egypt tourist visa

Egyptian Tourist Visa: A Complete Guide

Egypt, a land rich in ancient history, fascinating culture, and breathtaking landscapes, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Whether you are planning to explore the ancient pyramids, sail along the Nile, or visit the vibrant cities of Cairo and Alexandria, obtaining an Egyptian tourist visa is an essential part of the travel process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of applying for an Egyptian tourist visa, the requirements, and everything you need to know to ensure a smooth application process.

Types of Egyptian Tourist Visas

When traveling to Egypt for tourism, you will most likely need to apply for a tourist visa. There are several types of tourist visas available for travelers, each with specific conditions and requirements.

1. Single-entry Tourist Visa

This is the most common type of visa for those visiting Egypt for tourism purposes. A single-entry visa allows you to stay in Egypt for up to 30 days. Once you enter Egypt, you cannot re-enter on the same visa.

2. Multiple-entry Tourist Visa

A multiple-entry tourist visa is suitable for travelers who may need to enter and exit Egypt multiple times within a given period. This type of visa is usually valid for 6 months or 1 year and can allow stays of up to 30 days per entry.

3. E-Visa for Egypt

The Egyptian e-visa is a convenient online visa application system that allows travelers to apply for their visa from anywhere in the world. The e-visa is available for eligible nationals and can be used for single or multiple entries. This digital visa is an excellent option for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of visiting an embassy or consulate.

4. Visa on Arrival

Citizens of some countries can obtain a visa on arrival when they land at one of Egypt’s international airports. This option is available for tourists who have not applied for a visa in advance but still wish to visit the country. However, it is always recommended to apply for a visa before traveling to avoid potential complications at the airport.

How to Apply for an Egyptian Tourist Visa

Depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for, there are different methods to apply for an Egyptian tourist visa.

1. Applying for an Egyptian Tourist Visa Online (E-Visa)

For eligible travelers, applying for an Egyptian e-visa is a straightforward process. Here's how you can apply:

• Step 1: Visit the Official E-Visa Website
  
  

  • Go to the official Egypt e-visa website (https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg) to start your application process.

• Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
  
  

  • You will be required to fill in your personal details, including:

    • Full name

    • Passport number

    • Nationality

    • Date of birth

    • Travel dates

• Step 3: Upload Required Documents
  
  

  • You'll need to upload:

    • A scanned copy of your passport’s bio page.

    • A passport-sized photo that meets the specifications required.

• Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
  
  

  • Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is typically around $25 USD for a single-entry visa.

• Step 5: Wait for Approval
  
  

  • Your e-visa will be processed, usually within 3 to 7 business days. Once approved, you will receive an e-visa approval notice in your email.

• Step 6: Print Your E-Visa
  
  

  • Print the e-visa and carry it with you when traveling to Egypt. Present it at the immigration counter upon arrival.

2. Applying for a Tourist Visa through an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate

For nationals who are not eligible for the e-visa or prefer to apply in person, you can apply through the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country.

• Step 1: Gather Required Documents

  • Passport with at least 6 months of validity.

  • A completed visa application form.

  • Passport-sized photographs.

  • Flight itinerary and hotel booking in Egypt.

  • Visa fee: The fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa (single or multiple-entry).

• Step 2: Submit the Application

  • Submit your visa application and supporting documents to the Egyptian embassy or consulate. This can typically be done in person or by post, depending on the embassy’s process.

• Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

  • The visa fee must be paid at the time of application. The exact cost varies depending on the country, the type of visa, and whether you are applying for a single or multiple-entry visa.

• Step 4: Wait for Processing

  • The embassy will process your visa application. Processing time usually takes 5 to 7 business days, but it may vary depending on the embassy’s workload.

• Step 5: Collect Your Visa

  • Once your visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport and visa from the embassy or consulate.

3. Visa on Arrival

Citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports, including Cairo International Airport, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, and others. However, you should always check whether your country is eligible for this facility.

• Step 1: Arrive at the Airport

  • Upon arrival, head to the visa on arrival counter at the airport.

• Step 2: Provide Required Documents

  • Present your passport, visa fee, and return flight ticket.

• Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

  • Pay the visa fee in cash at the counter (usually in USD).

• Step 4: Receive Your Visa

  • After payment, you will receive your visa sticker, which will be affixed to your passport. You can then proceed through immigration.

Requirements for Egyptian Tourist Visa

Before applying for an Egyptian tourist visa, it is important to ensure that you meet the necessary requirements. These may vary slightly depending on the type of visa and the application method. Below are the common requirements:

1. Valid Passport
   
   

   • Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your planned date of arrival in Egypt.

2. Passport-sized Photographs
   
   

   • Typically, you will need to provide two recent passport-sized photos (2 inches by 2 inches) that meet the embassy or consulate’s specifications.

3. Travel Itinerary
   
   

   • You may be asked to provide proof of your travel arrangements, including flight tickets and hotel reservations.

4. Visa Fee
   
   

   • The tourist visa fee can vary depending on the type of visa (single or multiple-entry) and your nationality. Expect to pay around $25 USD for a single-entry visa.

5. Proof of Funds
   
   

   • You may be required to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Egypt, such as recent bank statements or a credit card.

6. Travel Insurance
   
   

   • Some travelers may be asked to provide proof of travel insurance covering the duration of their stay in Egypt.

Conclusion

Obtaining an Egyptian tourist visa is an essential step in exploring the rich history and culture of Egypt. Whether you apply for an e-visa, a visa on arrival, or go through an embassy or consulate, the process is fairly straightforward if you ensure all your documents are in order and meet the requirements. Be sure to check if you are eligible for an e-visa and apply well in advance of your trip. Once your visa is approved, you’ll be ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Egypt’s timeless landmarks and vibrant culture. Safe travels!

How to Apply for Visa Egypt
Egypt E-Visa for UK Citizens
E-Visa for Egypt from USA
Application Visa Egypt

Start your journey today by applying for your visa online — quick, easy, and hassle-free! Get approved in no time and focus on what matters most: your travel adventure.