How to Get a Visa for Egypt

Visas can be one of the biggest worries while preparing for a trip overseas—and Egypt is no exception. The good news is that getting a visa for Egypt is fairly simple once you know the process. There are two main ways to get a tourist visa: you can either apply online for an e-visa before you travel, or purchase one when you arrive at the airport. This guide will walk you through how to get your Egyptian visa, whichever method you choose.

Do I need a visa for Egypt?

Most travelers—including those from the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia—will need a visa to enter Egypt. For visitors from other countries, visa requirements may differ. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check with the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate to get the most up-to-date information.

What is an Egyptian Visa?

A visa for Egypt is an official travel document that allows you to enter and explore the country. Most travelers will need a visa before or upon arrival.

There are two common ways to get an Egypt visa:

Visa on Arrival: You can get your visa directly at the airport when you land in Egypt. This option is convenient for many travelers and requires no prior application.
Egyptian E-Visa: An online application you complete before your trip to avoid waiting at the airport.

Key Details About the Egyptian Visa

Cost: Usually $25 USD, payable in cash at the airport for the visa on arrival, or online by credit/debit card for the e-visa.
Processing Time: Visa on arrival is issued immediately at entry. The e-visa typically takes 2–3 business days to process.
When to Apply: No prior application is needed for the visa on arrival. For the e-visa, you can apply up to 90 days before arrival, but it’s best to apply at least one week before your trip.
Validity: Both visa types are generally valid for single entry and must be used within 90 days of issue.
Where to Apply: Visa on arrival is available at Egyptian international airports. The e-visa is available through the official website https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg.

⚠️ Note: Always use the official government portal for the e-visa to avoid scams and extra fees. Be cautious of third-party websites offering visa services.

How to Get the Visa on Arrival for Egypt: Step-by-step Instructions

What you’ll Need for your Egypt Visa on Arrival

To obtain the visa on arrival at the airport, you will need to bring the following:

Two passport photos
The name, address, and phone number of your hotel in Egypt
$25 USD or EUR in exact cash

Getting the visa on arrival (VOA) is a straightforward and popular option because it saves you time and effort before your trip. You don’t have to fill out online forms in advance, wait for visa approval, or remember to print documents to bring with you. Instead, you simply pay the fee at a bank counter in the airport, receive your visa sticker or stamp, and proceed through immigration. For many travelers, the entire process takes only 15 to 30 minutes, and it’s available 24 hours a day to accommodate flights arriving at any time.

It’s the option we recommend to all eligible travelers visiting Egypt, as the process is fast, simple, and convenient. Be sure to check if your nationality is eligible to apply for the visa on arrival before deciding which option to choose; some nationalities can only apply for the e-visa.

NOTE: If you’re joining our 11-Day trip to Egypt, airport pick-up is included in the trip cost and comes with personal assistance to help you obtain your visa on arrival. A representative will meet you before immigration, collect your documents, and handle the entire immigration process on your behalf. They’ll get you through immigration and security quickly and seamlessly. The only thing you’ll need to do is hand them the required documents listed above.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to apply for the Egyptian visa on arrival.

1.) Follow the Passport Control/ Immigration Signs

Once you disembark the plane, follow the crowd or the signs that say “Passport Control” or “Immigration”. You’ll be walking through the terminal toward the immigration area.

2.) Locate the Entry Visa Bank Counters

Once you reach the immigration area, do not get in line for immigration yet! You need to get your visa first. After getting your visa, you may then join the line for immigration.

NOTE: If you’re joining our 11-Day trip to Egypt, visa on arrival assistance is included in your trip cost. A representative will meet you before immigration and guide you through the entire process. Please wait for them and don’t go to the bank counter on your own.

Follow the signs to the Entry Visa bank counters near the passport control gates, often to the right or left side, depending on your terminal. The counter will usually be a bank counter like the National Bank of Egypt or be called “Bank Counter for Visa Fees.”

This is not just a bank counter and currency exchange center; it is also where you can buy your visa on arrival to Egypt!

3.) Pay for your Visa

Here, you’ll pay the $25 USD (or equivalent in EUR) visa fee, provide two passport photos, and give the address where you’ll be staying in Egypt. Beware that the visa fee is usually payable only in cash, and the counters don’t always provide change. Be ready to have the exact amount for the visa fee with you to avoid any delays. Upon paying, you will receive a receipt for the visa fee, which you will need to hand in to immigration in the next step.

4.) Proceed to Immigration

Proceed to the immigration counters and present your passport and visa fee slip to the officer. They will stamp your visa into your passport, allowing you to enter Egypt.

How to Apply for the Egyptian E-Visa:

If you’d rather arrange your visa ahead of time, Egypt offers an official e-visa option you can apply for before you travel. You can apply as early as 90 days before your trip, though it’s best to submit your application at least 7 days before you travel. The cost of the visa is the same as the visa on arrival, $25 USD, payable by credit or debit card.

The online application requires you to create an account, enter your personal and travel details, upload a clear scan of your passport, and pay the fee online. Although this process is also straightforward, it can feel time-consuming, especially since the website sometimes experiences technical glitches or session timeouts. For that reason, we generally recommend the visa on arrival for travelers joining our Egypt trips, as it’s simpler and arrival assistance is included in the trip cost.

Follow the step-by-step instructions below to apply for the Egyptian e-visa.

1.) Visit the Official Portal

To begin your e-visa application, head to the official Egyptian government e-visa portal: https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg/.

NOTE: Above is the only official government e-visa portal for Egypt. There are many other websites out there that offer e-visa services at double the price or more.

2.) Sign up

Click the pink “SIGN UP” button and fill in your personal details. Make sure you enter your correct email address as you will need to verify it in the next step.

Make sure to check the “I’m not a robot” box and click the “SIGN UP” blue button.

3.) Verify Your Email Address

You should receive a message at the email address you provided, asking you to verify your account. Check your inbox and click the blue “VERIFY E-MAIL ADDRESS” button to continue.

4.) Create your Account and Sign in

A new window will open. Click the blue “APPLY NOW” button.

Enter the email address and password you just created. Make sure to check the box saying “I’m not a robot”. Click the blue “SIGN IN” button.

5.) Enter your Traveling Information

Enter your traveling information. Refer to your flight itinerary for arrival and departure dates. Make sure all details match your plans exactly and click “NEXT”.

6.) Enter your Applicant Information

Fill in your name and other personal details as they appear in your passport. Double-check for typos or extra spaces, since even small errors can cause issues.

7.) Enter your Passport Information

Enter your information as it appears in your passport. Double-check for typos or extra spaces, since even small errors can cause issues.

8.) Enter your Contact Details

Enter your personal contact information. When entering your phone number, make sure to enter it in the format seen above with no hyphens or spaces in the number or at the end of it.

9.) Upload your Passport Scan

Click “ATTACH” and upload a clear scan or photo of your passport. Make sure the file name contains only letters—NO special characters. Keep the file size under 500 MB, and save it in .jpg, .jpeg, or .png format.

In the “Applicants” section, enter your information as it appears in your passport. Click the blue “NEXT” button.

10.) Enter your Host Information

Enter your hotel information. Click the blue “SAVE” button.

NOTE: If you’re on our Egypt trip, we will provide you with the information by email.

11.) Submit Application and Pay for your Visa

Make sure everything is correct and click the green “CONFIRM” button to sublit your application.

Agree to the terms and refund/cancellation policy.

Click the “PAY” button.

Click on your preferred method of payment.

Enter your card information and click the “PAY” button.

NOTE: You may have to restart your application a few times as the e-visa website may expire or have loading issues.

After You Submit Your E-Visa Application

Once your visa application has been processed, you will receive an email updating you on your application status.

Generally, Egypt processes e-visas in 2–3 business days. However, delays can happen, so applying at least a week before your trip is a good idea.

If your visa is approved, you will receive a link to download your e-visa.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Always print a paper copy of your e-visa and carry it with you. Immigration officers will ask to see it when you arrive in Egypt.

If your visa is denied, you will not usually receive an explanation as to why it was denied. This is somewhat normal for many travelers. The most common reasons for visa denial are typos in the data entered on the application, extra spaces before or after data, or an unclear/illegible picture of your passport. There are no refunds for denied visas and you can apply again or just get the visa on arrival. You can apply for the e-visa as many times as you want. Don’t worry; a denied e-visa application does not usually affect your ability to get the visa on arrival

Once you have your visa on arrival or e-visa in hand, it’s time to start exploring the ancient wonders of Egypt! Happy travels!