Egypt Travel Guide
Egypt welcomes millions of international visitors who come to see the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, the Nile and the Red Sea.
Before booking flights or accommodation, travelers should understand an important part of their journey:
What Visa Do You Need to Visit Egypt in 2026?
Egypt offers several entry options depending on the traveler’s nationality, passport, destination and purpose of travel.
The main options are:
- Egypt electronic visa, or eVisa
- Visa on arrival
- Tourist visa through an Egyptian embassy or consulate
- Free South Sinai entry permit for limited stays
- Special entry arrangements for eligible passport holders
The official Egyptian eVisa portal states that eligible travelers can apply online, pay by bank card and receive an electronic document permitting entry into Egypt. Applications should be created at least seven days before departure.
Important: Visa and entry requirements may change. Always check the official Egyptian eVisa portal, your nearest Egyptian embassy and your airline before traveling.
Quick Answer: Do Tourists Need a Visa for Egypt?
Most international visitors need a tourist visa to enter Egypt.
Depending on nationality, travelers may be able to obtain:
| Visa Option | Best For |
|---|---|
| Egypt eVisa | Eligible travelers who prefer approval before departure |
| Visa on arrival | Eligible travelers arriving at participating Egyptian airports |
| Consular visa | Nationalities requiring advance approval or travelers needing special visa types |
| South Sinai permit | Visitors staying only in designated South Sinai destinations for up to 15 days |
Egypt’s official tourism authority says that 78 nationalities currently qualify for an electronic visa or visa on arrival. Some other nationalities may qualify under additional conditions, while others must apply through an Egyptian consulate before traveling.
What Is the Egypt eVisa?
The Egypt eVisa is an electronic tourist visa issued through the official portal operated by Egypt’s Ministry of Interior.
Eligible applicants:
- Create an online account.
- Complete the application form.
- Enter their passport and travel information.
- Pay online using an accepted credit or debit card.
- Receive a link to download the approved eVisa.
- Print the visa and carry it during travel.
The official portal confirms that airport and border authorities can check an eVisa electronically. However, possessing an approved eVisa does not guarantee entry; Egyptian border authorities retain the right to make the final admission decision.
Official Egypt eVisa Website
Use only the official government portal:
Apply through the official Egypt eVisa Portal
Avoid unofficial websites that charge additional processing or service fees while presenting themselves as government portals.
Elsahaby Local Advice: Check that the website address ends with
visa2egypt.gov.egbefore entering passport or payment information.
Who Can Apply for an Egypt eVisa?
The official eVisa portal currently lists eligible passport holders from countries including:
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- China
- China/Taiwan
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- India
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kuwait
- Malaysia
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vietnam
The complete eligibility list is available on the official portal and should be checked before applying because nationality rules can change.
Check eVisa eligibility on the official Egypt portal
Being a resident of an eligible country does not necessarily make a traveler eligible. Eligibility is usually determined by the passport being used for travel.
Egypt eVisa Fees in 2026
The official Egyptian eVisa portal currently lists the following tourism visa fees:
| Visa Type | Official Portal Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-entry tourist eVisa | USD 30 |
| Multiple-entry tourist eVisa | USD 65 |
The fees are paid online during the application process.
Additional charges may appear when using a private visa-processing company. These are service fees rather than the official government visa fee.
Important: Check the final amount displayed on the official portal before paying, as fees and payment procedures can change.
Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry Visa?
Single-Entry Visa
Choose a single-entry visa when you plan to:
- Enter Egypt once
- Complete your entire journey inside Egypt
- Leave Egypt only at the end of your holiday
A classic itinerary covering Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Hurghada normally requires only one entry because all these destinations are within Egypt.
Multiple-Entry Visa
A multiple-entry visa may be more appropriate when you plan to:
- Leave Egypt and return during the same trip
- Combine Egypt with Jordan, Saudi Arabia or another nearby country
- Visit Egypt more than once during the visa’s validity period
- Take a cruise or itinerary that exits and re-enters Egypt
An official Egyptian consular page states that entry-visa validity and permitted duration can vary by visa type. Travelers should check the exact dates and conditions printed on their issued visa rather than assuming the permitted stay.
How Early Should You Apply for the Egypt eVisa?
The official eVisa portal instructs applicants to create their application at least:
Seven days before departure
However, travelers should avoid leaving the application until the final week.
A safer planning window is:
Apply approximately 2–4 weeks before traveling.This allows additional time if:
- Information needs correction
- Payment fails
- A document must be uploaded again
- The application requires further review
- Travel dates change
Do not purchase an eVisa months in advance without checking its validity period and intended arrival date.
Documents Required for the Egypt eVisa
The official eVisa portal lists important documents that travelers may need to present upon arrival:
- Passport valid for at least six months from the arrival date
- Printed copy of the approved eVisa
- Travel itinerary
- Hotel booking or details of places to be visited
- Supporting letter for certain business or family visits
Travelers should also carry:
- Return or onward flight confirmation
- Travel insurance information
- Tour confirmation
- Airport transfer details
- Contact information for the hotel or local travel provider
Keep digital copies on your phone, but also carry printed copies because internet access may not be immediately available after landing.
Passport Validity for Entering Egypt
The official eVisa portal requires a passport valid for at least:
Six months from the date of arrival
Before applying, check:
- The passport number
- Issue and expiry dates
- Full name spelling
- Nationality
- Date of birth
- Available blank pages
- Condition of the passport
The information on the eVisa application must match the passport used for travel.
A new passport usually means a new passport number. Travelers who replace their passport after obtaining an eVisa should confirm whether they need to submit a new application.
How to Apply for an Egypt eVisa
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to:
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
Check that your passport nationality appears on the eligible-country list.
Step 3: Create an Account
Use an email address that you regularly access. Visa updates and the download link may be sent to this address.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Enter your:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport details
- Travel dates
- Arrival information
- Accommodation details
- Purpose of travel
Step 5: Review Every Detail
A small passport-number or name error may create problems when boarding or arriving.
Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee
Use an accepted credit or debit card.
Step 7: Download the eVisa
Save the document to:
- Your phone
- Your email
- Secure cloud storage
Step 8: Print the Visa
The official portal specifically lists an eVisa printout as an arrival requirement.
Bring at least two printed copies.
Can You Get a Visa on Arrival in Egypt?
Eligible nationalities may obtain a tourist visa after landing at participating Egyptian airports.
Egypt’s official tourism website currently states that eligible travelers can purchase a visa on arrival from a bank counter in the passport-control area for USD 30.
The usual process is:
- Follow signs toward immigration.
- Visit an authorized bank counter before passport control.
- Purchase the visa sticker.
- Place or present it as instructed.
- Complete immigration procedures.
Where Is Visa on Arrival Usually Available?
It is commonly used at major international airports such as:
- Cairo International Airport
- Sphinx International Airport
- Luxor International Airport
- Aswan International Airport
- Hurghada International Airport
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
Availability depends on nationality and current entry rules.
Recommended Payment Preparation
Carry clean US-dollar banknotes in case card payment is unavailable.
Do not buy a visa sticker from an unauthorized person offering assistance in the arrivals hall.
Elsahaby Local Advice: The eVisa can provide greater peace of mind before departure, while visa on arrival may be convenient for travelers who are clearly eligible. Check your airline’s requirements before choosing.
eVisa or Visa on Arrival: Which Is Better?
| Factor | eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Obtained | Before departure | After landing |
| Payment | Online | Airport bank counter |
| Approval known before travel | Yes | No |
| Immigration preparation | Printed visa ready | Visa sticker purchased at airport |
| Best for | Travelers seeking advance confirmation | Clearly eligible travelers preferring airport processing |
| Main risk | Application errors or delays | Airline or eligibility uncertainty |
Choose the eVisa When:
- You prefer to complete the process before traveling.
- You want written visa confirmation.
- You are arriving late at night.
- You are traveling with children or a group.
- You want fewer steps after a long flight.
Consider Visa on Arrival When:
- Your nationality is clearly eligible.
- Your airline confirms the requirement.
- You have the correct payment available.
- You accept completing the process after landing.
Tourist Visa Through an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate
Some travelers must apply for a visa before departure through their nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
This may apply when:
- The passport nationality is not eVisa eligible
- Prior approval is required
- The trip is for business, work or study
- The traveler holds a refugee or special travel document
- The traveler requires a visa category unavailable online
- The embassy requests additional documentation
Egypt’s official tourism FAQ states that some nationalities must process applications through their nearest consulate before traveling.
Consular applications may require:
- Original passport
- Completed application form
- Passport photographs
- Flight itinerary
- Hotel confirmation
- Proof of residence
- Visa fee
- Invitation or supporting letter
- Pre-approval for certain nationalities
Processing times and fees vary by consulate and applicant nationality.
Contact the Egyptian embassy serving your legal country of residence rather than relying on requirements published by an embassy in another country.
Special Visa Rules for South Sinai
Travelers arriving directly in certain South Sinai destinations may qualify for a free entry-permission stamp for a limited visit.
The official Egyptian tourism authority states that travelers going directly to:
- Sharm El Sheikh
- Dahab
- Nuweiba
- Taba
may receive a free entry permit for stays of up to 15 days.
This permission is intended for travel within the designated South Sinai area.
You need a regular Egyptian visa when you plan to:
- Stay longer than 15 days
- Travel to Cairo or Giza
- Visit Luxor or Aswan
- Visit mainland Egypt
- Continue beyond the permitted South Sinai region
Example: A seven-day resort holiday in Sharm El Sheikh may qualify for the Sinai stamp. A trip combining Sharm El Sheikh with the Pyramids requires a regular Egypt visa.
Confirm eligibility before travel because passport nationality and arrival route may affect the rule.
Travelers Holding Certain Foreign Visas
Egypt’s official tourism website states that passport holders from more than 180 nationalities may qualify for a tourist visa on arrival when they hold a valid and previously used visa from:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Schengen Area
- Japan
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
This arrangement may involve additional conditions.
Do not rely on this rule without checking with:
- Your airline
- The official Egyptian eVisa portal
- An Egyptian embassy or consulate
- IATA Travel Centre
IATA’s Travel Centre provides personalized passport, visa and health requirements using the travel-documentation database widely used by airlines.
Check personalized travel requirements through IATA
Do Children Need a Visa for Egypt?
Children generally need their own valid travel documentation and visa when required by their nationality.
Parents should check:
- Whether the child has an individual passport
- Passport validity
- eVisa application requirements
- Consent documents when traveling with one parent
- Birth-certificate requirements
- Airline documentation rules
Do not assume that a child is automatically included in a parent’s visa application.
Each traveler should have documentation matching the passport presented at check-in and immigration.
Do Cruise Passengers Need an Egypt Visa?
Visa requirements for cruise passengers depend on:
- Passport nationality
- Egyptian port
- Time spent ashore
- Whether the cruise begins or ends in Egypt
- Whether the traveler enters Egypt through immigration
- Cruise-line arrangements
Ask the cruise company for written confirmation and verify the answer with an Egyptian consulate or IATA Travel Centre.
A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan does not leave Egypt and does not normally require an additional entry after the traveler has been admitted to the country.
Explore the current Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan offered by Elsahaby Tours.
Do Transit Passengers Need an Egypt Visa?
Travelers who remain inside the international transit area and do not pass through immigration may not need an entry visa.
A visa may be required when:
- Leaving the airport
- Collecting and rechecking luggage
- Changing airports
- Staying overnight outside the secure area
- Passing through passport control
Official Egyptian consular guidance states that passengers remaining in the international airport area during transit generally do not need a transit visa, while those entering Egypt during a stopover require the appropriate visa.
Confirm this with your airline because baggage and terminal arrangements may require immigration clearance.
What Happens When You Arrive in Egypt?
At immigration, you may be asked to present:
- Passport
- Visa or eVisa
- Printed eVisa copy
- Hotel booking
- Return or onward ticket
- Travel itinerary
- Tour-company information
The immigration officer makes the final entry decision.
After passport control:
- Collect your luggage.
- Pass through customs.
- Purchase a local SIM when needed.
- Meet your driver in the designated arrivals area.
For a smoother arrival, arrange your transportation before flying.
Explore Elsahaby Tours Private Transfers for Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada and other destinations.
Common Egypt Visa Application Mistakes
Avoid these frequent problems:
Using an Unofficial Website
Some commercial websites resemble government portals but add expensive service fees.
Entering the Wrong Passport Number
Check every letter and number before submitting.
Using Different Names
Your application name must match the passport.
Applying Too Late
The official portal requires applications at least seven days before departure.
Forgetting to Print the Visa
A printed eVisa is listed among the official arrival requirements.
Applying With an Expiring Passport
The passport must remain valid for at least six months from arrival.
Assuming Residency Determines Eligibility
Visa eligibility is usually connected to passport nationality, not simply where the traveler lives.
Relying on Old Social-Media Information
Check official sources shortly before departure.
How to Avoid Fake Egypt Visa Websites
Before paying, verify:
- The domain is
visa2egypt.gov.eg - The connection is secure
- The fee matches the amount shown on the official portal
- The site does not promise guaranteed entry
- The site does not request unusual transfers or cryptocurrency
The official portal states that an eVisa permits travel but does not remove the border authority’s right to refuse entry.
A website promising guaranteed admission should not be trusted.
What Happens if You Overstay an Egypt Visa?
Overstaying can lead to:
- Fines
- Delays when departing
- Immigration procedures
- Future visa complications
Egypt’s official tourism FAQ says that travelers exceeding the permitted stay may be required to pay a fine before departure, particularly for longer overstays.
Do not rely on paying a fine as an alternative to extending your stay legally.
Contact the Egyptian immigration authorities before your authorized stay expires.
Egypt Visa Checklist Before Departure
Use this checklist before traveling:
✅ Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
✅ Correct tourist visa or entry permission
✅ Printed eVisa copies
✅ Return or onward flight
✅ Hotel confirmations
✅ Travel itinerary
✅ Travel-insurance information
✅ Airport-transfer confirmation
✅ Emergency contact details
✅ Digital passport copy
✅ Official visa portal saved
✅ Airline requirements checked
Documents to Keep in Your Hand Luggage
Do not place essential documents only in checked luggage.
Keep the following with you:
- Passport
- Printed eVisa
- Boarding passes
- Hotel confirmation
- Driver contact details
- Tour confirmation
- Travel insurance
- Medication documentation
- Payment card
- Emergency cash
Need Help Planning Your Arrival in Egypt?
A visa is only the first step in planning a comfortable Egypt journey.
Elsahaby Tours can assist with:
- Cairo Airport transfers
- Luxor Airport transfers
- Private vehicles and drivers
- Cairo and Giza tours
- Luxor and Aswan experiences
- Abu Simbel transportation
- Nile cruises
- Customized Egypt itineraries
- Local travel support
Elsahaby Tours currently offers private and small-group trips across Egypt, together with airport-transfer and transportation services.
Contact Elsahaby Tours
Request a Customized Egypt Itinerary
Chat with Elsahaby Tours on WhatsApp
Important: Elsahaby Tours can assist with travel planning and transportation but does not issue visas or make immigration decisions. Visa approval and entry are controlled by the relevant Egyptian authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an Egypt tourist eVisa in 2026?
The official eVisa 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 visa at the airport?
Eligible travelers may obtain a visa on arrival at participating airports. Egypt’s official tourism website currently lists the cost as USD 30.
How early should I apply for an Egypt eVisa?
The official portal requires the application to be created at least seven days before departure. Applying two to four weeks ahead provides additional time for possible issues.
Does my passport need six months’ validity?
Yes. The official portal requires at least six months of passport validity from the arrival date.
Do I need to print my Egypt eVisa?
Yes. The official entry requirements include an eVisa printout.
Can I visit Cairo with the free Sinai stamp?
No. The free South Sinai entry permission is intended for designated South Sinai destinations for up to 15 days. A regular visa is required to travel to Cairo or mainland Egypt.
Can I apply through an Egyptian consulate?
Yes. Consular applications are available and may be mandatory for nationalities that are not eligible for an eVisa or visa on arrival.
Is the eVisa guaranteed to let me enter Egypt?
No. The official portal states that Egyptian port authorities retain the right to refuse entry even when a traveler holds an eVisa.
Do children need an Egypt visa?
Children should have their own valid travel documents and visa when required. Check the rules for the child’s passport nationality with the relevant embassy and airline.
Can I use one visa to visit Cairo, Luxor and Aswan?
Yes. These cities are all inside Egypt, so one valid entry is sufficient unless you leave Egypt and later return.
