Planning an Egypt tourist visa is one of the first steps before booking your trip. The application route and visa rules depend on your nationality, passport type, purpose of travel, and where you enter Egypt. Some visitors can apply online for an e-Visa, some may qualify for a visa on arrival, and some must arrange a visa through an Egyptian embassy or consulate before departure.
Quick answer: Egypt’s official e-Visa portal currently lists tourist e-Visa fees of US$30 for a single entry and US$65 for multiple entries. The portal says the passport should be valid for at least six months from arrival and that e-Visa applications should be submitted at least seven days before departure. Visa-on-arrival availability and costs can differ by nationality and airport; for example, UK government guidance describes a US$36 digital visa-on-arrival option at Cairo International Airport for eligible British travelers, including a service fee. Always verify the live rules for your own passport and entry point before traveling.
Egypt tourist visa at a glance
| Item | What to know |
| e-Visa eligibility | Check your nationality on the official Egypt e-Visa portal. Not every passport follows the same process. |
| Single-entry e-Visa fee | US$30 currently listed on the official portal. |
| Multiple-entry e-Visa fee | US$65 currently listed on the official portal. |
| Passport validity | The portal’s FAQ says at least six months from arrival. Check rules for your passport type. |
| Application timing | The portal says to apply at least seven days before departure; apply earlier where possible. |
| Visa on arrival | Available only to eligible nationalities and at eligible entry points. Confirm route-specific conditions. |
| Official application site |
Fees and conditions can change. The table reflects information displayed by official sources checked on November 1, 2026; confirm the final amount and eligibility on the application portal before payment.
Do tourists need a visa for Egypt?
Many visitors need a tourist visa, but the exact requirement depends on nationality and travel circumstances. Egypt’s official portal lists nationalities that can apply for an e-Visa, while the Egyptian tourism authority describes additional entry arrangements for some nationalities and routes.
Do not rely on a friend’s experience or a third-party visa site. Start with the official Egypt e-Visa portal and check the instructions for the passport you will use. If your nationality is not eligible for an e-Visa, ask the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate how to apply. Special, diplomatic, temporary, or emergency travel documents can have different rules.
Egypt tourist visa options
1. Apply online for an Egypt e-Visa
The e-Visa is an electronic travel document issued through Egypt’s official portal. The portal’s FAQ says applicants apply online, pay electronically, and receive a link to download the visa. It lists a single-entry tourist visa at US$30 and a multiple-entry tourist visa at US$65.
An e-Visa may be a convenient option if your nationality is eligible and your travel dates are settled. The portal says to create an application at least seven days before departure. Apply earlier if possible, since a stated minimum is not a guarantee of approval by a particular date.
2. Obtain a visa on arrival, if eligible
Some travelers may obtain a tourist visa after reaching Egypt, but eligibility and procedure depend on nationality and port of entry. Do not assume that every airport or land crossing offers the same option.
For British citizens, the UK government says that approved airports offer a physical visa on arrival for US$30, payable in cash, and that a digital visa-on-arrival service costing US$36, including a US$6 service fee, became available at Cairo International Airport from August 1, 2026. U.S. government guidance also describes a US$36 digital option at Cairo and a US$30 physical visa at other points of entry for U.S. citizens. These are nationality-specific government examples, not a guarantee that the same process applies to every traveler.
If you choose visa on arrival, confirm the current payment method, currency, airport eligibility, and whether you need exact cash before flying. If you prefer certainty before departure, check whether you can obtain an e-Visa or consular visa instead.
3. Apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate
Some nationalities and passport holders must apply in advance through an Egyptian diplomatic mission. This may also be the appropriate route for non-tourism visits or unusual travel circumstances. Contact the relevant embassy or consulate for its current forms, documents, appointment process, processing time, and fee. Do not assume the tourist e-Visa covers work, study, journalism, or other non-tourism activities.
4. Limited South Sinai entry permission
The Egyptian tourism authority describes a free entry-permission stamp for certain visitors arriving directly to Sharm El Sheikh, Nuweiba, or Taba for a stay of up to 15 days within the permitted South Sinai area. It says travelers who plan to leave that area or stay longer need a visa. This is a restricted arrangement, not a general visa waiver for travel throughout Egypt. Confirm your exact itinerary and eligibility before relying on it.
How to apply for an Egypt e-Visa
1.Confirm eligibility. Check that your nationality appears on the official portal and that the tourist visa fits your trip.
2.Check your passport. The portal states that it must be valid for at least six months from arrival. Make sure your passport details will match your application and flight booking.
3.Choose the correct entry type. Select single entry if you plan to enter Egypt once. Choose multiple entry only if your itinerary requires leaving and re-entering Egypt, and verify the permitted validity and stay conditions shown during application.
4.Complete the official application. Enter your personal and travel details carefully and upload or provide the information requested on the government portal.
5.Pay through the portal. The portal currently lists US$30 for single entry and US$65 for multiple entry tourist e-Visas. Check the amount on the live payment screen before confirming.
6.Apply in advance. The portal says to submit the application at least seven days before departure. Applying earlier gives you more time to resolve an issue.
7.Save and print the approval. Download the issued e-Visa, keep a digital backup, and carry a printed copy. The official FAQ lists the e-Visa printout among arrival documents.
Use only the official visa2egypt.gov.eg website for the online application. Commercial agencies may charge additional service fees and are not the government portal.
Documents to prepare
The official e-Visa FAQ lists the following arrival documents or supporting details:
passport valid for at least six months from arrival.
printed e-Visa, if you applied online.
travel itinerary.
hotel booking or details of the places you plan to visit as a tourist.
supporting letter, such as an invitation or company letter, when relevant to the purpose of travel.
Keep your return or onward flight details and accommodation contacts accessible. Airlines can also apply document checks before boarding, so confirm their requirements. Carry any additional documents required by your embassy or by your specific visa category.
How much does an Egypt tourist visa cost?
As listed on Egypt’s official e-Visa FAQ when checked on November 1, 2026, the tourist e-Visa costs US$30 for single entry and US$65 for multiple entries. A digital visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport is listed at US$36 for British travelers under UK government guidance, including the digital service fee; U.S. government guidance describes the same Cairo digital price for U.S. citizens.
Visa-on-arrival charges and payment methods may differ by nationality, airport, or route. Consular applications may have separate fees. The figures above are not a promise of the amount you will pay: verify current fees on the official portal or with the Egyptian mission responsible for your application immediately before applying.
Common application mistakes to avoid
applying on an unofficial website that looks like the government portal.
choosing a visa type that does not match the itinerary.
entering passport details incorrectly or applying with a passport you will not travel on.
waiting until the last week to apply, despite the portal’s seven-day minimum.
assuming visa on arrival is available for every nationality or entry point.
treating the South Sinai entry permission as permission to visit other parts of Egypt.
assuming a tourist visa permits work, study, or other non-tourism activity.
Frequently asked questions about the Egypt tourist visa
How much is an Egypt tourist e-Visa?
The official Egypt e-Visa portal currently lists US$30 for a single-entry tourist e-Visa and US$65 for a multiple-entry tourist e-Visa. Fees can change, so check the live portal before payment.
How long does it take to get an Egypt e-Visa?
The official portal says applications should be submitted at least seven days before departure. This is the application lead-time instruction, not a guarantee that every application will be processed or approved within seven days. Apply as early as you can.
Can I get an Egypt visa on arrival?
Some nationalities can, but eligibility depends on the passport and arrival point. Confirm the current rules for your nationality and airport or border crossing. If you are uncertain, seek an e-Visa or consular visa in advance if eligible.
Is Egypt’s visa on arrival digital?
UK government guidance says a digital visa-on-arrival option costing US$36, including a service fee, is available at Cairo International Airport from August 1, 2026, for eligible British travelers. Other travelers should check whether that option applies to their nationality and entry point.
How long must my passport be valid?
The Egypt e-Visa portal’s FAQ says the passport must be valid for at least six months from arrival. Verify the requirement for your nationality and passport type before traveling.
Can I visit Cairo with a South Sinai entry stamp?
The Egyptian tourism authority says the limited free entry stamp is for qualifying short stays in designated South Sinai destinations. Travel outside the permitted area or a longer stay requires a visa. Check the current conditions for your route before booking.
Does an Egypt tourist visa guarantee entry?
No. The official e-Visa FAQ states that Egyptian port authorities retain the right to refuse entry to an e-Visa holder. Carry accurate supporting documents and follow immigration instructions on arrival.
Apply through the official channel and plan the rest of your trip
The right Egypt tourist visa depends on your passport, itinerary, and entry point. Check eligibility first, use the official portal or the appropriate Egyptian consulate, apply early, and verify the fee before you pay.
Planning a holiday in Egypt? Explore our Egypt tours and day trips or contact us with your dates and destinations. We can help plan your itinerary; for visa eligibility and personal document advice, always rely on the official authorities.
