Visa-Free Entry to Egypt for Travellers

Egypt’s visa policy mandates a visa and a valid passport for most foreign travellers. An e-Visa is the quickest and simplest route, offering a 30-day stay, single or multiple entries. Some countries allow on-arrival visas but involve queues, local currency payments, and entry risks. Some travellers may qualify for short-stay exemptions in Egypt for specific purposes.

Who Can Enter Egypt Without a Visa?

Visa-free entry to Egypt is very limited. Only citizens of the following nine countries may enter Egypt without a visa:

• Bahrain
• Hong Kong
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Macao
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Malaysia

All other travellers must obtain a visa through an e-Visa, visa on arrival, or an Egyptian embassy or consulate.

Sinai Resort Visa Exemption

Certain travellers may enter Egypt without a visa if their visit is restricted to Sinai Peninsula resorts.

Eligible Nationals

• United States
• All European Union countries
• Israel (via the Taba Border Crossing)

Covered Resorts

• Sharm El Sheikh
• Dahab
• Nuweiba
• Taba

Conditions

• Free entry permission stamp issued on arrival
• Maximum stay: 14 days
• Travel restricted to Sinai resorts only
• No extensions or travel outside Sinai permitted

Types of Visas discussed below

• Egypt eVisa 
• Egypt Visa On Arrival
• Egypt Tourist Visa
• Egypt Consular Visa
• Egypt Transit Visa

Egypt eVisa Information

Egypt allows citizens of 70+ countries to apply for a tourist e-Visa online.

The e-Visa is the easiest and fastest way to visit Egypt for tourism. The online application is quick, and approved visas are usually emailed within 2 days, much faster than embassy visas.

Visa Types

• Single-entry: Valid for entry within 3 months
• Multiple-entry: Valid for 6 months
• Maximum stay: 30 days per entry

Requirements

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Printed e-Visa must be presented at immigration

Travellers visiting Egypt for work, study, or non-tourism purposes must apply through an embassy or consulate.

Note: Visit the eligible countries for Egypt eVisa portal to check for your country eligibility

Egypt's Tourist Visa Policy

Egypt's policy regarding tourist visas stipulates that the majority of individuals seeking entry for tourism purposes must secure a visa.

Ways to Get a Tourist Visa

• Apply for an Egypt e-Visa online
• Apply at an Egyptian embassy or consulate
• Get a visa on arrival at the border

The tourist eVisa is the fastest and easiest option for eligible travellers. It is approved online, saves time, and avoids embassy visits or long queues at immigration.

The eVisa is only available to eligible tourists. Travellers who are not eligible must apply at an embassy or obtain a visa on arrival.

Egypt Visa on Arrival 

The visa on arrival is issued only after arrival in Egypt and cannot be obtained in advance.

Arrival Procedure

1. Land at an eligible Egyptian entry point
2. Locate the visa-on-arrival counter
3. Queue and submit required documents
4. Pay the visa fee in cash
5. Proceed to immigration control

Cost of Egyptian Visa on Arrival

The fee for a single-entry Egyptian visa on arrival varies over time depending on one's nationality.

• Payment Methods and Currency: The visa fee must be paid in cash only using US dollars, Euros, or British Pounds. Credit and debit cards are not accepted. Travellers are advised to carry the exact amount to avoid delays. Currency exchange desks may be available at some entry points, but they may not always be open and exchange rates can be unfavourable.

Accepted Documents

• Passport required for most travellers
• Select EU nationals may use a national ID card (passport photos required)

Long queues and visa refusal at the border are possible. Eligible travellers are strongly advised to apply for an e-Visa in advance.

Note: Visit the eligible countries for Egypt Visa on Arrival portal to check for your country eligibility

Visa Application Process through Embassy or Consulate

Travellers who are not eligible for an e-Visa or visa on arrival must apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate. This applies to about 130 nationalities.

Travellers not eligible for an e-Visa or visa on arrival must apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate. This applies to approximately 130 nationalities.

Important Information

• Processing time: 2 weeks or longer
• Passport validity: Minimum 6 months
• Supporting documents required

Visa Types

• Single-entry: Up to 60 days
• Multiple-entry: Up to 90 total days

All non-tourist visas (business, work, study) must be obtained through a diplomatic mission.

Note: Visit the eligible countries for Egypt Regular Visa portal to check for your country eligibility

Visa Exemption

Egypt's visa-free program extends to citizens of various countries, contingent on specific conditions tied to age, gender, place of residence, travel destinations, and passport conditions, all of which are subject to variations based on nationality. 

Furthermore, many foreign citizens with familial ties to Egyptians, including children and spouses with valid proof of marriage, are eligible for visa exemption. 

Note: Visit the Egypt Visa Exempt Countries portal to check for your country eligibility

Transit Without a Visa

Visa-free entry to Egypt also encompasses transit purposes, provided that the stopover is of a brief duration. 

• Under 6 hours: No visa required (must stay in airport)
• Up to 48 hours: Visa-free under specific conditions
• Over 48 hours: Transit visa required

Note: Visit the eligible countries for Egypt Transit Visa portal to check for your country eligibility

FAQS

Do children need a visa to enter Egypt?

Yes. Children and minors are subject to the same visa requirements as adults, regardless of age. Each child must have their own passport and an appropriate visa (e-Visa, visa on arrival, or embassy visa), unless they qualify under a specific visa exemption.

Can I extend my Egypt tourist visa after arrival?

Yes, tourist visas may be extended while in Egypt. Extensions are handled by local immigration offices and are subject to approval. Travellers are advised to apply for an extension before their current visa expires, as overstaying can result in fines or penalties.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Egypt?

Overstaying a visa in Egypt may result in fines payable before departure, delays at exit immigration, or future travel restrictions. The fine amount depends on the length of overstay, and travellers must regularise their status before leaving the country.