Egypt's visa, explained

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Egypt is one of the world's most historically rich destinations, and reaching it is easier than many travellers expect. Citizens of a large number of countries — including the UK, US, Canada, Australia and most EU states — can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports, paying a fee at the counter before clearing immigration. Here is how the system works in practice, and what to have ready.

Who qualifies for visa on arrival?

Citizens of many countries — including the UK, US, Canada, most EU and EEA states, Australia, New Zealand and others — are typically eligible for a visa on arrival at Egypt's international airports. The process applies at major hubs including Cairo International Airport, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Luxor.

Some nationalities require a pre-arranged visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before travel; others may be exempt from visa requirements entirely for short stays. The list can change, so checking your specific nationality's status before departure is essential.

How the visa on arrival works

The process at Egyptian airports follows a consistent pattern:

1. Buy a visa sticker. Before joining the immigration queue, find the bank counters (usually Banque Misr) inside the arrivals hall. Purchase a visa sticker for the required fee. The fee is denominated in US dollars (currently around $25 per person, though confirm the current rate before travel — it has changed before and may change again). Some counters also accept euros or British pounds, but USD is the most reliably accepted. Notes in good condition are preferred.
2. Affix the sticker to your passport. The sticker goes into your passport; bank staff usually do this for you or will indicate where.
3. Join the immigration queue. Present your passport (with visa sticker), arrival card and any other requested documents to the immigration officer.

The whole process is generally quick, though queues at Cairo's Terminal 2 and at Sharm el-Sheikh can lengthen considerably when multiple charter flights arrive at once.

How long can you stay?

A standard visa on arrival grants a single-entry stay of 30 days from the date of arrival. If you want to stay longer or make multiple entries, you need to arrange a different visa type — either before travel via an Egyptian consulate, or by applying for an extension through the Egyptian immigration authorities inside the country (e.g. at the Mogamma building in Cairo or at local passport offices).

Extensions for an additional 30 days are generally possible if applied for before the first visa expires.

The Egyptian e-visa option

Egypt operates an e-visa system (visa.eg) for eligible nationalities, allowing you to apply and pay online before travel and arrive with your approval already in hand. The e-visa is a single or multiple-entry visa valid for 90 days from issue, with each stay up to 30 days. Applying in advance removes any uncertainty at the airport, avoids queuing at the bank desk, and means your visa is already processed before you land. It is a useful option, particularly for travellers who prefer to have everything sorted in advance or who are travelling during busy seasons when airport queues can be long.

What to carry at the border

Egyptian immigration officers check:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date (confirm the exact requirement)
• A completed arrival card (distributed on the aircraft or available at the airport)
• Your return or onward ticket
• Address of your first night's accommodation
• Your visa sticker or e-visa approval

Officers may occasionally ask about the purpose of your visit and your accommodation. Tourism is the standard answer for most visitors. If you carry professional photography or journalism equipment, be aware that this can attract additional scrutiny.

Sinai-only stamps and the Taba crossing

A special arrangement applies to travellers entering Egypt exclusively to visit the Sinai Peninsula (including St Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai, Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab) through the Taba land border crossing from Israel, or arriving at Sharm el-Sheikh airport with the intention of staying in Sinai only. A Sinai-only stamp can be issued free of charge and allows a stay of up to 15 days in the Sinai region without a full visa — but it does not permit travel to the rest of Egypt, including Cairo, Luxor or the Red Sea coast outside Sinai. If you want to cross the border at Taba and then continue on to Cairo, you need a full Egyptian visa.

Land borders with Israel, Jordan, Libya and Sudan

Egypt's land borders with neighbouring countries have their own procedures, which differ from the airport visa-on-arrival process. The Israel–Egypt crossing at Taba (southern border) and the Rafah crossing (northern border, which has historically had irregular opening) both have specific requirements. The crossing at Nuweiba (Aqaba Gulf, to/from Jordan by ferry) operates somewhat differently again. Always research the specific crossing you plan to use through official and up-to-date sources, as political and security situations can affect border status.

Frequently asked questions

What currency do I need for the Egypt visa on arrival?

US dollars are the most reliably accepted currency at Egyptian airport bank counters. Many counters also accept euros or British pounds. The fee has historically been around $25 per person but confirm the current amount before travel, as it has changed before.

Can I get the visa sorted before I fly?

Yes. Egypt's official e-visa portal (visa.eg) allows citizens of eligible countries to apply and pay online in advance, receiving an electronic approval they carry with them. This removes the need to queue at the bank counter on arrival.

What is a Sinai-only stamp and who qualifies?

Travellers entering Egypt specifically to visit the Sinai Peninsula — via Taba land crossing or Sharm el-Sheikh airport — may be issued a free Sinai-only stamp allowing 15 days in Sinai, without a full visa. It does not permit travel to mainland Egypt.

Can I extend my visa on arrival inside Egypt?

Yes, in most cases. Extensions for an additional period can be applied for at Egyptian passport and immigration offices inside the country before your original visa expires. The process and exact duration vary; check with the relevant immigration office or a reputable local travel agent.