Egypt Visa Requirements 2027 – E-Visa, On Arrival & How to Apply

Egypt Visa Requirements 2027 – E-Visa, Visa on Arrival & Entry Rules

Last fact-checked: 1 October 2026. Egypt’s entry rules can change, and the correct visa route depends on your nationality, passport type, point of entry and travel plans. Always confirm the latest requirements before departure using the official Egyptian e-Visa portal, your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate, and your airline.

For many leisure travelers, the main options are an Egyptian e-Visa obtained before travel, a visa on arrival for eligible passport holders, or a visa issued through an Egyptian embassy or consulate. Travelers planning to remain only in certain South Sinai resort areas may have a separate entry-permission option depending on nationality and point of arrival.

For broader trip planning once your entry documents are in order, see our Egypt 10-Day Itinerary and our Egypt travel safety guide.

Egypt Tourist Visa Options

1. Egypt E-Visa

The official Egyptian e-Visa system allows eligible travelers to apply online before departure. The government portal states that applicants should create their e-Visa application at least seven days before departure.

Official portal: https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg/

Current tourism e-Visa fees shown by the official portal on 1 October 2026:

Single-entry tourism e-Visa: US$30
Multiple-entry tourism e-Visa: US$65

The official portal also states that your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. Tourist e-Visas are generally valid for use within the period shown on the issued visa; travelers should check the validity and permitted stay printed on their own approval rather than relying on an old screenshot or third-party website.

Eligibility is nationality-specific and can change. Check the current country list directly on the official portal before applying.

2. Visa on Arrival

Eligible travelers can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at approved Egyptian entry points. According to current UK government travel guidance, a physical visa on arrival at approved airports costs US$30 in cash and is valid for a stay of up to 30 days.

From 1 August 2026, travelers arriving at Cairo International Airport also have access to a digital visa-on-arrival option through self-service machines or the official Visa on Arrival system. Current UK guidance lists the digital Cairo option at US$36 by card, including the digital service fee.

Visa-on-arrival eligibility is not universal. Confirm that your nationality and passport type qualify before relying on this option.

3. Embassy or Consular Visa

Some travelers need to obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before departure. This can apply to nationalities not eligible for the e-Visa or visa-on-arrival systems, holders of certain passport types, and travelers visiting for purposes other than ordinary tourism.

For embassy and consular information, see the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Who Needs a Visa for Egypt?

There is no reliable one-line rule that covers every nationality. Visa requirements depend on citizenship, passport type, entry point and sometimes the purpose or length of the visit.

Do not rely on blanket claims such as “all Arab League citizens are visa-free.” The official Egyptian e-Visa eligibility list itself includes several Arab nationalities, which shows why nationality-specific checking is essential.

The safest approach is:

Check whether your nationality appears on the official Egyptian e-Visa portal.
Confirm whether visa on arrival is available for your passport.
If the answer is unclear, contact an Egyptian embassy or consulate before booking non-refundable travel.
Confirm the requirements again shortly before departure because rules and fees can change.

How to Apply for an Egypt E-Visa

Step 1: Use the Official Government Portal

Go to visa2egypt.gov.eg. Avoid unofficial websites that imitate the government portal or charge additional service fees.

Step 2: Create an Account

Step 3: Enter Your Details Exactly as Shown in Your Passport

Typical application information includes your full name, nationality, passport number, travel dates and accommodation details. The official portal will show the documents and information required for your nationality.

Step 4: Pay the Current Official Fee

The e-Visa portal accepts online card payment. As of 1 October 2026, the official FAQ lists US$30 for a single-entry tourism visa and US$65 for a multiple-entry tourism visa.

Step 5: Download and Print the Approval

The government portal states that a link to download the approved e-Visa is sent electronically. Carry a printed copy with your passport and keep a digital copy available as backup.

Timing: The official portal says to create the application at least seven days before departure. Applying earlier gives you more time to resolve any document or payment problem.

Passport and Arrival Documents

The official e-Visa portal states that a passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. Current UK government guidance also advises British travelers to have at least one blank passport page.

The Egyptian e-Visa portal lists the following among arrival requirements for e-Visa holders:

Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
Printed e-Visa
Travel itinerary
Hotel booking or details of places you plan to visit
Supporting documentation where relevant to the purpose of travel

Airlines can apply document checks before boarding, so keep your visa and accommodation details accessible during check-in as well as on arrival.

South Sinai Entry Permission

Travelers should distinguish a standard Egyptian tourist visa from a limited South Sinai entry-permission stamp.

For example, current UK government guidance states that eligible British passport holders arriving by air at Sharm El Sheikh and staying for fewer than 15 days in the resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba can receive a free entry-permission stamp. Travelers who plan to stay longer or travel beyond the permitted resort area need the appropriate full visa.

Rules can differ by nationality. If your itinerary includes Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada or other mainland destinations, confirm that you have the correct full-entry permission before traveling.

Visa Extensions

Visa-extension procedures can change and should not be planned around old office addresses or old fee figures. Current UK government guidance says visa extensions can be requested through Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices.

If you need to remain longer than your authorized stay, contact the relevant immigration office or your nearest Egyptian consular authority for the current procedure, documents and fees. Do not assume an extension is automatic.

Important Practical Visa Tips

Apply Early

Even though the official e-Visa portal states a minimum of seven days before departure, apply earlier where possible.

Check the Official Fee at the Time You Apply

Visa fees have changed before and can change again. Use the amount displayed on the official government portal rather than old travel blogs or screenshots.

Use the Correct Website

The official e-Visa website is visa2egypt.gov.eg. Third-party agencies may offer legitimate assistance, but they normally charge service fees on top of the government visa fee.

Carry Your Documents Offline

Save your visa, hotel booking and onward-travel details on your phone, but also keep printed copies in case mobile data or airport Wi-Fi is unavailable.

Check Airline Requirements

Your airline may require proof that you meet Egypt’s entry rules before allowing you to board.

Egypt Visa for the 2027 Solar Eclipse

Traveling to Egypt for the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027 does not create a separate tourism visa category. Visitors still need the normal entry permission applicable to their nationality and passport.

Because eclipse travel involves fixed dates and high demand, complete the visa process well before departure rather than leaving it to the final week. For eclipse locations and travel planning, see our Solar Eclipse Egypt 2027 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Egypt Visas

Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Many international visitors do, but the exact rule depends on nationality, passport type and travel plans. Check the official Egyptian e-Visa portal or an Egyptian embassy or consulate for your specific passport.

How much is an Egypt e-Visa?

As of 1 October 2026, the official Egyptian e-Visa portal lists US$30 for a single-entry tourism visa and US$65 for a multiple-entry tourism visa. Confirm the amount again when you apply.

How much is an Egypt visa on arrival?

Current UK government travel guidance lists a physical visa on arrival at approved airports at US$30 cash. It also lists a digital visa-on-arrival option at Cairo International Airport at US$36 by card, including the service fee.

How early should I apply for an Egypt e-Visa?

The official Egyptian e-Visa portal says applications should be created at least seven days before departure. Applying earlier is sensible.

How long must my passport be valid?

The official Egyptian e-Visa portal requires at least six months of passport validity from the arrival date.

Can I get a visa on arrival?

Visa on arrival is available to eligible travelers at approved entry points, but not to every nationality or passport type. Confirm eligibility before departure.

Can I visit Cairo on a South Sinai entry stamp?

Do not assume so. A South Sinai entry-permission stamp is limited to the permitted Sinai area and period. Travelers continuing to Cairo or elsewhere in mainland Egypt need the appropriate full visa.

Can I extend an Egypt tourist visa?

Extensions can be requested through Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices. The procedure and fees should be confirmed at the time you apply.

Do children need entry permission?

Children must meet the entry requirements that apply to their nationality and travel document. Check the official rules for the child’s passport rather than assuming they are covered automatically by a parent’s visa.

Is an approved e-Visa a guarantee of entry?

No. The official e-Visa portal states that Egyptian border authorities retain the right to refuse entry even when a traveler holds an e-Visa.

Official Resources

Egypt e-Visa Portal — official Ministry of Interior e-Visa website
Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs — embassy and consular information
UK FCDO Egypt Entry Requirements — useful current reference for British travelers
IATA Travel Centre — airline-oriented entry requirement reference

Plan Your Egypt Trip

Once your entry documents are confirmed, Egypt Travel Ways can help organize the rest of your journey — including Cairo and Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Nile cruises, Red Sea stays and private multi-day itineraries.

Build your private Egypt itinerary around your dates and travel priorities.

Egypt Visa Requirements 2027 – How to Get Your Visa