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Egypt Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Egypt Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens

If you are planning a trip to Egypt, you must follow a few mandatory rules to enter the country.

Your journey to see the pyramids requires careful planning around passport validity, visa rules, and local laws. We cover all the important steps here, starting with the most basic requirement: your passport.

This guide helps you navigate all the entry requirements to ensure your trip to Egypt goes smoothly and safely.

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Quick Summary: Egypt Entry Rules

Feature Detail
U.S Passport Validity Your US passport is strictly required to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
Blank Pages Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry/exit stamps.
Visa Required Yes (Visa on Arrival, E-Visa, or Consular Visa).
Maximum Stay 30 days per visit (for standard tourist visas).
Currency Limit You must declare cash over $10,000 USD to Customs.

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Egypt Entry Requirements for Visitors

Egypt’s entry requirements are pretty straightforward with only a few mandatory rules.

1. US Passport & Visa Requirements

All foreign visitors, including U.S. citizens, must have a visa to enter Egypt. Before you apply for a visa, you must make sure your US passport meets the strict validity rules.

  • U.S. Passport Validity: Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in Egypt. If your passport expires even one day before that six-month mark, you will be denied entry.
  • Blank Pages: Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry and exit stamps.
  • Visa Requirement: All U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt. There are two options for obtaining your visa:
    • Visa on Arrival (VoA): You buy a 30-day visa sticker for $25 USD (cash only) at the airport when you land in Egypt.
    • E-Visa (Online): You can apply online before your trip for a 30-day single entry ($25) or a 6-month multiple entry ($60) and skip the line altogether.

    If you choose to apply online, you can use an assisted service, like iVisa, to help you obtain your Egypt visa. If you choose the E-Visa but want to avoid issues with the official government website, iVisa offers a simple, trusted service. Their experts will guide you through the application process, assist with document formatting, and ensure your visa application is complete and error-free before submission.

    For more information on how to apply for your Egypt Visa, see Egypt Visa Information for U.S. Citizens.

2. Health & Travel Considerations

Here are the important things to know about health and safety rules when traveling to Egypt.

Required Vaccinations:

  • Routine Vaccines: No specific vaccinations are required if you are flying to Egypt directly from the U.S.
  • Yellow Fever: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required only if you are arriving from or have recently traveled through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
  • COVID-19: As of 2025, there are no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry.

Security and Local Laws:

  • Security Advisory: The U.S. Department of State advises reconsider travel to the North Sinai region due to terrorism risks. Tourist areas like Cairo, Luxor, and the Red Sea resorts are generally considered safer but still require caution.
  • Photography Rule: It is strictly illegal to photograph military or police buildings or installations. This can lead to arrest.

Currency Declaration: You must declare cash or valuables totaling more than $10,000 USD (or equivalent) to Customs when entering or leaving Egypt. You also cannot bring in or take out more than 5,000 EGP (local currency).

Additional Travel Requirements for Visiting Egypt

When traveling to Egypt, there are a few other considerations to help your trip run smoothly:

  • Entry Points: E-Visas and VoAs are only valid at specific international airports and seaports in Egypt. Make sure that you are arriving at one of those dedicated entry points.
  • Travel to Sinai: A free 15-day entry stamp must be obtained if you are planning on staying within the Sinai resorts.
  • Proof of Departure: Be prepared to show proof of your departure after your approved visit to Egypt. This may be in the form of an onward or return ticket.
  • Traveling with Minors: If a child is traveling alone or with only one parent, it is strongly recommended that you carry a notarized parental consent letter to avoid any entry/exit issues.
  • Drones: Strictly Prohibited. Do not bring drones or drone equipment. They will be confiscated at the airport, and you may face legal action.

Egypt Entry Requirements Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is a visa an entry requirement for U.S citizens traveling to Egypt?

A: Yes. All foreign visitors, including U.S. citizens, of all ages require a visa to visit Egypt.

Q: How long can I stay in Egypt with a tourist visa?

A: The standard tourist visa (VoA or E-Visa) allows a maximum stay of 30 days.

Q: Does my US passport need 6 months’ validity?

A: Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Egypt. If it expires sooner, you will be denied entry.

Q: Do I need a visa if I am only visiting the Sinai Peninsula?

A: If you stay strictly within the Sinai resort areas for 15 days or less, you can get a free stamp in your US passport. However, a full visa is required to travel elsewhere in Egypt.

Q: What happens if I overstay my visa?

A: If you stay longer than 30 days, you will face a fine that must be paid at the airport in Egyptian currency (EGP) before you are allowed to leave.

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About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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