The short answer: getting a visa for Egypt is simple, fast, and inexpensive for most nationalities. Citizens of the USA, UK, all EU countries, Australia, Canada, and approximately 70 other countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport for $25 USD — payable in cash at a bank window before the immigration desks. The alternative is the Egypt e-visa, applied online before travel. GCC nationals (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain) enter visa-free for 90 days. This guide covers every option with step-by-step instructions.
Egypt Visa Requirements 2026 — Complete Guide
Which Visa Do You Need? Quick Reference by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Type | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Norway, Russia, Ukraine | Visa on Arrival OR E-Visa | $25 USD | 30 days |
| GCC nationals (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain) | Visa-Free | Free | 90 days |
| Nationals with valid Schengen, UK, or US visa (not normally eligible) | Free 15-day visa | Free | 15 days only (Sinai restrictions may apply) |
| Other nationalities not listed above | Embassy visa required | Varies | Apply 6–8 weeks ahead at Egyptian embassy |
Important: Visa policies change. Always verify your specific nationality against the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your country’s embassy website before booking. Egypt For Travel will confirm the correct visa requirements for your nationality when you make an inquiry.
Option 1: Visa on Arrival (Most Popular)
The Egypt visa on arrival is the most popular method for tourists from the USA, UK, EU and other eligible countries. Here is exactly what to do when you land at Cairo International Airport:
- Before reaching immigration: Look for the bank windows (Banque Misr or Bank of Egypt) in the arrivals hall, before the immigration desks. This is where you buy your visa sticker.
- Pay the fee: $25 USD for a single-entry 30-day visa. Payment is cash only at most airports — USD, EUR or GBP accepted. Carry exact change if possible; bank counters may not have change.
- Receive your visa sticker: The bank teller gives you a sticker to place in your passport.
- Place the sticker in your passport: Stick it on any blank page before approaching the immigration officer.
- Pass through immigration: Standard passport check. You will need to provide your hotel address or your tour operator’s details if asked.
Multiple-entry visa on arrival: If you plan to travel to Israel, Jordan or another country and return to Egypt during your trip, ask for a multiple-entry visa (approximately $60 USD) rather than the standard single-entry.
Option 2: Egypt E-Visa (Apply Online Before Travel)
The Egypt e-visa is the alternative to the visa on arrival — applied and approved online before you travel. Advantages: you bypass the bank window queue at the airport (especially useful if you arrive at a busy time) and have written confirmation of your visa before departure.
How to Apply for the Egypt E-Visa
- Go to the official Egypt e-visa portal: visa2.egypt.gov.eg
- Create an account with your email address
- Choose: Single entry ($25) or Multiple entry ($60)
- Enter your personal details: full name as on passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number and expiry date
- Enter your travel details: intended entry date, port of entry (e.g., Cairo International Airport), purpose of travel (tourism)
- Pay by Visa or Mastercard
- Receive approval email (typically within 3 business days — allow 7 days minimum before travel)
- Print your e-visa approval and present it alongside your passport at immigration
E-visa validity: The e-visa is valid for 90 days from the issue date for entry, and grants a stay of 30 days once entered.
Egypt For Travel Visa Assistance
Egypt For Travel can arrange your Egypt visa for an additional fee of $10 per person on top of the official visa cost, saving you the paperwork and time. This service is particularly useful for families with multiple passports and for travelers who prefer everything arranged in advance. Mention visa assistance when making your booking inquiry and we will include it in your package confirmation.
Passport Requirements for Egypt in 2026
- Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date into Egypt
- Blank pages: At least 1–2 blank visa pages required
- Name matching: Name on passport must match the name on your flight ticket exactly
- Israeli passport stamps: Egypt accepts travelers who have previously visited Israel. Israeli stamps in your passport are not a problem for Egypt entry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egypt Visas
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?
Most tourists do need a visa for Egypt, but it is very easy to obtain. Citizens of the USA, UK, all EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and approximately 70 other nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport for $25 USD cash — no advance application needed. Alternatively, apply for the e-visa online at visa2.egypt.gov.eg before travel. GCC nationals (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain) enter Egypt completely visa-free for up to 90 days. A small number of nationalities require an embassy visa in advance — Egypt For Travel confirms the requirements for your specific nationality when you inquire.
How much does an Egypt visa cost in 2026?
The standard Egypt tourist visa costs $25 USD for a single-entry 30-day visa, available both on arrival at the airport and as an online e-visa. A multiple-entry visa costs $60 USD — useful if you are leaving Egypt and re-entering (for example, visiting Jordan or Israel during your trip). Payment at airport bank windows is cash only (USD, EUR or GBP). The e-visa is paid by card online. Egypt For Travel can arrange the visa for an additional $10 service fee if you prefer not to handle the paperwork yourself.
Is the e-visa or visa on arrival better for Egypt?
Both work equally well. The e-visa advantage: you have written confirmation before departure, you bypass the bank window queue at the airport, and there is no risk of arriving without sufficient cash. The visa on arrival advantage: no advance application needed, no online process, suitable if you book your trip at short notice. Egypt For Travel recommends the e-visa for travelers who like everything pre-arranged, and the visa on arrival for experienced travelers who are comfortable with the airport process. In practice, the bank window queue at Cairo Airport is rarely more than 10–15 minutes even in peak season.
Can Egypt For Travel arrange my visa?
Yes — Egypt For Travel can arrange your Egypt tourist visa for a service fee of $10 per person on top of the official $25 visa cost. This is particularly useful for families and groups. Mention visa assistance when contacting us and we will include it in your itinerary confirmation. Contact us on WhatsApp to confirm visa requirements for your specific nationality before booking.
Ready to plan your Egypt trip? Egypt For Travel handles visa assistance, domestic flights, hotels, Nile cruises and private Egyptologist guides. Browse Egypt packages from $749 or WhatsApp: +20 155 555 2466. ETA Category A Licence No. 1947.
