Visa & Travel Requirements
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Egypt. The good news: it's easy and fast for the majority of travelers.
๐ Three Ways to Get an Egyptian Tourist Visa
1. e-Visa (recommended)
Apply online at the official visa2egypt.gov.eg portal at least 7 days before travel.
- Single entry: ~$25 USD, 30 days
- Multiple entry: ~$60 USD
- Approval usually arrives by email within 5โ7 business days
2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Available at major airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor, Marsa Alam) for citizens of most Western countries. $25 USD, paid in cash at a bank kiosk in the arrivals hall before immigration. Keep small USD or EUR bills handy.
3. Visa at an Egyptian Embassy
Required for some nationalities. Check with your nearest Egyptian consulate.
๐ Who Needs a Visa?
Visa-free (90 days): GCC nationals (Saudi, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman), plus a handful of others (e.g. Hong Kong, Lebanon-restricted, etc.).
Visa on arrival / e-Visa eligible (most travelers): USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, most of Latin America and many more.
Visa required in advance: Most African and some Asian nationalities. Check the official portal.
๐ด Sinai-Only Free Entry Permit
If you fly into Sharm El-Sheikh, Taba, or St. Catherine and stay only in South Sinai (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, St. Catherine) for up to 15 days, you get a free entry stamp โ no visa needed. You cannot visit the Pyramids on this permit.
๐ Documents to Bring
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date
- At least one blank passport page
- Proof of return/onward ticket (sometimes asked)
- Hotel reservation or address of stay
- Sufficient funds (rarely checked, but be ready)
- Yellow fever certificate only if arriving from a yellow fever country
๐ฆ Health Requirements
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. See Health for recommended ones.