Egypt Visa Guide: e-Visa, Visa on Arrival & Requirements (2026)

Most tourists need a visa to enter Egypt. There are three main options: the online e-Visa, the visa on arrival, or (for Sinai-only stays) a free entry permit. This guide covers all three, with the requirements and costs for 2026.

Egypt e-Visa (recommended)

Apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg at least 7 days before travel. The official portal rate is US$30 for a single-entry tourist visa and US$65 for multiple entries — both raised by US$5 in 2026. Fees are set by the Ministry of Interior and revised from time to time, so always confirm the amount shown on the portal before paying. You'll need a passport photo, a scan of your passport, and a credit card. Approval usually arrives by email within a few days. Print two copies to bring.

Visa on arrival

Most European, US, Canadian, Australian and Gulf nationals can buy a visa on arrival at any Egyptian international airport for US$30 (single-entry). Bring cash in US dollars — the bank counter before immigration is still in use while the new digital system below is rolled out. Lines can be long during peak season.

Digital visa on arrival (2026)

In August 2026 Cairo International Airport began issuing the visa on arrival digitally across its arrival terminals. Instead of a paper sticker in your passport you receive a QR code, which the passport officer scans. You can get it from a mobile app, from self-service kiosks in the arrival hall, or through the official visa portal — including up to 48 hours before you land. The authorities have said the system will be extended to Egypt's other airports in stages, so check which option applies at your arrival airport and keep cash with you as a fallback.

Sinai-only entry permit

Free permit issued at Sharm El Sheikh and Taba airports for stays up to 15 days in South Sinai (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, but NOT St Catherine's or the mainland). Excellent option for Red Sea holidays; not suitable if you want to visit Cairo.

Passport requirements

• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date.
• At least one blank page for the entry stamp.
• Prior Israeli stamps are fine — Egypt has diplomatic relations with Israel.

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of GCC countries generally don't need a visa. A short list of nationalities (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Lebanese with residency, etc.) enter visa-free. Everyone else should assume yes.