How to Get a Tourist Visa for Egypt in 2025 – Easy Guide for Travelers
If you’re planning to visit Egypt to explore the magnificent pyramids, ancient temples, and the wonders of the Nile River, one of the first things you need to consider is getting your Egypt tourist visa. Fortunately, the process is relatively straightforward, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining a visa for Egypt.
🌟 Types of Egypt Tourist Visas
When traveling to Egypt, the type of visa you require depends on your nationality and the length of your stay. Egypt offers several visa options to accommodate various travelers, and it’s essential to understand which one is right for you.
1. e-Visa (Electronic Visa)
The Egypt e-Visa is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to secure a tourist visa. Available for citizens from over 70 countries, the e-Visa can be applied for online without needing to visit an embassy or consulate. The e-Visa is typically valid for 30 days, allowing you to explore Egypt’s iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the stunning beaches of the Red Sea.
The application process is simple. To get started, you visit the official Egypt e-Visa website visa2egypt.gov.eg, create an account, and fill out an online form. You will need to provide essential travel details, including your passport information, travel dates, accommodation details, and a valid form of payment.
Once submitted, the application is processed, and you should receive your e-Visa via email within 3-7 business days. The e-Visa costs approximately $25 USD for a single entry, and for multiple entries, the cost is higher. It’s important to print out a copy of your e-Visa and carry it with you when you travel to Egypt.
One of the main advantages of applying for the e-Visa is the time saved, as there is no need to visit an embassy or deal with long queues at the airport. The e-Visa is valid for entry at any of Egypt’s international airports and is also accepted at several land border crossings. For those who plan to stay longer, the e-Visa can also be extended within Egypt by contacting local authorities.
2. Visa on Arrival
The visa-on-arrival process is another convenient option for many travelers. Citizens of several countries, including the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and most European countries, are eligible to obtain a visa upon arrival at Egypt’s main international airports, such as Cairo International Airport, Sharm El Sheikh, and Hurghada.
The visa-on-arrival is typically issued for a 30-day stay and can be paid for directly at the airport with either cash or a credit card. Upon arrival, travelers need to visit the visa counter and present their passport, a completed visa application form, and the required fee, which is approximately $25 USD for a single entry.
One of the benefits of this visa option is its simplicity—there’s no need to apply in advance. However, it’s important to be aware that there can sometimes be long lines or delays at immigration, particularly during peak travel times. Additionally, while many travelers are eligible for a visa on arrival, it’s always a good idea to check your specific eligibility before your trip, as entry requirements may change from time to time.
This option provides flexibility for last-minute travelers or those who didn’t plan far enough in advance to apply for an e-Visa. However, it’s worth noting that some travelers may prefer the e-Visa route to avoid the potential stress and waiting times associated with obtaining a visa on arrival.
3. Visa-Free Entry
Visa-free entry to Egypt is granted to nationals from a few select countries, mostly in the Arab world. Citizens of these countries can visit Egypt without the need for a visa for short stays, typically ranging from 14 to 30 days. Some of the countries eligible for visa-free entry to Egypt include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Qatar.
For travelers from these countries, entry into Egypt is relatively easy and straightforward. They simply need to present their passport to the immigration authorities upon arrival. There’s no visa application process required in advance, and no fee is charged for entry. However, travelers should ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of entry into Egypt.
While this is a great advantage for travelers from eligible countries, it’s important to note that the visa-free stay is generally short-term, so travelers planning longer stays will need to explore other visa options. Furthermore, travelers may still need to provide proof of return flights or accommodations when entering Egypt, depending on the regulations in place at the time of travel.
4. Tourist Visa from an Egyptian Embassy
For travelers whose nationality does not qualify for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival, the most reliable option is to apply for a traditional tourist visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate in their home country. This process may take several days to complete, so it’s important to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
To apply for a tourist visa, you will need to fill out a visa application form, provide a passport-sized photo, and submit your passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. You may also need to show proof of your hotel booking, round-trip flight tickets, and sufficient funds to cover your stay.
The tourist visa from an Egyptian embassy is often valid for a longer period compared to other types of visas, and it may allow for multiple entries. This type of visa is ideal for travelers who are staying in Egypt for an extended period or those who wish to visit Egypt multiple times.
While the embassy process can be more time-consuming than applying online, it’s a necessary route for some travelers who aren’t eligible for other visa options. Moreover, the consulate will provide all the assistance you need, making it a relatively stress-free process once you’ve gathered all the required documents.
🌟 How to Apply for Egypt’s e-Visa
Applying for an e-Visa for Egypt is a straightforward process that can be completed online. The electronic visa system allows travelers to apply for a tourist visa from the comfort of their own home, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or wait in line at the airport. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Egypt e-Visa .
Step 1: Visit the Official e-Visa Website
The first step in applying for an Egypt e-Visa is to visit the official Egypt e-Visa website: visa2egypt.gov.eg. This is the only authorized platform for applying for an Egypt e-Visa. It’s important to be cautious of third-party websites that might charge higher fees or provide unreliable services.
Step 2: Create an Account
Once you’re on the e-Visa website, you’ll need to create an account. To do this, click on the “Register” button and provide your personal details, such as your name, email address, and password. After completing the registration process, you will receive a confirmation email to activate your account.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
After logging in to your account, you’ll be required to fill out the visa application form. The form will ask for essential information, including your passport details, travel dates, flight details, accommodation address, and your intended duration of stay in Egypt. Ensure that all the details you provide are accurate to avoid any delays in processing.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Once you’ve completed the application form, you will need to upload certain documents. These typically include: A scanned copy of your passport (valid for at least six months). A copy of your hotel reservation or details of your planned accommodations in Egypt. Make sure that the documents you upload are clear and legible to avoid any issues with your application.
Step 5: Make Payment
The next step is to pay for your e-Visa. The fee for a single-entry tourist visa is typically $25 USD, and for a multiple-entry visa, it’s $60 USD. Payments can be made securely through the e-Visa portal using a credit or debit card. It’s important to double-check your payment details before submitting the payment.
Step 6: Receive Your e-Visa
Once your payment is processed, the e-Visa application will be reviewed by Egyptian authorities. If everything is in order, you will receive your approved e-Visa by email within 3 to 7 business days. Print a copy of your e-Visa and keep it with you when you travel to Egypt.
F.A.Q.
❓ Top FAQs About Egypt Visa If you’re planning to visit Egypt, one of the first things you’ll need to know is how to get a tourist visa. To help you with the process, we’ve prepared this article to answer the most frequently asked questions about Egypt tourist visas. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions you might have.
Egypt offers several types of visas that cater to different nationalities and travel needs:
e-Visa (Electronic Visa): Available for citizens of over 70 nationalities, you can apply for this visa online through the official website visa2egypt.gov.eg.
Visa on Arrival: Citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and many European countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports.
Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of some Arab countries can enter Egypt without a visa for short stays, typically up to 30 days.
Applying for an Egypt e-Visa is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:
Visit the official website: Go to the e-Visa website visa2egypt.gov.eg.
Create a new account: You'll need to create an account on the site.
Fill out the application form: Provide your travel and accommodation details.
Upload required documents: Upload a copy of your passport and hotel reservation.
Pay the visa fee: The visa fee is $25 for a single-entry visa and $60 for a multiple-entry visa.
Receive your visa: After processing, you'll receive your visa via email within 3-7 days.
Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned arrival date in Egypt.
Hotel reservation: Proof of accommodation in Egypt, such as a hotel booking confirmation.
Flight tickets: Round-trip flight tickets showing your arrival and departure dates.
Proof of sufficient funds: Evidence that you have enough financial resources to cover your stay in Egypt.
Yes, it is possible to extend your tourist visa for an additional 30 days. You can extend your visa at passport offices in Egypt, such as the Mogamma building in Cairo, as long as you apply before your initial visa expires.
No, a tourist visa does not allow you to work in Egypt. If you plan to work during your visit, you will need to apply for a work visa in advance.
Yes, the tourist visa is valid for travel throughout Egypt, including popular destinations like Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada. However, if you plan to engage in activities like studying or working, you will need a different type of visa.
Citizens of certain Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, can enter Egypt without a visa for short stays, typically up to 30 days. These citizens should verify the details with the Egyptian embassy or consulate in their home country.
Yes, nationals from certain countries such as the United States, Canada, European countries, Australia, and Japan can obtain a visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports. Be sure to check the specific visa-on-arrival requirements for your nationality before your trip.
