Egypt visa requirements 2026: Most tourists need a visa to enter Egypt, with three main options. The Egypt e-visa ($25, single-entry; $60 multi-entry) is processed online in 3 business days through the official Egypt e-visa portal. The visa on arrival ($30) is available at Cairo International Airport and other entry points for citizens of 45+ countries including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most European nations. Both tourist visas allow a 30-day stay. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and have 1-2 blank pages. A few countries (Bahrain, Djibouti, Hong Kong, Macau) enter visa-free; Schengen visa holders get free 15-day entry.
Most visitors clear Egyptian immigration in under half an hour, provided the paperwork is right. This Egypt visa requirements guide covers e-visa and visa on arrival as they work in 2026: who qualifies, what each costs, and how to apply without paying an agent. Pair it with our money and budgeting pillar for Cairo, our first-visit primer for the city, and our what-to-prepare list before you fly.
Egypt Visa Options Comparison
| Visa Type | Cost | Duration | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Visa Single Entry | $25 | 30 days stay | 3 months from issue |
| E-Visa Multiple Entry | $60 | 30 days/entry | 6 months from issue |
| Visa on Arrival | $30 | 30 days stay | Single entry only |
| Sinai-Only Visa | Free | 15 days stay | Sinai Peninsula only |
| Schengen Holder Free | Free | 15 days | One entry |
Countries Eligible for Egypt E-Visa
The Egypt e-visa is available to citizens of 75+ countries including:
- United States, Canada, Mexico
- United Kingdom, Ireland
- All EU/EEA countries
- Australia, New Zealand
- Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong
- Most Latin American countries
- Russia, Belarus, Ukraine
- Many Asian nations (India, Philippines, Thailand)
Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival
Similar list of 45+ countries with passport eligibility, including:
- United States, Canada
- UK, EU member states
- Australia, New Zealand
- Japan, South Korea
- Most GCC countries
- Several Asian and African nations
How to Apply for Egypt E-Visa
Step 1: Visit Official Portal
Go to https://visa2egypt.gov.eg (the only official Egypt e-visa site). Beware of unofficial sites charging more. Following these Egypt visa requirements guidelines helps ensure a smooth and respectful Cairo experience.
Step 2: Fill Application
- Personal details
- Passport information
- Travel itinerary
- Egypt accommodation address
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Passport scan (color, all 4 corners visible)
- Passport-style photo
- Hotel reservation confirmation
- Flight itinerary
Step 4: Pay $25 USD
Credit/debit card payment via secure gateway.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Typically 3 business days. Up to 7 days during high season.
Step 6: Print Visa
Print PDF visa to present at immigration.
How to Get Visa on Arrival
At Cairo International Airport
- Disembark plane
- Before passport control, visit Bank counter
- Pay $30 USD cash (or major currencies)
- Get visa sticker placed in passport
- Proceed to passport control
- Get entry stamp
- Total time: 10-30 minutes depending on queue
Tips
- Have exact $30 cash ready
- USD, EUR, GBP all accepted
- EGP NOT accepted for visa
- Credit cards generally NOT accepted for visa
Once the sticker is in your passport and the entry stamp is done, only the ride into town remains, and our rundown of ways into the city centre prices each option.
Required Documents
For E-Visa
- Valid passport (6+ months beyond entry)
- Passport scan
- Recent passport photo
- Travel itinerary
- Hotel confirmation
- Credit card for payment
For Visa on Arrival
- Valid passport (6+ months beyond entry)
- $30 USD cash
- Return ticket (sometimes asked)
- Hotel address (asked at immigration)
Common Visa Mistakes to Avoid
- Booking through unofficial websites (cost 3-5x)
- Passport expiring within 6 months of entry
- Missing passport blank pages (need 1-2)
- Not having $30 cash for visa on arrival
- Trying to use credit card at visa counter
- Applying for e-visa less than 1 week before
- Forgetting to print e-visa
- Photo not meeting requirements
- Not having hotel confirmation
Visa Extensions
If you need to stay longer than 30 days:
- Where: Mogamma government building in Tahrir Square, Cairo
- Cost: ~£E 250-500 ($8-15)
- Process: Long queues, full day expected
- Extension: Usually 30 additional days
- Better: Apply for e-visa multi-entry from start
Sinai-Only Visa
If only visiting Sinai (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab):
- Free Sinai-only stamp at Sharm el-Sheikh airport
- 15-day validity
- Cannot visit Cairo or rest of Egypt
- Cannot visit St. Catherine’s Monastery beyond designated area
- Different from full tourist visa
Special Visa Situations
Schengen Visa Holders
If you have valid Schengen, US, UK, or Japan visa: Free 15-day Egypt visa at airport. No application needed. Following these Egypt visa requirements guidelines helps ensure a smooth and respectful Cairo experience.
Cruise Ship Passengers
Shore excursions usually pre-arranged; specific cruise visa rules apply.
Land Border Crossings
Different procedures at Taba (Israel), Sallum (Libya), Aswan (Sudan).
Diplomatic/Service Passports
Often free or special procedures.
Egypt Visa Requirements FAQ
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most nationalities yes. Few visa-free countries (Bahrain, Djibouti, Hong Kong).
How much does Egypt visa cost?
$25 e-visa, $30 visa on arrival.
Can US citizens get visa on arrival?
Yes — $30 at Cairo Airport.
How long does e-visa take?
3 business days typical; apply 1+ week before travel.
What’s the official e-visa website?
https://visa2egypt.gov.eg — the only official portal.
Can I extend my visa?
Yes at Mogamma in Cairo. ~$8-15 for 30 more days.
How long is the visa valid?
E-visa: 3-6 months from issue. Visa on arrival: single entry, must use within 3 months.
How long can I stay?
30 days for tourist visa.
Does my passport need 6 months validity?
Yes — strictly enforced.
Can I get e-visa for multiple entries?
Yes — $60 for multi-entry (good for 6 months).
Can I pay visa on arrival with credit card?
No — cash only, USD/EUR/GBP.
What if my e-visa is delayed?
Still travel — apply for visa on arrival as backup.
Are children covered separately?
Yes — each child needs own visa.
Can I work on tourist visa?
No — strictly for tourism.
What if I lose my e-visa?
Re-print from email or download from portal.
Visa questions rarely arrive alone, and the ones about money, taxis and safety are gathered in our wider set of Cairo travel answers.
Pulling It Together
Egypt visa requirements 2026 are straightforward for most tourists: apply for $25 e-visa online via https://visa2egypt.gov.eg 1+ week before travel, OR get visa on arrival at Cairo Airport for $30 cash (USD/EUR/GBP). Both allow 30-day stays. Multi-entry e-visa ($60) recommended for travelers planning to leave and return to Egypt during 6-month window. Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond entry. Schengen visa holders get free 15-day visa. Always use the official Egypt e-visa portal — countless unofficial sites charge 3-5x for the same visa.
With entry settled, timing and money are what remain. Our costed sample budgets for a Cairo trip cover the spending side, while the monthly climate picture and which seasons suit which travellers handle the calendar.