do not necessitate a transit visa, but travellers must remain within the airport premises.

• Visa-Exempt Countries for Egypt

The Egyptian visa policy grants visa exemption to travellers from specific countries. As of now, this list includes the following nations:

1. Jordan
2. Macau

Sinai Resort Visa Exemption in Egypt

Certain foreign citizens are not obligated to obtain a visa if their travel plans solely involve visiting one of the resorts situated on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. This visa exemption currently extends to nationals from the United States, all European Union countries, and travellers from Israel (applicable when utilising the Taba Border Crossing). 

Instead of a visa, eligible individuals are granted a free entry permission stamp in their passport upon arrival at specific ports within Egypt.

This visa exemption applies to all eligible travellers arriving at Sharm el Sheikh, Saint Catherine, or Taba airports and intending to explore any of the following Sinai resorts:

1. Sharm El Sheikh
2. Dahab
3. Nuweiba
4. Taba

The granted free entry permit for the Sinai Peninsula permits a maximum stay of 14 days, with the condition that travellers do not venture beyond their chosen resort during this period.

FAQS

Who is eligible for free visa entry into Egypt?

Travellers intending to visit specific resorts on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, including nationals from the United States, all European Union countries, and travellers from Israel (using the Taba Border Crossing), are eligible for free visa entry.

Which resorts on the Sinai Peninsula are covered by this visa exemption?

The visa exemption applies to resorts in Sinai, including Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba.

How long can I stay with a free entry permit for the Sinai Peninsula?

Travellers granted a free entry permit can stay for a maximum of 14 days, provided they remain within their chosen resort during their visit.

Can I extend my stay in the Sinai resorts or travel outside the peninsula with this free entry permit?

No, for longer stays in Sinai resorts or travel outside the peninsula, travellers must apply for the appropriate Egyptian visa type.

Do I need to apply for this free entry permit in advance?

No, eligible travellers receive the free entry permission stamp in their passport upon arrival at specific ports in Egypt.

Can I visit other parts of Egypt with this free entry permit, apart from the Sinai Peninsula resorts?

No, this visa exemption is specifically for visiting resorts on the Sinai Peninsula, and travellers should not leave the designated areas.