Types Of Visas In Egypt: Explained

Navigating the labyrinth of visa types for Egypt can be as complex as deciphering hieroglyphs. But Worry Not! We’ve got your back!

Whether you’re drawn by the allure of its ancient monuments, the warmth of its sands, or the bustling life of Cairo, understanding the right visa for your journey is crucial. This guide illuminates the path through Egypt’s visa process, ensuring you’re equipped to explore the land of the Pharaohs.

Let’s dive in!

Do I Need A Visa For Egypt?

Unless you’re a citizen of one of the countries listed below, you must obtain a visa before entering Egypt.

However, the process is simplified for many nationalities as they can apply for a visa online or upon arrival, saving time and effort.

Citizens from the following countries can enter Egypt without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, with some exceptions:

Bahrain
Hong Kong
Kuwait
Lebanon
Macao
Oman
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Malaysia (for stays of up to 14 days)

If arriving via charter flight, entry is only permitted through Borg El Arab Airport, Hurghada Airport, or Sharm el-Sheikh Airport.

It’s important to note that entry regulations vary, and travellers should always check the latest requirements before planning their trip to Egypt.

Who Doesn’t Need A Visa To Enter Egypt?

Other than the countries mentioned earlier, there are additional cases where travellers may be exempt from obtaining an Egypt visa if they meet specific criteria:

Afghanistan: Exemption applies if you’re either 50 years old or older or 16 years old or younger.
Algeria: Only travellers under 14 years old are exempt.
China: Exemption requires proof of a return or onward flight, a reservation in a 4 or 5-star hotel, and possession of USD 2000 (or equivalent in another currency).
Libya: Women and residents of the Butnan District can enter without a visa on Sundays and Mondays.
Jordan: Exemption applies if you hold an ordinary 5-year passport without a stamp from the Jordanian Registration Office.
Lebanon: Those aged 50 and older or 16 years and younger are exempt (except for Alexandria and South Sinai, where all ages can enter visa-free).
Morocco: Exemption is for travellers aged 14 years and under.
Sudan And South Sudan: Exemption applies to those aged 50 years and older, 16 years and younger, or female nationals.
Tunisia: Only travellers aged 14 years and under are exempt.
Yemen: Exemption applies to those aged 50 years and older, 16 years and younger, or those travelling for medical reasons.
Palestine: Travelers holding a travel document issued by Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, or Syria and are either over 40 years old or under 18 years old are exempt from visa requirements.

Travelers under these categories should still verify specific requirements and regulations before planning their trip to Egypt.

Additionally, travellers are exempt from requiring an Egypt visa if they meet specific conditions:

We were travelling as part of a tourist group with at least 5 members, possessing a return ticket, booked accommodation, and a signed letter of guarantee from a travel agency. This exemption applies to citizens from Azerbaijan, Barbados, Belize, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and Lebanon. Also, Moldova (excluding women aged 15 to 35), Nicaragua, Russia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Turkey.
You are the child of an Egyptian father (except if you’re from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or Qatar).
You are the child of an Egyptian mother born after July 25, 2004 (except if you’re from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or Qatar).
You are a woman married to an Egyptian man (except if you’re from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or Qatar).

It’s important to note that Egyptian passport holders may also benefit from visa-free travel to certain countries.

Moreover, citizens from the following countries need pre-clearance from the Egyptian State Security Authorities before applying for an Egypt visa at a consulate:

Iran
Iraq
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Lebanon
Mauritania
Somalia
Sri Lanka
Syria
Yemen

Egypt Tourist Visa

A tourist visa for Egypt is designed to allow short visits lasting up to 90 days. The citizens of some countries mentioned above do not have to apply for this visa in advance, but they still require it for extended stays.

In addition, upon arrival in Egypt or through an online application, travellers from other countries may obtain their Egyptian tourist visas.

To extend their stay beyond the initial period of 90 days, it is essential to note that even those eligible for an Egypt tourist visa on arrival or online may apply at the Egyptian embassy or consulate.

Who Is Eligible For An Egypt Visa On Arrival?

Citizens of all countries, except those listed below, can obtain an Egypt Visa On Arrival:

Afghanistan
Algeria
Angola
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Côte d’Ivoire
Djibouti
Democratic Republic of the Congo
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gabon
Ghana
Guatemala
Guinea-Bissau
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
Kenya
Kosovo
Kyrgyzstan
Lebanon (excluding Alexandria and South Sinai)
Lesotho
Liberia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
Pakistan
Palestine

Additionally:

Turkish passport holders aged 45 years and above or 18 years and below are eligible for an Egypt Visa On Arrival.
Sudanese passport holders with a residence permit from Australia, Canada, USA, or an EU Member State can obtain an Egypt Visa On Arrival.
Holders of residence permits issued by a GCC Member State with at least six months’ validity can also get an Egypt Visa On Arrival.

Obtaining An Egypt Visa On Arrival

For travellers eligible for an Egypt Visa On Arrival, the visa must be acquired upon arrival in Egypt before passing through immigration.

This can be done at designated visa-issuing counters at Egyptian entry points, and the visa fee must be paid in exact change.

However, many eligible travellers opt to obtain their Egypt visa before travelling. This is because all nationals eligible for Visa On Arrival can also apply for an Egypt visa online.

The online application process offers added security as travellers receive confirmation of visa approval before finalising travel plans.

Who Is Eligible For An Egypt E-Visa?

Travellers from the following countries can obtain an Egypt eVisa before their journey:

Any European Union member state
Albania
Australia
Canada
Iceland
Japan
North Korea
South Korea
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Norway
Russia
Serbia
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Vatican City

The Egyptian government introduced the Egypt eVisa in 2017 to simplify the visa application process for foreigners visiting the country.

Applying For An Egypt E-Visa Online

To apply for an Egypt e-Visa, you must initiate the process at least 7 days before your planned travel date. This can be done through the official website operated by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Create an account on the website and receive a confirmation code via email.
Provide your travel details, including visa type, arrival and departure dates, etc.
Attach a scanned copy of your passport.
Pay the Egypt e-Visa fee using a credit or debit card.
Await the processing of your visa application.
Upon approval, you’ll receive an electronic visa via email, which you must print and present upon entry into Egypt.

When travelling to Egypt, ensure you have the following:

A passport is valid for at least six months.
The printed Egypt e-Visa.
A travel itinerary.
Make a hotel reservation or tour agenda if you’re a tourist.
If applicable, a letter of invitation from a host or organisation in Egypt.

Applying For An Egypt Visa At An Embassy Or Consulate

Suppose you’re not exempt from Egypt visa requirements and don’t qualify for a Visa On Arrival or online application.

In that case, you must apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country or a nearby one.

Here’s a general overview of the Egypt visa application process:

Contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment.
Complete the Egypt Visa Application Form available at the embassy/consulate.
Prepare the necessary documents.
Pay the Egypt visa fee. This may be done via bank transfer or cash at the embassy/consulate’s visa counter.
Submit your application and documents following the embassy/consulate’s guidelines. Some may require in-person submission, while others may accept mail submissions.
Await visa processing.
If the application is approved, retrieve your passport with the visa affixed in person or through mail.

Note: Even if you’re from a visa-exempt country or eligible for an e-Visa or Visa On Arrival but wish to stay in Egypt long-term, you still need to apply for a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate.

What Documents Are Required For An Egypt Visa?

When applying for an Egypt visa, it’s essential to ensure you have all the necessary documents to support your application.

These documents include:

You can obtain two copies of the Egypt Visa application form from the embassy or consulate where you’re applying.
Two recent passport-size photos (2 inches x 2 inches) with a white background. These photos should accurately represent your current appearance.
A valid passport with at least six months validity remaining from entry into Egypt. Additionally, ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
Two photocopies of the personal information page of your passport. This page contains your photo and other essential details.
If you’re not a citizen of the country you’re applying to, you’ll need to provide proof of residence permit or other documentation demonstrating legal residency.
Evidence of return or onward travel plans, such as a confirmed flight itinerary or bus/train tickets, to show your intended departure from Egypt.
Confirmation of accommodation arrangements in Egypt, including hotel reservations, a letter of invitation from a host, or rental property agreements.
For business travel purposes, you may need to submit a Letter of Invitation from the company or organisation hosting you in Egypt.
Proof of payment of the visa fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for. Check with the embassy or consulate for the accepted fee amount and payment methods.
If you’re applying for the visa by mail, include a self-addressed and prepaid envelope along with your application.

This will allow the embassy or consulate to securely return your passport and documents to you.

It’s important to note that this list may be partial, as the documents required for an Egypt visa application can vary based on factors such as the purpose of your travel and the policies of the embassy or consulate where you’re applying.

Therefore, contacting the embassy or consulate directly or visiting their official website is advisable to obtain comprehensive information regarding visa requirements and procedures.

What Is The Processing Time For An Egypt Visa?

The processing duration for an Egypt visa varies depending on the application method:

For Visa On Arrival applicants, the visa is issued (or the application rejected) immediately upon arrival.
Egypt e-Visas are typically processed within seven days. Therefore, applying at least a week before your planned travel date is recommended.
Applying through an embassy or consulate may take 10 working days, but processing times can vary by office. Applying well before your travel date but up to three months ahead is advisable.
If applying by mail, consider the additional time required for mailing documents back and forth.

Validity Period Of An Egypt Visa

The validity of an Egypt visa varies based on the type of visa and the number of entries permitted:

Egypt Visa On Arrival And e-Visa: Valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a single entry and a maximum stay of 30 days in Egypt.
Single-Entry Egypt Tourist Visas: Valid for 6 months, enabling a stay of up to 60 days in Egypt.
Multiple-Entry Egypt Tourist Visas: Also valid for 6 months, permitting 90 days to stay in Egypt within the validity period.

Is It Possible To Extend An Egypt Tourist Visa?

It’s possible to extend an Egypt tourist visa, also known as a short-term visa, for another 90 days at the Egypt Passport and Immigration Administration.

To do so, you’ll need to provide a copy of your passport, your current Egypt visa, and sufficient funds to cover the processing fee.

Do I Require An Egypt Transit Visa?

The need for an Egypt Transit visa hinges on the length of your transit:

If your transit lasts less than six hours, No transit visa is necessary, but passengers are restricted to remaining within the airport premises.
For transits between 6 and 48 hours, Travelers can exit the airport and explore nearby areas. However, they must present a valid passport and evidence of onward travel.
Transits exceeding 48 hours: Obtaining the appropriate visa is mandatory in such cases.

Applying For An Egypt Visa From The UK

As a citizen of the UK, you have multiple options for obtaining an Egypt visa. You can apply online, receive it upon arrival in Egypt, or apply through one of Egypt’s consulates in the UK.

To apply online, visit the designated website at least seven days before your planned travel date.

Alternatively, if you choose to get the visa upon arrival, you’ll need to queue at one of the visa counters at the Egyptian airport before going through immigration.

Obtaining a visa from the embassy or consulate is necessary for those planning to stay in Egypt long-term.

Please refer to the above information for a more detailed explanation of the Egypt e-Visa or Visa On Arrival application process.

Do US Citizens Require A Visa For Egypt?

US citizens are required to obtain a visa for entry into Egypt. However, as a US citizen, you can apply for an Egypt visa online or upon arrival at the entry point in Egypt, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate in person.

What Are The Egypt Visa Fees?

For eVisas and Visas On Arrival intended for tourism purposes, the fees are as follows:

Single-entry visa: $25
Multiple-entry visa: $60

When applying through an Egypt embassy or consulate, the visa fees vary based on the applicant’s nationality and the type of visa sought:

For Example:

For nationals of the United States:

Single-entry tourist visa: $15
Multiple-entry tourist visa: $15
Single-entry business visa: $40
Multiple-entry business visa: $55

For nationals of Germany, Russia, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Guinea, Cyprus, Norway, and other countries:

Single-entry tourist visa: $15
Multiple-entry tourist visa: $15
Single-entry business visa: $40
Multiple-entry business visa: $55

For nationals of Canada:

Single-entry tourist visa (individual passport): $30
Multiple-entry tourist visa (individual passport): $40
Single-entry business visa: $65
Multiple-entry business visa: $85
Single-entry tourist visa (family passport): $30
Multiple-entry tourist visa (family passport): $40
Single-entry business visa: $115
Multiple-entry business visa: $155

For nationals of the UK:

Single-entry tourist visa: $30
Multiple-entry tourist visa: $40
Single-entry business visa: $95
Multiple-entry business visa: $160
For nationals of Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, certain visa types may be offered free of charge.

For all other countries, the fees are as follows:

Single-entry tourist visa: $30
Multiple-entry tourist visa: $40
Single-entry business visa: $40
Multiple-entry business visa: $55

Benefits

Understanding the various types of visas available in Egypt offers several benefits:

✅ Clarity On Visa Options: By delving into the types of visas, travellers gain clarity on the options available to them, helping them select the most suitable visa for their specific travel purposes.

✅ Efficient Planning: Travellers can plan their trips more efficiently with knowledge about the different visa categories. They can anticipate each visa type’s application process, requirements, and fees, streamlining their preparations.

✅ Enhanced Travel Experience: Familiarity with visa options allows travellers to make informed decisions, contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.

Understanding visa categories enables travellers to meet their travel needs for tourism, business, or long-term stays.

✅ Compliance And Peace Of Mind: By understanding the intricacies of visa requirements, travellers can ensure they comply with Egyptian immigration regulations.

This knowledge instills confidence and peace of mind, minimising the risk of encountering issues during their travels.

✅ Access To Opportunities: Certain visa types, such as business visas or long-term residency permits, open doors to various opportunities, including business ventures, employment prospects, or academic pursuits in Egypt.

Understanding these visa options empowers travellers to explore and capitalise on such opportunities.

Delving into the types of visas in Egypt facilitates smooth travel logistics and broadens horizons, enabling travellers to make the most of their experiences in this captivating destination.

Conclusion

As we conclude our exploration of Egypt’s diverse visa types, the once-daunting process now lays before you, clear as the desert sky. With the knowledge of which visa suits your purpose, the gates to Egypt’s timeless wonders swing wide open.

Your adventure to walk like an Egyptian, amidst the shadows of pyramids and along the banks of the Nile, can begin with confidence and excitement.

Cairo Calling!

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