Before traveling to Egypt, most international visitors must obtain a tourist visa. Fortunately, the process is relatively simple, and there are several options available depending on your nationality and travel plans. Many travelers can obtain a visa online or upon arrival at the airport, while others must apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Understanding the available visa options will help ensure that your trip begins smoothly, leaving you free to focus on the incredible temples, landscapes, and history waiting along the Nile.
Passport Requirements
All visitors to Egypt must have:
- A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival
- At least one blank page for entry stamps or visa stickers
It is always recommended to check that your passport meets these requirements before traveling.
Who Needs a Visa for Egypt?
Most travelers need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. However, the process depends on your nationality.
Citizens of many countries—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, European Union countries, Australia, Japan, and South Korea—can easily obtain a visa either online or upon arrival at major Egyptian airports.
There are also a few visa exemptions or special cases. For example, travelers visiting only certain Sinai Peninsula resorts such as Sharm El-Sheikh may receive a free entry stamp allowing a stay of up to 15 days, but this does not permit travel to other parts of Egypt such as Luxor, Cairo, or the Nile Valley.
Visitors from some countries must apply for a visa in advance through an Egyptian embassy or consulate. Processing times for these applications can take several weeks, so it is important to plan ahead if this applies to you.
Because visa rules can occasionally change, travelers should always check the latest requirements based on their passport before traveling.
Tourist Visa Fees (Latest Update)
For many years, Egypt’s tourist visa fee has been $25 USD for a single-entry visa valid for stays of up to 30 days.
However, recent announcements indicate that the visa-on-arrival fee increased to $30 USD as of 1 March 2026 at Egyptian ports of entry.
The typical tourist visa fees are currently:
- Single-entry tourist visa: about $25 USD (online e-visa or previously standard airport visa)
- Multiple-entry tourist visa: about $60 USD
- Visa on arrival: about $30 USD at the airport (as of March 2026)
Visa fees and policies can occasionally change, so travelers should check current information before departure.
Option 1: Egypt e-Visa (Recommended)
For many travelers, the easiest option is the Egypt e-Visa, which allows visitors to apply online before traveling.
The official government website is https://visa2egypt.gov.eg
Applicants create an account, fill out a short form, upload passport information, and pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. Once approved, the visa is sent by email and should be printed and presented upon arrival in Egypt.
Key details
- Application website: visa2egypt.gov.eg
- Processing time: usually 3–7 business days
- Single-entry visa cost: about $25 USD
- Validity: typically valid for entry within 90 days of issue
- Length of stay: up to 30 days
The e-visa is often the most convenient option because it allows travelers to skip the visa purchase line at the airport.
Countries Eligible for the Egypt e-Visa
Citizens of many countries can apply for the Egypt e-Visa online. Examples include:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Most European Union countries
- Switzerland and Norway
- Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Mexico
- United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
In total, travelers from dozens of countries worldwide are eligible for the online visa system.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
Visitors from many countries—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, most European Union countries, Australia, Japan, and South Korea—can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports.
The process is simple:
- After landing, visit a bank counter in the arrival hall before passport control.
- Purchase the visa sticker (usually payable in cash).
- Place the sticker in your passport and proceed to immigration.
This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days in Egypt. Travelers are usually required to pay in cash (US dollars are preferred).
While the process is generally straightforward, queues can form during busy travel periods. For this reason, many visitors prefer to arrange the e-visa before traveling.
Option 3: Visa Through an Embassy or Consulate
Some nationalities are not eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival and must apply for a visa in advance through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Examples of countries whose citizens often need to apply through a diplomatic mission include:
- Bangladesh
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Eritrea
- Liberia
- Nepal
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
In these cases, travelers usually need to submit:
- A completed visa application form
- Passport photos
- A passport valid for at least six months
- Travel itinerary or accommodation details
- Payment of the consular visa fee
Processing times can vary but may take several days to several weeks, so travelers should apply well in advance of their trip.
A Final Tip for Travelers
For most visitors, entering Egypt is straightforward. After obtaining your visa—either online or at the airport—you will proceed through passport control and begin your journey through one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Whether you plan to explore the pyramids of Cairo, wander through ancient temples in Luxor, or relax while sailing along the Nile on a traditional dahabiya, ensuring your visa is arranged ahead of time will help your trip start smoothly.
Sources
The information in this article was compiled from the following sources:
- Government of Egypt eVisa Portal. Egypt e-Visa Application Website.
https://visa2egypt.gov.eg - Ahram Online. “Egypt raises emergency entry visa fee for foreign tourists to $30.” Published March 1, 2026.
- Travel And Tour World. “Egypt visa-on-arrival fee rises starting March 2026.” Published March 9, 2026.
- Ecofin Agency. “Egypt visa-on-arrival fee seen rising to $30 from March 2026.” Published March 2, 2026.
- Visa News. “Egypt may revise its visa fees.” 2025–2026 visa policy updates.
Disclaimer:
Visa requirements, fees, and eligibility for Egypt may change without notice. This information is provided as a general guide only. Travelers should confirm current visa policies through the official Egypt e-Visa website, their nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate, or their airline before departure.
