Overview
Almost every foreign visitor needs a visa for Egypt, and the simplest route for around 75 eligible nationalities is the e-Visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg — a self-service system run by the Ministry of Interior. You create an account, complete the form, upload a scan of your passport, pay online, and receive an approved PDF, usually within 24–48 hours, though the government allows up to 7 working days. It's genuinely cheaper than the alternative: visa-on-arrival, which requires queuing at the airport and paying in cash.
Visa categories
| e-Visa — single entry | $25 USD, 30-day stay, valid 90 days from issue for entry. |
|---|---|
| e-Visa — multiple entry | Higher fee, 180-day validity from issue, for repeated visits. |
| Visa on arrival | $30 USD from 1 March 2026, cash only, at Egyptian airports — a fallback, not the recommended route. |
Documents checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
- Clear scan of the passport's biographical (photo) page, JPG or PNG, usually under 1MB
- Active email address
- Flight itinerary and confirmed accommodation booking (or host address, if staying privately)
- Visa, Mastercard or other payment card for the fee
- Recent passport-style photo, for some nationalities/visa types
Step-by-step application process
1. Confirm eligibility and apply early
Check the eligible-country list on visa2egypt.gov.eg, and apply at least 7 days before departure.
2. Create an account
Register with your email and a secure password, then confirm via the verification link.
3. Select single-entry or multiple-entry
Choose "Apply Now" and pick the tourist visa type that fits your trip.
4. Complete the form and upload your passport scan
Enter personal, passport and travel details accurately.
5. Pay online
Pay by card — this fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
6. Download your approved e-Visa
Bring a printed or digital copy along with your passport when you travel.
Fees & processing time
| Single-entry fee | $25 USD |
|---|---|
| Processing time | Typically 24–48 hours; the government allows up to 7 working days |
| Apply by | At least 7 days before departure |
Sources reviewed: visa2egypt.gov.eg (official Ministry of Interior e-Visa portal), Egyptian consular travel-advisory pages cross-referenced via Wego, Classic Holidays and Trippvibes travel guides. Fees and eligible-country lists change — always confirm on the official portal before applying.