--------- Unlocking Egypt: All You Need to Know About the Travel Visa

Oct 17, 2024

Unlocking Egypt: All You Need to Know About the Travel Visa
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Getting Your Egypt Visa: What You Need to Know

Planning a trip to Egypt? Let's make sure you get your visa sorted without any hiccups. Here's the lowdown on what you need and why it's important.


What You Need for Your Visa Application

When applying for an Egypt visa, you must have all your paperwork in order. Missing documents can send you back to square one. Here's what you'll need:

  • Visa Application Form: Fill it out completely and accurately.
  • Valid Passport: Ensure it’s good for at least six months after your planned stay.
  • Passport Photos: Usually, you need two recent ones.
  • Proof of Accommodation: This could be a hotel booking or an invitation from someone in Egypt.
  • Flight Itinerary: A copy of your flight details.
  • Proof of Funds: Bank statements or other proof that you can afford your stay.
  • Visa Fee Receipt: Proof that you've paid the visa fee.

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Don't Forget the Pickup Slip

The pickup slip is your golden ticket to getting your passport back with the visa inside. You need this slip to collect your passport once your visa is ready. If your application is incomplete or incorrect, it will be sent back to you, and you'll need to fix it at your own cost.

Keep the pickup slip safe; it’s your proof that you submitted your application and it's essential for tracking and collecting your visa.

By knowing what you need and preparing ahead, you can make the visa process smooth and avoid any delays. Make sure you have everything you need for a successful application.

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Getting Your Egypt Visa

How to Apply for an Egypt Visa with an American Passport

If you're an American passport holder, getting a visa for Egypt is pretty straightforward. You can either apply in person at the Egyptian Consulate or send your application by mail. This gives you the flexibility to choose what works best for you.


Here's what you'll need to gather for your application:

  • A filled-out visa application form
  • A passport that's valid for at least six more months
  • Two recent passport-sized photos
  • A copy of your travel itinerary or flight tickets
  • Proof of where you'll be staying in Egypt


For more details on what documents you'll need, check out our Visa Requirements section.

If you're not an American passport holder, you can still apply, but make sure to check if your country is on the list of exceptions on the Egypt Embassy website. It's crucial to know the specific requirements and eligibility criteria before you apply.


E-Visa Services for Egypt

Since 2017, Egypt has made it even easier to get a visa with their e-Visa service. This online process is available for eligible foreign nationals and saves you a trip to the embassy.

To apply for an e-Visa, head over to the Egypt e-Visa Portal. You'll need to fill out an online form, upload the required documents, and pay the visa fee. The e-Visa can be either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, both valid for 90 days.

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The e-Visa is a real-time-saver for American travelers. You can skip the embassy visit and just present your e-Visa along with your passport when you arrive in Egypt (VisaGuide.World). This streamlined process lets you dive into your Egyptian adventure right away.

If you're not eligible for an e-Visa, don't worry. You can still get a visa on arrival or apply at the nearest Egyptian embassy. 

By knowing the application process and using the e-Visa services, you can make your entry into Egypt smooth and hassle-free. This way, you can focus on enjoying your trip and soaking up the rich history and culture of this amazing country.


Types of Egypt Visas

Planning a trip to Egypt? Let's break down the visa options so you can pick the right one for your adventure. We’ll cover single-entry and multiple-entry visas, plus how long you can stay.


Single vs. Multiple-Entry Visas

Egypt offers two main types of visas: single-entry and multiple-entry. Your choice depends on how often you plan to come and go.

  • Single-Entry Visa: This one lets you enter Egypt once. After you leave, it’s no good anymore. Perfect if you’re just popping in for a one-time visit. The single-entry e-Visa is good for 90 days and lets you stay up to a month.
  • Multiple-Entry Visa: With this visa, you can come and go as you please within a set period. Great for those who need to hop in and out of Egypt. The multiple-entry e-Visa is valid for 180 days, allowing multiple stays of up to a month each.

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Duration of Stay Options

How long you can stay in Egypt depends on your visa type and what you need. Here’s the scoop:

  • 30-Day Stay: Most tourists go for this one. Available with both single and multiple-entry visas, it lets you soak up Egypt for up to 30 days per visit.
  • 90-Day Stay: Usually for business folks, this option is for longer stays. Even with a 90-day visa, you might still be capped at 30 days per entry.

Knowing your visa options and how long you can stay helps you plan better. 


Egypt Visa Application Process

How to Apply and When to Do It

Planning a trip to Egypt? Let's make sure you get your visa sorted without any hiccups. Here's what you need to know about the application process and timelines. Make sure you have all your documents ready because incomplete applications will be sent back.


Conventional Visa

  • What You Need: Fill out the application form, grab some passport-sized photos, have a valid passport, proof of where you'll stay, your travel plans, and any other documents the embassy asks for.
  • How to Submit: Take your papers to the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
  • When to Submit: At least 3 weeks before you plan to travel. This gives you a buffer for any delays.


E-Visa

  • What You Need: Digital copies of the completed form, passport-sized photos, a valid passport, and a way to pay the e-Visa fee.
  • How to Submit: Do it all online through the official e-Visa portal.
  • When to Submit: At least 7 days before your trip to make sure everything's processed in time.


How Long It Takes to Get Your Visa

The time it takes to get your Egyptian visa depends on the type of visa and how you apply.

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Conventional Visa

  • Standard Time: 15-30 working days.
  • What Can Slow It Down: Number of applications, embassy's process, missing documents.
  • Pro Tip: Apply several weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.



E-Visa

  • Standard Time: 5 days.
  • Who Can Apply: Citizens from 74 countries can do it online.
  • Types Available: Single entry e-Visa (valid for 90 days), multiple entry e-Visa (valid for 180 days).


By knowing the application steps and processing times, you can make sure your Egypt travel visa is ready without any hassle. For more tips on staying safe and areas to avoid, check out our travel advisory section.


Egypt Visa Fees and Costs

Planning a trip to Egypt? Let's break down the visa fees and other costs you might run into. This guide will help you get a clear picture of what to expect.


Visa Fees for Different Types

Visa costs can vary based on the type of visa and where you're from. Here's a quick look at the standard fees:

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For more details, check out Visa Index and Easy Tourist.


Extra Costs to Keep in Mind

Besides the visa fees, there are a few other costs you might need to consider:

  1. Processing Fees: E-visa applications usually come with extra processing fees. For instance, a single-entry e-visa might cost you around €25 in consular fees plus processing fees. A multiple-entry e-visa could be about €60 plus processing fees.
  2. Visa Service Charges: If you use a visa service or agency, expect to pay extra for their help. These charges can vary a lot depending on the provider.
  3. Travel Insurance: Not always required, but highly recommended. It covers unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other emergencies while you're in Egypt.
  4. Courier Fees: Applying by mail? You might need to pay for sending and receiving your documents.
  5. Expedited Processing: In a hurry? Some consulates and e-visa services offer faster processing for an extra fee.

Knowing these fees and extra costs can help you plan better and avoid surprises. Enjoy your trip to Egypt!


Travel Tips for Egypt

Planning a trip to Egypt? Awesome! But before you pack your bags, let's talk safety. Here’s the lowdown for U.S. citizens to keep your adventure smooth and worry-free.


Safety Tips for U.S. Travelers

Traveling to Egypt is an exciting adventure, but it’s smart to stay alert. The U.S. Department of State advises keeping your eyes open due to potential terrorist threats. Incidents have happened in places tourists love, like markets and malls. So, here’s how to stay safe:


  • Stay Updated: Keep an eye on local news and avoid protests.
  • Be Aware: Always know what’s going on around you.
  • Carry ID: Have your identification and phone with you at all times.
  • Emergency Contacts: Save the U.S. Embassy’s number and email in your phone.
  • Travel Insurance: Think about getting insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.


For the latest updates, check out Travel.State.Gov.


Places to Skip in Egypt

Some spots in Egypt are best left off your itinerary. Here’s where not to go:

  • Sinai Peninsula: Except for Sharm El-Sheikh (fly-in only), steer clear.
  • Western Desert: Not safe, so avoid it.
  • Libyan and Sudanese Borders: Stay away from these border areas.

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Need more info on visas and travel stuff? Check out our guides on and stay safe and enjoy your Egyptian adventure!


two-girls

Welcome to the VisaTravel blog. We know that navigating the maze of visa applications and online forms can be as tricky as choosing the perfect travel playlist (which is all we want you worrying about anyway). 

Throughout our years of experience, though, we’ve uncovered a mountain of knowledge which, via this blog, we’re sharing with you! Whether you're diving into the world of travel visas, wondering about the ESTA online hustle, or just trying to figure out the DS160 form, think of us as your online concierge, here to make the process easy and most of all, clear.

At this point in our global context, who has time for endless paperwork and confusing legal jargon? No one. That's why we're all about spilling the tea on online visa hacks, easier-to-work-with DS160 forms, and giving you tips on everything from tourist visas to immigration, to that last-minute ESTA online adventure.

So, just plug in a word you’re curious about on the search bar, and boom. We've got the tips, tricks, and insider info to help you (and anyone else you may be traveling with) get to your travel destination with the confidence of a seasoned traveler. 

Now go explore!