How to get a Tourist Visa to Egypt
Travellers wishing to visit Egypt, with very few exceptions, will be required to have a visa. Whilst getting this visa is not difficult, it is important to be aware of the guidelines which change quite often. Visa raids are happening at different checkpoints which may make having an expired visa quite unpleasant. Below we outline the different types of tourist visas available, the countries eligible for visas on arrival, those that require embassy-issued visas, and how to extend a visa if needed. If you wish to extend, this has to be done before your visa runs out.
1. Types of Tourist Visas
Visa on Arrival
Many nationalities, including British citizens, can obtain a visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports. Visas are issued by private entities that have been cleared by the government to offer this service. This can create confusion upon arrival with men often shouting your flight number and departure destination in order to get you to their kiosk to buy a visa from them. You will need to complete an entry card before getting the visa. These are sometimes given on the plane but more often than not, they are not. They are easy to complete but make sure you have a pen with you.
- Costs approximately $25 USD per person including children. It is best to have cash to facilitate the transaction.
- Pick a Kiosk belonging to an official bank. They won’t charge a fee.
- Grants a 30-day stay. If you’re flying out, you will get an additional 14 days grace period.
- Is available at major entry points such as Cairo International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, and Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.
- Can be extended in certain cases by applying at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Administration. Our fee to do this service is $25 USD + Government fees.
Where to Obtain a Visa on Arrival
- Visa on Arrival is issued at Egyptian airports only and is not available at land border crossings.
- Payment is usually accepted in USD, but having the exact amount is recommended to speed up the process.
e-Visa
Travellers can also apply for an electronic visa before arriving in Egypt at the official government website HERE. This option:
- Is available online via the official Egyptian e-Visa portal.
- Allows a single-entry stay of up to 30 days.
- Must be applied for at least seven days before travel.
- Costs the same as the visa on arrival ($25 for a single entry, $60 for a multiple-entry visa).
- Requires an uploaded scan of the traveller’s passport and other supporting documents.
Sinai Resort Permission Stamp
Visitors arriving directly at Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba may receive a free entry stamp. This option:
- Permits a stay of up to 15 days.
- Restricts movement to the Sinai Peninsula.
- Is not extendable beyond the specified period.
2. Countries Eligible for Visa on Arrival or e-Visa
Citizens of the following countries can obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa before travel:
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- Chile
- Australia
- New Zealand
- European Union member states
- Russia
- Japan
- South Korea
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
For the most up-to-date list, it is recommended to check the official Egyptian consular website before travel.
3. Countries Requiring an Embassy Visa
Some nationalities must obtain a visa before arriving in Egypt by visiting an Egyptian embassy or consulate. Countries requiring an embassy-issued visa include:
- India
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Afghanistan
- Philippines
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Sri Lanka
- Iran
- Iraq
How to Apply for an Embassy Visa
- Visit the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
- Provide a completed visa application form, valid passport, passport-sized photos, and any required supporting documents such as hotel bookings and return flight tickets.
- Processing times vary but can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, so applying well in advance is advised.
4. Visa Extensions and Grace Periods
How to Extend a Tourist Visa
- Visit the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Administration office in Cairo or local offices in other major cities.
- Bring a copy of your passport, current visa, and passport-sized photos.
- Change money into Egyptian Pounds at a local bank, you will need the receipt as part of the application.
- Fill out an application form and pay the extension fee.
- Processing times can vary, but applications are usually processed within a few days to a week.
- Extensions are usually granted for another 90 days, depending on individual circumstances.
Although this process is relatively simple, it can be confusing when you do it the first time. We charge a fee of $25 USD or Egyptian Pound equivalent to do this process for you.
Grace Period for Overstaying
- Egypt provides a short grace period for overstaying, usually 14 days if you fly out, beyond the visa expiration date.
- Visitors who overstay beyond this period must pay a fine at the airport before departure. The amount of the fine is a closely guarded secret which changes every minute of every day.
- Repeated overstays can result in entry bans or difficulties obtaining future visas.
Penalties for Overstaying Your Visa
Overstaying a tourist visa in Egypt results in fines and potential travel restrictions. The penalties include:
- Fines: The standard fine for overstaying varies depending on the duration of the overstay. Short overstays may incur a fine of approximately $30 to $50 USD, while longer overstays can result in significantly higher fines. It is up to the airport employee to decide an amount.
- Payment Process: Overstay fines are typically paid at the airport before departure. Travellers must go to the immigration counter, where the fine amount is calculated based on the length of the overstay.
- Restrictions on Future Travel: Repeated overstays can lead to difficulties obtaining future visas or entry bans. Authorities may require additional documentation for future visa applications, or in severe cases, deny entry to repeat offenders.
- Risk of Detention: In extreme cases where a traveller has overstayed by several months or more, there is a risk of being detained or facing legal consequences before being allowed to leave the country.
- Extension Option: If a traveller foresees that they may overstay, it is highly recommended to apply for a visa extension before the current visa expires to avoid penalties.
5. Important Considerations
- Overstaying a Visa: Visitors who overstay their visa are subject to fines and may face restrictions on future travel to Egypt.
- Visa Extensions: Extensions are possible in some cases but must be applied for at an Egyptian immigration office.
- Multiple Entries: Travellers who plan to leave and re-enter Egypt should consider applying for a multiple-entry e-Visa to avoid complications.
- Processing Delays: During peak travel seasons, visa processing at embassies and airports may take longer than usual.
Although this sounds complicated, it is quite simple. Our fee is $25 plus government fees. You can contact us on phone, using the form below or using Whatsapp.