Egypt is one of the most well-known and extremely fascinating destinations to visit in the whole world.
Before you can visit this land of gripping human history and civilization, you will need to get a tourist visa. This is true for all nationalities except for a few countries whose citizens are allowed free entry with no visa.
In this article, we'll look at all the details surrounding the process of getting an Egyptian Tourist Visa. From the requirements to the various exemptions, fees, and related time frames.
Egypt Visa Requirements
Here are the things you need to have prepared as you apply to get a tourist visa for Egypt.
- Your passport with at least 6 months of validity after your date of entry into Egypt & one blank page
- 2 passport-size photographs with white background. (recently taken)
- Completed Egypt Visa Application form (2 copies)
- Proof of return or onward travel ticket
- Proof of accommodation in Egypt (Hotel booking info)
- Visa processing fee payment proof (receipt/bank statement)
- Self-addressed Envelope if you mailed your application and related documents.
Depending on the specific details of your visit, these requirements might change. For example, if you are not a citizen of your country of residence, you will need to provide proof of residence.
Egypt's visa policy has very many terms based on citizenship, age, and the specific areas you are going to. When you visit the embassy, make sure to understand the details that pertain to you.
Egypt E-Visa
Egypt rolled out a new online e-visa application process that allows people to easily apply for a tourist visa from the comfort of their home or office. This e-visa option is however limited and not all nationalities can get an Egyptian Tourist visa online.
You can apply for Egypt E-Visa online via the official government -Visa Portal at https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg/. You simply create an account and supply the necessary information.
Here are all the 46 countries that can apply for an Egyptian Tourist E-visa online.
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Citizens of all the other countries have to apply for their visas manually by sending or dropping documents at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Visa On Arrival
Similar to the e-visa, Egypt's Visa on arrival is limited to some countries while other nationalities still have to go the manual route. Getting a visa on arrival is very detailed and provides some exemptions based on age, residence, and country of origin.
Citizens of the following countries can visit Egypt without requiring a visa. They just need a passport photo to attach to their visa.
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Getting an Egyptian Visa on arrival has many terms and conditions, it is usually advised that you get your visa ahead of your travels to avoid any risk of unfriendly surprises.
Please note that while more countries than the ones listed above can get visas at any Egyptian port of entry, some countries must follow the process of getting it early and the citizens of those countries won't be allowed into the country.
Egypt Visa Process
As with the many ways of getting a tourist visa for Egypt, the process is slightly different depending on the nationality of the applicant. The essential part of any visa process is verifying the identity and suitability of the applicant.
| # | VISA APPLICATION METHOD | TIME REQUIRED TO PROCESS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visa exemption | None |
| 2 | Visa on Arrival | Immediate |
| 3 | Online E-Visa | Within 7 days |
| 4 | Manual Application | At least 10 working days |
These time estimates are always changing depending on various factors and our advice is that you should apply at least a month before your planned departure dates. That allows you time to correct any mistakes or check the state of your application well ahead of your trip.
Egypt Visa Fees
Egypt Tourist visas are subdivided into two categories, Single Entry, and Multiple Entry Visas. Single entry visas allow you to enter and exit Egypt only once while Multiple entry visa allows you to enter and exit several times.
| # | VISA TYPE | VISA FEE (USD) | VALIDITY PERIOD | MAXIMUM STAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Single Entry | 25 US Dollars | 6 months | 60 Days |
| 2 | Multiple Entry | 60 US Dollars | 6 months | 90 Days at a time |
Please note that the above fees might change slightly because of the currency exchange rate.
Egypt Visa Exemption
Egypt has one of the most complex visa exemption policies. Some exemptions are based on age while others apply to nationalities who are visiting certain areas for a given period.
Here are all the countries that have some kind of Egyptian Visa exemption. The Exemptions are different for each country.
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You should check with your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate to make sure you get the very latest information, especially regarding the specific details of your visa exemption.
Travelling With Minors
As with any country traveling with children under the age of 18 years requires having the proper documentation. If you are one of the parents/guardians you should have signed consent from the other parent.
If the minor is not travelling with any of the parents/guardians, the adult responsible should have written permission granting temporary guardianship responsibilities. This is all to curb child trafficking which can easily get disguised in travel.
Some of the above exemptions apply to minors under the age of 18 years. Make sure to look at the relevant details for you to see whether you can benefit from the exemptions.
Helpful Notes
While you apply for your Egyptian Visa, keep some of these things in mind.
- Visa processing fees are non-refundable
- The exact details on your visa application must match when you present your visa
- A tourist visa doesn't allow you to engage in any type of work or business
- Apply ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress and uncertainty
- Visa policies can change at any time without prior notice
Final Thoughts
Egypt's visa policy is best looked at from the point of view of a singular country. This is because many different provisions apply to different countries, ages, and even locations (Sinai especially).
That shouldn't stop you from going to Egypt because the experience is worthwhile.
As with all visa policies, they can change at any given time without prior notice.
We try to keep this article up to date but we advise you to always refer to the government sources to get the latest updates (that might have not made their way to our update yet).
