Planning a trip to Egypt? This guide covers who needs a visa, the documents to prepare and how to apply step by step. Once approved, explore our Egypt destination guide, browse city tour ideas and boating guides, or see all destinations.
Last Updated: August 2026
Egypt Tourist Visa information for international travelers, including visa requirements, eligibility, documents, fees, eVisa, visa on arrival, application process, validity, processing information, and important entry rules.
Egypt is one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations, known for its ancient pyramids, temples, museums, Nile River cruises, Red Sea resorts, beaches, diving, historical sites, deserts, and rich cultural heritage.
Depending on nationality, travelers visiting Egypt for tourism may be able to obtain an electronic visa, visa on arrival, or a visa through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Important: Egyptian visa requirements, fees, eligible nationalities, entry procedures, and immigration rules can change. Always verify the latest requirements through the official Egypt e-Visa Portal, Egyptian authorities, and the relevant Egyptian embassy or consulate before traveling.
Egypt Tourist Visa Requirements
Foreign travelers visiting Egypt for tourism may need to obtain a Tourist Visa before entering the country.
The exact visa requirement depends on the traveler’s nationality, passport, purpose of travel, and applicable Egyptian immigration rules.
Eligible travelers may be able to apply for an Egypt e-Visa online, obtain a visa on arrival, or apply through an Egyptian diplomatic mission.
Some nationalities are required to obtain their visa in advance through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Who Needs an Egypt Tourist Visa?
Visa requirements for Egypt depend on nationality.
Many travelers require a tourist visa, while certain nationalities benefit from visa-on-arrival or electronic visa facilities.
Egypt’s official tourism information currently states that 78 nationalities qualify for either a visa on arrival or an electronic visa through the official portal.
The same official information states that more than 180 nationalities may qualify for visa on arrival when the traveler holds a valid and previously used visa from certain countries, subject to the applicable conditions.
Because eligibility can differ significantly by nationality, travelers should check the official Egyptian visa system before making travel arrangements.
Egypt e-Visa
Egypt provides an official electronic visa system for eligible foreign travelers.
The Egypt e-Visa is an electronic travel document that permits eligible travelers to seek entry to Egypt for the purpose specified by the visa.
Applicants complete the application online, pay the applicable fee electronically, and receive the approved e-Visa through the official portal.
The approved e-Visa should be downloaded and printed and presented to the immigration authorities at the port of entry.
Egypt e-Visa Requirements
Applicants using the official Egypt e-Visa system should prepare the information and documents requested during the online application.
Common requirements can include:
- A passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
- Personal and passport information.
- A completed online visa application.
- A valid email address.
- Online payment using an accepted payment card.
- Travel itinerary.
- Hotel booking or accommodation information.
- Supporting documents where applicable.
- A printed copy of the approved e-Visa for presentation on arrival.
The exact requirements can vary according to nationality and visa type.
Egypt e-Visa Fees
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal currently lists the following tourism visa fees:
- Single Entry Tourist Visa: USD 30.
- Multiple Entry Tourist Visa: USD 65.
Visa fees are non-refundable according to the official Egypt e-Visa Portal.
Fees can change, so travelers should verify the current amount directly on the official portal before submitting payment.
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How to Apply for an Egypt e-Visa
Step 1: Create an Account
Create an account on the official Egypt e-Visa Portal using your email address and required personal information.
Step 2: Confirm Your Account
Confirm the account registration according to the instructions sent by the official portal.
Step 3: Sign In
Log in to your Egypt e-Visa account and select the option to start a new application.
Step 4: Select the Visa Type
Select the appropriate Tourist Visa option and carefully read the instructions before continuing.
Step 5: Complete the Application
Enter your personal information, passport details, travel information, and other requested information accurately.
Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the applicable visa fee online using an accepted Visa, MasterCard, or other supported debit card.
Step 7: Wait for the Decision
After submitting the application and payment, wait for the application to be processed.
The official portal sends an email when the application has been processed.
Step 8: Download the e-Visa
After approval, download the electronic visa from your account and print a copy.
Step 9: Present the e-Visa on Arrival
Present the printed e-Visa to the immigration officer at the Egyptian port of entry.
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal recommends creating the application at least seven days before departure.
Egypt Visa on Arrival
Eligible travelers can obtain an Egypt Tourist Visa on arrival at designated airports and entry points.
The official Egyptian tourism website currently states that eligible travelers can obtain a visa on arrival for USD 30 from the bank counter in the airport’s passport-control area.
Visa-on-arrival eligibility depends on nationality and other applicable conditions.
Travelers should confirm their eligibility before departure because not every nationality can simply obtain a visa on arrival.
Egypt Visa on Arrival Requirements
Travelers who qualify for a Visa on Arrival should generally have:
- A passport valid for at least six months from arrival.
- Payment for the applicable visa fee.
- Travel information and itinerary.
- Hotel booking or accommodation details where required.
- Supporting documentation where applicable.
Airlines and Egyptian immigration authorities can apply additional requirements depending on nationality and circumstances.
Egypt Tourist Visa Validity
The validity and permitted duration of stay depend on the visa issued and the applicable Egyptian immigration rules.
Travelers should carefully check the visa document for:
- Visa validity dates.
- Number of permitted entries.
- Permitted duration of stay.
- Any special conditions attached to the visa.
A visa’s validity period and the permitted period of stay are not necessarily the same thing.
Egypt Single-Entry Tourist Visa
A single-entry Tourist Visa permits the traveler to enter Egypt once during the applicable validity period.
After leaving Egypt, the traveler generally cannot use the same single-entry visa to enter Egypt again.
Travelers planning to leave and return to Egypt should consider whether a multiple-entry visa is appropriate.
Egypt Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
Egypt also provides multiple-entry Tourist Visa options for eligible travelers.
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal currently lists the multiple-entry Tourist Visa fee as USD 65.
A multiple-entry visa can be useful for travelers planning more than one entry into Egypt, subject to the conditions and validity of the visa issued.
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Egypt Tourist Visa Passport Requirements
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal states that the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
Travelers should make sure that their passport is in good condition and contains sufficient space for immigration processing.
The passport information entered in the visa application should exactly match the travel document.
Egypt Tourist Visa Documents
The exact document requirements depend on nationality and the method used to obtain the visa.
Travelers should generally prepare:
- Valid passport.
- Passport information.
- Completed visa application.
- Recent photograph where required.
- Travel itinerary.
- Hotel booking or accommodation information.
- Proof of onward or return travel where requested.
- Visa fee payment.
- Printed e-Visa if applying online.
- Additional supporting documents if requested.
Egypt Tourist Visa Processing Time
Applicants should apply early enough to allow sufficient time for processing.
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal advises applicants to create their e-Visa application at least seven days before departure.
Travelers should not rely on last-minute applications because processing times can vary and additional information may sometimes be required.
Egypt Tourist Visa for Families
Families traveling to Egypt should check the visa requirements for every traveler.
Parents can apply for their children through the parent’s Egypt e-Visa account where permitted by the official system.
Each traveler must have the required travel document and appropriate visa or entry authorization.
Egypt Tourist Visa for Children
Children traveling to Egypt should meet the applicable passport and visa requirements.
Parents or legal guardians should carry the child’s valid passport and any additional documents that may be required for international travel.
The official e-Visa Portal allows parents to apply for their children from the parent’s account.
Egypt Tourist Visa for Different Nationalities
Egypt’s visa rules vary significantly between nationalities.
Depending on nationality, a traveler may:
- Apply for an Egypt e-Visa.
- Obtain a Tourist Visa on arrival.
- Obtain a visa through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
- Qualify for a special entry arrangement.
- Need prior approval before traveling.
Travelers should always check the official eligibility list for their passport before booking non-refundable travel.
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Egypt Visa for Travelers Holding Other Visas
Egypt’s official tourism information states that more than 180 nationalities may qualify for a Tourist Visa on arrival when the traveler has a valid and used visa from certain countries.
The listed visas include visas from the United States, United Kingdom, Schengen Area, Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, subject to the applicable Egyptian conditions.
Because this facility depends on specific eligibility conditions, travelers should verify their individual circumstances before departure.
Egypt Visa for South Sinai
Travelers going directly to certain South Sinai destinations can benefit from a special entry arrangement.
If traveling directly to Sharm El Sheikh, Nuweiba, or Taba and staying for no more than 15 days within the permitted South Sinai area, eligible travelers can receive a free entry permit stamp on arrival.
This arrangement can allow travel within the specified South Sinai destinations, including Dahab.
Travelers intending to leave the permitted area or stay longer than 15 days generally need the appropriate Egyptian visa.
Egypt Tourist Visa for Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is one of Egypt’s major Red Sea tourism destinations.
Eligible travelers visiting only the specified South Sinai area for a short stay may qualify for the free entry permit arrangement.
Travelers planning to visit Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Giza, the Nile Valley, or other areas outside the permitted South Sinai zone should check the appropriate visa requirements before traveling.
Egypt Tourist Visa Extension
Travelers who need to remain in Egypt beyond their permitted stay should contact the appropriate Egyptian immigration authorities before their authorized period expires.
Visa extensions and residency procedures are subject to Egyptian immigration rules and can depend on nationality and individual circumstances.
Travelers should not assume that a tourist visa can automatically be extended simply because they want to remain longer.
Egypt Tourist Visa Overstay
Travelers should leave Egypt before their authorized stay expires or obtain the appropriate legal extension where available.
Overstaying can result in fines, immigration complications, and problems when departing Egypt or applying for future visas.
Official Egyptian tourism information states that travelers who overstay can be required to pay a fine, with additional consequences depending on the length of the overstay.
Can You Work in Egypt on a Tourist Visa?
No. A Tourist Visa is intended for tourism and does not provide general authorization to work in Egypt.
Foreign nationals intending to work in Egypt must obtain the appropriate work authorization and immigration status.
Working without the required authorization can violate Egyptian immigration rules.
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Can You Study in Egypt on a Tourist Visa?
A Tourist Visa should not be used as a substitute for the appropriate study or student immigration status when formal study requires separate authorization.
Students intending to undertake longer-term academic programs should follow the applicable Egyptian education and immigration procedures.
Egypt Tourist Visa Entry Requirements
Having a visa does not necessarily guarantee admission to Egypt.
Egyptian immigration authorities can verify the traveler’s passport, visa, purpose of travel, accommodation, itinerary, and other applicable entry requirements at the border.
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal specifically states that possession of an e-Visa is not the final authority to enter Egypt and that Egyptian port authorities may refuse entry.
Egypt Tourist Visa Refusal
A visa application can be refused if the applicant does not satisfy the applicable requirements or if the authorities identify concerns with the application.
Possible problems can include:
- Incomplete application.
- Incorrect passport information.
- Invalid passport.
- Insufficient supporting information.
- Failure to meet nationality-specific requirements.
- Incorrect visa type.
- False or misleading information.
- Other immigration or security concerns.
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal states that incomplete applications will be rejected.
How to Avoid Egypt Visa Problems
Travelers should carefully enter all information exactly as it appears in the passport.
Applicants should also:
- Use the official Egyptian visa portal.
- Apply sufficiently early before departure.
- Check passport validity.
- Keep accommodation information available.
- Keep a copy of the approved e-Visa.
- Carry the printed e-Visa when traveling.
- Verify visa eligibility according to nationality.
- Check the permitted stay after receiving the visa.
Egypt Tourist Visa and Travel Itinerary
Travelers may be required to provide information about their planned itinerary and accommodation.
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal lists a travel itinerary and hotel booking or details about places to visit among the entry requirements for tourists.
Applicants should ensure that their itinerary is realistic and consistent with the information provided in the visa application.
Egypt Tourist Visa for Tourism
An Egypt Tourist Visa is intended for travelers visiting Egypt for tourism and related short-term travel activities.
Popular tourist experiences include visiting the Pyramids of Giza, exploring ancient temples and museums, taking Nile cruises, enjoying Red Sea beaches, snorkeling, diving, desert excursions, and experiencing Egyptian culture and cuisine.
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Popular Places to Visit in Egypt
- Cairo
- Giza
- Luxor
- Aswan
- Alexandria
- Hurghada
- Sharm El Sheikh
- Dahab
- Marsa Alam
- Siwa Oasis
- Abu Simbel
Travelers should plan their itinerary according to the length of their visa and the areas they intend to visit.
Egypt Tourist Visa FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
It depends on your nationality. Many travelers require a visa, while eligible nationalities can use an e-Visa or obtain a visa on arrival.
How much is an Egypt Tourist Visa?
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal currently lists USD 30 for a single-entry Tourist Visa and USD 65 for a multiple-entry Tourist Visa.
Can I get an Egypt Tourist Visa on arrival?
Eligible travelers can obtain a Tourist Visa on arrival at designated Egyptian entry points. Eligibility depends on nationality and applicable conditions.
Can I apply for an Egypt Tourist Visa online?
Yes. Eligible nationalities can apply through the official Egypt e-Visa Portal.
How early should I apply for an Egypt e-Visa?
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal advises travelers to create their application at least seven days before departure.
How long must my passport be valid for Egypt?
The official Egypt e-Visa Portal states that the passport should be valid for at least six months from the arrival date.
Do I need to print my Egypt e-Visa?
Yes. The official e-Visa instructions state that travelers should download and print the approved e-Visa and present it to the immigration officer at the port of entry.
Can I get a free visa for Sharm El Sheikh?
Eligible travelers visiting the specified South Sinai destinations for up to 15 days can receive a free entry permit stamp on arrival, subject to the applicable conditions.
Can I visit Cairo with the South Sinai free entry permit?
No. The special South Sinai entry arrangement is limited to the permitted South Sinai area. Travelers intending to visit Cairo or destinations outside the permitted area should obtain the appropriate visa.
Can I work in Egypt on a Tourist Visa?
No. Employment requires the appropriate Egyptian work authorization.
Can I study in Egypt on a Tourist Visa?
Formal study may require a separate study or student immigration status.
Can I extend my Egypt Tourist Visa?
Extensions may be possible under Egyptian immigration procedures, but travelers should contact the appropriate authorities before their permitted stay expires.
What happens if I overstay my Egypt Tourist Visa?
Overstaying can result in fines and immigration complications. Travelers should obtain a lawful extension where available or leave Egypt before their authorized stay expires.
Is an Egypt e-Visa a guarantee of entry?
No. Egyptian immigration authorities retain the authority to make the final entry decision at the border.
Plan Your Egypt Trip
Once your entry documents are clear, build the rest of your journey. Explore our Egypt destination guide for places to visit, compare cheap hotels from the search on our homepage, and look for the best flight dates with a flight comparison tool. You can also browse activities and tours or find ideas by trip type to shape your itinerary and budget.
Check the Latest Rules Before Booking
Visa rules, fees and processing times can change at any time and depend on your nationality and purpose of travel. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government immigration or foreign ministry website, or with the nearest embassy or consulate, before booking flights or hotels. This page is general information and not legal advice.
