How to Get an Egypt Visa

Most travelers can get an Egypt visa on arrival for $25 USD or apply online for an e-visa ($25 plus processing fee) before travel. US, EU, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens are eligible for both options. The visa on arrival is faster but the e-visa guarantees entry.

  1. Check if you need a visa. Citizens of most countries need a visa for Egypt. Only citizens of Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macao, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE can enter visa-free. Everyone else needs either a visa on arrival or e-visa.
  2. Choose your visa type. Single-entry tourist visa (30 days) costs $25. Multiple-entry visa (30 days) costs $60. Transit visa (48 hours) costs $15. Most tourists need the single-entry option.
  3. Decide: e-visa or visa on arrival. E-visa: Apply online 7 days before travel at visa2egypt.gov.eg. Takes 3-7 business days, costs $25 plus $7 processing fee. Visa on arrival: Available at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh airports. Pay $25 USD cash at immigration. Visa on arrival is not guaranteed during busy periods.
  4. Gather required documents. You need: passport valid for 6+ months, return flight ticket, hotel booking or invitation letter. For e-visa, upload clear photos of passport and yourself. For visa on arrival, bring printed copies.
  5. Apply for e-visa (if chosen). Go to visa2egypt.gov.eg, create account, fill application form, upload documents, pay $32 total. Print approval letter when received. Present at immigration with passport.
  6. Get visa on arrival (if chosen). At airport, go to bank counter first to buy visa stamp for $25 USD (exact change preferred). Then proceed to immigration with stamp, passport, and documents. Officer will process visa and stamp passport.
Can I extend my Egypt tourist visa?
Yes, you can extend for another 30 days at the Passport Office (Mogamma) in Cairo or Passport Offices in other cities. Cost is around 1,000 EGP and requires passport photos and application form.
What if my e-visa application is rejected?
You can still get a visa on arrival if you're from an eligible country. Rejections are rare and usually due to unclear document photos or incomplete information.
Do I need yellow fever vaccination for Egypt visa?
Only if you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Most travelers from Europe, North America, and Asia do not need yellow fever vaccination.
Can I use Egyptian pounds to pay for visa on arrival?
No, visa on arrival must be paid in USD cash at most airports. Some counters at Cairo airport accept credit cards but don't rely on it.