QUICK ANSWER — EGYPT VISA 2026
Citizens of most countries will need an Egypt Visa. As of March/April 2026, the e-Visa and the Visa on Arrival will both have a fee of $30 USD (Single Entry). There is no monetary benefit to picking one over the other; the only thing that differentiates them is the time taken. The e-Visa allows you to have an approved visa before even landing in Egypt because it is done online at visa2egypt.gov.eg. Meanwhile, the Visa on Arrival requires you to stand in a queue and wait between 20–40 minutes. It is highly recommended that you obtain the e-Visa prior to visiting Egypt.
Yasser Shoaib, Egyptian guide, licensed by the Egyptian government, specializes in Egypt travel at Egy Vacations. He has more than fifteen years of experience preparing international tourists for their trips to Egypt. Visa issues are one of the first things he asks about. Here is all the relevant, up-to-date information – even including the increased prices in 2026 that most other online guides get wrong!
Which Egypt Visa Do You Need? — Decision Framework
Your Egypt visa path depends on your nationality. Most visitors fall into one of four categories:
| Traveler | Visa Option | Cost | How to Obtain It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizen of US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, most of Asia & Latin America | e-Visa (recommended) OR Visa on Arrival | $30 USD (both options — same price since 2026) | e-Visa: visa2egypt.gov.eg online | On Arrival: bank counter at airport |
| Visiting Sinai resorts only (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Taba, Nuweiba) | Sinai-only stamp | Free | At Sinai entry points — airports and border crossings into Sinai only |
| Citizen of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE | Visa-free entry | Free | No visa required — entry for up to 90 days |
| Citizen of countries requiring security clearance (see list below) | Embassy visa only | Varies | Egyptian embassy in your country — apply 6–8 weeks in advance |
| Citizen of Jordan | Visa-free entry | Free | No visa required |
| Holder of valid US, UK, EU, or Schengen visa (some nationalities) | Free 15-day tourist visa | Free | At port of entry — check current eligibility as rules change |
★ THE KEY 2026 CHANGE: SAME PRICE, DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE
As of 2026, the e-Visa ($30) and Visa on Arrival ($30) cost exactly the same for single entry. The multiple-entry e-Visa costs $65. This removes price as a deciding factor. The only question now is: do you want to spend 20–40 minutes in an airport queue after a long flight? Apply online. It takes 15 minutes and saves you the queue.
Planning your trip after getting your visa? Read our complete Egypt Travel Advice guide for practical tips, local customs, transportation, and everything you should know before you arrive.
Egypt e-Visa: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
What the e-Visa Covers
The Egypt tourist e-Visa is an entry permit that can either be single entry or multiple entries. The visa is issued by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior. You will be able to enter Egypt using the port of entry by air, sea, or land (you should note that sometimes there are inconsistencies when it comes to crossing the borders by land).
- Single-entry e-Visa: $30 USD — valid for 3 months from issue date; allows a stay of up to 30 days per visit
- Multiple-entry e-Visa: $65 USD — valid for 3 months from issue date; multiple entries permitted within validity, each stay up to 30 days
- The 3-month validity is from the date of issue, not your arrival date — apply no more than 3 months before your planned arrival
How to Apply — Step by Step
The official and only legitimate portal for Egypt e-Visas is visa2egypt.gov.eg. Do not use any third-party website — dozens of lookalike sites charge double or triple the official fee for an identical service.
| Action | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1- Go to visa2egypt.gov.eg | Official Egyptian government portal — check the URL carefully |
| 2- Create an account with your email address | Use an email you check regularly — approval and updates sent here |
| 3- Fill in the application form | Passport details, travel dates, accommodation in Egypt, purpose of visit |
| 4- Upload passport data page scan | Clear, colour scan; all four corners visible; no blur |
| 5- Upload passport-size photo | Recent, white background, face clearly visible — follow the size specifications |
| 6- Pay the fee online | $30 (single entry) or $65 (multiple entry) by credit or debit card |
| 7- Wait for approval | Typically 3–7 business days; can be as fast as 24–48 hours in low-demand periods |
| 8- Download and print the approval | Print a physical copy — some immigration officers request the paper document |
| 9- Present on arrival | Show the printed e-Visa approval at immigration alongside your passport |
💡 E-VISA PRACTICAL TIPS
1. Apply at least 7–10 business days before travel — processing times increase during Egyptian public holidays and peak season (November–February). 2. Print a physical copy of your approval — do not rely solely on your phone screen. 3. The e-Visa approval has your name exactly as it appears in your passport — any discrepancy can cause delays. 4. Your accommodation address in Egypt is required during application — use your hotel name and address; cruise ship passengers can use the ship’s name and Luxor/Aswan as the port. 5. The portal is sometimes slow during high-traffic periods — apply during off-peak hours if possible.
Traveling on your own? Explore our Solo Travel to Egypt guide for safety tips, recommended destinations, and practical advice for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
| Period | Typical Processing Time | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Low season (May–September) | 24–48 hours | Apply 5 days before as a buffer |
| Normal season | 3–5 business days | Apply 10 days before |
| Peak season (Nov–Feb) & Egyptian holidays | 5–10 business days | Apply at least 2 weeks before |
| Ramadan period | Can take longer | Apply 3 weeks before to be safe |
Visa on Arrival: The Airport Reality
The Visa on Arrival is exactly what it sounds like — you obtain your visa at the airport after landing, before reaching passport control. From March 1, 2026, it will cost $30 USD — the same as the e-Visa. Here is what the process looks like in practice.
Where to Go at Cairo Airport
At Cairo International Airport (Terminal 2 and Terminal 3), once you have left the plane and before passport control, you will notice bank counters – usually counters belonging to the National Bank of Egypt or Banque Misr. These are the only visa counters where you can pay for your visa on arrival. Please do not approach any other windows for payment.
- Terminal 3 (most international flights): Bank counters are on the right side of the arrivals hall before passport control — clearly signed.
- Skip the first crowded counter and check for shorter queues at the counters further into the hall — processing is identical at all counters.
- Counters are open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
What to Bring to the Counter
- Your passport (valid for 6+ months beyond your arrival date, with at least 1 blank page)
- $30 USD cash — exact change is strongly preferred; the counter may not have change for large notes. EUR and GBP are generally accepted but you may receive poor change. USD is cleanest.
- Alternatively: Visa or Mastercard is accepted at most counters (verify on the day — card processing can occasionally fail)
- Your onward flight information or accommodation address in Egypt (sometimes requested but not always)
Now that your visa is sorted, discover the Best Places to Visit in Egypt—from the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor to the Red Sea and the stunning White Desert.
The Physical Process
- After paying the fee, the counter gives out the visa sticker, and then you move on to passport control where the sticker will be pasted inside your passport. In March 2026, there are now two stickers on the passport, one of which says ‘+$5 Surcharge Entry Visa Fee’. This is all right because of the new fee hike system.
- Time taken at the bank counter: 2-5 minutes for each passenger. Waiting time differs; usually, it takes 5-15 minutes in normal times, but sometimes it can take up to 40 minutes in case of multiple large planes landing at once.
Visa on Arrival at Other Airports
- Hurghada International Airport: Same process, typically shorter queues than Cairo
- Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport: Same process — note that arrivals at Sharm can choose between a full visa (EGP 30) or the free Sinai-only stamp (14 days, Sinai only)
- Luxor International Airport: Visa on arrival available
- Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport: Visa on arrival available, smaller scale
- Land borders (Taba, Nuweiba, Wadi Halfa): Available but hours can be limited and facilities more basic — verify before crossing
The Sinai-Only Stamp: What It Covers and What It Doesn’t
The Sinai-only entry stamp is the most misunderstood part of Egypt’s visa system — and the misunderstanding is expensive.
What the Sinai Stamp Gives You
- Free entry — no visa fee
- Up to 14–15 days in designated Sinai resort areas: Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Taba, Nuweiba, and Ras Mohammed National Park
- Available at: Sharm el-Sheikh airport, Taba border crossing, Nuweiba port, and other Sinai entry points
What the Sinai Stamp Does NOT Give You
⚠️ SINAI STAMP RESTRICTION — READ CAREFULLY
However, the fact is that the Sinai stamp does not allow you to go to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, or anywhere else outside the areas marked for Sinai on your passport. Going from Sinai into Egypt with the Sinai stamp means that you have entered the country illegally, and that is no small thing, either, since it can lead to detention and fines. But if there is the slightest chance that you might want to visit Cairo, the pyramids, or the Nile, then buy a visa ($30).
The Sinai visa will only work if you only plan on diving at the Red Sea or spending time at the beaches of either Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab. It also applies if you are planning on visiting the Ras Mohammed and if you are not planning on leaving for mainland Egypt at all.
Countries Requiring an Embassy Visa (Security Clearance)
For individuals from some nationalities, it is not possible to get the visa upon arrival or via an electronic visa, and you have to apply for it through the Egyptian embassy or consulate located in your own country before visiting Egypt. The whole process will take around 6-8 weeks with a security clearance checkup.
⚠️ EMBASSY VISA REQUIRED — THESE NATIONALITIES
These countries include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Comoros, Djibouti (in some cases), Eritrea, Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia (in some cases), Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen. The above list represents the current policy of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as of June 2026. Policies may vary, hence always check with your local Egyptian embassy when traveling.
If your nationality is on the above list, contact the Egyptian embassy in your country directly and allow a minimum of 6–8 weeks for processing. Some nationalities face extended review periods. Do not book non-refundable travel until you have the visa in hand.
Not sure what to pack? Check out our complete Egypt Packing List to make sure you bring everything you need for every season and every destination.
Visa-Free Entry to Egypt
A small number of nationalities can enter Egypt without any visa:
| Nationality / Group | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE (GCC nationals) | Visa-free for up to 90 days — passport required |
| Jordan | Visa-free — passport required |
| Djibouti | Visa-free in some circumstances — verify with the Egyptian embassy before travel |
| Hong Kong SAR (BN(O) and HKSAR passport holders) | Free 30-day entry stamp — verify current requirements before departure |
| Holders of valid US, UK, EU/Schengen, Canadian, or Australian visas (eligible nationalities only) | May qualify for a free 15-day tourist stamp — eligibility and rules may change, so verify before travel |
💡 VERIFY BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
Visa waiver policy and nationalities qualifying for 15-day stamps with valid Schengen/US visas keep changing from time to time. It should never be taken for granted that everything mentioned here is accurate. One should always confirm his/her nationality status from the Egyptian embassy or consulate in their country of residence if it is not very clear whether his/her passport fits in the list or not.
Passport Requirements for Egypt
Before applying for any Egypt visa or boarding your flight, confirm your passport meets all of the following:
| Requirement | Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum validity | 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Egypt | Airlines and immigration routinely deny boarding for passports with less than 6 months remaining. This is the most common preventable travel issue. |
| Blank pages | At least 1 fully blank page (some authorities recommend 2) | Your visa sticker and entry stamp require blank passport pages. Full or damaged pages may not be accepted. |
| Physical condition | No significant damage, tears, water damage, or missing pages | Immigration officers may refuse entry if the passport is damaged or appears tampered with. |
| Name consistency | Your passport name must exactly match your visa application and flight booking | Even small differences, including middle names, can result in delays or denied boarding. |
| Issue date | Passport should be machine-readable and issued after 2006 | Older passports may require manual processing or may not be accepted by automated immigration systems. |
⚠️ THE MOST COMMON PREVENTABLE PROBLEM
The most frequent reason for denial of boarding in Egypt is an expired passport. This is because the airlines look into passengers’ passports during the check-in process, and NOT immigration, meaning that you might be denied even before you arrive at the gate. Please ensure that your passport does not expire within six months from the time you leave Egypt.
8 Common Egypt Visa Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | What Happens | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Using a third-party visa website | Paying $60–90 for a visa that officially costs $30. | Apply only through visa2egypt.gov.eg and bookmark the official website. |
| Arriving with less than 6 months of passport validity | You may be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry upon arrival. | Check your passport expiry date well in advance and renew it if necessary. |
| Getting a Sinai-only stamp when planning to visit Cairo or other mainland destinations | You cannot legally travel outside Sinai without the appropriate visa. | Obtain the standard tourist visa if your itinerary includes any destination beyond Sinai. |
| Bringing only large USD banknotes for the visa-on-arrival fee | You may have difficulty paying if the counter cannot provide change. | Carry the exact visa fee in clean, small USD notes and have a payment card as a backup. |
| Applying for an e-Visa too close to your departure date | Your visa may not be approved before you travel. | Apply at least 10 business days before departure, or two weeks ahead during peak travel periods. |
| Uploading a blurry or incomplete passport scan | Your application may be rejected and require resubmission. | Upload a clear colour scan with all four corners visible and all text easy to read. |
| Assuming your nationality is visa-free without checking | You could arrive without the required visa and be refused entry. | Always verify the latest visa requirements for your nationality before travelling. |
| Not printing your e-Visa approval | Some immigration officers may request a printed copy instead of accepting a digital version. | Carry a printed copy of your approved e-Visa along with your passport. |
Children, Families & Special Situations
Children’s Visas
Kids going to Egypt will have to obtain their own visa and they cannot get visa on the parent’s passport. The same conditions apply: either e-Visa, visa on arrival, or Sinai visa; all will cost the same. The passports of kids have the same validity condition as the passports of adults.
Children of Egyptian Fathers — Exit Rule
The above statement is very important information which most travel guides will not tell you because according to Egyptian laws, if a child has an Egyptian father, then he/she will need the written consent from his/her father to leave Egypt. The immigration officers at the Egyptian airports can ask for the written permission from the fathers.
Wondering if Egypt is safe to visit? Read our updated 2026 safety guide covering tourist security, local advice, transportation, and essential travel tips before your trip.
Dual Nationals
However, if you are a citizen with two citizenships one of which is Egyptian, you may be obliged to enter Egypt using your Egyptian passport instead of your foreign passport. According to Egyptian laws, Egyptian citizens are expected to enter and leave Egypt using their Egyptian passports. Please, consult with the embassy of Egypt to clarify the issue.
Overstaying Your Visa
Egyptians have made the regulation concerning overstaying of visas stricter in 2026. The single-entry tourist visa gives the visitor 30 days after entry. The consequences of overstaying will consist in paying the fine per each day of overstay at the airport upon leaving. In case you are supposed to overstay, you should visit the Egyptian passport office (Mogamma el-Tahrir, Cairo or local passport offices in other cities).
From Visa to Egypt Vacation — What Comes Next
Once your visa is secured, the rest of your Egypt planning can move forward with confidence. Here is the typical sequence Egy Vacations uses with clients:
- Visa: Apply for e-Visa online at least 2 weeks before travel (done)
- Flights: Book international flights to Cairo (CAI) — or Luxor/Hurghada for direct Red Sea/Nile cruise arrivals
- Itinerary: Decide on the structure — Cairo only, Cairo + Nile cruise, full Egypt circuit
- Accommodation: Hotels in Cairo, Nile cruise ship booking, Aswan / Luxor hotel if staying
- Guided tours: Licensed Egyptologist guide for major sites — transforms the experience
- Travel insurance: Essential — include medical evacuation cover
How Egy Vacations Can Help
Custom vacation packages are created by Egy Vacations according to your visa type, date of trip, number of travelers, and experience you seek. We take care of all travel arrangements including flights, hotel bookings, guides, transfers, temple entrances; the only line we would like to remind you of is the one you will avoid at Cairo International Airport since you will be having your e-Visa.
💡 EGY VACATIONS RECOMMENDATION
Our 8-day Classic Egypt package — Cairo (Pyramids, GEM) + Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple) + 4-night Nile cruise to Aswan + Philae Temple — is the most complete first-Egypt experience in a single trip. A licensed Egyptologist guide is included throughout. Contact us with your travel dates and we’ll build your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Egypt visa cost in 2026?
After price hikes starting from 2026, the cost of both tourist visas is the same – $30 USD for a single entry: e-Visa (effective from April 27, 2026) and Visa on Arrival (effective from March 1, 2026). The cost of the multiple entry e-Visa is $65 USD. The Sinai-only stamp is free of charge. The only difference between the e-Visa and Visa on Arrival is the queue at the airport.
Should I get an e-Visa or Visa on Arrival for Egypt?
The e-Visa. Now the cost of both visa types is the same ($30 USD), so there are no financial benefits of obtaining the Visa on Arrival at the airport. It will allow you to skip the line at the bank desk and go directly to passport control – this procedure saves up to 20-40 minutes of waiting time. You can apply for an e-Visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg. The minimum application period is 10 business days prior to arrival in Egypt.
What is the official Egypt e-Visa website?
The official website of the Egyptian government e-Visa service is visa2egypt.gov.eg. Do not use any other websites. There are many fake sites that ask twice the official price for the same service.
How long does Egypt e-Visa processing take?
Normal periods will take 3–7 days. Processing times can be as short as 24–48 hours during periods of low demand (during summer months), while processing during peak tourism period (Nov-Feb) or during public holiday periods in Egypt will take up to 10 days. Plan at least 10 days before travel; 14 days minimum during peak periods.
Can I get an Egypt visa at the airport?
Yes — Visa on Arrival can be obtained in Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, and Alexandria airports from bank kiosks prior to passport control. Fee: $30 USD in cash (US currency preferred, Euro and Pounds accepted, but US is clean; Visa or Mastercard cards accepted occasionally). This process takes 2–5 minutes per person but can queue 20–40 minutes during peak hours.
Which countries are visa-free for Egypt?
Visa-free countries are citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE), for up to 90 days. Visa-free countries are Jordan. Citizens with valid visas for USA, UK, EU/Schengen, Canada, and Australia will receive free 15-day tourist visa upon arrival. For all other visa-free situations, check with embassy of Egypt for your specific citizenship.
What is the Sinai-only stamp and who should use it?
The Sinai-only stamp is a free entry stamp available at Sinai entry points (Sharm el-Sheikh airport, Taba border crossing, Nuweiba port) that allows up to 14–15 days in designated Sinai resort zones. It does NOT cover Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, or anywhere outside Sinai. Use it only if your entire trip is confined to Sinai resorts and you have no plans to visit mainland Egypt. Anyone planning to see Cairo or the Nile must get the full $30 tourist visa.
My passport has less than 6 months validity — can I still travel to Egypt?
NO. In Egypt, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan on arriving in Egypt. Airlines verify this when you check into the flight; if your passport does not meet this criteria, then you will not be allowed to board. You must renew your passport if it expires within 6 months from the time you intend to arrive in Egypt, and apply for a visa only after obtaining your new passport.
Can I extend my Egypt tourist visa?
Yes. Tourist visas may be renewed by visiting the Egyptian passport offices – the most convenient location being the Mogamma el-Tahrir office in downtown Cairo. This office is responsible for renewing tourist visas for those who are visiting Cairo. It should be noted that an extension needs to be requested before your current visa expires. There is a fee to extend your visa, and a common extension period is for 30 days.
Do I need a visa for Egypt if I have a connecting flight through Cairo?
When using Cairo International Airport only as a transit point, you will not need a visa for most countries, provided that you stay airside without passing through the immigration process. However, if you have to leave the airport premises, retrieve your luggage, and pass through the immigration process, such as in cases of a very long layover when you plan to exit the terminal, then you will need a tourist visa.
