Traveling to Egypt has been modernized with the introduction of the Electronic Visa (E-Visa) system. For U.S. citizens, the E-Visa is the fastest and most convenient way to secure your required travel authorization for tourism or short visits to Egypt before you depart.
The Egypt E-Visa simplifies your arrival by allowing you to pre-process your visa online, avoiding the payment queues and lengthy immigration procedures often associated with obtaining a Visa on Arrival at the airport. This guide provides the facts you need and the steps to follow to obtain your Egypt E-Visa quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is an Egypt E-Visa?
- Do I Need an Egypt E-Visa?
- Applying for Your E-Visa: DIY vs. Full-Service
- The Official Egypt E-Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the E-Visa: Other Egypt Entry Requirements
- Egypt E-Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an Egypt E-Visa?
The Egypt E-Visa is an official, electronic visa that permits you to travel to and enter Egypt for short-term stays, primarily for tourism. The E-Visa is functionally similar to a traditional visa but is applied for and issued entirely online.
Do I Need an Egypt E-Visa?
As a U.S. citizen, yes, you need a visa to enter Egypt for tourism. The E-Visa is the preferred option for most travelers, offering greater security and efficiency than relying on a Visa on Arrival.
You must obtain an E-Visa if you are:
- Traveling to Egypt for tourism, leisure, or family visits.
- Planning to stay for up to 30 days per entry.
Note: You may choose to apply for a Single Entry or Multiple Entry E-Visa, depending on your travel plans.
| Visa Type | Official Government Fee | Duration of Stay | Validity for Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry E-Visa | $25 USD | Up to 30 days | Must be used within 90 days of issue. |
| Multiple Entry E-Visa | $60 USD | Up to 30 days per entry | Valid for use for 180 days |
Applying for Your E-Visa: DIY vs. Full-Service
When it comes to obtaining your Egypt E-Visa, you have two main pathways. Be aware that the official process is complex and the official Embassy site often directs users toward the slower consular application process.
- Applying On Your Own (DIY): For travelers comfortable navigating the official Egyptian E-Visa portal, applying directly is the most cost-effective method (paying only the required government fee).
- The Full-Service Route (Simple and Secure): For travelers who prefer a simplified process and expert review, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa simplifies the process with a clear interface and provides an expert review of your application before it's submitted, minimizing errors that could lead to delays. You also get 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and the ability to manage documents for hundreds of destinations worldwide.
The Official Egypt E-Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
The E-Visa application must be completed entirely online. It is recommended to apply well before your travel date, at least 7 business days before you travel.
| Processing Time (Standard): | Up to 7 business days (often faster, but plan for 7 days minimum). |
| Use: | Required for entry; must be printed and presented at the border. |
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Your valid U.S. passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date).
- A digital copy of your passport's bio page.
- A confirmed round-trip or onward flight ticket.
- Accommodation details (e.g., hotel reservation).
- A credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard) for the non-refundable fee.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Access the official Egyptian E-Visa portal or use an accredited service like iVisa.
- Select the visa type (Single or Multiple Entry).
- Fill out the application form with your personal details, travel history, and flight information.
Step 3: Pay and Receive Your E-Visa
- Pay the non-refundable government fee ($25 for a single-entry or $60 for a multiple-entry).
- Double-check all your information for accuracy.
- Submit your application.
- Processing Time: While the official system can take up to 7 business days, many applications are processed within 3 to 5 days. You should apply at least 7 days before your trip.
- Once approved, you will receive the E-Visa document via email.
- When your E-Visa is approved, Egypt’s immigration systems store your visa details (name, passport number, validity dates, etc.) electronically. When you arrive, border officers scan your passport, and your eVisa record appears automatically. This means your eVisa is attached to your passport number, not the physical booklet itself.
- Even though the eVisa is electronic, most countries recommend printing the E-Visa approval document to present it to the immigration officer upon arrival.
Beyond the E-Visa: Other Egypt Entry Requirements
An approved E-Visa does not guarantee entry into Egypt. Immigration officers retain the final authority on admission.
Be prepared to show:
- Printed E-Visa: A physical, printed copy of your approved E-Visa.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond your date of arrival.
- Return/Onward Ticket: Proof of your ticket for departure from Egypt.
Note on Visa on Arrival (VoA)
U.S. citizens are technically eligible for a Visa on Arrival ($25 USD, cash only) at major airports. However, the E-Visa is strongly recommended as it eliminates the need to queue for the visa stamp, allowing you to proceed directly to immigration.
Egypt E-Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. The E-Visa is pre-approved online before you travel, guaranteeing your travel authorization and allowing you to bypass VoA queues. A VoA is purchased at the airport upon arrival. Both grant the same 30-day stay.
Both the Single Entry and Multiple Entry E-Visas allow a maximum stay of 30 days per entry.
The Single Entry E-Visa must be used to enter Egypt within 3 months (90 days) of its issue date. The Multiple Entry E-Visa is valid for multiple entries over a 6-month (180 days) period.
No, the E-Visa cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for the appropriate extension or residency permit at the local Egyptian Immigration Office after arrival.
Yes. You must submit a digital copy of your passport, a copy of your return ticket, and accommodation details as part of the online application process.
Apply for your Egypt E-Visa quickly and securely with iVisa today! Save your application and continue anytime, enjoy expert review, 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and complete confidence in your travel documents.
