Egypt Visa Guide: eVisa, Visa on Arrival and Entry Requirements

Egypt’s visa process is straightforward for many travelers, but only when you use the correct application route and verify the rules that apply to your passport.

Most visitors will use one of three options:

Apply online for an Egypt eVisa before traveling.
Obtain a Visa on Arrival, if their nationality is eligible.
Apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.

The right option depends on your nationality, where you will enter Egypt, how far in advance you are planning, and whether you want the visa process completed before departure.

Visa rules, eligible nationalities, fees and airport procedures can change. Check the official Egyptian government source again before submitting an application or boarding your flight.

Quick Answer

For most eligible first-time visitors, the Egypt eVisa is the most predictable option because it is completed before departure.

The official Egypt eVisa portal currently lists:

Visa type	Current official fee
Single-entry tourist eVisa	US$30
Multiple-entry tourist eVisa	US$65

The official eVisa portal states that your passport must remain valid for at least six months from your arrival date. You should also carry a printed copy of the approved eVisa, your travel itinerary and your accommodation details.

Eligible travelers may instead use a Visa on Arrival. At Cairo International Airport, a new digital QR-code system began operating on August 1, 2026, alongside the traditional paper process during the pilot period. The digital option costs US$36 in total: a US$30 visa fee plus a US$6 digital issuing fee.

Official Egypt eVisa Portal

Official Egypt Digital Visa-on-Arrival Portal

Only use official government websites. Commercial visa-processing companies may charge additional fees and are not the Egyptian government.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Egypt?

Most foreign visitors need permission to enter Egypt, but the correct visa method depends on nationality, passport type and purpose of travel.

Some passport holders can apply online through the official eVisa portal. Some may qualify for a Visa on Arrival. Others must apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate before departure.

Do not assume that you qualify because a friend, family member or online commenter obtained a visa in a particular way. Travelers holding different passports may face different requirements.

Before booking non-refundable travel, verify:

Whether your nationality qualifies for an eVisa
Whether you qualify for a Visa on Arrival
Whether you need advance consular approval
Whether your passport meets the validity requirement
Whether your intended entry point supports your chosen visa method
Whether additional documents are required

Check eVisa eligibility on the official Egypt eVisa portal

The Three Main Ways to Obtain an Egypt Tourist Visa

Option 1: Egypt eVisa

Overview

The Egypt eVisa allows eligible travelers to apply online before departure.

Applicants enter their passport and travel information, pay electronically and receive a downloadable visa after approval. The approved eVisa should be printed and carried during travel.

For most eligible first-time visitors, this is the option I recommend because the visa process is completed before you leave home.

Apply through the official Egypt eVisa portal

Who the eVisa Suits

The eVisa is usually best for:

First-time visitors
Families traveling with children
Travelers planning several weeks in advance
Visitors who want approval before flying
Travelers who prefer online payment
Visitors who want to avoid completing the main visa process after landing
Travelers entering through an airport where the new digital Visa on Arrival system is not yet active

Current eVisa Fees

Visa type	Current official fee
Single-entry tourist eVisa	US$30
Multiple-entry tourist eVisa	US$65

A single-entry visa is normally sufficient for a traveler entering Egypt once and leaving at the end of the trip.

A multiple-entry visa may be appropriate when the itinerary requires leaving Egypt and returning during the visa’s permitted validity period. Confirm the visa conditions shown during the official application process before paying.

What You Need Before Applying

Prepare the following before starting:

Passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date
Clear passport information
Intended arrival date
Travel itinerary
Hotel booking or accommodation details
Information about places you plan to visit
Supporting letter when required for a business or family visit
Credit or debit card accepted by the portal
Working email address

Make sure the name, passport number, nationality, date of birth and expiration date match the passport exactly.

How to Apply for an Egypt eVisa: Step by Step

Step 1: Open the official portal

Check the web address carefully before entering passport or payment information.

Step 2: Create an account

Step 3: Verify your account

Open the verification message sent to your email and follow the activation instructions.

Check your spam or junk folder if it does not arrive.

Step 4: Start a new application

Choose the appropriate visa type and enter the requested personal, passport and travel information.

Step 5: Enter your passport details carefully

Copy the information directly from the passport.

Check:

Full name
Passport number
Nationality
Date of birth
Issue date
Expiration date

Do not rely on memory.

Step 6: Add your travel information

Provide the requested arrival date, itinerary and accommodation details.

Use information that matches your actual travel plans.

Step 7: Upload the required passport image or documents

The image must be clear, readable and complete.

Do not upload a blurred, cropped, dark or partially covered passport page.

Step 8: Review the entire application

Check every field before paying.

A small error in a passport number or name can create delays or cause the application to be unusable for travel.

Step 9: Pay through the official portal

The eVisa portal accepts online card payment.

Avoid leaving the official portal to pay a separate company unless you have intentionally chosen a commercial visa service.

Step 10: Monitor your email

Approval and download information will be sent electronically.

Continue checking the email address used for the application.

Step 11: Download and print the eVisa

Carry:

A printed eVisa
A digital backup
Your passport
Travel itinerary
Accommodation details

Do not depend only on a screenshot stored on one phone.

Advantages of the Egypt eVisa

The process is completed before departure.
You know the application outcome before arriving in Egypt.
Payment is made online.
You avoid purchasing the visa after a long flight.
It is easier for families to prepare all documents together.
It provides a downloadable record of the approved visa.
It works well for travelers entering through airports where the new digital Visa on Arrival system has not launched.

Disadvantages of the Egypt eVisa

Only eligible nationalities can use it.
Application mistakes can cause delays or require another application.
Travelers must plan ahead.
Approval does not guarantee admission; immigration officers make the final entry decision.
You must remember to download and print the visa.
Third-party websites can make it difficult to identify the official application portal.

Expert Tip

Apply through the official portal as soon as your core travel plans are confirmed, rather than waiting until the final days before departure.

Review the passport number one character at a time before paying. The most avoidable visa problems often begin with a simple data-entry mistake.

Keep the approved eVisa in three places:

A printed copy with your passport
A PDF saved on your phone
A backup copy in your email or secure cloud storage

Option 2: Visa on Arrival

Overview

Eligible travelers may obtain a tourist visa at the point of entry instead of applying for an eVisa in advance.

At Cairo International Airport, the process changed on August 1, 2026, when Egypt launched a digital QR-code Visa on Arrival pilot. During the pilot period, the new digital system operates alongside the traditional paper visa process.

The digital rollout is currently confirmed at Cairo International Airport. Egypt has announced a phased expansion to other airports, but travelers should not assume that the QR-code system is available elsewhere until the relevant airport is officially added.

Before relying on Visa on Arrival, confirm that your nationality qualifies.

Who Visa on Arrival Suits

Visa on Arrival may suit:

Eligible travelers making last-minute plans
Visitors who did not complete an eVisa application
Travelers arriving through Cairo International Airport
Visitors comfortable completing the visa process close to arrival
Travelers who prefer the digital QR-code process
Eligible visitors prepared to use the traditional airport process when necessary

Two Visa-on-Arrival Methods at Cairo Airport

During the pilot, eligible travelers may encounter:

The digital QR-code Visa on Arrival
The traditional paper visa process

The digital system is intended to replace the paper sticker after the pilot is completed, but the paper process continues alongside it during the transition.

Digital Visa on Arrival

The digital system issues a QR code linked to the traveler’s passport details.

The QR code can be obtained through:

The official Visa on Arrival website
The official mobile application
Self-service machines in Cairo Airport’s arrival halls

The QR code may be generated before departure, during the journey or after landing.

Use the official Egypt Digital Visa-on-Arrival portal

Digital Visa-on-Arrival Cost

Charge	Amount
Visa fee	US$30
Digital issuing fee	US$6
Total	US$36

Payment is completed electronically through the official system.

The launch announcement states that the QR code remains valid for 48 hours from issuance. Because this is a new system and operating details may be revised, follow the validity period displayed during your own application and avoid generating the code too early.

What You Need for the Digital Visa on Arrival

Prepare:

Passport meeting Egypt’s entry requirements
Confirmed eligibility for Visa on Arrival
Accurate passport information
Travel details
Electronic payment method accepted by the portal
Email address
Phone or printed access to the QR code

How to Use the Digital Visa on Arrival: Step by Step

Step 1: Confirm eligibility

Do not begin the process until you have confirmed that your nationality qualifies for Visa on Arrival.

Step 2: Confirm airport availability

The digital pilot began at Cairo International Airport across its arrival terminals.

Do not assume the system is active at Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Alexandria or another airport without checking for an official expansion announcement.

Step 3: Open the official portal

Step 4: Enter the requested information

Copy your passport information exactly.

Step 5: Pay electronically

The total digital charge is US$36.

Step 6: Receive and save the QR code

Save it:

On your phone
In your email
As a printed copy

Step 7: Check its validity

Follow the issuance and expiration information shown in your application.

Step 8: Present it at immigration

At Cairo Airport, present your passport and QR code to the immigration officer.

The officer scans the code together with the passport.

Traditional Paper Visa on Arrival

During the pilot period, the traditional paper process remains available at Cairo International Airport for eligible travelers.

The usual process involves:

Arriving at the airport
Locating the designated visa or bank counter before passport control
Purchasing the visa
Receiving the paper sticker or visa document
Proceeding to immigration
Presenting the passport and visa as instructed

Payment arrangements can change. Do not assume that every counter or airport will accept the same currencies or card types.

Confirm the current procedure shortly before departure and carry an appropriate backup payment method.

Visa on Arrival at Airports Outside Cairo

The digital QR-code pilot is confirmed at Cairo International Airport.

Travelers arriving elsewhere should expect the existing process unless Egyptian authorities confirm that the new system has expanded to that airport.

Before departure:

Check your arrival airport
Verify Visa-on-Arrival eligibility
Check whether the digital system is operating there
Consider applying for an eVisa instead when airport information is unclear

Advantages of Visa on Arrival

Useful for eligible travelers making last-minute plans.
No full eVisa application is required in advance.
The Cairo digital system supports electronic payment.
The QR code can be generated before departure or close to arrival.
The traditional paper method remains available during the pilot.
It provides a backup option for eligible travelers who did not obtain an eVisa.

Disadvantages of Visa on Arrival

It is restricted to eligible nationalities.
More of the visa process is left until close to arrival.
Travelers may face queues, technical problems or airport delays.
The digital system is not yet confirmed at every Egyptian airport.
The digital option includes a US$6 issuing fee in addition to the US$30 visa fee.
Travelers must manage the QR code’s short validity period.
A QR code or paper visa does not guarantee admission.
Families and first-time visitors may prefer completing the process in advance.

Expert Tip

For most eligible first-time visitors, the eVisa remains the more predictable choice because it is approved before departure.

The digital Visa on Arrival is most useful when travel is arranged at short notice or when an eligible traveler did not complete the eVisa process in time.

When using the digital system, generate the QR code close enough to arrival that it will not expire before you reach passport control. Save a printed copy even if you plan to show it on your phone.

Option 3: Egyptian Embassy or Consulate Visa

Overview

Travelers who are not eligible for an eVisa or Visa on Arrival may need to obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before departure.

A consular application may also be appropriate for:

Nationalities requiring advance approval
Non-tourist travel
Employment
Study
Longer stays
Specialized travel purposes
Travelers using passports or documents that require individual review

Requirements, fees and processing times can vary by embassy and nationality.

Find the Egyptian embassy or consulate serving your country

Search for:
Egyptian Embassy in [your country]
or
Egyptian Consulate in [your city or country]

Confirm that the website belongs to the official diplomatic mission before submitting documents or payment. Official embassy websites commonly use government, diplomatic, or mission-specific domains and should clearly display official contact information.

Who a Consular Visa Suits

This route is appropriate for:

Travelers not eligible for an eVisa
Travelers not eligible for Visa on Arrival
Visitors whose application requires advance review
Business travelers
Students
Workers
Travelers planning a purpose not covered by a standard tourist visa
Applicants instructed to contact an Egyptian diplomatic mission

Possible Consular Application Documents

The embassy may request:

Completed visa application
Passport
Passport photographs
Proof of residence
Flight itinerary
Accommodation booking
Invitation letter
Financial evidence
Employment or study documents
Travel insurance
Additional supporting information

Do not assume that one embassy’s document list applies worldwide.

Use the instructions published by the mission handling your application.

Consular Visa Cost

There is no single fee that should be quoted for every embassy application.

The amount can depend on:

Nationality
Visa type
Number of entries
Location of application
Processing method
Additional consular requirements

Obtain the current fee directly from the responsible embassy or consulate.

How to Apply Through an Embassy or Consulate: Step by Step

Step 1: Find the correct mission

Use the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs directory to identify the embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.

Step 2: Read the mission’s current instructions

Check:

Application form
Required documents
Appointment system
Accepted payment methods
Current fee
Processing time
Passport-submission rules

Step 3: Contact the mission when necessary

Ask for clarification when the published instructions do not address your nationality or travel purpose.

Step 4: Collect the documents

Prepare the exact documents requested.

Step 5: Complete the application carefully

Make sure the passport and travel details are consistent across every document.

Step 6: Submit the application

Follow the mission’s instructions for in-person, postal or appointment-based submission.

Step 7: Track the application

Keep your receipt, reference number and copies of everything submitted.

Step 8: Check the issued visa

Before leaving the embassy or booking final travel, verify:

Name
Passport number
Visa type
Number of entries
Validity dates
Any special conditions

Advantages of Applying Through an Embassy or Consulate

It is the correct route for travelers who do not qualify for online or arrival options.
Applicants can address unusual circumstances with a consular office.
It supports visa types beyond standard tourism.
Requirements can be confirmed directly with the responsible authority.
Approval is handled before departure.

Disadvantages of Applying Through an Embassy or Consulate

Processing may take longer.
More documents may be required.
An appointment may be necessary.
Fees and procedures vary by mission.
Passports may need to be submitted temporarily.
Last-minute travel may be difficult.
Instructions can differ between countries.

Expert Tip

Contact the embassy before purchasing non-refundable travel when your nationality requires advance approval.

Ask for the required document list in writing when possible. Embassy instructions can differ, and advice from travelers using a different passport or applying in another country may not apply to you.

Which Egypt Visa Option Should You Choose?

Situation	Usually the most practical route
Eligible first-time visitor planning ahead	eVisa
Family wanting documents completed before departure	eVisa
Eligible last-minute traveler arriving through Cairo	Digital Visa on Arrival
Eligible traveler arriving outside Cairo	eVisa or confirmed paper Visa on Arrival
Nationality not eligible for online or arrival visa	Embassy or consulate
Business, work, study or specialist travel	Embassy or consulate
Traveler uncertain about eligibility	Embassy or consulate confirmation

Egypt Passport and Entry Requirements

The official eVisa portal currently lists these arrival requirements:

Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
Printed eVisa
Travel itinerary
Supporting letter for applicable business or family visits
Hotel bookings or details of places to be visited

Border officials may request supporting information.

Carry these documents together in your hand luggage rather than placing them only in checked baggage.

Passport Validity

Your passport should remain valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Egypt.

Check the expiration date before applying.

When the passport does not meet the requirement, renew it before submitting the visa application.

Passport Condition

A damaged passport can cause airline or immigration problems even when it has not expired.

Check for:

Torn pages
Water damage
Separated cover
Unreadable identity page
Damaged machine-readable zone
Unauthorized markings

Ask your passport authority whether replacement is necessary when the document is damaged.

Matching the Visa to the Passport

Travel with the same passport used for the visa application.

This is especially important for:

Dual nationals
Travelers who renew a passport after applying
Travelers holding more than one valid passport

When your passport changes after visa approval, confirm whether a new application is required.

Children and Infants

Children and infants need their own valid travel documents.

Parents and guardians should verify:

Passport requirements
Visa requirements
Airline documentation
Consent requirements when a child travels with one parent or another adult
Rules applying to the child’s nationality

Do not assume a parent’s visa automatically covers a child.

Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry eVisa?

Single Entry

A single-entry visa is usually appropriate when you:

Enter Egypt once
Remain for the planned trip
Leave without returning during the same travel period

Current official eVisa fee: US$30

Multiple Entry

A multiple-entry visa may be useful when you:

Enter Egypt
Travel to another country
Return to Egypt
Need more than one permitted entry during the visa’s validity

Current official eVisa fee: US$65

Before choosing it, verify that the permitted validity and stay conditions match your itinerary.

Sinai-Only Entry Permission

Some eligible visitors arriving directly in South Sinai may be granted a limited Sinai-only entry permission instead of a full Egypt tourist visa.

This permission is not equivalent to a nationwide tourist visa.

It may restrict travel to specified parts of South Sinai and is unsuitable when the itinerary includes places such as:

Cairo
Giza
Alexandria
Luxor
Aswan
Abu Simbel
Hurghada
Mainland Egypt outside the permitted area

Travelers planning to leave the authorized South Sinai zone should obtain the appropriate full tourist visa.

Because eligibility, entry points, permitted areas and duration can change, confirm the current rules with the airline and the Egyptian embassy or consulate before departure.

Can You Extend an Egypt Tourist Visa?

Do not assume that you can remain beyond the authorized stay simply because an extension may be possible.

Overstaying can create:

Fines
Administrative delays
Departure complications
Future immigration problems

If you need additional time, contact the relevant Egyptian immigration authority before the authorized stay expires.

Extension procedures, offices, documents and fees can change. Confirm the current process locally rather than relying on an old online account.

Common Egypt Visa Mistakes

Using an Unofficial Application Website

Commercial websites may appear similar to the government portal.

Before entering personal information, confirm that you are using the official website for the eVisa or for the digital Visa on Arrival.

Applying with the Wrong Passport

Use the passport you will carry into Egypt.

Dual nationals should not apply using one passport and arrive with another without confirming how the visa will be handled.

Entering the Passport Number Incorrectly

Check every letter and number.

Pay particular attention to:

Zero and the letter O
One and the letter I
Repeated digits
Country-code fields
Expiration date

Applying with Insufficient Passport Validity

Verify that the passport will remain valid for at least six months from arrival.

Waiting Until the Final Days

Even when a visa system normally processes applications quickly, delays and technical problems can occur.

Apply early enough to correct an error.

Forgetting the Printed eVisa

The official portal lists the eVisa printout as an arrival requirement.

Carry the printed copy.

Generating the Visa-on-Arrival QR Code Too Early

The digital launch information states that the QR code has a limited validity period.

Follow the expiration shown during application and generate it close enough to travel that it remains valid at immigration.

Assuming a Visa Guarantees Admission

A visa allows you to travel to the border and request entry.

Egyptian port authorities retain the right to refuse admission.

Relying on Another Traveler’s Nationality

Visa eligibility depends on the passport being used.

Advice from someone with a different nationality may not apply.

Egypt Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Egypt eVisa website legitimate?

The official government eVisa portal is: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg
Check the domain before entering passport or payment information.

How much does an Egypt eVisa cost?

The official portal currently lists:
US$30 for a single-entry tourist eVisa
US$65 for a multiple-entry tourist eVisa
Check the portal again before paying because fees can change.

How much does the digital Visa on Arrival cost?

The Cairo digital Visa-on-Arrival pilot charges:
US$30 visa fee
US$6 issuing fee
US$36 total

Can I use the digital Visa on Arrival at Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh?

Do not assume so.
The initial pilot began at Cairo International Airport. Expansion is planned in phases, with dates to be announced.
Check for an official announcement before relying on the digital system at another airport.

Should I print my eVisa or QR code?

Yes.
Carry a printed copy and a digital backup.

Do children need visas?

Children need their own valid travel documents, and visa requirements may apply according to nationality.
Confirm the rules for each child.

Can I work in Egypt on a tourist visa?

A tourist visa is intended for tourism and does not replace the immigration and employment authorization required for work.
Contact an Egyptian embassy or consulate for the correct visa route.

Can I enter Egypt with a one-way ticket?

Airlines or immigration officials may request evidence of onward travel and accommodation.
Travelers without a return or onward itinerary should confirm the requirements with the airline and relevant Egyptian authority before departure.

Can I apply for the eVisa after arriving in Egypt?

The eVisa is intended to be obtained before travel.
Eligible travelers already arriving without one may need to use the applicable Visa-on-Arrival procedure instead.

What happens if my eVisa application contains a mistake?

Do not travel assuming immigration will correct it.
Use the official portal’s support options and determine whether a new application is required.

Official Egypt Visa Resources

Official Egypt eVisa Portal

Use it to:

Check eVisa eligibility
Review current fees
Apply online
Review stated arrival requirements
Download the approved eVisa

Official Egypt Digital Visa-on-Arrival Portal

Use it when:

Your nationality qualifies for Visa on Arrival
You are arriving through an airport where the digital system is active
You want to generate the QR code

Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mission Directory

Use it to find the Egyptian embassy or consulate responsible for your country or place of residence.

Final Visa Checklist

Before leaving home, confirm that you have:

Correct visa for your nationality
Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
Visa issued for the same passport you are carrying
Printed eVisa or printed QR code
Digital backup
Flight itinerary
Accommodation details
Supporting letter when applicable
Return or onward travel information
Embassy contact details when your case requires consular assistance

Final Advice

For most eligible travelers planning ahead, the eVisa provides the clearest and most predictable route because the visa is approved before departure.

Visa on Arrival remains useful for eligible travelers, particularly when plans are made at short notice. The new Cairo QR-code system improves the process by adding electronic payment and reducing reliance on paper stickers, but travelers must still confirm eligibility, airport availability and QR-code validity.

Travelers who do not qualify for either option should contact the appropriate Egyptian embassy or consulate well before departure.

Use official government websites, check every passport detail carefully and verify the rules again shortly before travel.

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