🇪🇬 Egypt visa requirements

Most Western passports get you 30 days visa-free on arrival. Don't bank on working remotely.

Who gets visa-free, who needs to apply?

Egypt offers visa-free entry for about 30 days to citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries. Just show up, get your passport stamped. Easy. For many other nationalities, there's a visa on arrival available at Cairo International Airport and other major entry points. This typically costs around $25 USD and is valid for 30 days. Always have cash handy for this. If you're from a country not on either of those lists, or if you want to be absolutely sure, applying for a visa in advance through an Egyptian embassy or consulate is your safest bet. This avoids any potential confusion or unexpected queues at the border.

How long can you actually stay? And what happens if you don't leave?

The standard tourist visa, whether visa-free or on arrival, grants you 30 days. This is a single-entry allowance. If you leave Egypt and want to come back, you'll need a new visa. Overstaying is where things get sticky. The penalties can escalate quickly. For a short overstay, say a few days, you might get away with a warning or a small fine at immigration. But for longer periods, expect significant fines and potential detention. Fines are often calculated per day, and while the exact numbers fluctuate, a common figure cited is £E 50 (approx. $1.60 USD) per day for the first month, increasing thereafter. More importantly, you risk being banned from re-entering Egypt for a period. Always be aware of your stamp's expiry date.

Working remotely on a tourist visa: What are the risks?

This is a classic digital nomad grey area. Officially, working on a tourist visa is not permitted. Egyptian immigration officials are generally more focused on the entry and exit stamps and ensuring you're not attempting to work illegally for a local company. If you're just hopping on Zoom calls and typing away in your Airbnb, the chances of getting caught are slim. However, if you're seen actively working in public spaces like cafes for extended periods, or if you draw attention to yourself for other reasons, an official might question your activities. There isn't a specific "digital nomad visa" in Egypt that allows remote work legally. So, while enforcement on remote workers is lax, it's technically not allowed and carries a small risk.

What's new with Egyptian visas?

Egypt has been steadily rolling out its eVisa system, which is a significant development. It allows citizens from a growing list of countries to apply online for a tourist visa before arrival. This streamlines the process and avoids the need for a visa on arrival or embassy visits for many. The eVisa is typically valid for 90 days and allows for a 30-day stay. The fee for the eVisa is around $25 USD for a single-entry visa. Keep an eye on the official eVisa portal for the most up-to-date list of eligible countries and current fees, as these can change. There haven't been major suspensions of the eVisa or on-arrival visas in the last 12-18 months, but it's always wise to check official government sources before your trip.