Visa policy of Egypt

Visa policy of Egypt

Egypt’s visa policy dictates the rules and regulations for foreign nationals entering the country. Most visitors to Egypt must obtain a visa unless they are from one of the visa-exempt countries or eligible for a visa on arrival or electronic visa (e-Visa). Additionally, Egypt offers special visa waivers for certain areas like Sinai and certain nationalities based on specific conditions.


Who Needs a Visa to Enter Egypt?

  1. Visa Exemption: Nationals from a select group of countries can visit Egypt visa-free for limited stays.
  2. Visa on Arrival (VOA): Citizens of many countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports.
  3. Electronic Visa (e-Visa): Visitors from eligible countries can apply for an e-Visa online before traveling to Egypt.
  4. Conditional Visa-Free Access: Some travelers can enter Egypt under specific conditions, based on nationality, age, or purpose of visit.
  5. Visa in Advance: Citizens from a few countries must apply for a visa at an Egyptian diplomatic mission prior to travel.

Visa-Free Entry

Visitors from the following countries can enter Egypt without a visa:

  • 6 months: Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries:
    • Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
  • 3 months: Hong Kong, Jordan, Macao

Conditional Visa-Free Access

Citizens of some countries can enter Egypt under certain conditions. For example:

  • Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen: Visa exemption for citizens below 16 or over 50 years old.
  • Afghanistan, Algeria, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia: Visa exemption for citizens below 16 or over 50 years old.

Additionally:

  • Palestinian nationals: Indefinite stay for females, visa exemption for males over 40 or under 18.

Sinai Resorts Visa Waiver

For visits to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba (Sinai resorts), nationals of European Union, the United States, and Israel (via the Taba Border Crossing) can receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival, valid for stays up to 14 days. Visitors must remain within these resort areas and cannot travel to other parts of Egypt without a visa.


Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Nationals of most European Union countries and many other nations can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days. Eligible countries include:

  • European Union (all member states)
  • Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States
  • Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Turkey

The visa on arrival costs approximately 25 USD and is available at major international airports, including Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh.


Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

Egypt offers an e-Visa system for citizens from over 70 countries, allowing them to apply for a tourist or business visa valid for 30 days before traveling. The application process is fully online, and the visa is issued electronically.

Eligible countries for the e-Visa include:

  • European Union (all member states)
  • United States, United Kingdom, Canada
  • Australia, Japan, South Korea, Russia
  • Argentina, Brazil, Mexico

Travelers can apply for the e-Visa at the official Egypt e-Visa portal, typically receiving approval within a few days.


Other Visa Conditions and Requirements

  1. Transit Visa: Travelers passing through Egypt and staying for less than 48 hours do not need a visa. However, passengers with a transit time of 6 to 48 hours may leave the airport but must remain in the city of their arrival. Transit requirements vary depending on nationality.
  2. Special Requirements for Specific Nationalities:
    • Citizens of Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iran, Israel, Mali, Niger, Palestine must apply for a visa in advance and receive special authorization from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    • Citizens of Israel can enter visa-free to the Sinai Peninsula but need a visa to visit other parts of Egypt.
  3. Tour Groups: Nationals of some countries, such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, traveling as part of an organized tour group can receive a visa on arrival.

Visa Waiver for Special Circumstances

Egypt offers visa waivers or simplified visa requirements for individuals under special circumstances:

  • Palestinians: Special provisions for males and females based on age and purpose of travel.
  • Lebanon: Visa-free entry for travelers arriving on charter flights to South Sinai or Alexandria.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. Can I get a visa on arrival in Egypt? Yes, citizens from many countries, including European Union nations, the United States, and Canada, can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for 30 days.
  2. What is the cost of a visa on arrival in Egypt? The cost of a visa on arrival is approximately 25 USD, and it can be paid at Egyptian airports.
  3. What is the Egypt e-Visa? The e-Visa is an electronic visa system allowing citizens of over 70 countries to apply online for a tourist or business visa, valid for 30 days.
  4. Do I need a visa to visit Sharm El Sheikh? If you are visiting Sharm El Sheikh or other Sinai resorts for less than 15 days, you can receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival, provided you remain in the resort areas.
  5. Can I transit through Egypt without a visa? Yes, travelers transiting through Egypt for less than 48 hours do not require a visa, but passengers with a transit time of 6-48 hours can leave the airport.
  6. How do I apply for an e-Visa to Egypt? You can apply online through the Egypt e-Visa portal by submitting your passport details, travel itinerary, and paying the visa fee.