Check if your nationality qualifies for visa on arrival
Citizens of about 50 countries (including the US, EU, UK, Australia, and Canada) can get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. The visa on arrival costs $25 USD for a single-entry, 30-day visa.
Consider the e-Visa option through the official portal
The Egypt e-Visa portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) accepts applications from citizens of 74 eligible countries. Processing takes 5-7 business days, and the e-Visa costs $25 for single entry or $60 for multiple entry.
Check if you qualify for visa-free entry via Sinai Peninsula
Visitors arriving at Sharm El Sheikh airport get a free 15-day Sinai-only permit. This restricts travel to the Sinai Peninsula and does not allow entry to mainland Egypt including Cairo or Luxor.
Determine single-entry vs. multiple-entry needs
Single-entry visas allow one entry within 90 days of issuance and a stay of up to 30 days. Multiple-entry visas cost $60 and are valid for 6 months with each stay limited to 30 days.
Required Documents
Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity from your planned date of arrival. You also need at least one blank page for the visa sticker.
The photo must be 4x6 cm, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background. For e-Visa applications, upload a JPEG file no larger than 500KB.
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host letter)
Hotel confirmations should cover your entire stay. If staying with a host, provide their Egyptian national ID copy, a signed invitation letter, and their address.
Return or onward flight ticket
Immigration officers routinely check for return flights. The ticket must show departure from Egypt within 30 days of arrival unless you plan to apply for an extension.
Proof of sufficient funds for the trip
Bank statements from the last 3 months showing a minimum balance equivalent to $500 USD are typically expected. Credit card statements are also accepted.
e-Visa Application Process
Create an account on visa2egypt.gov.eg
Use the official portal only — third-party sites charge markup fees of $30-80 above the official price. The official site accepts Visa, Mastercard, and some debit cards.
Verify your email address
Set up a secure password
Fill out the application form with personal details
Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport. Any discrepancy — even a middle name mismatch — can result in denial at the border.
Upload required documents (passport scan, photo)
Passport scan must show the full data page in color, with all text legible. File size limits are 500KB for photos and 5MB for documents. Accepted formats: JPEG, PNG, PDF.
Pay the visa fee online
Single entry costs $25 USD; multiple entry costs $60 USD. Payment is non-refundable even if your application is denied. You'll receive a payment confirmation email within minutes.
Download and print the approved e-Visa
Approval emails typically arrive within 5-7 business days. Print a color copy of the e-Visa to present at immigration. Also keep a digital copy on your phone as backup.
Visa on Arrival Process
Purchase a visa sticker at the bank kiosk before passport control
Bank kiosks are located in the arrivals hall before the immigration counters. They accept USD, EUR, and GBP in cash, as well as credit cards. The fee is $25 USD for single entry.
Stick the visa into your passport
The bank teller gives you an adhesive visa sticker. Place it on an empty passport page yourself — immigration officers will stamp over it at the counter.
Proceed to the immigration counter with all documents
Have your passport with visa sticker, return flight booking, and hotel confirmation ready. The immigration process at Cairo International Airport typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on queue length.
Fill out the arrival card if requested
Arrival cards ask for your name, passport number, flight number, hotel address, and purpose of visit. Cards are available in English and Arabic at the immigration counters.
After Arrival
Register with police within 7 days if not staying at a hotel
Hotels handle registration automatically. If staying in a private residence or Airbnb, you must register at the nearest police station within 7 days. Bring your passport, a copy of the host's ID, and proof of address.
Keep your passport and visa accessible at all times
Police checkpoints are common in tourist areas and between cities. Carry your original passport — photocopies are not accepted at checkpoints. A hotel safe is recommended for storage when not traveling.
Apply for a visa extension if staying beyond 30 days
Extensions are processed at the Mogamma building in Tahrir Square, Cairo, or at passport offices in Luxor and Aswan. The extension fee is approximately 700 EGP (about $15 USD) and grants an additional 30 days.
Overstay penalties — pay the fine before departure
Overstaying your visa results in a fine of approximately 1,500-3,000 EGP ($30-60 USD) payable at the airport departure counter. Overstays beyond 14 days may require visiting the Mogamma for clearance before you can leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an Egypt visa on arrival?
Citizens of approximately 46 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU nations) can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. The visa costs $25 for a single-entry visa (30 days) or $60 for a multiple-entry visa. Pay in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) or by credit card at the bank counters located before passport control. Egypt also offers an e-Visa through visa2egypt.gov.eg for those who prefer to arrange their visa before arrival.
How much does an Egypt e-Visa cost?
The Egypt e-Visa costs $25 for single-entry (30 days) or $60 for multiple-entry (valid for 6 months with 30-day stays). Apply through the official website (visa2egypt.gov.eg) at least 7 business days before travel. Processing takes 5-7 business days. The fee is non-refundable. Third-party websites charge $50-80 for the same service, so use only the official portal. The e-Visa must be printed and presented at immigration along with your passport.
Is Egypt safe for tourists in 2026?
Major tourist destinations (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Alexandria) are heavily policed and generally safe for tourists. The Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm El Sheikh) and the Western Desert border areas carry travel advisories from most Western governments. Tourist police are stationed at major archaeological sites and hotels. Standard precautions against petty theft and scams apply, particularly around the Pyramids of Giza and in busy bazaars. Women travelers should dress modestly, especially outside resort areas.
Can I extend my tourist visa in Egypt?
Yes, tourist visas can be extended at the Mugamma building in Tahrir Square (Cairo) or at passport offices in other major cities. The extension costs approximately EGP 1,100 and allows an additional 30 days. You need your passport, photocopies of your passport and visa, and a passport photo. Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstay fines (approximately EGP 1,500-3,000 plus potential complications at departure). The process typically takes 1-3 hours depending on the queue.