Question 1

Do I need a visa to travel to Egypt? What are the visa requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt. It is important to verify your specific visa requirements before travelling.

You can check with your local Egyptian Embassy or Consulate for the most accurate and current information. Alternatively, you can use the IATA Travel Centre, a free online tool widely used by airlines to check visa and health regulations based on your nationality and travel itinerary.

Exception: If you are flying directly to Sharm El Sheikh Airport and plan to stay for less than 15 days in the resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba, you do not need a visa. Upon arrival, you will receive a free entry permission stamp. However, if you intend to stay longer than 15 days or travel outside these resorts, you must obtain a visa. You can apply for an e-Visa online or get a visa upon arrival at Sharm El Sheikh Airport.

Question 2

What is the validity period of an Egyptian visa? How long can I stay in Egypt on a visa?

Accepted Answer

The validity of your Egyptian visa depends on the type you obtain.

For an e-isa or visa on arrival, a single-entry visa is valid for entry within 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a stay of up to 30 days in Egypt.

A multiple-entry e-Visa is valid for entry within 180 days from the date of issue, permitting multiple entries into Egypt during this period, with each stay not exceeding 30 days.

If you obtain a multiple-entry visa from an Egyptian Consulate (for example, in the UK), it may be valid for stays of up to 90 days per visit.

Please note that visa regulations can change at short notice, so it is always advisable to check with your local Egyptian Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

Question 3

Should I get an e-Visa for Egypt before travelling? Is it recommended to obtain an e-Visa in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we highly recommend to obtain an e-Visa for Egypt before travelling. There are several advantages to doing so.

Firstly, it can save you significant time upon arrival, as travellers have reported queuing for 45 minutes or more at visa kiosks in Egyptian airports due to limited counters and multiple flights arriving simultaneously.

Additionally, the UK authorities advise that “getting an e-Visa in advance can help to prevent delays“.

By applying for an e-Visa online, you can complete the process from the comfort of your home, avoiding the hassle upon arrival. Furthermore, you can pay securely online using a debit or credit card, eliminating the need for cash transactions at the airport.

Question 4

Is it true that obtaining a Visa on Arrival at the airport in Egypt is quick and only takes a few minutes?

Accepted Answer

Claims that obtaining a Visa on Arrival in Egypt takes only ‘seconds’ or ‘minutes’ are misleading.

In reality, the process can be time-consuming due to several factors. A standard aircraft can carry around 200 passengers, many of whom may require visas on arrival. With limited visa counters at airports and the possibility of multiple flights arriving simultaneously, queues can become significantly long, leading to potential delays.

Therefore, it is unrealistic to expect to obtain a visa in mere seconds or minutes under these circumstances. Obtaining an e-Visa in advance ensures a quicker and smoother arrival process.

Question 5

Where can I apply for an Egypt e-Visa online? What is the official website for Egypt e-Visa application?

Accepted Answer

You should always use the official Egyptian e-Visa portal to apply for your e-Visa. The official website is https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/. It is important to avoid third-party websites or agencies that may charge additional fees or potentially compromise your personal information.

Ensure you are on the official site by double-checking the URL and looking for security indicators such as a padlock icon indicating a secure connection.

Question 6

Is the official Egypt e-Visa website user-friendly? Is the e-Visa application process difficult to complete?

Accepted Answer

While some users may find the official e-Visa portal less intuitive than other websites, it is functional and effective. If you can navigate social media platforms and complete online forms, you should be able to complete the e-Visa application without significant issues. To ensure a smooth application process, take your time to carefully read the instructions in each section, and make sure all details match your passport exactly. You may also refer to our detailed Egypt E-Visa Application Guide for step-by-step assistance.

Question 7

Are Egypt e-Visas more expensive than visas on arrival at the airport?

Accepted Answer

No, both e-Visas and visas on arrival for Egypt cost US$25 for a single-entry visa. However, obtaining an e-Visa offers several advantages.

Firstly, it helps you avoid overcharging; at airports, individuals posing as officials may attempt to sell visas for US$30 or charge £25 instead of US$25, leading to unnecessary extra costs.

Secondly, an e-Visa provides payment convenience, allowing you to pay securely online by card. In contrast, at the airport, only cash payments are accepted, often with unfavourable exchange rates and change given in Egyptian Pounds.

Additionally, e-Visas offer a multiple-entry option valid for 180 days, permitting you to make several trips to Egypt during this period, with each stay up to 30 days.

Question 8

Do children and infants need a visa to enter Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every traveller, regardless of age, requires a visa to enter Egypt, including infants and children.

Parents can apply for their children’s e-Visas using their own account on the e-Visa portal; there is no need to create separate accounts for each child. During the application process, select the “Family” option and add each child’s details. This makes it easier to manage all family members’ visas in one place.Yes, every traveller, regardless of age, requires a visa to enter Egypt, including infants and children.

Question 9

How long does it take to get an Egypt e-Visa? Is it true that the e-Visa processing time is two weeks?

Accepted Answer

No, it is generally not true that Egypt e-Visas take two weeks to process. Our own experience shows that e-Visas can be approved in as fast as 24 hours if all information is correctly provided. The standard processing time is up to 7 working days.

To be safe, it is recommended to apply at least one week before your departure date to account for any unforeseen delays. Be cautious of misinformation; some sources may falsely claim longer processing times to discourage the use of e-Visas.

Question 10

What are the passport validity requirements for Egypt? How long must my passport be valid to travel to Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Egypt.

Question 11

How should I enter my name with special characters or non-Latin letters on the Egypt e-Visa application? Will this pose a problem?

Accepted Answer

When completing your e-Visa application, you should enter your name as it appears in the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) of your passport, which is the two lines of text at the bottom of the identity page. The MRZ does not include special characters such as hyphens or apostrophes, so you should omit these symbols.

If your name includes abbreviations (e.g., Ep., Vve., GEB., E/V, P/V), only include the names before the abbreviation. For names with non-Latin letters, you should convert them to their Latin equivalents as shown in the MRZ. It is crucial to ensure all information matches your passport exactly to avoid delays or issues with your application.

Question 12

How can I resolve issues uploading my passport scan on the Egypt e-Visa application?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing difficulties uploading your scanned passport copy during the e-Visa application, please follow these guidelines.

Ensure your file name is simple and does not contain spaces or special characters – for example, use JohnSmithPassport.jpg.

The file must be in JPG (recommended) or PNG format; PDFs are not accepted.

Additionally, the file size must be less than 1 MB. If your scan is in PDF format, you can convert it to JPG using online tools like smallpdf.com/pdf-to-jpg. To reduce the file size without compromising quality, you can use imagecompressor.com.

Make sure the scanned image is clear and legible to avoid any delays in processing your application.

Question 13

Can I use my National Identity Card instead of a passport for the Egypt e-Visa application?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can submit a copy of your National Identity Card instead of your passport if you are a national of Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, or Portugal. In this case, you must submit copies of both sides of your National Identity Card during the application process.

Question 14

What should I do if I made a mistake on my Egypt e-Visa application? Will it be rejected?

Accepted Answer

If you believe you have made a mistake in your personal information on the e-Visa application, do not worry. The Egyptian authorities often contact applicants via email if there are issues with the application. You should monitor your email inbox, including spam or junk folders, regularly after submitting your application.

If they reach out to you, respond promptly and provide any requested information or corrections to facilitate processing. This proactive approach can help prevent your application from being rejected due to errors.

Question 15

Can I pay for the Egypt visa on arrival with a credit card? Do they accept currencies other than US Dollars?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot pay for the Egypt visa on arrival with a credit or debit card. Visa on arrival fees must be paid in cash. The accepted currencies are US Dollars (preferred), Euros, and UK Sterling.

However, please be aware that the exchange rates may not be favourable when paying with currencies other than US Dollars, and any change is typically given in Egyptian Pounds. It is advisable to bring exact change in US Dollars to avoid any issues.

Question 16

Can I obtain the Egypt visa onboard the plane? Is the landing card a visa application?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot obtain the Egypt visa onboard the plane, and the landing card provided during the flight is not a visa or visa application form.

The card given out on planes is a landing card, which is required for immigration purposes and must be completed by all passengers. You must obtain a visa before travelling (e-Visa) or upon arrival at the airport.

Question 17

If I have an Egypt e-Visa, do I need to queue at the visa desks upon arrival?

Accepted Answer

No, if you have an e-Visa, you can proceed directly to the immigration counters upon arrival in Egypt. Make sure to have a printed copy of your e-Visa, your passport (valid for at least six months from your arrival date), and your completed landing card (usually provided during the flight or available in the arrivals area).

By heading straight to immigration, you save time by skipping the visa purchase queues and avoid potential interactions with unofficial agents.

Question 18

When transiting in Cairo en route to Hurghada, when is my Egypt visa checked?

Accepted Answer

If you are flying to Hurghada with a transit in Cairo, your visa will be checked during your transit in Cairo.

If you have an e-Visa, you should present a printed copy at the transfer counter in Cairo Airport.

If you do not have an e-Visa, you will need to purchase a visa on arrival at the visa counter in Cairo before proceeding to the transfer desk.

Please note that the transfer desk can be slow, often with limited staff, which increases the risk of missing your connecting flight. Obtaining an e-Visa in advance helps minimize this risk and ensures a smoother transit experience.

Question 19

Is it true that Egypt e-Visas can be refused by immigration officers? Should I be concerned?

Accepted Answer

No, there are no legitimate cases of e-Visas being refused by Egyptian immigration officers when obtained through the official portal.

Some posts on social media may claim otherwise, but this misinformation is often spread by individuals aiming to discourage the use of e-Visas, possibly to direct travellers towards purchasing visas upon arrival where they or associated agents can overcharge.

E-Visas obtained from https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/ are recognised and accepted by Egyptian authorities. To ensure a smooth entry process, make sure you have a printed copy of your e-Visa to present upon arrival.

Question 20

Is the Egypt e-Visa application process complicated? Does it work properly?

Accepted Answer

The e-Visa application process for Egypt is generally straightforward and user-friendly.

Some social media posts may claim that the process is complicated or does not work, but such statements are often misleading. These claims may be spread by individuals who benefit from travellers opting for visas on arrival. While minor glitches can occur, they are typically easy to resolve.

To ensure a smooth application, refer to the above comprehensive Egypt E-Visa Application Guide for detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips. It is also advisable to begin your application at least a week before departure to allow time for processing.

Question 21

What if my travel dates change after obtaining the Egypt e-Visa? Is my e-Visa still valid?

Accepted Answer

If your arrival date has changed after receiving your e-Visa, you generally do not need to do anything, provided that your new entry date falls within the validity period of the e-Visa.

For a single-entry e-Visa, you have 90 days from the date of issue to enter Egypt.

For a multiple-entry e-Visa, you have 180 days. As long as you enter Egypt within the validity period indicated on your e-Visa, it remains valid.

Question 22

Can Egypt e-Visas be lost or fail to be recognised upon arrival?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot ‘lose’ your e-Visa as they it is sent directly to your email address, and they are linked electronically to your passport number.

Some misinformation may suggest that e-Visas can be lost or not recognised, but these claims are unfounded and may be spread to discourage the use of e-Visas.

For additional assurance, you can log into your account on the official e-Visa portal to view and reprint or download your visa at any time. We recommend to always keep a printed copy and a digital backup of your e-Visa when you travel.

Egypt Visa Application

Travel Made Easy: Applying for Your Egypt e-Visa Online (2025)

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