The three routes inالطرق الثلاث للدخول
E-visa, applied for online
Citizens of a long list of countries can apply on the government portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travelling. Single-entry and multiple-entry versions exist; processing usually takes a few business days, so apply at least a week ahead. This is the lowest-stress option because your entry is settled before you fly.
Visa on arrival
Available at Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and other international airports. You buy a sticker at a bank window in the arrivals hall before immigration, then present it with your passport. Pay in cash — US dollars, euros or sterling are generally accepted — and take small notes, since change is not guaranteed.
Sinai-only entry stamp
Travellers arriving at Sharm El Sheikh and staying within the South Sinai resort zone can usually receive a free entry permit for a limited stay instead of a visa. It does not allow travel to Cairo, Luxor or the mainland Red Sea, and a trip outside the zone requires a full visa instead.
Fees and what changed in 2026الرسوم وما تغير في 2026
| E-visa, single entry | Long-standing rate of US$25; reported to have risen during 2026. Confirm the live price on the portal. |
|---|---|
| E-visa, multiple entry | Historically US$60, with an increase also reported in 2026. |
| Visa on arrival | Raised from US$25 to US$30 with effect from 1 March 2026, per UK government travel advice; a digital version at a higher price has also been reported since August 2026. |
| Sinai-only stamp | Free, limited duration, South Sinai only. |
| Passport validity | At least six months beyond your date of entry, with a blank page for the stamp. |
| Stay length | Tourist visas normally permit up to 30 days per entry. |
Exemptions and special casesالإعفاءات والحالات الخاصة
- Nationals of a number of Arab and other countries do not need a visa for tourist stays — the list is set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and changes.
- Holders of valid Schengen, US, UK, Canadian, Japanese or Australian visas or residence permits have at times been granted simplified or reduced-cost entry. Terms vary and are applied at the officer's discretion.
- Visa policy for Egypt has been under active review, with several changes announced during 2025 and 2026. Anything you read — including this page — should be checked against the official portal or your nearest Egyptian embassy before you travel.
- Overstaying carries a fine payable on departure. If your plans change, ask about extension at a passport office rather than assuming.
Common questionsأسئلة شائعة
How much does an Egypt visa cost?
The e-visa has historically been US$25 for single entry and US$60 for multiple entry, and the visa on arrival rose from US$25 to US$30 on 1 March 2026, with further changes reported since. Check visa2egypt.gov.eg for the current figure before paying.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Egypt?
Most nationalities can, at the main international airports. You buy the visa sticker at a bank window in the arrivals hall before passing immigration, in cash.
Is the e-visa or visa on arrival better?
The e-visa removes uncertainty and airport queuing and lets you prove entry clearance at check-in. Visa on arrival is faster to organise and useful for last-minute trips, but depends on the queue and on having the right cash.
How long can tourists stay in Egypt?
Tourist visas normally allow up to 30 days per entry. Extensions are handled by passport offices inside Egypt, and overstaying without one results in a fine on departure.