Egypt Visa Requirements: Complete Guide to Documents, Passport Rules & Eligibility
All foreign nationals need a valid visa to enter Egypt, unless they hold a passport from one of the visa-exempt countries. The most common route for tourists is the Egypt e-Visa, which costs $25 for a single entry and requires a passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This guide covers every document, eligibility rule, and exception you need to know before traveling.
Who Needs a Visa for Egypt?
Egypt requires a visa for citizens of most countries worldwide. However, the type of visa you need – and whether you need one at all – depends on your nationality.
Visa-Exempt Countries
A small number of nationalities can enter Egypt without a visa for short stays. These include citizens of several neighboring and Gulf states:
- Bahrain
- Hong Kong (SAR)
- Kuwait
- Lebanon (arriving at Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada airports only)
- Libya
- Macao (SAR)
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- United Arab Emirates
If your country is not on this list, you will need one of the following: an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a consular/embassy visa. See our Egypt e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival comparison for help deciding which route is best.
Who Is Eligible for the Egypt e-Visa?
The e-Visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg is open to citizens of approximately 74 eligible countries. The major eligible nationalities include:
| Region | Eligible Countries (Key Examples) |
|---|---|
| North America | United States, Canada |
| Europe | United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Ireland |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, China, India |
| South America | Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Chile |
| Middle East | Turkey, Israel |
If your nationality is eligible for the e-Visa, you can apply entirely online without visiting an embassy. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our Egypt e-Visa Application Guide.
Egypt Visa Requirements: Documents Checklist
Regardless of whether you apply for an e-Visa, visa on arrival, or embassy visa, you will need to meet these core document requirements.
1. Valid Passport
Your passport must satisfy all of the following:
- Validity: At least 6 months beyond your intended date of arrival in Egypt
- Blank pages: At least 1 blank page for the entry stamp
- Condition: Undamaged, with clear photo and readable text
If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel date, renew it before applying. Applications with passports that fail the 6-month validity rule are routinely rejected.
2. Passport-Size Photo
For e-Visa applications, you typically need a digital passport-style photo that meets these specs:
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) or 35 x 45 mm |
| Format | JPEG or PNG |
| Background | White or light-colored |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Face coverage | 70-80% of the frame |
| Expression | Neutral, eyes open |
| Headwear | Religious headwear only; face must be visible |
Note: The e-Visa portal may not always require a photo upload for all nationalities. However, having one ready is essential in case it is requested, and it is mandatory for consular applications.
3. Completed Application Form
For the e-Visa, the application form is filled out online at visa2egypt.gov.eg. You will provide:
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport)
- Date and place of birth
- Passport number and expiry date
- Nationality and current address
- Travel dates and accommodation details in Egypt
- Purpose of visit
For embassy/consular applications, you may need to fill out a physical or downloadable PDF form. See our Egypt Visa Application Form guide for field-by-field instructions.
4. Proof of Accommodation
You will typically need to show:
- Hotel booking confirmation, OR
- A letter of invitation from a host in Egypt (with their address and contact details)
5. Return or Onward Flight Ticket
Immigration officers may ask for proof that you intend to leave Egypt before your visa expires. A confirmed return ticket or onward booking satisfies this requirement.
6. Proof of Sufficient Funds
While not always checked at the e-Visa stage, border officers may ask for evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. Bank statements, credit cards, or traveler’s checks are acceptable.
Egypt Visa Requirements by Type
Different visa categories have slightly different document requirements. Here is a breakdown for the most common types.
Tourist Visa Requirements
The standard tourist visa is the most frequently requested. Requirements include all the core documents listed above, plus:
- A travel itinerary or tour booking (recommended)
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Hotel bookings for the duration of your stay
For a detailed breakdown of tourist visa specifics, see our Egypt Tourist Visa guide.
Business Visa Requirements
In addition to the standard documents, business travelers need:
- An invitation letter from an Egyptian company or organization
- A letter from your employer stating the purpose of the trip
- Proof of business registration (Egyptian company’s commercial register)
Transit Visa Requirements
If you are passing through Egypt to another destination and plan to leave the airport:
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity onward flight ticket showing you will depart within 48-72 hours
- Visa for your final destination (if required)
Transit passengers who remain in the airport international transit area may not need a visa at all, depending on airline and airport arrangements.
Egypt Visa Fee Structure
Understanding the cost breakdown helps you budget and choose the right application method:
| Visa Type | e-Visa Cost | Visa on Arrival Cost | Embassy Visa Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry (30 days) | $25 USD | $25 USD | $67 USD |
| Multiple Entry (30 days each) | $60 USD | Not available | $92 USD |
| Processing time | 5-7 business days | Immediate | 5-10 business days |
The e-Visa and visa on arrival are the same price for single-entry, making the e-Visa the preferred option since you have approval before you fly. For a full fee breakdown, see our Egypt Visa Fee page.
Special Requirements by Nationality
US Citizens
American passport holders are eligible for the e-Visa, visa on arrival, and embassy visa. The most popular choice is the e-Visa for convenience. Requirements are the same as the standard list above. Our dedicated Egypt Visa for US Citizens guide covers every detail.
Indian Citizens
Indian nationals are eligible for the e-Visa and must apply online at least 7 days before travel. Visa on arrival is also available at Egyptian airports. Additional requirements may include proof of hotel booking and a return flight. See Egypt Visa for Indian Citizens for the full process.
Pakistani Citizens
Pakistani passport holders can apply for the e-Visa or a consular visa. Processing may take slightly longer (7-10 business days) and additional documentation such as a bank statement covering the last 3 months may be requested. See Egypt Visa for Pakistani Citizens.
UK Citizens
British citizens are eligible for the e-Visa, visa on arrival, and embassy visa. Requirements mirror the standard list. The e-Visa is the most popular route. See Egypt Visa for UK Citizens.
Egypt Visa Photo Requirements
If your application requires a photo, follow these specifications carefully to avoid rejection:
- Dimensions: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) for US-standard; 35 x 45 mm for European-standard
- Resolution: At least 600 x 600 pixels
- Color: Full color, no filters or black-and-white
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Glasses: Remove unless medically required; no glare
- Headwear: Religious headwear only; full face from chin to forehead must be visible
A rejected photo is one of the top reasons for e-Visa delays. Double-check these requirements before uploading.
How to Apply: Quick Overview
The application process varies by method:
e-Visa (Recommended)
- Visit visa2egypt.gov.eg and create an account
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload your passport scan and photo (if required)
- Pay the fee by credit or debit card
- Receive approval by email in 5-7 business days
- Print the e-Visa or save it on your phone
Visa on Arrival
- Fly to an Egyptian airport (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, or Aswan)
- Before passport control, go to the bank kiosk in the arrivals hall
- Pay $25 USD in cash (exact change preferred)
- Receive a visa sticker to place in your passport
- Proceed to passport control with the sticker
Embassy/Consular Visa
- Contact your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate
- Submit your application form, passport, photos, and supporting documents
- Pay the fee (varies by embassy)
- Wait 5-10 business days for processing
- Collect your passport with the visa stamp
For a complete walkthrough of each method, visit our Egypt e-Visa guide.
FAQs About Egypt Visa Requirements
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
Yes, unless you hold a passport from one of the visa-exempt countries (such as Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, or Hong Kong SAR). Citizens of most other countries need an e-Visa, visa on arrival, or embassy visa.
How long does my passport need to be valid?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended arrival date in Egypt. If your passport expires sooner, you must renew it before applying for a visa.
How much does an Egypt visa cost?
The e-Visa costs $25 USD for single entry and $60 USD for multiple entry. Visa on arrival is $25 USD (single entry only, cash). Embassy visas are $67 USD (single) or $92 USD (multiple).
Can I get a visa on arrival at any Egyptian airport?
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Cairo International Airport, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, and Aswan airports. Payment is by cash at bank kiosks in the arrivals hall before passport control.
How far in advance should I apply for an Egypt e-Visa?
Apply at least 7 days before your departure date. Processing typically takes 5-7 business days, but delays can occur. Applying 2-3 weeks ahead is recommended.
Do children need their own visa for Egypt?
Yes, every traveler including children and infants needs their own visa and their own valid passport. You can include children on a family e-Visa application through the portal.
Can I extend my Egypt visa while in the country?
Tourist visas can be extended at the Mogamma building in Tahrir Square, Cairo, or at immigration offices in other cities. The extension adds up to 3 months. You will need your passport, photos, and a small fee. See our Egypt Visa Extension guide.
What happens if my Egypt visa application is rejected?
Common rejection reasons include passport validity under 6 months, incorrect information, unclear passport scan, or security concerns. You can reapply after correcting the issue. See Egypt Visa Rejected for more help.
Is the Egypt e-Visa the same as a visa on arrival?
Both grant a 30-day stay and cost $25 USD for single entry, but the e-Visa is obtained online before travel while the visa on arrival is purchased at the airport. The e-Visa is recommended because you have approval in hand before flying. See our e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival comparison.
Can I work in Egypt with a tourist visa?
No. A tourist visa does not permit employment. You need a separate work visa and work permit arranged through your Egyptian employer before arrival.
