Egypt ranks among the most fascinating civilizations in the world, with more than 5,000 years of history. A transcontinental country, located in northeastern Africa and extending into Asia through the Sinai Peninsula.
Bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east, much of the territory is desert. With an approximate area of 1,001,450 km² and a population of more than 116 million inhabitants, Egypt combines major cities such as Cairo with iconic destinations such as Luxor, Aswan, or the beaches of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, among many others.
The Nile River has been central to Egyptian history and continues to be the backbone of many itineraries today, especially on the popular Nile cruise.
Travel planning may be supported with up-to-date information on the visa for Egypt, visa types, and how to apply for Egypt’s eVisa (online visa):
Do I need an Egypt visa to travel?
In general, yes: most travelers must obtain a visa to enter Egypt. Depending on nationality and the type of trip, it may be applied for online or arranged through other permitted channels (for example, on arrival). For tourism, the most convenient option is often the eVisa if the passport appears on the list of eligible countries, and it may be obtained directly online or through a specialized agency such as Visagov.
Types of visas for Egypt
For travel to Egypt, the visa type depends on the purpose of the trip and the passport. For tourism, the most common options are the single-entry tourist visa or the multiple-entry tourist visa, which may be applied for online if the nationality appears on the list of eligible countries.
Single-entry visa
Entry to Egypt is permitted once for tourism purposes.
- Official fee: USD 25.
- Typical entry requirements: a passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date of arrival, a printed eVisa, an itinerary, and a hotel reservation/trip details (when traveling as a tourist).
- Recommended lead time: the application should be created at least 7 days before departure.
Multiple entry visa
The multiple-entry visa is the most suitable option when multiple entries to and exits from Egypt are anticipated during the trip, provided the purpose of stay remains within the permitted conditions (such as tourism).
- Validity: up to 6 months (180 days) from the date of issue.
- Maximum stay: up to 30 days per entry.
- Key difference: multiple entries to and exits from Egypt are permitted within the visa validity period, while respecting the 30-day limit for each visit.
Work or residence permits
For stays longer than those allowed under a tourist visa, or for purposes such as work, studies, or residence, a specific permit generally must be obtained in Egypt. The validity of residence permits varies depending on the type granted and the applicant’s circumstances (for example, permits for several years and renewals may be available, depending on the case).
Processing is typically carried out with the immigration authorities within the country, and the required documentation is not uniform: a valid passport, photographs, and supporting documents for the purpose (employment contract, studies, family, etc.) are usually requested.
Free stay permit
In addition to the standard tourist visa, two common scenarios are worth knowing: the free “Sinai Only” permit, limited to a specific area, and cases in which a residence or work permit is required for longer stays or for purposes other than tourism.
The free stay permit (Sinai Only) for up to 15 days is a free entry stamp obtained on arrival and applies to stays of fewer than 15 days at resorts in Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba. If leaving those areas or staying longer than 15 days is planned, a visa will be required.
How do I apply for an Egypt visa?
An entry visa for Egypt may be applied for online, through Visagov, or in person at the consulate or embassy closest to the place of residence. To apply online, a form must be completed with personal details, passport details, and trip information (for example, the hotel). A full-color image of the passport must also be attached, complete, clear, and legible. After payment by credit card is made, the application decision is sent by email.
What requirements are needed to apply for a visa to Egypt?
To apply for an entry visa for Egypt, the following documentation must be provided:
- A clear, legible copy of a passport with validity exceeding 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
- Accommodation details.
- A credit card to make the payment.
Can an Egypt visa be modified once processed?
In practice, an Egypt eVisa usually cannot be edited once it has been submitted (and especially after payment). If the authorities detect an issue—for example, inconsistent details or passport documentation/image quality that is insufficient—additional information may be requested.
If the error affects key details (name, passport number, date of birth, etc.), the most common outcome is that a new application must be submitted with the correct information, as such mistakes may lead to rejection or to a visa that is not valid for travel.
For that reason, all details should be reviewed carefully before submission. The application may be completed independently or with assistance from Visagov, where the information is reviewed before submission to minimize errors in the form and in the attached documentation.
How much does an Egypt visa cost?
The government fees for an Egypt visa are:
- USD 25 for the single-entry visa.
- USD 60 for the multiple-entry visa.
How far in advance should an Egypt visa be applied for?
Applying for an Egypt visa is recommended with sufficient advance notice. As a reference, processing should be initiated at least 7 days before travel, and, if possible, with a 10–15-day buffer, as issues may arise (for example, due to passport image quality or incomplete details). Although the response time is usually around 6 to 7 business days, it may vary depending on the case, so travel without an approved visa that is available is not recommended.
What are the entry borders to Egypt?
Egypt borders Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, and Israel and the Gaza Strip to the northeast. In addition, it has a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea (north) and the Red Sea (east), so entry into the country may be by air, by sea, or by land. In practice, the most common route for tourism is by air.
Airports
The most common air arrivals take place through the following international airports:
- Cairo (CAI): the country’s main airport and the most widely used for international routes.
- Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH): very common for trips to the Sinai Peninsula and Red Sea resorts.
- Hurghada (HRG): one of the main gateways to the Red Sea coast.
- Luxor (LXR): frequently used for cultural routes along the Nile Valley.
- Alexandria (HBE): a common airport for the Alexandria area. (The former El Nouzha/ALY is closed.)
Seaports
The most common seaports are:
- Alexandria: one of the country’s main ports (in addition to cargo, maritime calls may be received).
- Port Said: a strategic port due to its location next to the Suez Canal (primarily port traffic).
Note: Egypt has many active ports, but much of the activity is logistical; tourist entry by sea usually depends on the itinerary (cruise/ferry) and the specific port.
Land border crossings
- Israel – Egypt (Taba/Eilat): this is the best-known land crossing for international travelers between both countries.
- Sudan / Libya: land crossings exist, but availability and conditions may vary depending on the local situation and border controls.
Before travelling, eligibility should be checked and the visa should be obtained with a buffer. On Visagov, passport eligibility may be verified and Egypt’s eVisa may be arranged with assistance in English.
Is a visa needed for a layover in Egypt?
In general, no: a transit visa is not usually required if the layover is only to connect flights and the stay remains within the airport’s international area, without passing passport control or entering the country.
However, if leaving the airport and entering Egypt during the layover (stopover) is intended, then a tourist visa/eVisa will be required (depending on nationality and conditions). In some cases, a free transit program of up to 96 hours is also available, subject to specific requirements.
If leaving the airport is intended, Egypt’s eVisa may be arranged online via Visagov, with assistance during the process.
