TRAVELING TO EGYPT
Traveling to Egypt
The Arab Republic of Egypt is located in the far northeast of the African continent and overlooks the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Egypt is famous for its beautiful monuments, rich history and stunning natural landscapes. Some foreign nationalities can enter Egypt without a visa, while others can apply online for an Egypt e-Visa or obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Egypt’s ports of entry. Other nationalities will need to apply for a regular visa before traveling to Egypt. Egypt visas are issued either as a single-entry visa for a stay of 30 days, or as a multiple-entry visa for a stay of 90 days. Tourists from eligible countries can obtain a visa upon arrival valid for a single entry. However, they will need to apply online if they wish to obtain a multiple-entry visa.
Egypt Visa Requirements
Egypt e-Visa
- Passport
The applicant must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of travel.
- Bank Card
A credit or debit card valid for online payment to pay the Egypt tourist visa fees.
Regular Egypt Visa
- Passport
The applicant must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel, and must contain at least one blank page for the visa. In addition, the applicant needs to attach two printed copies of the passport data page.
- Personal Photo
A recent, colored photograph of the applicant, with a white background and the same dimensions and specifications as passport photos.
- Application Form
The applicant must fill out the Egypt visa application form, and complete the personal data and other required information.
- Payment of Fees
A bank check payable to the Egyptian embassy or consulate in case of payment by mail, or in cash in case of payment of the Egypt visa fees in person.
Egypt Visa Application
Egypt has provided many facilities for tourists wishing to travel to Egypt, as it has enabled travelers of eligible nationalities to apply online for an e-Visa through very simple steps.
- Fill out the application form
The first step is to fill out the Egypt e-Visa application form and submit passport data through the electronic visa portal.
- Pay the visa fee
The Egypt visa application fee can be paid online using a valid credit or debit card.
- Receive the visa
If approved, the applicant will receive the Egypt visa directly to his email address.
For travelers of nationalities who are not eligible to apply online for an e-Visa to Egypt, they must apply for a regular “sticker” Egypt visa through the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate. It is always advisable to contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate in advance for more information on the specific procedures for submitting a visa application.
Types of Egypt Visas
Depending on the purpose of travel to Egypt and the length of stay required, there are several Egypt visa options available to applicants, including single-entry or multiple-entry visas for periods ranging from 30 to 90 days. For foreign travelers who require a visa before traveling to Egypt, the following options are available:
- Tourist Visa
- Business Visa
- Family and Friends Visit Visa
- Cultural or Sports Visit Visa
- Study Visa
- Entry Visa (Long Term)
- Transit Visa
- Diplomatic Visa
- Official Visa
Where to Apply for an Egypt Visa
Applicants of nationalities eligible for an Egypt e-Visa to Egypt can apply online through the visa portal. Applicants who are not eligible for an Egypt e-Visa and are not eligible to travel to Egypt without a visa or obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian ports of entry will need to apply for an Egypt visa at the nearest Egyptian embassy or diplomatic representation office of Egypt abroad.
Egypt Visa Processing Time
The processing of an Egypt e-Visa usually takes between 2 to 7 business days, starting from the time the application is completed and all required documents are submitted. It is advisable to apply at least 7 days before the date of travel to avoid any unexpected delays. In contrast, the processing of a sticker Egypt visa usually takes around 10 to 20 business days.
Do I need a visa to enter Egypt?
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter the Arab Republic of Egypt. Generally, unless you are a nationality exempt from an Egypt visa, you will need a visa.
How do I apply for a tourist visa to Egypt?
If you are a nationality eligible for an e-Visa, you can apply online through the Egypt e-Visa portal. You will need a valid passport and a debit or credit card to pay the visa application fee. If you are not eligible to apply online, you must apply for an Egypt visa through the nearest Egyptian consulate or embassy.
How much does an Egypt visa cost?
The single-entry Egypt visa application fee is usually $25 and grants the holder a stay of up to 30 days. The multiple-entry Egypt visa costs $60 and allows a stay of up to 90 days. However, the required fees may vary depending on the nationality of the applicant, or a service fee may be added on top of the basic fee.
How long does it take to get an Egypt visa?
The processing of an Egypt e-Visa usually takes between 2 to 7 business days after submitting the application and meeting the visa requirements. It is recommended to apply at least 7 days before your travel date to avoid unexpected delays. In contrast, Egypt visas applied for through embassies and consulates usually take longer to process and issue.
What is the validity period of an Egypt visa?
Once approved and obtained, the Egypt visa will be valid for three months in most cases.