Egypt Entry Options, What Visa Applications Are Available?

Like millions of tourists each and every year, you’re looking to get a visa to Egypt and just need to know the specifics of doing so. The good news is we’ve got the answers you’re looking for. The better news is… these days applying for an Egypt visa is hassle-free — no visit to the Embassy. Many travel enthusiasts visit Egypt, a nation that was home to one of the oldest civilizations.

They need a legal travel permit from the government of Egypt to enter its borders, and an Egypt eVisa is that travel authority. Read on to know more about this. 

Application Requirement

Yes. Every foreign traveler planning to make an Egypt visa application needs to fill out the form. Travelers from countries that are entitled to a visa on arrival (VOA) too will have to approach the VOA counter, fill out the application form and submit all the required documents.

They will get the sticker visa for Egypt only after verification of their application form, documents and payment of the processing fee. Even Visa-Exempt travelers will need to fill out some immigration form upon arrival.

Visa on Arrival

Citizens of a few eligible foreign countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, can get an Egypt visa on arrival at international airports in the country. Foreigners who hold a valid US visa or permanent residency can also enter the country without a visa. They can get a visa on arrival.

What is a visa on arrival?

Visa on Arrival for Turkish Citizens

Citizens of Turkey are eligible for a visa on arrival in Egypt, provided they are over 45 years of age. Turkish citizens who hold a permanent resident permit from countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, or the EU can also get a visa on arrival in Egypt. They should be over 18 years of age. Citizens of Sudan can also get a visa on arrival in Egypt if they have a permanent residence permit from Australia, Canada, the US, and the EU.

Three-Month Visa Exemption

Most foreigners need a visa to cross borders to Egypt. However, the government of Egypt has given permission to citizens of a few countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Macao to visit the country for three months without a visa for tourism. They do not need to make an Egypt visa application at an embassy or online.

Conditional Visa Exemption

Apart from the above countries, the Turkey government issues visa exemptions for diplomatic, service, or official passport holders from certain countries, including India, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, and South Korea. Egypt also offers visa exemption to citizens of certain countries if they meet conditions like having an onward ticket or if they belong to a certain age category. For example, minor children under 14 years from Algerian, Tunisia, and Morocco do not need a visa for Egypt. Likewise, citizens of China do not need an Egyptian visa if they have an onward ticket and reservation in a 4/5-star hotel. 

Foreigners from eligible countries like India, Russia, and Saint Vincent who are traveling in groups of five and more are also eligible for visa exemptions. They should provide a return ticket, proof of booked accommodation, and a signed guarantee letter from the travel agency.

Exemption for Travelers with Egyptian Parents

Children who are born to an Egyptian father and mother too are entitled to visa exemption in the country provided they do not hold citizenship of Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Qatar. This is applicable even to children of foreign wives of Egyptian nationals.

Electronic Visa (eVisa)

The electronic visa is a visa waiver granted by the Egyptian government to citizens of eligible countries. They can apply for travel permission or Egypt eVisa at least seven days before the planned trip from the comfort of their home.

They do not need to visit an Egyptian embassy or consulate to apply for a visa. The application process is faster and easier, and visas are issued for short-term stays for sightseeing and visiting family or friends.

Tourism Visa

In order to help facilitate tourism and make the entire visa process much easier, travelers can now conveniently apply online and simply print a copy of the visa to Egypt when the application is approved. Which will be informed about via email.

No waiting in line at the Embassy and no waiting weeks on end for the visa to arrive in the mail. Complete the online application with accurate and valid information that matches the passport exactly. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date the visitor expects to arrive in the country.

Additionally, they must have a digital copy of the passport photo. This image needs to be clear and include the entire photograph, including the official barcode along the bottom. Before being directed to upload a copy of the photo, they are prompted for payment.

This covers the application and associated fees, and depending on which type of visa to Egypt you choose (explained below), they will pay an average of $100 USD. The fees for the Egypt visa application are not dependent on the final approval of the application. While our experts will do everything they can to ensure that the application matches the passport and that the application has met all requirements, the fees are not refundable in the event that the application is denied or other travel restrictions that the travel authority may impose.

When they receive the application approval via email, simply print a copy and keep it with the travel documents. However, keep in mind that this is the official travel documentation for entering Egypt, and as such, they may want to consider making at least two copies.

Single Entry Visa

The single-entry visa is just as it sounds, it entitles the visitor to enter the country a single time. This visa for Egypt is the lower cost of the options and will allow travelers to stay in the country for up to 30 days total. However, if they leave the country within those 30 days, even for just a few hours, they will not be allowed to reenter. Single-entry visas to Egypt are valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

This date is different from the expected arrival date, so be sure to pay attention to that date in the document, and make sure to print a copy.

Multiple Entry Visa

If they are planning on visiting neighboring countries or splitting up their time in the country, they will want a multiple-entry visa for Egypt. While this Egypt visa also allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days total, they can split up however they like. Furthermore, while the single-entry visa is only valid for 90 days from the date it is issued, multiple-entry visas to Egypt are valid for a full 6 months from the issue date.

Conclusion

An Egypt visa application is now hassle-free, with multiple options available based on your nationality and travel plans. Although most foreign nationals require a visa to enter the country, some citizens of certain countries can obtain a visa on arrival or may be exempt from it. Moreover, eligible citizens can apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online, which can be printed once approved. It’s crucial to provide accurate and valid information while applying for an Egypt visa and carry the visa approval document while entering the country. With these measures in place, Egypt is welcoming millions of tourists annually, and the visa process is easier than ever.