To visit Egypt most travellers need a tourist visa. The good news is that getting one is simple: you can apply online before you leave or on arrival at the airport. In this guide you'll find everything about the Egypt visa, costs, documents and validity.
Do you really need a visa?
Yes: citizens of most European countries need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. There are, however, a few exceptions and concessions, especially for those staying only at the Red Sea resorts (see below).
The three ways to get the visa
1. e-Visa (online electronic visa)
This is the most convenient and recommended method. You apply on the official Egyptian government portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) by filling in a form and uploading a scan of your passport. The visa arrives by email within a few days and must be printed and shown on arrival.
- Cost: about 25 USD (single-entry visa)
- Validity: 90 days from issue, stay of up to 30 days
2. Visa on arrival
You can buy the visa directly at international airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor). It's purchased at the bank counters before passport control, paying in cash (USD or euros).
- Cost: about 25 USD
- Tip: bring the exact cash, as cards aren't always accepted
3. Visa through an embassy
For special stays or purposes other than tourism, you can apply for the visa at the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country. It's the slowest option and rarely needed for a tourist trip.
The Red Sea (Sinai) concession
Those arriving in Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab or other South Sinai resorts only for a beach stay can get a free stamp (Sinai-only) valid for up to 15 days. Note: this permit does not allow travel to the rest of Egypt (for example the pyramids). If you want to visit Cairo or take excursions outside Sinai, you need the full tourist visa.
Required documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- A blank page for the stamp
- Printed e-Visa (if applied for online) or cash for the visa on arrival
- In some cases, proof of hotel booking and a return ticket
Practical tips before you leave
- Check your passport validity: it must exceed 6 months.
- Apply for the e-Visa a few days in advance to avoid queues on arrival.
- Keep a digital copy of the visa and passport.
- Always check the latest information on our Practical Info page, as rules can change.
Once the visa is sorted, all that's left is planning the adventure: discover our itineraries and Egypt travel offers to set off worry-free.
