Passports, e-Visas & Entry Requirements

Egypt Visa Requirements

Getting into Egypt is straightforward for most nationalities – but the paperwork catches people out in predictable ways. Here’s what to check before you fly

Passport Validity Required6 months+
Tourist Visa Duration30 days
e-Visa Processing3–7 days
Visa on Arrival30 USD
Requirements current as of 2026

Getting into Egypt is straightforward for most nationalities – the country has expanded its e-Visa system significantly and offers visa on arrival at all major airports. But the paperwork catches people out in predictable ways: passports that don’t meet the six-month rule, visa types applied for incorrectly, and families who didn’t know each child needs their own document. This guide covers the essentials so none of those things happen to you.

Passport Requirements

Six-month validity rule: Egypt requires your passport to be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. This is the single most common reason travelers are denied boarding or entry – a passport that expires four months after your travel dates may seem fine but doesn’t meet the threshold.

Your passport also needs at least one or two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. If you’re a frequent traveler with a nearly full passport, check before you fly.

If your passport is less than six months from expiry: renew it before applying for a visa. Most countries process standard passport renewals in 3–6 weeks; some offer expedited processing for an additional fee.

Visa Types

Visa TypeValid ForNotes
Tourist Visa
Single Entry		 30 days from entry The right choice for most visits to Luxor and Egypt.
Tourist Visa
Multiple Entry		 90 days Allows re-entry if your trip includes Jordan, or other regional destinations.
Transit Visa
Transit		 Short stay Required if passing through Egypt and leaving the international transit zone.
Sinai Only
Sinai Only		 Sinai only Not valid for Luxor, Cairo, or the Nile Valley. Available free on arrival at Taba, Nuweiba, and Sharm el-Sheikh airport only.
Sinai Only Visa confusion: This is a common issue for Red Sea package travelers who assume it covers all of Egypt. If you’re visiting Luxor, you need a standard tourist visa – not the Sinai-only entry.

Visa Exemptions

Citizens of some Arab League countries and certain African nations can enter Egypt without a visa for specified periods. A small number of bilateral agreements also grant visa-free access to other nationalities.

Always verify your country’s status directly. Exemptions change and vary by passport type. Check with the Egyptian consulate in your country or on the official e-Visa portal – don’t rely on third-party sources including this page for exemption status.

How to Apply

Recommended
1
e-Visa (Online)
Apply through the official Egypt e-Visa portal before travel. Arrive with approval already confirmed.
Typically 3–7 business days processing
Print the approval email and carry it with your passport
Check the current fee on the portal – it has changed more than once
For help with the application, try our partner iVisa
2
Visa on Arrival
Available at major Egyptian airports including Luxor (LXR), Cairo, and Hurghada.
Payment in USD or EUR cash only – Egyptian pounds not accepted
Generally fast, but queues can build at peak times
Not available at all land border crossings
3
Embassy or Consulate
Required if you cannot access the e-Visa or visa on arrival for your nationality.
Contact your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate
Requirements vary by country – confirm specifics directly
The e-Visa is the most reliable option for most travelers – you arrive with the approval already confirmed and avoid any airport queue at the visa window.

Traveling with Children

Each child traveling to Egypt requires their own passport. Family passports are no longer internationally issued or recognized – this has been the global standard for over a decade, but it still surprises some travelers.

Children require visas on the same basis as adults – the visa-on-arrival and e-Visa options both apply.

Single parents and non-biological parents: Egyptian authorities may ask for additional documentation – a notarized letter of consent from the other parent, or a court order. Carrying copies of relevant documents is sensible even if they aren’t requested.

Common Pre-Travel Mistakes

High Risk
Not checking passport validityA passport expiring within six months of arrival is the most common denial reason. Check the date before you do anything else. Allow several weeks for renewal if needed.
High Risk
Confusing the Sinai Only Visa with a standard tourist visaThe Sinai Only Visa is free and available on arrival at certain Red Sea entry points – but it is not valid for Luxor, Cairo, or the Nile Valley. If you’re visiting Luxor, you need a standard tourist visa.
Plan Ahead
Leaving the visa application too lateThe e-Visa can be processed in a few days, but don’t leave it to the night before departure. Allow at least a week and ideally longer during peak season.
Verify First
Assuming the visa fee is the same as last timeEgypt’s visa fees have changed multiple times. Always check the current fee at the official e-Visa portal rather than relying on figures found in articles.
Documents sorted?

Plan how to get to Luxor

Flights, trains, buses, and Nile cruises – every route from Cairo, Hurghada, and Aswan in one guide.

How to Get to Luxor → Getting Around Luxor