Is a visa necessary for traveling to Egypt?

Nearly all visitors need a visa to enter Egypt, but the application process is straightforward, and some preparation can make it easier.

This guide will detail the entry requirements for tourists heading to the land of pyramids.

Who requires a visa to visit Egypt?

Most travelers need a visa to enter Egypt, but citizens from various countries can secure an e-Visa beforehand or get a visa upon arrival at Egypt's international airports. Both options cost US$25.

Obtaining an e-Visa is usually more convenient than securing a visa upon arrival. You can apply for a tourist visa online in advance at the official e-Visa website of the Egyptian Government. Simply complete the online application form and make the payment.

If you opt to get your visa at the airport when you arrive in Egypt, be ready to wait in line—make sure to bring your own pen to fill out the forms either in line or on the plane—and remember to pay in cash (only US dollars, euros, or British pounds are accepted, not Egyptian pounds).

Citizens from Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Macau, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates can visit Egypt without a visa for up to 90 days. Malaysian citizens can stay for up to 14 days without a visa.

If you aren't eligible for a visa on arrival or an e-Visa, visit the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country to apply in person. Keep in mind that the visa process may take several weeks.

How to obtain an e-Visa for Egypt

To save time, make sure to apply for an e-Visa before your journey to Egypt. Citizens from these countries are eligible for the e-Visa and can apply on the official Egyptian government website. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months prior to your planned arrival date.

The application process is straightforward: create an account, complete the form, and pay the US$25 fee using a credit or debit card. You'll receive email updates as your application is processed.

If your visa is approved, you will get an email with a link to download and print your e-Visa. Upon arriving in Egypt, present your e-Visa along with your passport to the border control. Keep a copy of your accommodation details or tour reservation handy, as you may need to show them at the airport.

Egypt's e-Visa can be either single or multiple entry. The single-entry visa permits one entry into the country for stays of up to 30 days. The multiple-entry visa allows unlimited entries over 180 days, with each stay up to 30 days. Ensure to apply for a multi-entry visa at least seven days before your trip.

Visa on arrival in Egypt

If you lack the time to apply for an e-Visa, you can still obtain a visa on arrival at the airport if you meet the eligibility criteria. These visas can be purchased for US$25 at a kiosk located in the arrivals area before you reach the immigration counters.

Ensure you have the correct cash amount in a major foreign currency (US dollars, euros, or British pounds) to prevent any delays during the process.

The visa will be issued as a stamp that you need to place in your passport for presentation at the immigration counters and passport control.

If you choose to get a visa on arrival, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date, and bring a travel itinerary along with proof of booked accommodations or tours.

Visa on arrival is accessible at all international airports in Egypt. However, the drawbacks include the limitation to a single entry visa and potentially long lines at the airport.

No visa is required for short stays in Sinai.

If you're visiting the resort towns along the Gulf of Aqaba and not traveling to mainland Egypt, you can remain in Sinai for up to 14 days without needing an Egyptian visa. This Sinai-only visa permits access to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, and St. Catherine, but does not allow entry to Ras Muhammad National Park.

The Sinai-only visa can be obtained at the airport in Sharm El Sheikh and at the Egypt–Israel border crossing in Taba. If you arrive at Taba and intend to visit mainland Egypt, you will need to secure a visa online in advance or obtain one at an Egyptian embassy abroad.