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Visas are required for most nationalities of travellers to Egypt (only nationals of certain Arab countries are exempt). There are several options available to travellers when acquiring a visa for Egypt. We have put together a comprehensive guide that will provide you with important information to make the process smooth and easy for you.
We are always available to answer questions and provide info, but please note that obtaining the correct visa for visiting any of our destinations, and carrying a valid passport is the responsibility of the traveller. The best way to ensure you have accurate, up-to-date visa information is to contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country.
In the guide below, you will find:
Visas for Egypt can be obtained in one of three ways: on arrival, from your Egyptian consulate or embassy, or online (e-Visa).
Travellers from many countries can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt. These visas are generally valid for three months. This is the simplest and quickest way to obtain a visa and many of our travelers do it this way. Our representative meets you before you get to the passport control desks, so can advise you of the process and often help you find the quickest queue. You don't need to bring any passport photos or to complete any forms other than a normal landing card.
Countries whose nationals may purchase a visa on arrival include Britain, EU, Canada, USA, Australia, and New Zealand.
Visas on arrival can be acquired at the following airports in Egypt: Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh. Visas can also be obtained on arrival at the port in Alexandria.
*Important: nationals of some countries (all African countries, as well as India, China, and several others) are not able to obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt. Visas must be obtained in advance. Please confirm if your country falls into this category.
You can also obtain a visa from the Egyptian consulate or embassy in the country of your residence. This is the most time-consuming and expensive of the three options, but is the only route available for some nationalities, and is also suitable for people who want the peace of mind of having the visa stamped in their passport before they start travelling.
You may want to use a visa agency to assist with the process, and they will ensure you complete the right form(s) and fill them in correctly. They will charge a fee for this service, though. You will be without your passport for anything from one week to a month or even more, depending on processing times at the embassy. This option is not suitable for last-minute travelers.
Nationals of some countries can apply and pay for an e-Visa online instead of obtaining a visa on arrival or in advance. An e-Visa application must be created at least seven days before departure but can be obtained as early as three months before travel. An e-Visa will be valid for 30 days from the date of entry.
This is a good option and provides reassurance for cautious travelers that their visa is already in place, plus protection against last-minute rule changes by the Egyptian authorities which may impact visa-on-arrival options. It does not save you much time on arrival though.
Visit e-Visa to check if you are eligible for an e-Visa, and to apply. There are many fraudulent websites online offering this service - please be careful only to use the official website listed above.
A valid passport is required in order to acquire a visa for Egypt. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the date you return home (not six months after you leave home to start your holiday). Please also ensure that your passport has enough free pages for visa stamps (two blank pages are generally enough unless you are visiting other countries on your tour as well).
Please also note that registration with the police is required for all visitors to Egypt within one week of arriving in the country. This registration will be done by our local partners and by your hotels at check-in - it's not something travellers need to do themselves. You will need to show your passport at each hotel check-in though.
It is possible to extend your visa once you are within Egypt. This can be done in the following places: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Minya, and Alexandria. You will need a photo, as well as copies of your passport's data and visa pages.
US nationals can purchase a visa on arrival in Egypt. They are also eligible for e-Visas. Alternatively, contact the Egypt Consulate in Washington for assistance or to apply for your visa in advance:
UK nationals can purchase a visa on arrival in Egypt. They are also eligible for e-Visas. Alternatively, contact the Consulate of Egypt in London for assistance or to apply for your visa in advance:
Australian nationals can purchase a visa on arrival in Egypt. They are also eligible for e-Visas. Alternatively, contact the Egyptian Consulate in Sydney for assistance or to apply for your visa in advance:
Canadian nationals can purchase a visa on arrival in Egypt. They are also eligible for e-Visas. Alternatively, contact the Consulate of Egypt in Ottawa for assistance or to apply for your visa in advance:
Citizens of EU countries can purchase a visa on arrival in Egypt. They are also eligible for e-Visas. Alternatively, contact the Egyptian consulate or embassy in your particular country for assistance or to apply for your visa in advance.
Indian nationals are not eligible to purchase a visa on arrival in Egypt or to apply for an e-Visa. Visas must be obtained in advance. Please see below the details for the Egyptian Embassy in New Delhi, which can assist with your visa application:
Chinese nationals are not eligible to purchase a visa on arrival in Egypt or to apply for an e-Visa. Visas must be obtained in advance. Please see below the details for the Egyptian Embassy in Beijing, which can assist with your visa application:
South African nationals are not eligible to purchase a visa on arrival in Egypt or to apply for an e-Visa. Visas must be obtained in advance. Please see below the details for the Egyptian Embassy in Pretoria, which can assist with your visa application:
Visa information is correct at the time of publishing. However, visa information is subject to change at any time by the local authorities and it remains the traveller's responsibility to ensure that they travel with the correct visa.
Encounters Travel accepts no liability if you are not able to enter the country because you do not have the correct visa or are not able to obtain one on arrival. It is highly recommended that you verify information specific to you with your embassy or consulate before confirming travel plans.
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