Who is eligible for an Egypt e-Visa?

Citizens of over 70 countries, including the UK, USA, and EU, can apply for an e-Visa online or obtain a visa on arrival at major airports.

How long can I stay in Egypt on a tourist visa?

The single-entry visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. Multiple-entry visas are valid for six months, allowing several entries of 30 days each.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Egypt?

Yes, many nationalities can get a visa on arrival for $25 USD. However, applying for an e-Visa in advance is recommended to avoid long airport queues.

What is the Sinai Only visa?

If you are travelling specifically to resorts in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba for less than 15 days, you may receive a free entry stamp.

When should I apply for my Egypt visa?

Standard e-Visas take 7 days, but you should apply at least two weeks before your flight to account for any clerical delays.

Can I extend my stay while in Egypt?

Yes, visa extensions can be applied for in person at the Mugamma building in Cairo or specific immigration offices in other cities.

Can I work in Egypt on a tourist visa?

A tourist visa does not permit employment. You must apply for a specific Work Permit and Residency Visa through a sponsoring Egyptian employer.

How do I pay for a visa on arrival?

The $25 USD fee for the Visa on Arrival must be paid in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP preferred). Credit cards are often not accepted at airport visa counters.

Egypt Visa Guide: e-Visa, On Arrival & Business Types

Egypt Visa Guide — Every Visa Type Explained

Egypt offers a variety of visa pathways designed to accommodate tourists, business travellers, and long-term residents. Most visitors choose the convenient e-Visa system or the Visa on Arrival, both of which permit stays of up to 30 days for leisure purposes. For those looking to explore the Sinai Peninsula's coastal resorts like Sharm El Sheikh, a free 15-day entry stamp is often available upon arrival, though this precludes travel to Cairo or the Nile Valley. Beyond tourism, Egypt provides specific categories for business, study, and work. Business visas are essential for those attending meetings or exploring investment opportunities, while work permits require sponsorship from a local entity. Understanding the nuances between these categories—and the specific requirements for your nationality—is the first step toward a seamless journey to the Land of the Pharaohs. Please note that visa policies are subject to change by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior. Always verify the latest entry requirements with the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate before finalising your travel plans.

Key highlights

e-Visa available for over 70 nationalities for convenience
Visa on Arrival option for British, EU, and US citizens
Multiple-entry options valid for up to 6 months stay period
Specific 'Sinai Only' free entry for short resort stays
Business visas available for trade fairs and corporate meetings
Straightforward extension process at local immigration offices
Digital application portal eliminates the need for embassy visits

Processing time

3-7 working days

e-Visa processing is typically fast, but manual consular applications for business or work permits can take several weeks.

Estimated cost

$25 - $110

Single-entry e-Visa / Visa on Arrival fee$25.00
Multiple-entry e-Visa fee (valid 6 months)$60.00
Consular service fees (varies by mission)$15.00 - $50.00

Requirements

Passport must have at least two blank pages for stamps
Passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival
Applicants must not have any prior deportations from Egypt
Proof of accommodation (hotel name and address) is mandatory
Valid email address for receiving the e-Visa PDF
Credit or debit card for online fee payment
Children must have their own individual passports and visas
Travellers must arrive at one of the designated international ports of entry

Documents you'll need

Original passport with 6 months validity from arrival date
Two recent passport-sized photos (white background)
Printout of approved e-Visa or visa application form
Detailed travel itinerary and hotel bookings
Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends or for business)
Proof of return or onward flight tickets
Vaccination certificates (yellow fever if arriving from affected areas)
Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements)

How to apply, step by step

1
Determine your visa category
Select the visa type that matches your purpose of travel (Tourism, Business, or Transit). Check your nationality's eligibility for an e-Visa.
2
Create an online application
Register an account on the official Egyptian e-Visa portal. Ensure all information matches your passport exactly to avoid rejection.
3
Upload supporting documents
Upload a clear scan of your passport biodata page and provide details of your Egyptian host or hotel accommodation.
4
Pay the processing fee
Pay the visa fee using a secure online payment method. Keep a record of the transaction reference number.
5
Wait for approval
Monitor your email for the visa approval notice. This usually arrives within 3 to 7 working days.
6
Print and carry your visa
Print at least two copies of your approved e-Visa. You must present a physical copy to the immigration officer upon arrival.

Tips to avoid refusal

Apply at least 7 days before departure to avoid last-minute stress.
Ensure your passport photo is clear; blurry uploads are the primary cause of e-Visa rejection.
Double-check that your passport number is entered correctly; one wrong digit can invalidate the visa.
Carry cash in USD for the Visa on Arrival fee if you choose not to use the e-Visa system.
Keep a digital and physical copy of your hotel booking and itinerary for the immigration desk.
Do not overstay your visa; fines are high and can lead to future entry bans.

Frequently asked questions

Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.

Check your eligibility Talk to a consultant