Everything You Need to Know About the Egypt Tourism Visa

Excited to explore the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and ancient wonders? As you plan your unforgettable journey, one crucial step is understanding the Egypt tourism visa requirements. While Cairotrips.com handles all your tour logistics once you’re in Egypt, securing your visa beforehand is entirely your responsibility and key to a smooth arrival.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting your Egypt tourism visa and ensuring a hassle-free entry into this captivating country.

Do I Need an Egypt Tourism Visa?

The vast majority of foreign nationals require a visa to enter Egypt for tourism purposes. There are, however, a few exceptions:

Visa-Exempt Countries: Citizens of certain countries (e.g., Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Macao, and Hong Kong) can enter Egypt visa-free for specific durations.
Sinai Resorts Only: Travelers from some nationalities can receive a free entry stamp upon arrival at certain Red Sea resorts (like Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba) for up to 15 days, provided they do not plan to travel outside of this specific region. If you intend to visit Cairo, Luxor, or other parts of Egypt, a full visa is required.

Always check with the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or the official Egyptian e-Visa portal, for the most up-to-date and specific requirements for your nationality.

Types of Egypt Tourism Visas

For most tourists, there are two primary options for obtaining an Egypt tourism visa:

1. The Egypt e-Visa (Electronic Visa)

This is increasingly the preferred and most convenient method for eligible nationalities. The e-Visa system was introduced to streamline the application process and reduce wait times upon arrival.

Eligibility: Over 70 nationalities are eligible to apply for an Egypt e-Visa, including citizens of the USA, UK, EU countries, Australia, Canada, and many more. Always check the official e-Visa portal for the latest list.
Application Process:
1. Create an account on the official Egypt e-Visa Portal (www.visa2egypt.gov.eg).
2. Fill out the online application form with your personal and travel details. Ensure all information exactly matches your passport.
3. Upload a scanned copy of your passport’s biographical page.
4. Pay the e-Visa fee using a valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
5. Await approval via email. This typically takes 5-7 working days for standard processing, with rush (3-5 days) and super rush (2-3 days) options available for an extra fee.
6. Download and print a copy of your approved e-Visa. You will need to present this to immigration upon arrival.
Validity:
- Single-Entry e-Visa: Allows one entry into Egypt, typically valid for 90 days from issuance, permitting a maximum stay of 30 days.
- Multiple-Entry e-Visa: Allows multiple entries into Egypt over a validity period of 180 days from issuance, with each stay not exceeding 30 days.
Cost: As of June 2025, a single-entry e-Visa generally costs around USD 25, and a multiple-entry e-Visa is around USD 60. (Note: prices are subject to change without notice).
Recommendation: We highly recommend applying for your e-Visa at least 7 working days, and ideally two weeks, before your planned travel date to account for any unforeseen delays.

2. Visa On Arrival (VOA)

For citizens of certain eligible countries, a visa on arrival is still an option at Egyptian ports of entry (like Cairo International Airport).

Eligibility: Citizens of many countries, including the USA, UK, EU countries, Australia, Canada, and more, are typically eligible for a VOA. Crucially, eligibility can change, so verify before you travel.
Process at the Airport:
1. Upon arrival, proceed to the “Visa Upon Arrival” or “Visa Bank” kiosks before immigration counters.
2. Purchase a visa sticker. Payment is typically in USD cash, though Euro or GBP might be accepted at the prevailing exchange rate. Have the exact amount ready to avoid complications. Credit/debit cards are generally not accepted for VOA.
3. Affix the visa sticker to a blank page in your passport.
4. Fill out the arrival card provided (often distributed on your flight or available at the immigration hall).
5. Proceed to an immigration counter, present your passport with the visa sticker, and your arrival card.
Validity: The VOA is generally a single-entry visa, valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
Cost: Typically USD 25 (subject to change).
Consideration: While convenient for last-minute trips, the VOA process can involve queues and might be slower, especially during peak tourist seasons. We generally advise getting an e-Visa beforehand for a smoother arrival.

3. Traditional Visa from an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate

If your nationality is not eligible for the e-Visa or visa on arrival, you must apply for a traditional “sticker” visa through the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Process: This typically involves submitting an application form, passport, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, and sometimes proof of funds or an invitation letter.
Processing Time: This can take several weeks (e.g., 10-20 business days), so apply well in advance.

General Requirements for Your Egypt Tourism Visa

Regardless of how you obtain your visa, you will generally need:

Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of arrival in Egypt.
Blank Passport Pages: Ensure you have at least one blank page for the visa sticker.
Confirmed Travel Itinerary & Accommodation: While not always strictly required for e-Visa application, it’s good practice to have proof of your return flight ticket and hotel bookings readily available upon entry.
Sufficient Funds: You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay (though this is rare for tourists).
Yellow Fever Vaccination: If you are traveling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission, proof of vaccination may be required.

A Final Word from Cairotrips.com

Navigating visa requirements can sometimes feel daunting, but with the information above and a little preparation, your Egypt tourism visa process will be straightforward. For a truly stress-free and enriching experience in Egypt, let Cairotrips.com handle all your tour needs, from expertly guided excursions to comfortable transportation and accommodation.

Secure your visa, pack your bags, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Egypt!

Everything You Need to Know About the Egypt Tourism Visa