Good news first: for most travelers from the USA, UK, EU, Gulf and many other countries, getting into Egypt is straightforward, with an e-visa online or a visa on arrival at the airport. The details, however, matter: passport validity, where you buy the visa, and the special Sinai rules.

This guide summarizes the system in plain language. Rules and fees change, so always verify with the Egyptian embassy in your country or the official Egypt e-visa portal before you travel.

Who Needs a Visa?

Almost everyone needs a visa to enter Egypt, with a handful of exemptions for some Arab and African nationalities. Most Western travelers, including citizens of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands, can use the e-visa or get a visa on arrival. Russian and other travelers should confirm their current procedure with the Egyptian consulate before flying.

The E-Visa: the Easy Route

The official Egypt e-visa portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) issues single-entry tourist visas applied for online, typically processed within days. Apply at least a week or two before travel, print the approval, and carry it with your passport.

  • Apply on the official portal only, beware of lookalike sites
  • Your passport must be valid at least six months beyond arrival
  • Print your e-visa approval and keep it with your documents

Visa on Arrival

At Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and other international airports, citizens of many countries can buy a visa stamp at bank counters before passport control, usually payable in hard currency. Queues are normally short. The e-visa is still smoother at peak arrival times.

The Sinai Stamp Exception

Travelers staying only in the South Sinai resorts zone (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba) for up to 15 days, arriving directly there, can sometimes receive a free Sinai stamp instead of a full visa. If you plan any excursion outside the zone, for example to Cairo or Luxor, you need a full visa. Our Sharm-to-Cairo tours by flight require a proper Egyptian visa.

Entry Tips

Keep these practical notes in mind:

  • Keep your passport and visa accessible during travel, not buried in luggage
  • Keep the entry stamp in your passport safe, you will need it at departure
  • Travel agencies like ours can advise on requirements, but the embassy portal is the authority

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for an Egypt e-visa?

Through the official Egypt e-visa portal. Fill the form, upload your passport data, pay the fee, and receive the approval by email, typically within days. Print it and carry it.

Can I get a visa at Cairo airport?

Yes, citizens of many countries can buy a visa on arrival at bank counters before passport control. The e-visa applied in advance is smoother at busy times.

Do I need a visa if I only visit Sharm El Sheikh?

Possibly not, a free 15-day Sinai stamp sometimes applies to the South Sinai zone only. But any travel outside the zone, including our flight tours to Cairo, requires a full visa.