Getting a visa to Egypt is straightforward whether you choose the convenient e-visa (apply online in advance) or the quick visa on arrival (get it when you land). Most nationalities qualify for one of these two options, each costing just USD 25 and valid for 30 days. Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages. The e-visa takes 3 business days to process and lets you skip airport queues, while visa on arrival works perfectly if you prefer to arrange everything when you arrive. A few lucky nationalities including those with valid Schengen visas qualify for a free 15-day visa. Below, we walk you through every option so you pick the easiest path for your Egyptian adventure.
Almost all nationalities need a visa to enter Egypt, but your requirements depend on your passport. The good news: most travelers qualify for either the convenient e-visa (apply online from home) or the hassle-free visa on arrival (get it at the airport). Some nationalities with Schengen visas enjoy a free 15-day tourist visa. A tiny handful of nationalities travel completely visa-free.
Check your nationality in the table below to find your exact requirements.
| Nationality / Region | Visa on Arrival | E-Visa | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options available. E-visa faster. |
| United Kingdom | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options available. E-visa skips queues. |
| Germany | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Schengen visa holders get free 15-day visa. |
| France | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Schengen visa holders get free 15-day visa. |
| Italy | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Schengen visa holders get free 15-day visa. |
| Spain | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Schengen visa holders get free 15-day visa. |
| Australia | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options equally convenient. |
| Canada | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options available; e-visa recommended. |
| South Korea | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Straightforward process for both options. |
| Japan | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options quick and easy. |
| India | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options widely used by Indian travelers. |
| Pakistan | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options available; allow extra processing time. |
| Israel | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options fully available as of 2025. |
| United Arab Emirates | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options convenient for UAE residents. |
| Saudi Arabia | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options widely used; e-visa recommended. |
| Kuwait | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options equally accessible. |
| Russia | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | ✓ Yes (USD 25) | Both options available per current policy. |
As of May 2026, per the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visa policies update regularly, so confirm with your embassy before booking.
The e-visa is the most convenient option if you want everything sorted before you leave home. You apply online, receive approval via email, and arrive with your visa ready to go. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Go to evisa.eeaa.gov.eg (the official Egyptian eVisa platform). You’ll see a clean application form ready for your information.
Enter your full name exactly as it appears in your passport, your passport number, date of birth, nationality, and email address. Double-check everything because mistakes can delay your approval. Take your time here, it only takes a few minutes.
You’ll need a recent passport-style photo (digital file) and a scanned copy of your passport’s main page (showing your photo and details). Make sure the photo meets standard specifications: 4×6 cm, color, white background, taken within the last 6 months. The portal accepts JPG and PDF files.
Select which airport you’re arriving at (Cairo, Luxor, or Sharm El-Sheikh) and your intended entry date. The visa remains valid for 30 days from your entry date, so you can stay through a single month-long trip or departure.
The system accepts credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard). Pay the USD 25 visa fee, review your application one final time, and hit submit. You’ll receive a confirmation email immediately with your application reference number.
Processing Time: The e-visa typically approves within 3 business days. We recommend applying at least 5-7 days before travel to account for any unexpected delays. Once approved, you’ll receive your e-visa as a PDF attachment via email. Print it out (or save it on your phone) and present it along with your passport at Egyptian immigration.
Cost: USD 25 (paid by credit or debit card during application).
If you prefer total flexibility or forget to apply for an e-visa, the visa on arrival works perfectly. You get your visa directly at the airport when you land, no appointment needed, and the whole process takes 10-15 minutes.
Most nationalities qualify, including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Israel, Gulf states, Russia, and dozens more. Check the country table above to confirm your eligibility.
You cannot get visa on arrival at land borders or seaports, only at these three airports.
After you clear customs, follow signs to the visa desk. You’ll complete a short form, present your passport and photo, pay USD 25, and get your 30-day visa stamp within minutes. No interview, no questions, just straightforward service.
Whether you choose e-visa or visa on arrival, your passport must meet these specifications.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Egypt. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you apply for a visa. Immigration won’t let you through without this 6-month buffer.
You need at least 2 consecutive blank pages facing each other for your Egyptian visa stamp. Check your passport now, don’t discover this at the airport.
For the e-visa, your digital photo must be:
Immigration officials may ask to see proof that you can support yourself during your stay. Bring your hotel booking confirmation, an Airbnb reservation, or a letter from a host in Egypt. If you’re on a tour, your tour confirmation works perfectly. Bank statements or credit card statements showing available funds also help.
Have your return flight ticket or proof of onward travel (bus ticket, flight to another country, etc.) ready to show at entry. While this isn’t always requested, having it prevents any questions and speeds up your clearance.
Each child needs their own visa, whether e-visa or visa on arrival. Children must have their own valid passport (not included on a parent’s passport in most countries). Apply for e-visas for all family members at once to keep your entry dates synchronized, or collect visa on arrival for the whole family at the airport together. Make sure each child’s passport has at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages. Bring original birth certificates or adoption papers if your child’s surname differs from yours, to prove family relationships if asked.
If you hold a valid Schengen visa (issued by Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, or another Schengen country), you qualify for a free 15-day tourist visa to Egypt. This is a courtesy visa available on arrival at Egyptian airports, no advance application needed. Simply present your passport and valid Schengen visa at immigration, and you’ll receive your Egypt stamp without paying USD 25. This visa is single-entry and valid for 15 days, ideal for a quick Nile adventure.
If you’re arriving in Egypt on a cruise (typically at Port Said or Alexandria), your cruise line handles visa arrangements as part of your package. Most major cruise operators pre-arrange group visas or visa on arrival for passengers. Confirm with your cruise line whether visas are included. For shore excursions, you must either have a valid visa before boarding or arrange visa on arrival during your port call. Don’t assume it’s handled, contact your cruise operator in advance to clarify their visa policy.
Most nationalities need a visa to enter Egypt, but many qualify for visa on arrival or the e-visa, making it simple and affordable. Citizens of only a few nations like Bahrain, Djibouti, and Hong Kong travel visa-free. We recommend checking your nationality against our country table to determine your exact requirements before booking your trip.
Both the e-visa and visa on arrival cost USD 25 (or equivalent in Egyptian Pounds, roughly 1,200 EGP) as of 2025. Some nationalities with a valid Schengen visa enjoy a free 15-day visa instead. Additional fees may apply if you extend your stay beyond your visa’s validity, though most tourists complete their trip within the single 30-day period.
The Egypt e-visa typically processes within 3 business days. We recommend applying at least one week before your travel date to account for any delays or technical issues. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee if you need it faster, though standard processing has proven reliable for most travelers.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Cairo International Airport, Luxor International Airport, and Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. The process is straightforward: present your passport and required documents, complete a form, pay USD 25, and receive your visa stamp. No appointment or advance booking needed.
The e-visa is pre-approved before arrival and speeds up airport processing, while visa on arrival is obtained directly at the airport upon landing. Both cost USD 25 and are single-entry visas valid for 30 days. The e-visa is ideal if you want to skip immigration queues and have everything sorted in advance; visa on arrival works perfectly if you prefer flexibility or arrive with flexible timing.
While not always strictly required for the visa itself, immigration officials may ask to see proof of onward travel or a return ticket when you enter Egypt. We always recommend having a return ticket booked and proof of accommodation ready, as it helps clear entry quickly and smoothly.
Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages facing each other for the visa stamp. Your passport must also be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Egypt. Check your passport well before your trip to avoid last-minute renewals or complications at the border.
Now that you know exactly what visa you need, it’s time to plan your Egyptian adventure. At Egypt Day Tours, we take the stress out of your trip from the moment you land. Whether you want to explore Cairo’s pyramids, cruise the Nile, trek through desert temples, or relax on the Red Sea, our local guides craft personalized itineraries just for you.
We handle all the details: transportation, expert guides, skip-the-line entry to monuments, and authentic local experiences you won’t find in guidebooks. From a single-day tour to a week-long journey, we’ve got your perfect Egypt experience waiting.
Get your visa sorted, then reach out to us. Let’s create memories in the land of pharaohs.
Author: Mohamed Elattar, Founder of Egypt Day Tours
Last Updated: May 2026
Information Source: Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Official eVisa Portal (evisa.eeaa.gov.eg)