🇪🇬 Egypt visa requirements

Most Western passports get you a 30-day visa on arrival in Egypt for $25 USD. Some nationalities need to apply in advance. Here's what you need to know before you land.

Who Gets a Visa on Arrival (and Who Doesn't)?

Egypt’s visa situation is pretty straightforward for most people. If you're from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or most EU countries, you can just breeze through immigration and pay $25 USD for a 30-day visa sticker. It’s a single-entry stamp, so if you plan on popping over to Jordan and coming back, you’ll need a new one.

There's a decent list of countries that also qualify for this visa on arrival. Think Brazil, China, Japan, South Korea, and many South American nations. You can usually find the latest list on the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, but honestly, the $25 sticker is the default for most tourists.

A few nationalities do need to apply for a visa before they arrive. This is less common for typical digital nomads, but it’s worth checking if you're from a less common country. For these folks, applying at an Egyptian embassy or consulate is the only option. Don't wait until the last minute; processing times can vary.

How Long Can You Actually Stay?

That 30-day visa on arrival sounds great, but it’s easy to get tripped up. The biggest gotcha is overstaying. While they might not stamp your passport with a giant "OVERSTAYER" notice, it makes future entries harder. The official penalty can get steep. For short overstays, it's often a fine of around $15 USD per day, but it can escalate quickly. More importantly, you'll likely be banned from getting another visa on arrival for a while.

There’s also the exit stamp. Make sure immigration stamps you out when you leave. Without an exit stamp, your previous entry is technically still active, which can cause confusion and problems down the line. If you plan a longer stay, you’ll need to extend your visa. This is done at the Mugamma building in Cairo or similar offices in other major cities. It’s a bureaucratic process, so allow a full day.

And remember the single-entry rule for that $25 sticker. If you plan any short trips outside Egypt during your stay, you'll need to budget for a new visa upon re-entry. This is where the eVisa can sometimes be a better bet, especially if you're a bit uncertain about your travel plans.

What's New with Egypt's Visas?

Egypt has been making moves to streamline the visa process, primarily with the introduction of the eVisa system. This is a game-changer for many nationalities. Launched officially a few years back, it’s been expanded and refined. You can now apply online for a single-entry visa (30 days) or a multiple-entry visa (90 days within 180 days).

The eVisa costs $25 USD for single entry and $60 USD for multiple entry. Application is done through the official portal: www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. Approval usually takes around 7 business days, though it can sometimes be faster. It’s a much more convenient process than queuing at the airport, especially if you’re arriving late at night or during peak season.

There haven’t been massive shifts in who qualifies for the eVisa in the last year or so, but the system itself is more stable and widely used now. It's definitely the preferred method for many, especially if you're unsure of your exact exit date or plan to make short excursions.