Egypt Visa Requirements 2026 — eVisa, Fees & Entry Guide

Introduction

Egypt attracts millions of visitors annually to its ancient monuments, Red Sea resorts (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada) and vibrant cities (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan). Main airports are Cairo International (CAI), Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) and Hurghada (HRG). The Egyptian Ministry of Interior manages immigration.

Visa on Arrival

Citizens of 70+ nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada and Alexandria airports. The fee is USD 25 (pay in USD cash or sometimes by card). The visa allows a 30-day stay. Most Western nationalities (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand) are eligible.

Egypt eVisa

Apply in advance at visa2egypt.gov.eg. The eVisa costs USD 25 for a single entry (30 days) or USD 60 for multiple entries. Processing takes 3–10 business days. Having an eVisa speeds up arrival as you skip the visa-on-arrival counter.

Sinai Stamp (Free Zone)

Travelers entering only South Sinai (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Saint Catherine) by direct flight or by sea from Jordan's Aqaba can receive a free 14-day Sinai-only stamp. This does NOT allow travel to the rest of Egypt including Cairo.

Required Documents

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Return or onward ticket
• Accommodation details
• USD 25 (or credit card) for visa on arrival

Visa Fees

How to Apply

1. Check eligibility at visa2egypt.gov.eg
2. Apply for eVisa online and pay USD 25/60
3. Receive eVisa by email (3–10 days)
4. Or obtain visa on arrival at airport (USD 25 cash)

Official Links

• Egypt Official eVisa Portal
• Egypt Tourism Authority

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

📋 Complete Visa Categories for Egypt

Egypt offers a variety of visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available, including requirements, validity, and approximate fees. Always verify current requirements with the official immigration authority before applying, as rules and fees can change.

Note: Fees and requirements may vary by nationality and are subject to change. Some visa categories may have additional sub-types or specific conditions not listed above. Check the official Egypt immigration portal or your nearest embassy for the most current information.

⏰ Processing Times & Fees for Egypt Visas

Processing times for Egypt visa applications vary by visa type, applicant nationality, and time of year. Standard processing is the default timeline, while expedited (express or priority) processing is available for certain visa types at an additional cost. During peak travel seasons, processing may take longer than usual. Always apply well in advance of your planned travel date to account for potential delays.

All fees are approximate and may be adjusted. Some embassies and consulates charge additional service fees through visa application centers (e.g., VFS Global, TLS Contact). Payment methods vary by location. Keep your payment receipt as proof of fee payment.

🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for Egypt

Egypt does not require mandatory vaccinations for entry from most countries. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers from endemic countries. COVID-19 requirements have been largely relaxed. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies. No medical examination is required for tourist visas. Work visa applicants must undergo a medical examination at a government-approved hospital in Egypt, including HIV testing, chest X-ray, and blood tests for hepatitis. Health insurance is recommended but not mandatory for tourists. Work permit holders should have employer-provided health insurance. Police clearance certificates from the applicant's home country are required for work and residence visas. Egypt collects biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) at its airports. Schistosomiasis precautions are advised for travelers who may come in contact with freshwater in the Nile Delta and rural areas.

🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in Egypt

Tourist visas can be extended at the Mogamma (Government Complex) in Tahrir Square, Cairo, or at local passport offices for an additional 30 days. The extension fee is approximately EGP 500-1,000. Some travelers do a 'Sinai only' entry for a free 15-day permit. Maximum tourist stay with extensions is generally 6 months. Work permit renewals are handled through the employer and the Ministry of Manpower. Overstay penalties include fines of EGP 1,000-5,000, detention, deportation (at the violator's expense), and entry bans of 1-3 years. Egypt is generally flexible about short overstays (a few days), but longer overstays trigger penalties. Fines are calculated per day/week of overstay and must be paid before departure or upon detection. Egypt's Directorate of Passports, Immigration and Nationality handles immigration enforcement.

❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for Egypt

Egyptian visa refusals may result from: nationality restrictions, incomplete documentation, security concerns, previous immigration violations, or specific travel restrictions (e.g., Israeli passport stamps — though this is no longer generally enforced). eVisa refusals are communicated online. Port-of-entry refusals result in immediate return. There is no formal public appeals process for tourist visa refusals. Work visa refusals can be reconsidered through the employer. Reapplication is possible immediately with corrected documentation. Engaging a local immigration facilitator or attorney is advisable for work visa matters. Certain nationalities face additional scrutiny and may require security clearance. Egypt's visa policies have become more accessible with the introduction of the eVisa system.