How to Get a Visa to Travel to Egypt 2026?

"Do I Need a Visa for Egypt?" Yes. A visa is a must for entering Egypt for most travelers, whether you are coming from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, or any other European country.

In this guide, we will show you the most used two ways to obtain Egypt's tourist visa along with some tips you need before your trip to Egypt.

How to Get Egypt Visa on Arrival

Most tourists can get a single-entry visa for 30 days on arrival in Egypt. And it is a very straightforward process. In 2026, Egypt is gradually upgrading this process by introducing a new digital visa-on-arrival system, which can make the entry process more convenient.

Digital Visa-on-Arrival at Cairo International Airport

A pilot phase will begin in the arrival halls of Cairo International Airport starting on 1st August, 2026. Instead of receiving a traditional visa sticker, travelers will receive a digital Visa QR Code that can be used during immigration procedures.

The process generally involves:

1. Completing the visa application through approved digital channels (official website or app) or self-service kiosks in the arrival hall at the airport.

2. Making the required payment. The fee is USD 36 in total, including USD 30 for the visa itself and an issuance fee of USD 6 with taxes.

3. Receiving a Visa QR Code.

4. Presenting your passport and QR Code during immigration clearance.

Note:
- Although it is called a visa on arrival, eligible travelers can actually apply for it a few days before departure, as the issued QR code remains valid for 7 days.
- The self-service machines in the airport only accept payment by Visa or Mastercard.

Traditional Visa on Arrival During the Transition Period

What if you are not entering Egypt from Cairo International Airport? During this transition period, traditional visa-on-arrival procedures may still be available at some other Egyptian airports, like Hurghada International Airport or Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.

Once you get off the plane, just follow the signs for "Arrivals" or "Baggage Claim." Before you reach the immigration counters, you will see bank booths marked Banque Misr or National Bank of Egypt. This is where you purchase your visa.

Hand the staff your passport and cash, and they will give you a visa sticker. Stick it onto any blank page in your passport, then join the "Foreign Passports" line at immigration.

When it is your turn, hand the officer your passport (with the visa sticker), your flight ticket, and your accommodation confirmations for your stay. They may ask a few simple questions, such as why you are visiting Egypt or how long you plan to stay. Sometimes they may not ask anything at all, just a quick stamp, and you are through.

That's really all there is to it. After immigration, collect your bags, and you're ready to start your trip.

Egypt Visa on Arrival

Egypt e-Visa: How to Apply Step by Step

The Egypt e-Visa is a great option for travelers who prefer to arrange their visa before departure.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website and Register an Account

The only official website to apply for an Egypt tourist e-Visa is visa2egypt.gov.eg. Some other websites with similar addresses are run by agents, so make sure you are visiting the correct one.

Before starting the application process, you need to create an account. After opening the website homepage, find the "SIGN UP" button at the top right corner. Click it and fill in the required information, including your name, email address, and a password. Then click the blue "SIGN UP" button below.

You will receive an email to verify your email address. Open the email and click the verification button to complete this step.

After verification, you will be taken back to the website. Log in to your account and you will see the "Apply Now" button. Click it to start your application.

Step 2: Fill Up the Application Form

After signing into your account, you will see the application form. The whole form has 3 parts to fill in:

Travel Information:

In this section, you need to choose the application type (single, family, or group) first. If you are traveling with your parents, spouse, children, or friends on the same itinerary, you can submit the visa applications together in the same application.

Then select tourism as the visa type, choose the entry type according to your itinerary (single-entry or multiple-entry), and select the country you are arriving from.

Fill in your expected arrival date and departure date, then click "Next."

Applicant Information:

This section asks for your personal details. You will need to fill in your full name, nationality, date of birth, passport number, passport issue date, expiration date, and other required information.

Just follow the form and fill in each field. When you place your mouse over a blank field, you will see instructions explaining what information is required.

Make sure all the information matches your passport exactly. Even small mistakes, such as a wrong passport number or a misspelled name, may cause delays or rejection.

Then upload the supporting document (a scanned copy of your passport information page). Make sure the file size is within 1MB, and the file name contains only letters or numbers, without any special characters or spaces.

Host Information:

It is the last part of the form. You need to provide details about where you will stay in Egypt. You can simply enter the first hotel's name, address, and city that you are about to stay in when you arrive in Egypt.

Step 3: Double-Check, Confirm and Pay

After finishing the form, it is highly recommended to download the draft application for a final review. Carefully double-check all the information.

If everything is correct, click the "Confirm" button. You will then enter the payment page.

Payment can be made using a credit or debit card. Once the payment is successful, your application will be submitted for review.

Step 4: Receive and Print Your e-Visa

Most Egypt e-Visa applications are processed within 3 to 7 working days, although it is recommended to apply at least one week before your trip.

Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent to your email. Download the PDF file and print a copy. You will need to show it together with your passport when you arrive in Egypt.

Visa on Arrival vs. e-Visa: Which One Should You Choose?

If you're eligible for a visa on arrival, this is usually the better and more stress-free choice for most travelers.

At first glance, an e-visa may seem cheaper and more convenient, as everything is ready before departure. However, in practice, it often comes with hidden frustrations. The application process requires signing up an account, completing detailed forms, and uploading scanned documents within specific size requirements. This can be tricky for some travelers, especially seniors. And even a small typo or formatting issue can lead to delays or complications at entry. That's something you definitely don't want after a long flight, right?

As long as you bring the required documents, the process is straightforward and easy to complete when you land.

After the new digital system roll out, you will even need to worry about potential lines. If you travel with us, a local representative will meet you upon arrival to assist you through the visa process and help you minimize waiting time. Thus, you can start your journey smoothly from the very first moment.

What You Need to Enter Egypt (Beyond the Visa)

Beyond the tourist visa, you need to prepare the following documents for a smooth trip to Egypt:

• Passport with at least 6 months of validity from your arrival date in Egypt. And at least 2 empty pages.
• Accommodation information. It is highly recommended to print your hotel confirmations. As immigration officers sometimes ask where you will stay in Egypt.
• Printed e-Visa (If You Applied Online). Although it is stored digitally, airlines and immigration officers may ask to see the printed document.
• A return or onward ticket. You may be asked to show proof that you plan to leave Egypt after your visit. While immigration officers do not always ask for it, it is best to keep a copy of your flight confirmation ready.
• Travel insurance is not mandatory for entering Egypt, but it is strongly recommended. A good insurance policy can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage, which can be helpful during international travel.