An Egypt transit visa is required for travelers who pass through Egypt on their way to another destination and need to leave the airport transit area. However, many nationalities can transit through Egyptian airports without a visa if they stay in the international transit zone and their layover is under 48 hours. Whether you need a transit visa depends on your nationality, the length of your layover, and whether you plan to leave the airport.
What Is an Egypt Transit Visa?
An Egypt transit visa is a short-stay visa issued to travelers who are passing through Egypt en route to a different country. It permits you to enter Egypt temporarily – typically for 24 to 48 hours – while you wait for your connecting flight or onward travel.
The transit visa is distinct from a tourist visa. It does not allow you to stay in Egypt for tourism purposes, and it cannot be extended. If you plan to leave the airport during a long layover, explore Cairo, or stay overnight, a transit visa (or a tourist visa) is what you need.
Egypt does not have a widely available online transit visa (e-Visa) system specifically for transit. In most cases, travelers either stay in the transit zone without any visa, use a visa on arrival for short stops, or apply for a tourist visa if they want to leave the airport.
Do You Need a Transit Visa for Egypt?
Whether you need a transit visa depends on three factors: your nationality, the length of your layover, and whether you leave the international transit area.
Staying in the Transit Zone (Airside Transit)
If your layover is short and you remain inside the international transit area of the airport, most nationalities do not need a transit visa. You can wait for your connecting flight without passing through immigration or passport control.
This applies at all major Egyptian airports, including:
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) – Egypt’s main transit hub
- Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
- Luxor International Airport (LXR)
However, there are exceptions. Citizens of certain countries – including some from South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa – may need a transit visa even for airside transit. If you hold a passport from a country that requires a visa for Egypt, check with your airline or the nearest Egyptian embassy before traveling.
Leaving the Airport (Landside Transit)
If you want to leave the airport during your layover – to visit Cairo, stay at a hotel, or explore for a few hours – you will need either a transit visa or a tourist visa. There is no way to pass through Egyptian immigration without a valid visa or visa-on-arrival eligibility.
For citizens of over 70 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, EU states, Australia, and others), a visa on arrival is available at the airport for $25 USD. This is technically a tourist visa, not a transit visa, but it serves the same purpose for short stops.
For nationalities not eligible for visa on arrival, you must apply for a visa in advance through an Egyptian embassy or through the e-Visa system.
Egypt Transit Visa Rules by Nationality
Visa-Exempt Nationals
Citizens of certain countries do not need any visa to enter Egypt, whether for transit or tourism. These include:
- Gulf states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE (up to 90 days)
- Others: Hong Kong, Macao (up to 30 days), Malaysia (up to 14 days)
If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you can freely transit through Egypt, leave the airport, and re-enter without any visa.
e-Visa or Visa on Arrival Eligible Nationals
Citizens of over 70 countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports, making transit straightforward. Key eligible nationalities include:
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| **North America** | United States, Canada |
| **Europe** | United Kingdom, all EU member states, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland |
| **Asia-Pacific** | Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China |
| **Other** | Russia, Brazil, Argentina, Ukraine, Georgia |
For these travelers, obtaining a visa on arrival ($25 USD) during a layover is simple and fast – usually taking under 15 minutes at the bank kiosk in the arrivals hall. Alternatively, applying for an e-Visa before departure avoids any airport delays.
Nationals Who Need Advance Visa
If your nationality is not on the visa-on-arrival or e-Visa eligibility list, you need to apply for a visa in advance through an Egyptian embassy or consulate before your trip. This includes transit. There is no visa on arrival option for these nationalities.
Countries that typically require advance visa applications include:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Nigeria
- Ethiopia
- Philippines (check current eligibility as policies update)
- Most other South Asian and sub-Saharan African nations
For a complete guide on visa requirements by nationality, see our Egypt visa requirements page.
Egypt Transit Visa vs Tourist Visa
For most travelers, the practical question is whether to get a transit visa or a tourist visa. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Transit Visa | Tourist Visa (e-Visa) | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Purpose** | Airport transit only | Tourism and transit | Tourism and transit |
| **Duration** | 24-48 hours | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days |
| **Cost** | Free – $25 | $25 (single) / $60 (multiple) | $25 |
| **Leave airport?** | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| **Online application** | No (embassy only) | Yes (visa2egypt.gov.eg) | No (at airport) |
| **Extendable** | No | Yes | Yes |
| **Best for** | Very short layovers | Planned stops, sightseeing | Impromptu layovers |
When to Use a Transit Visa
A transit visa is the right choice if:
- Your layover is between 6 and 48 hours
- You want to briefly leave the airport (for example, to visit the Pyramids of Giza during a long layover at Cairo Airport)
- You do not need a full 30-day tourist visa
- Your nationality requires advance visa arrangements and you only need a short stop
When to Use a Tourist Visa Instead
A tourist visa is better if:
- Your layover is longer than 48 hours, or you want flexibility to stay longer
- You want to explore Egypt beyond the airport area
- You are eligible for an e-Visa or visa on arrival (making it easy and cheap)
- You want to turn a layover into a mini-vacation
Practical advice: For most travelers eligible for visa on arrival or e-Visa, just getting a tourist visa ($25) is the simplest option. It covers transit and tourism alike, costs the same as most transit visas, and requires no advance planning beyond what you would do anyway. Apply for an e-Visa online at least 7 days before departure to save time at the airport.
How Long Can You Transit Through Egypt?
The allowed transit duration depends on your visa status:
- Airside transit (no visa): Generally up to 24 hours, though policies vary by airline and airport. Some airports allow stays up to 48 hours in the transit zone.
- Transit visa: Typically 24 to 48 hours from the time of entry
- Tourist visa / visa on arrival: Up to 30 days per entry
If your connecting flight is more than 24 hours away, most airlines will not allow you to remain in the transit zone for the entire duration. In that case, you will need to pass through immigration and either get a visa on arrival or have a pre-arranged visa.
Long Layovers at Cairo Airport
Cairo International Airport is one of the most common transit points in the Middle East and Africa. If you have a long layover (8+ hours), here are your options:
- Stay in the transit area: Cairo Airport has lounges, restaurants, and duty-free shopping. You can remain airside without a visa.
- Leave the airport: With a visa on arrival ($25) or pre-arranged visa, you can visit Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza are approximately 45 minutes from the airport by taxi.
- Airport hotel: Some transit hotels are accessible without passing through immigration, depending on the terminal.
Egypt Transit Visa Cost
The cost of transiting through Egypt varies by method:
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airside transit (no visa) | Free | Stay in transit zone only |
| Transit visa (embassy) | $0-$25 | Varies by nationality and embassy |
| Visa on arrival | $25 USD cash | For eligible nationalities only |
| e-Visa (tourist) | $25 USD online | Single-entry, 30 days |
Important: Egypt generally does not charge a separate transit visa fee for eligible nationalities. If you need to leave the airport and qualify for visa on arrival, the $25 fee is the same as a tourist visa. There is no discounted transit-specific rate.
How to Get a Transit Visa for Egypt
Option 1: Stay in Transit (No Visa Needed)
If your layover is under 24 hours and you do not need to leave the airport:
- Arrive at your connecting Egyptian airport
- Follow signs to the transit/connecting flights area
- Do not pass through immigration or passport control
- Wait for your onward flight in the transit zone
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
If you are eligible and want to leave the airport:
- Proceed through immigration at the arrivals hall
- Before passport control, find the bank kiosk
- Pay $25 USD in cash (bring clean, undamaged bills)
- Receive a visa sticker for your passport
- Pass through passport control with your visa sticker
- Exit the airport
Option 3: e-Visa (Apply in Advance)
If you want to avoid airport queues:
- Visit visa2egypt.gov.eg at least 7 days before travel
- Create an account and fill out the application
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport
- Pay $25 USD by credit or debit card
- Receive your approved e-Visa by email (usually within 48 hours)
- Print the e-Visa and present it at immigration upon arrival
For a full walkthrough, see our Egypt e-Visa application guide.
Option 4: Embassy Visa (For Non-Eligible Nationalities)
If your nationality does not qualify for visa on arrival or e-Visa:
- Contact the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate
- Submit your application with passport, photos, flight itinerary, and onward travel proof
- Pay the applicable fee ($67 single-entry)
- Wait 5-10 business days for processing
- Collect your passport with the transit visa
Egypt Transit at Cairo Airport: What to Expect
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the primary transit hub for Egypt, served by EgyptAir and numerous international carriers. Here is what to know about transiting through Cairo:
Terminals
- Terminal 2: EgyptAir and Star Alliance flights. Most international transit passengers use this terminal.
- Terminal 3: Used by some international carriers. Connected to Terminal 2 by a walkway.
- Terminal 1: Mainly domestic and some regional flights.
Transit Facilities
- Lounges: Several pay-per-use lounges are available in the transit area
- Food and drink: Cafes and restaurants in the departure area
- Duty-free: Shopping available in the transit zone
- Currency exchange: Available in transit and arrivals areas
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi available in the airport
Common Transit Routes Through Egypt
Egypt’s geographic position makes it a natural transit point between:
- Europe and East Africa
- Middle East and West Africa
- Asia and North Africa
- Americas and the Middle East
Airlines like EgyptAir, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways frequently route passengers through Cairo.
FAQs About Egypt Transit Visa
Do I need a visa to transit through Egypt?
If you stay in the international transit zone and do not pass through immigration, most nationalities do not need a transit visa. However, citizens of certain countries may need one even for airside transit. If you want to leave the airport, you need a visa on arrival or a pre-arranged visa.
Can I leave Cairo Airport during a layover without a visa?
No. To leave Cairo Airport, you must pass through Egyptian immigration, which requires a valid visa. Citizens of eligible countries can get a visa on arrival for $25 USD. Others must have a visa issued in advance.
How long can I stay in Egypt on a transit visa?
A transit visa typically allows stays of 24 to 48 hours. If you need more time, consider applying for a tourist visa, which permits up to 30 days per entry and costs just $25 for a single-entry e-Visa.
How much does an Egypt transit visa cost?
Airside transit (staying in the airport) is free. If you need to leave the airport and are eligible for visa on arrival, the cost is $25 USD. An e-Visa costs $25 single-entry. Embassy visas cost $67 for single-entry.
Can US citizens transit through Egypt without a visa?
US citizens can stay in the airport transit zone without a visa for short layovers. To leave the airport, US citizens can get a visa on arrival for $25 USD at the bank kiosk in the arrivals hall. No advance visa is needed.
Do I need a transit visa if I am connecting through Cairo to another country?
If you stay in the transit area and your connection is within 24 hours, you likely do not need a visa. If you need to recheck baggage or leave the transit zone, you will need to pass through immigration and may need a visa depending on your nationality.
Can I get an Egypt transit visa online?
Egypt does not offer a specific transit e-Visa. However, you can apply for a tourist e-Visa online at visa2egypt.gov.eg, which also covers transit purposes. The e-Visa costs $25 and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing stays of up to 30 days.
What happens if my connecting flight is delayed and I overstay my transit visa?
If your flight is delayed due to airline issues, contact the airline and immigration authorities immediately. Airlines are generally responsible for passengers during delays. Overstaying without an extension can result in fines at the airport upon departure. Always keep documentation of your delay.
