Travel to Egypt: With or without a visa?

Travelling to Egypt, with its historic treasures and fascinating landscapes, is an unforgettable experience. However, to make the most of this trip, it is essential to know the visa requirements. Depending on your nationality, visa rules for Egypt can vary considerably, from total exemption to the need to obtain a visa in advance or on arrival. Here you'll find all the information you need to plan your trip with peace of mind.

Countries with visas for Egypt: in brief

• Visa requirements: Most travellers, including those from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union, are required to obtain a visa to enter Egypt.
• e-Visa available: Many countries can apply for an e-visa online prior to departure, offering a convenient solution for obtaining permission to enter Egypt.
• Visa on arrival: Certain nationalities, such as citizens of the USA, Canada and Australia, can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt for a short-term stay.
• Checking requirements: It is essential to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality before travelling to Egypt, as these may vary depending on the type of visa and the country of origin.
• Valid passport required: For all visa applications for Egypt, a passport valid for at least six months after the date of entry is essential.

Apply for a visa for Egypt!

Which countries are exempt from visa requirements for Egypt?

Certain nationalities are exempt from visa requirements for entry into Egypt, which means that citizens of these countries can visit Egypt without having to apply for a visa in advance. However, this exemption is generally valid for short-term tourist stays and may be subject to specific conditions.

The following nationalities are exempt from visa requirements for tourist visits to Egypt:

• Bahrain
• Hong Kong
• Kuwait
• Lebanon (for women aged between 10 and 49)
• Northern Macedonia
• Malaysia
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

Citizens of these countries can enter Egypt without a visa for stays generally limited to 90 days.

Although these nationalities are exempt from the visa requirement, certain conditions apply in order to benefit from this exemption:

• Length of stay: The maximum duration of stay without a visa is generally 90 days. For a longer stay, it is necessary to apply for a visa extension or another type of visa.
• Reason for travel : The visa waiver applies mainly to tourist trips. If you are planning to visit Egypt for reasons other than tourism, such as work or study, you will probably need to obtain a specific visa.
• Other conditions: Some countries may have special conditions. For example, Lebanese citizens who are male or under the age of 10 or over the age of 49 are not exempt from visa requirements and must apply for one before arriving in Egypt.

Which countries require a visa for Egypt?

For many travellers, a visa is required before entering Egypt. Citizens of some countries must obtain this visa before departure, while others can do so on arrival in Egypt. Understanding visa requirements is essential to ensure a smooth trip.

Citizens of the following countries must obtain a visa before travelling to Egypt:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• India
• China
• Russia

Citizens of countries requiring a visa to enter Egypt can choose from several types of visa depending on the purpose of their trip:

• Tourist visa: This visa is intended for travellers visiting Egypt for tourism, holidays or family visits. It is generally valid for 30 days, but can be extended under certain conditions.
• Business visa: This visa is required for travellers visiting Egypt for business purposes, such as business meetings, conferences or trade negotiations. It is usually issued for a period of 30 to 90 days.
• Student visa : Students wishing to study in Egypt must obtain a student visa. This visa is valid for the duration of their study programme, with the possibility of renewal.
• Work visa : This visa is required for foreigners intending to work in Egypt. It requires the prior approval of an employer in Egypt and is generally valid for a period of one year, renewable.

Visa on arrival in Egypt : Who is eligible?

The visa on arrival is a convenient option offered by Egypt to certain travellers who were unable or unwilling to obtain a visa prior to departure. This type of visa allows visitors to present themselves directly at a point of entry into Egypt, usually an international airport, and receive their visa on the spot after completing the necessary formalities. The visa on arrival is mainly intended for short-term tourist stays and offers a degree of flexibility for last-minute travellers.

Citizens of several countries are eligible for a visa on arrival in Egypt. Eligible nationalities include :

• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• United Kingdom
• Japan
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Russia

To obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt, travellers must meet certain conditions and present specific documents on arrival. Here is what is generally required:

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Egypt.
• Application form: On arrival, you will need to complete a visa application form, which is available at the point of entry, usually at the airport.
• Visa fee: There is a fee for a visa on arrival. The fee must be paid in cash, usually in USD, EUR or EGP. The exact amount may vary, but is generally around USD 25 for a tourist visa.
• Return ticket : Although not always required, it is recommended that you have a return ticket or a ticket to a later destination to prove that you do not plan to stay in Egypt indefinitely.
• Proof of accommodation: You may be required to show confirmation of a hotel reservation or an address where you will be staying in Egypt.

Visas on arrival in Egypt are generally valid for 30 days, with the possibility of extending this stay under certain conditions. The cost of obtaining a visa on arrival is approximately USD 25, although this amount may vary slightly depending on currency fluctuations or policy changes.

Who can benefit from the electronic visa for Egypt: e-Visa?

The electronic visa, or e-visa, is a practical alternative to the traditional visa for travellers wishing to visit Egypt. The e-visa application process is entirely online, allowing travellers to obtain their travel authorisation before departure, without having to visit an embassy or consulate. The e-visa is particularly advantageous for those who prefer to plan their trip in advance, avoiding queues at the airport to obtain a visa on arrival.

The Egypt e-visa is available to citizens of many countries, including but not limited to:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Australia
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Spain
• Japan
• South Korea

Online visa application process for Egypt :

Obtaining an e-visa for Egypt is a simple and straightforward process that takes place in several stages:

• Access to the official website : Visit the official website or a private service provider dedicated to e-visa.
• Creating an account: Create a user account by providing your email address and choosing a secure password.
• Filling in the application form: Complete the online application form with your personal information, passport details and itinerary for your trip to Egypt.
• Uploading the required documents: Attach the required documents.
• Payment of visa fee: The e-visa fee must be paid online by credit or debit card. The fee is usually USD 25 for a single-entry visa and USD 60 for a multiple-entry visa.
• Submission of the application: You will receive a confirmation email, and the e-visa will generally be processed within 3 to 7 working days.
• Receipt of the e-visa : Once approved, the e-visa will be emailed to you.

The e-visa for Egypt is generally valid for 90 days from the date of issue. However, it allows a maximum stay of 30 days per visit. The cost of the e-visa is USD 25 for a single-entry visa and USD 60 for a multiple-entry visa.