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If you plan to visit Egypt, you will need to obtain a visa to enter the country.
You have three main options for getting your Egypt visa:
- E-Visa (online),
- Visa on Arrival (VoA) at the airport, or
- A traditional visa through the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate
This guide helps you understand the differences between your visa options, the required fees, and the steps needed to obtain an Egypt visa, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trip to Egypt.
On This Page
- Quick Summary: Egypt Visa Options
- What is the Egypt Visa?
- Do I Need an Egypt Visa?
- Egypt Visa Options: Fees and Duration
- Applying for Your Egypt Visa: VoA vs. E-Visa
- The Official Egypt Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the Egypt Visa: Important Rules
- Egypt Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick Summary: Egypt Visa Options
| Feature | Single Entry (30 Days) | Multiple Entry (30 Days) |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (Online) | $25 USD (Credit Card payment, processed in advance). | $60 USD (Valid for 6 months). |
| Visa on Arrival (VoA) | $25 USD (Cash Only, at airport bank counter). | Not available by VoA. |
| Consular Visa | Varies by consulate/purpose. | Varies by consulate/purpose. |
| Max Stay | 30 days (Can be extended after arrival). | 30 days per entry. |
| US Passport Validity | At least 6 months’ validity beyond the entry date. | At least 6 months’ validity beyond the entry date. |
What is the Egypt Visa?
The Egypt Visa is an official document that grants U.S. citizens permission to enter Egypt for a specific purpose, typically for tourism.
To obtain your Egypt Visa for tourism, you have three options:
- E-Visa (Electronic Visa): Applied for online before travel.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Purchased instantly at the airport.
- Consular Visa: Applied for at an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate (used for longer stays or specific purposes).
Do I Need an Egypt Visa?
Yes, a visa is required for all foreign visitors, regardless of age or nationality, to enter Egypt. This rule applies to all U.S. citizens traveling for tourism, business, or other short stays.
You must get an Egypt Visa if your purpose is:
- Tourism, visiting family/friends, or short non-paid stays.
- Short business visits or conferences.
Note on Travel to Sinai: If you are visiting only the resorts in the Sinai Peninsula (such as Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, or Taba) for 15 days or less, you can obtain a free, special stamp upon arrival that is only valid for that region.
Egypt Visa Options: Fees and Duration
The most popular tourist visas are the single-entry options, which are the same price whether purchased online or at the airport.
| Visa Type | Entry | Official Gov. Fee | Validity for Entry | Duration of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry E-Visa/VoA | Single | $25 USD | 90 days from issue | Up to 30 days |
| Multiple Entry E-Visa | Multiple | $60 USD | 6 months from issue | Up to 30 days per entry |
In a hurry? Apply online to get your visa, e-visa, ETA or eVOA fast.
Applying for Your Egypt Visa: VoA vs. E-Visa
1. Visa on Arrival (VoA)
- Pros: The VoA is available upon arrival in Egypt at the airport. While it saves you from filling out forms and scanning your travel documents before your trip, you do need to be prepared to wait in line before you can officially enter Egypt.
- Cons: You must pay exact change ($25 USD cash) at the bank counter upon arrival. You must use cash (USD is preferred) and will wait in line at the bank counter before again waiting in line for your VoA at Immigration.
2. E-Visa (Online)
- Pros: The Egypt E-Visa is a fast process once your form and documents are submitted, allowing you to have your visa approval printed and ready before you leave the U.S. The $25 USD fee can be paid with a credit or debit card.
- Cons: The official website can be slow or difficult to use due to file sizes and the need to scan documents. You must also remember to print the visa confirmation to show to Immigration upon arrival.
When applying for an E-Visa, you have the option to use an assisted service 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.
The Official Egypt Visa Process: A 3-Step Guide
| Requirement | VoA at Airport | E-Visa Online |
|---|---|---|
| Application Timing | Done instantly upon arrival. | Apply at least 7 working days before travel. |
| Payment Method | $25 USD cash (exact change required). | $25 USD (single entry) / $60 USD(multiple entry) by credit/debit card. |
| Output | Visa sticker is placed directly in the passport. | Printed approval letter (must be carried). |
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Your U.S. passport (must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry, plus at least 1 blank page for stamps).
- Two copies of the passport data page.
- Two 2" x 2", recent high definition personal passport photos on a white background.
- Completed Egypt Visa application form plus a photocopy.
- Travel itinerary or hotel details for your time in Egypt.
- A self-addressed prepaid return envelope with postage (FedEx, US Express Mail, or US Certified Mail).
- For E-Visa Only: A digital scan of your passport's bio page.
Step 2: Apply (Choose Your Option)
- For VoA: After landing in Egypt, stop at the designated bank counter before the Immigration Hall. Pay the $25 cash fee and receive your visa sticker.
- For E-Visa: Complete the online application form, pay the fee, and receive your visa confirmation. You will print and carry this letter.
In a hurry? Apply online to get your visa, e-visa, ETA, or eVOA fast.
Step 3: Clear Immigration
- For VoA: Affix the visa sticker to a blank page in your passport, then proceed to the Immigration Officer.
- For E-Visa: Present your printed approval letter and passport to the Immigration Officer.
Confirmation: The Immigration Officer will stamp your passport, noting the official start date of your 30-day stay.
Beyond the Egypt Visa: Important Rules
An approved visa does not guarantee entry into Egypt. Immigration officers retain the final authority to admit or deny entry.
Be prepared to show:
- Valid US Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least one blank page.
- Proof of Departure: You must be able to provide proof of your planned departure from Egypt once your stay is over. This can be an airline ticket showing return or onward travel.
Note on Overstaying: If you stay longer than the 30 days granted on your visa, you may have to pay a fine at the airport upon departure. You must pay this fine in Egyptian currency (EGP), so arrive early.
Egypt Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: The standard tourist visa (E-Visa or VoA) allows a maximum stay of 30 days.
A: The Multiple Entry Visa costs $60 and lets you enter and leave Egypt many times over six months. However, each visit can still only last no more than 30 days.
A: You will need to contact the U.S. Embassy in Cairo to obtain a replacement passport. After that, you must visit an Egyptian government office to obtain a new exit stamp or permission before you can leave the country.
See our post for more on this: Lost Your Passport Abroad? Here’s Your Step-by-Step Recovery Guide.
A: For the Visa on Arrival, you only need your US passport, the $25 USD cash fee, and your hotel/accommodation address.
Need a simple, reliable way to apply for your Egypt E-Visa?
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Let our experts help you gather your documents and ensure your application is perfect!
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