Egypt visa requirements for US citizens
If you're an American citizen planning to travel to Egypt, this page will guide you through the visa application process, explaining all the necessary steps.
We'll start by answering the question of whether a visa is required for US citizens, and detail the different types of visa available, including e-visa, which is the quickest and most convenient way. You'll also discover the documents required to submit your application, the associated fees and the usual processing times. In addition, this page covers the duration and validity of your visa once approved, as well as options for renewal. Finally, we'll review common reasons for visa rejection, and how to proceed in the event of rejection.
Do US citizens need a visa to enter Egypt?
- Visa requirement: Yes, US citizens need a visa to enter Egypt, whether for tourism or business.
- e-visa option: Americans can easily obtain an e-visa online before departure, simplifying entry procedures.
- Visa price: the cost is 25 USD for a single-entry visa and 60 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
- Processing time : e-visa processing generally takes between 3 and 7 working days.
- Validity: once issued, the visa allows a stay in Egypt of up to 30 days, with a validity of 90 days from the date of issue.
The procedure for applying for an eVisa for Egypt is simple and can be done entirely online, allowing US citizens to avoid long queues at the airport.
Here are the steps to follow to apply for an eVisa as a US citizen.
To complete the eVisa application, US citizens must provide the following documents:
The cost of the eVisa for US citizens depends on the type of visa chosen:
Once the application has been submitted and approved, the visa is sent by e-mail and must be printed for presentation on arrival in Egypt.
US citizens can expect fast processing times when applying for an eVisa for Egypt. The time required to process an eVisa application generally varies according to the type of service chosen. On average, processing takes between 3 and 7 working days.
For citizens who require faster processing, certain acceleration options are sometimes available at an additional cost. The standard processing time is 3 to 5 working days, while express services can reduce this to 1 to 3 working days, depending on availability. It is advisable to submit the request at least one week before the scheduled departure, to avoid any unforeseen delays in the process.
In the event of delays, it is possible to track the progress of the application via the official Egyptian eVisa portal, where approval updates are sent directly by e-mail.
The eVisa for Egypt offers great flexibility in terms of duration and validity, tailored to the needs of American travelers. Depending on the type of visa chosen (single or multiple entry), validity and stay conditions differ slightly. Here's a detailed overview of the different options available and the conditions linked to visa validity.
US citizens can choose between two types of electronic visa for Egypt:
With an eVisa, US citizens can stay in Egypt for a maximum of 30 days per visit, whether on a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The single-entry visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, meaning that the traveler has 90 days to enter Egypt from the date of visa approval. The multiple-entry visa, on the other hand, allows repeated stays over a period of 180 days, but each stay must not exceed 30 days.
US citizens wishing to extend their stay in Egypt beyond the initial duration of their visa can apply to the Egyptian authorities for an extension on arrival. The immigration authorities can grant a visa extension for up to 90 additional days. Visa renewals require the presentation of supporting documents, such as a copy of the passport and proof of sufficient financial means to cover the extended stay. However, extensions are not guaranteed and depend on the approval of local authorities.
Although most eVisa applications for Egypt are approved without problems, some are rejected for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common reasons for rejection, and what to do if your application is rejected.
Common reasons for visa rejection :
What should I do if my application is rejected?
If your eVisa application for Egypt is rejected, you can take the following steps:
Egypt is a popular tourist destination for US citizens, especially for its historic monuments and beautiful beaches. However, as with any trip abroad, it's important to find out about safety conditions before you go.
In general, major tourist areas such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are considered relatively safe for visitors, including Americans. Egyptian authorities are implementing enhanced security measures in these areas to protect tourists. Many hotels, museums and tourist sites have stringent security controls.
That said, certain areas of Egypt, notably those close to the Libyan border and Sinai (excluding Sharm el-Sheikh), are not recommended for travellers due to the presence of militant groups and sporadic unrest. The US government regularly issues travel warnings for these regions, and advises US citizens to stay informed via communications from the US embassy in Cairo.
In summary, Egypt is generally safe for American tourists, as long as they follow safety instructions and avoid high-risk areas. It is advisable to remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities and tour guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.
Check if your question has already been answered in the list below
Yes, US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt. This visa is available at the international airport, at a cost of 25 USD for a single-entry visa. However, there can be long queues on arrival, so many travellers prefer to apply for an eVisa online before departure. The eVisa makes the entry process quicker and more convenient.
In addition to a visa, US citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Egypt. A printed copy of the travel itinerary and accommodation confirmation is also recommended. Additional documents, such as travel insurance, are not required but are strongly recommended for security reasons.
Yes, children who are US citizens must also have their own visa to enter Egypt, even if they are traveling with their parents. If a child is on the passport of one of the parents, he or she may not need a separate visa. However, it is preferable for each child to have an individual passport and a separate eVisa to avoid confusion when traveling.