All You Need To Know About How to apply for a visa to Egypt?

Egypt visa requirements are one of the first things travelers search for when planning a trip to the Land of the Pharaohs. Whether you are applying for a visa to Egypt for tourism, business, or a longer stay, understanding the process in 2026 is essential for a smooth and stress-free journey.

Many travelers want to know about the Egypt visa on arrival, the cost of the Egypt visa on arrival, and the updated Egypt visa requirements for US citizens before booking flights.

In this complete 2026 guide, you will find clear, accurate, and traveler-focused information about every Egypt Visa option available today. We explain who needs a visa to Egypt, how much it costs, how long it takes, what documents are required, and how to choose the best option for your travel plans. By the end of this guide, you will feel confident about securing your visa and moving forward with booking your Egypt tour.

To enjoy a memorable trip in Egypt, check out our Egypt Excursions with our certified Egyptologist and Egypt travel guide.

Do You Need a Visa to Egypt in 2026?

One of the most common questions travelers ask is, “Do I need a visa for Egypt?”

In most cases, yes. The majority of international travelers require an Egypt Visa before entering the country. However, the type of visa to Egypt depends on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay.

Travelers from many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European nations, must obtain a tourist visa. Fortunately, Egypt offers flexible options in 2026, including

• Egypt e-visa (online application)
• Egypt visa on arrival
• Embassy or consulate visa
• Multiple-entry and 5-year visa options

Some nationalities may qualify for visa-free entry for short stays in specific resort areas such as Sharm El Sheikh (limited conditions apply). However, for most visitors planning to explore Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan or take a Nile cruise, a full Egypt visa is required.

It is always recommended to verify your eligibility before departure to avoid complications at the airport.

Types of Egypt Visa Available in 2026

Understanding your options helps you choose the best visa to Egypt for your travel style and itinerary.

1. Egypt Tourist E-Visa

The Egypt e-visa is the most convenient option for many travelers. It allows you to apply online before departure without visiting an embassy. Once approved, the visa is sent electronically and presented upon arrival.

Available options include:

• Single-entry tourist visa (valid for 30 days stay)
• Multiple-entry tourist visa (valid for multiple visits within the validity period)

2. Egypt Visa on Arrival

The egypt visa on arrival is available at major international airports, including Cairo International Airport, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor. Travelers purchase the visa sticker at a bank counter before passport control.

This option is convenient for last-minute travelers but may involve waiting in lines during peak travel seasons.

3. Embassy Visa

Some travelers must apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate in advance. This is usually required for nationalities not eligible for visa on arrival or an e-visa.

4. 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa

Egypt introduced a long-term visa option allowing multiple entries over five years for eligible nationalities. This visa is ideal for frequent visitors, business travelers, and those who own property in Egypt.

Choosing the right Egypt Visa depends on your travel frequency, convenience preference, and eligibility.

Egypt Visa on Arrival in 2026

The Egypt visa on arrival continues to be one of the most convenient and widely used options for tourists visiting Egypt in 2026. It allows eligible travelers to obtain their visa directly at the airport upon arrival, eliminating the need for advance online or embassy applications.

Who Can Get an Egypt Visa on Arrival?

Citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union countries, Canada, Australia, and several other approved nationalities are eligible to obtain a visa to Egypt upon arrival at designated international airports.

This option is available at Egypt’s major airports, including Cairo International Airport, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, and Borg El Arab (Alexandria). Travelers simply purchase the visa sticker from an authorized bank counter before proceeding to passport control.

Requirements for an Egypt Tourist Visa on Arrival

To receive a Tourist Visa on Arrival in Egypt, travelers must meet the following conditions:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry
• At least one blank page in the passport
• Payment of the visa fee (typically payable in USD cash)
• Proof of onward or return travel (recommended)
• Accommodation details during the stay

The process is generally straightforward and takes only a few minutes, depending on airport traffic. However, during peak travel seasons, queues may occur. Travelers who prefer to avoid waiting may consider applying for an Egypt e-visa before departure.

For many visitors, the Egypt visa on arrival remains a practical and reliable entry option, especially for last-minute travel plans.

Egypt Visa on Arrival Cost

The Egypt visa on arrival cost for a single-entry tourist visa is typically 25 USD. This allows a stay of up to 30 days.

Multiple-entry visas, when available at airports, may cost around 60 USD. It is important to carry cash in US dollars to pay the visa fee.

Requirements at the Airport

To obtain your Egypt Visa on arrival, you must have:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
• At least one blank visa page
• Proof of onward or return ticket
• Accommodation details

While the process is straightforward, applying for an e-visa before travel can save time and reduce uncertainty.

Don’t Miss To Read More About Travel Tips To Egypt  

How to Apply for an Egypt E-Visa (Step-by-Step)

Applying online for an Egyptian visa is increasingly popular in 2026.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

Fill in personal details, passport information, and travel dates.

Step 2: Upload Required Documents

Upload a scanned copy of your passport information page.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

Use a secure online payment method.

Step 4: Receive Approval by Email

Processing usually takes between 3 and 7 business days.

Step 5: Print and Present on Arrival

Carry a printed copy to show immigration officers.

The e-visa eliminates airport queues and provides peace of mind before departure.

The e-Visa is granted to citizens of the countries shown.

Applicants obtain their visas electronically after entering the required information and making payments with a credit or debit card.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Visa for Egypt?

Another frequently asked question is: How long does it take to get a visa for Egypt?

• Egypt visa on arrival: Issued immediately at the airport (processing time depends on the queue).
• Egypt e-visa: Usually processed within 3–7 business days.
• Embassy visa: Processing time varies from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on location.

To avoid stress, it is recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before travel if choosing the e-visa option.

How Much Is the E-Visa for Egypt?

What is the cost of the e-visa for Egypt?

In 2026, the standard fees are approximately:

• Single-entry tourist e-visa: 25 USD
• Multiple-entry tourist e-visa: 60 USD

Fees are subject to change, so travelers should always verify official sources before applying.

Read More About Egypt Travel Cost  

What Is the 5 Year Visa for Egypt?

The 5-year multiple-entry Egypt Visa allows eligible travelers to enter Egypt multiple times within five years. Each stay typically permits up to 90 days per visit, depending on regulations.

This visa is ideal for:

• Frequent business travelers
• Property owners in Egypt
• Long-term visitors
• Travelers who regularly book Nile cruises or Red Sea vacations

The cost is higher than a standard tourist visa but provides flexibility and convenience for repeat travel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Visa to Egypt

Even though the process is simple, travelers sometimes make avoidable errors:

• Passport validity is less than 6 months
• Incorrect passport number in the application
• Applying too late
• Choosing the wrong visa type
• Not carrying cash for a visa on arrival

Double-checking details ensures smooth entry into Egypt.

Entry Rules at Egyptian Airports in 2026

When arriving with your Egypt Visa, immigration officers may ask for:

• Passport and visa
• Return ticket confirmation
• Hotel reservation details

Most travelers experience a quick and professional entry process. Egypt continues improving airport infrastructure to provide efficient services for international visitors.

Can You Extend Your Egypt Visa?

Yes, extensions are possible for many travelers. Extensions must be processed through the local immigration office inside Egypt. It is recommended to apply before your visa expires.

Overstaying may result in fines, so travelers should monitor their visa validity carefully.

Planning Your Trip After Securing Your Egypt Visa

Once your visa to Egypt is approved, the exciting part begins. With entry formalities completed, you can confidently book your itinerary, whether it includes:

• Cairo and the Pyramids
• A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan
• Abu Simbel temples
• Red Sea beach resorts
• Desert safaris

Securing your Egypt Visa early allows you to focus on choosing the right tour package, selecting accommodations, and designing a personalized experience that matches your travel goals.

Working with a professional Egypt travel agency ensures airport transfers, guided tours, internal flights, and cruise bookings are handled smoothly from arrival to departure.

What does it mean to have a visa from Egypt?

Egypt’s checkpoints will only let you through if you have a current visa.

So, the main goal of this website is to give tourists as much information as possible to make it easier for them to get into Egypt without any problems and with the proper visas.

Tourist visas can be asked for and given to anyone coming into Egypt from outside the country’s borders.

It’s a piece of paper that lets a person enter and stay in a foreign country for a certain amount of time, with or without the ability to do things that make money.

Can I go to Egypt without a visa?

Visitors to Egypt must get a visa from an Egyptian diplomatic mission ahead of time unless they live in one of the countries that don’t need tickets or are in one of the groups that can get a visa when they arrive.

Visitors to Egypt must have valid passports for at least six more months after entering the country.

Free visas to Egypt are available to citizens of the following countries:

Countries are permitted to visit Egypt without a visa under certain conditions:

Egypt Transit Visa:

1- Is a transit visa required for Egypt?

Transit visas are a special type of visa that allows travelers to quickly enter and leave a country. There is a limit on how long a tourist can stay in the country to change planes and go somewhere outside the country that gave them the visa. This limit depends on how long the visitor will be in the country.
Need to switch flights in Egypt? You might need an Egyptian transit visa to leave the airport and get into the country without any trouble. If you will only be waiting at the airport for less than 24 hours, you do not need to get a transit visa.

How do I apply for a transit visa to go to Egypt?

A passport that doesn’t have an expiration date and was issued by one of the countries on the list
If the passenger has a confirmed reservation for the trip’s next leg, that could be a sign that they mean what they mean.

Some people from some countries may not need a visa to enter Egypt if they only plan to stay there for less than 48 hours. If passengers have more than six hours to kill before their next flight, they can leave the airport and explore the area if they want to. If a person’s next flight is scheduled to go within the six-hour window, they must stay at the airport for the whole time.

Which country doesn’t need a transit visa?

• Malaysia
• Oman
• Kuwait
• UAE
• Macao
• Hong Kong
• Saudi Arabia
• Lebanon
• Bahrain

Note: If you plan your trip to Egypt, don’t miss checking our Egypt vacation packages to choose your favorite travel package to Explore Egypt sightseeing 

Final Thoughts: Secure Your Egypt Visa and Travel with Confidence in 2026

Obtaining an Egyptian visa in 2026 is a straightforward process when you understand your options. Whether you choose the Egypt visa on arrival, apply online for convenience, or secure a long-term multiple-entry visa, preparation is key.

With your visa to Egypt approved, you can move forward confidently and begin planning an unforgettable journey filled with ancient wonders, cultural richness, and unforgettable experiences.

If you are ready to explore Egypt, our travel experts are here to help you design the perfect itinerary, handle logistics, and ensure every detail of your trip is managed professionally from arrival to departure.

Most FAQs about Entry Visa To Egypt:

1- Do Egypt Tour Packages assist with the Visa procedure?

When purchasing one of our trips to Egypt, the traveler upon arrival in Egypt will be welcomed. By one of our representatives who will assist in the procedure for entering the country.

2- How do I get a visa to go to Egypt if I don’t live in the country where I was born?

If the traveler has a permit to live in another country. When he arrives, he can apply for an Egyptian visa at the embassy or consulate in that country or buy one at Cairo, Hurghada, or Luxor airports. If they don’t have a residence permit, they have to get their visa from the Egyptian embassy. Or a consulate in the country that gave them their passport.

3- If I already have a visa to go to Sinai, will it let me go to other places in Egypt?

Tourists can go to any place on the Sinai Peninsula with a Sinai visa, but if they want to go to another part of Egypt, they need to get a new visa.

4- Can I extend the period of my tourist visa?

To extend the visa, it is necessary to go to the Mogami building, located on Tahrir square in the center of Cairo

5- Can I combine my visit to Egypt with another country?

Of course, we offer several packages combined with the possibility of visiting different destinations.

6- If I am arriving at Cairo airport, which terminal will I land at?

Your arrival terminal depends on the airline you are using. Airlines in Western Europe and America generally use Terminal 3. While Egyptian, Arab, African, and Eastern European airlines use Terminal