An Egypt tourist visa is required for most foreign nationals visiting Egypt for leisure, sightseeing, or short-term travel. You can obtain one through three channels: an online e-Visa ($25 single-entry), a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports ($25 cash), or an embassy/consulate application ($67 single-entry). The tourist visa allows stays of up to 30 days and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
What Is an Egypt Tourist Visa?
An Egypt tourist visa is an official travel document that grants foreign nationals permission to enter Egypt for tourism purposes. It covers activities such as sightseeing, visiting historical landmarks, attending cultural events, and leisure travel across the country.
The tourist visa is the most common type of Egyptian visa issued. It is a short-stay visa, typically valid for a single entry or multiple entries within a 90-day window from the date of issuance. Each entry permits a stay of up to 30 consecutive days.
Egypt offers several pathways to obtain a tourist visa, making it accessible to travelers from over 70 eligible countries. The process has been significantly streamlined in recent years with the introduction of the online e-Visa system through the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.
Who Needs a Tourist Visa for Egypt?
Most foreign nationals need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. However, the specific requirements depend on your nationality.
Visa-Exempt Countries
A small number of countries have visa-free arrangements with Egypt. Citizens of these nations can enter Egypt without a visa for stays ranging from 14 to 90 days. Examples include:
- Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE (up to 90 days)
- Hong Kong and Macao (up to 30 days)
- Malaysia (up to 14 days)
Countries Eligible for e-Visa or Visa on Arrival
Citizens of over 70 countries can obtain an e-Visa online or a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. This includes travelers from:
- North America: United States, Canada
- Europe: United Kingdom, EU member states, Switzerland, Norway
- Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China
- Other: Russia, Brazil, Argentina, and more
If your nationality is not on the e-Visa or visa-on-arrival list, you must apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country. Check the full eligibility list on our Egypt visa requirements page.
Types of Egypt Tourist Visas
Egypt offers three main channels for obtaining a tourist visa. Each has different costs, processing times, and convenience levels.
| Feature | e-Visa | Visa on Arrival | Embassy Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Cost** | $25 (single) / $60 (multiple) | $25 (single entry) | $67 (single) / $92 (multiple) |
| **Application** | Online | At airport | In person |
| **Processing** | 5-7 business days | Immediate | 5-10 business days |
| **Stay duration** | 30 days per entry | 30 days | 30-90 days |
| **Validity** | 90 days from issue | Single use | 90 days – 6 months |
| **Best for** | Planned trips | Last-minute travel | Complex cases |
e-Visa (Recommended)
The e-Visa is the most convenient option for eligible travelers. You apply entirely online through the official Egypt e-Visa portal, upload your documents, pay by credit or debit card, and receive your approved visa by email. The entire process takes about 5-7 business days, though many applicants receive approval within 48 hours.
The e-Visa comes in two forms: a single-entry visa for $25 and a multiple-entry visa for $60. Both allow stays of up to 30 days per entry and are valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Visa on Arrival
If you are eligible and prefer not to apply in advance, you can obtain a visa on arrival at major Egyptian international airports. Head to the bank kiosks in the arrivals hall before passport control, pay $25 in cash (USD is strongly recommended), and receive a visa sticker for your passport.
The visa on arrival is straightforward but comes with potential downsides: queues during peak travel times, the requirement to carry exact cash in USD, and no guarantee of eligibility if your nationality is borderline. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on Egypt visa on arrival.
Embassy or Consulate Visa
Travelers who are not eligible for an e-Visa or visa on arrival must apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate. This process involves submitting a physical application, supporting documents, and attending an appointment if required. Embassy visas cost $67 for single-entry and $92 for multiple-entry. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days but can vary by location.
Egypt Tourist Visa Requirements
Regardless of how you apply, all Egypt tourist visa applications require the following:
Passport Requirements
- Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Egypt
- Blank pages: At least 1-2 blank pages for the visa sticker and entry stamps
- Condition: The passport must be undamaged and legible
Documents Needed
| Document | e-Visa | Visa on Arrival | Embassy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Passport scan/photo | Yes (upload) | No | Yes (copy) |
| Passport-size photo | No | No | Yes (2 photos) |
| Travel itinerary | Recommended | Not required | Yes |
| Hotel reservation | Recommended | Not required | Yes |
| Return flight ticket | Recommended | Not required | Yes |
| Proof of funds | Not required | Not required | Sometimes |
| Completed application form | Online form | N/A | Paper form |
Additional Requirements
- Accommodation proof: A confirmed hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host in Egypt
- Financial means: While rarely checked for tourist visas, you may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or credit cards)
- Return travel: Evidence of a return or onward flight
For the full document checklist, visit our Egypt visa requirements guide.
How to Apply for an Egypt Tourist Visa
The application process depends on which visa channel you choose. Here is a step-by-step guide for each method.
Applying for an e-Visa (Online)
- Visit the official portal: Go to visa2egypt.gov.eg – the only official Egyptian government e-Visa website
- Create an account: Register with your email address and set a password
- Fill out the application: Enter your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and accommodation details
- Upload documents: Submit a scanned copy of your passport bio page (clear, color, in JPEG or PDF format)
- Pay the fee: Pay $25 (single-entry) or $60 (multiple-entry) by credit or debit card
- Wait for processing: Most applications are processed within 5-7 business days; many are approved in 24-48 hours
- Receive your e-Visa: Download and print the approved e-Visa PDF; present it at immigration upon arrival
For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our Egypt e-Visa application guide.
Getting a Visa on Arrival
- Arrive at an Egyptian airport: The visa on arrival is available at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, and other international airports
- Find the bank kiosk: Before reaching passport control, look for the bank counter in the arrivals hall
- Pay the fee: Pay $25 USD in cash; bills should be clean and undamaged (some kiosks reject older or torn bills)
- Receive your visa sticker: The bank clerk will give you a visa sticker to place in your passport
- Proceed to passport control: Present your passport with the visa sticker to the immigration officer
Applying at an Embassy or Consulate
- Locate your nearest embassy: Find the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country
- Gather documents: Prepare your passport, photos, application form, travel itinerary, hotel booking, and return flight
- Submit your application: Visit the embassy in person or by mail, depending on their process
- Pay the fee: $67 for single-entry, $92 for multiple-entry (payment methods vary by embassy)
- Wait for processing: Allow 5-10 business days; some embassies offer expedited processing for an additional fee
- Collect your passport: Pick up your passport with the visa stamp or receive it by mail
Egypt Tourist Visa Cost
The cost of an Egypt tourist visa varies by application method and entry type.
| Visa Type | Cost (USD) | Entries | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Visa single-entry | $25 | 1 entry | 90 days |
| e-Visa multiple-entry | $60 | Multiple | 90 days |
| Visa on arrival | $25 | 1 entry | Single use |
| Embassy single-entry | $67 | 1 entry | 90 days |
| Embassy multiple-entry | $92 | Multiple | Up to 6 months |
Additional Costs to Budget For
- Passport photos: $5-15 if you need new photos for an embassy application
- Document printing/scanning: $2-10 for copies and scans
- Expedited processing: Some embassies charge extra for rush processing ($20-50)
- Currency exchange: If paying visa on arrival in a currency other than USD, exchange rates at the airport may be unfavorable
Tip: The e-Visa at $25 is the same price as a visa on arrival but saves you time at the airport. Unless you are planning a last-minute trip, apply online at least 7 days before departure. For a full breakdown of all fees, see our Egypt visa fee guide.
Egypt Tourist Visa vs Other Visa Types
Egypt issues several visa categories beyond the tourist visa. Here is how the tourist visa compares to other common types.
| Feature | Tourist Visa | Business Visa | Transit Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Purpose** | Leisure, sightseeing | Meetings, conferences | Airport transit |
| **Duration** | Up to 30 days | Up to 90 days | Up to 48 hours |
| **Cost** | $25-$67 | $40-$92 | Free – $25 |
| **Work permitted** | No | Limited activities | No |
| **Extension possible** | Yes (at Mogamma) | Yes | No |
| **e-Visa available** | Yes | No (embassy only) | No |
If you are traveling to Egypt for business purposes rather than tourism, you will need a business visa. If you are simply passing through Egypt en route to another country and will not leave the airport transit area, you may not need a visa at all. For more details on all visa categories, visit our Egypt visa types overview.
FAQs About Egypt Tourist Visa
How long can I stay in Egypt on a tourist visa?
A standard Egypt tourist visa allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Mogamma government building in Tahrir Square, Cairo, before your visa expires.
Can I get an Egypt tourist visa on arrival?
Yes. Citizens of over 70 countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian international airports. You pay $25 USD in cash at the bank kiosk in the arrivals hall before passport control. However, applying for an e-Visa in advance is recommended to avoid queues.
How much does an Egypt tourist visa cost?
An e-Visa costs $25 for single-entry and $60 for multiple-entry. A visa on arrival costs $25 (single-entry only). An embassy visa costs $67 for single-entry and $92 for multiple-entry. All prices are in US dollars.
How early should I apply for an Egypt tourist visa?
Apply at least 7 days before your departure date. While many e-Visa applications are approved within 24-48 hours, processing can take up to 5-7 business days during busy periods. Applying early ensures you have your visa in hand before your flight.
Do US citizens need a tourist visa for Egypt?
Yes. US citizens need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. They are eligible for an e-Visa ($25 single, $60 multiple), a visa on arrival ($25), or an embassy visa. The e-Visa is the most convenient option for planned trips.
Can I extend my Egypt tourist visa?
Yes. You can extend your tourist visa at the Mogamma government complex in Tahrir Square, Cairo, or at immigration offices in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor. Extensions are typically granted for an additional 30 days. Apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstay fines.
What happens if I overstay my Egypt tourist visa?
Overstaying your visa in Egypt results in fines that vary by the length of overstay. For short overstays (a few days), the fine is typically paid at the airport upon departure. Extended overstays may result in detention, higher fines, or future entry bans. Always extend your visa before it expires.
Is the Egypt tourist visa the same as an e-Visa?
The e-Visa is one method of obtaining a tourist visa. A tourist visa is the visa type (for tourism purposes), while an e-Visa is the application channel (online). You can also get a tourist visa on arrival or through an embassy. All three result in the same type of entry permission.
