Egypt Visa

Egypt Visa: The first step to an incredible journey through the land of the Pharaohs is understanding the entry requirements. Whether you are planning to stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza or dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea, securing your Egypt Visa is a straightforward process, but choosing between the Visa on Arrival and the eVisa can significantly impact your arrival experience.

At Egypt Via Travel, we pride ourselves on being the best travel agency in Egypt, providing expert guidance to thousands of travelers every year. Our goal is to ensure your trip starts with ease and clarity. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the Egypt Visa options available in 2026, helping you decide which method suits your travel style best.

Egypt Visa: Understanding Your Options

When planning your visit, the term Egypt Visa generally refers to the tourist visa required for most nationalities. While some visitors from Arab countries enjoy visa-free entry, the majority of travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, and the European Union must obtain a visa.

There are three primary ways to get your Egypt Visa:

1. The eVisa (Electronic Visa): Applied for online before you leave home.

2. The Visa on Arrival (VoA): Purchased at the airport upon landing in Egypt.

3. The Embassy Visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for the first two options.

For most people, the choice comes down to the eVisa vs. the Visa on Arrival. Both have the same cost for a single entry, but the “how” and “when” of the process differ.

What is the Egypt eVisa?

The Egypt Visa online system, known as the eVisa, was introduced to modernize the entry process and reduce congestion at airport counters. It is an official document issued digitally by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.

To obtain this version of the Egypt Visa, you must visit the official government portal at least seven days before your departure. You fill out your personal details, upload a scan of your passport, and pay the fee using a credit or debit card. Once approved, the visa is sent to your email. You simply print it out and present it to the immigration officer along with your passport when you arrive.

At Egypt Via Travel, we often recommend the eVisa to our guests who prefer to have all their “ducks in a row” before they fly. It provides a sense of security, knowing your entry is pre-approved.

What is the Egypt Visa on Arrival?

The Egypt Visa on arrival is the traditional method that many travelers still prefer for its flexibility. If you belong to an eligible country, you don’t need to do anything online before you fly.

When you land at major gateways like Cairo International Airport, Hurghada, or Sharm El Sheikh, you head to a bank kiosk located just before the immigration desks. There, you pay the fee in cash, and the teller gives you a physical visa sticker. You then place this sticker in your passport and proceed to the immigration line.

While it is convenient if you are a last-minute traveler, it does require you to have the exact cash ready and may involve standing in an extra line before you even get to the passport control queue.

Detailed Comparison: Egypt Visa on Arrival vs. eVisa

To help you visualize the differences, we have prepared a comparison table based on the latest 2026 data.

Egypt Visa Comparison Table 2026

As the best travel agency in Egypt, Egypt Via Travel ensures that regardless of which method you choose, your transition from the airplane to your luxury tour vehicle is as fast as possible.

Eligibility: Who Can Get Which Egypt Visa?

Not everyone can choose between these two options. Eligibility for an Egypt Visa depends heavily on your nationality.

• Group A (eVisa & VoA Eligible): Citizens of the USA, UK, all EU countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea can typically use either method.

• Group B (eVisa Only): Some nationalities are added to the eVisa list but may not be granted the Visa on Arrival at all ports. It is always safer to check the updated list on the official portal.

• Group C (Embassy Only): Travelers from many African and Asian nations must apply via an Egyptian consulate in their home country. This process is more rigorous and requires more documentation, such as bank statements and HR letters.

If you are unsure where you stand, our team at Egypt Via Travel can check your specific eligibility and guide you through the requirements.

Requirements for the Egypt Visa (2026 Updated)

To ensure your Egypt Visa is granted without issues, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Egypt. If it expires sooner, you may be denied boarding by your airline.

2. Blank Pages: You need at least one entirely blank page for the visa sticker or the entry stamp.

3. Travel Itinerary: While not always asked for, having a printed copy of your hotel bookings and your return flight is a standard requirement for the Egypt Visa.

4. Supporting Documents: If you are visiting family, an invitation letter might be needed. For tourists booking with Egypt Via Travel, your tour voucher serves as your proof of organized travel.

The Cost of the Egypt Visa

A common question we receive at Egypt Via Travel is regarding the price of the Egypt Visa. In late 2026, there were rumors of a price hike, but the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism confirmed that the standard fees remain unchanged for 2026.

• Single Entry: $25 USD. This allows you to enter the country once and stay for up to 30 days.

• Multiple Entry: $60 USD. This is only available via the eVisa or Embassy application. It is perfect if you plan to visit Egypt, hop over to Jordan or cruise to Saudi Arabia, and then return to Egypt.

Pro Tip: If you are getting a Visa on Arrival, bring crisp, new $25 bills. Egyptian banks at the airport can be very picky about the condition of foreign currency; they may reject bills that are torn, marked, or very old.

The Special Case: Sinai Only Stamp

If you are flying directly to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba and you plan to stay only in the South Sinai resorts for 15 days or less, you might not need a paid Egypt Visa at all.

You can receive a free “Sinai Only” stamp. However, this stamp does not allow you to travel to Cairo, Luxor, or even go on a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park in some cases. If you have any plans to see the Pyramids, you must get the standard $25 Egypt Visa.

Why Egypt Via Travel Recommends the eVisa

While both options get you into the country, we believe the eVisa is the superior choice for a modern traveler. When you arrive after a long flight, the last thing you want is to join a long queue at a bank window to buy a sticker, only to then join another long queue for immigration.

With an eVisa, you bypass the bank entirely. You go straight to the passport control officer. This can save you 20 to 45 minutes during peak tourist seasons. As the best travel agency in Egypt, we want you to spend that time enjoying your first Egyptian mango juice or checking into your Nile-view room, not standing on a tiled airport floor.

How to Apply for the Egypt eVisa Step-by-Step

If you’ve decided the eVisa is right for your Egypt Visa needs, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official Site: Only use visa2egypt.gov.eg. Avoid “agency” sites that charge $80 or $100 for the same service.

2. Create an Account: You will need a valid email address.

3. Fill the Application: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport. A single typo can lead to a rejection.

4. Upload Your Passport: You will need a clear, colored scan of the photo page of your passport.

5. Pay the Fee: Use a secure card.

6. Print the Confirmation: Once you receive the PDF via email, print two copies. One for immigration and one to keep in your bag as a backup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your Egypt Visa

Even with 50 years of experience in the Egyptian travel industry, we see travelers make the same mistakes. To ensure your Egypt Visa process is flawless, avoid these pitfalls:

• Using the wrong website: Many third-party sites look official but charge massive “service fees.”

• Applying too late: Give yourself at least 7 to 10 days. While many eVisas are approved in 24 hours, some take longer for security checks.

• Inaccurate Information: If your middle name is on your passport but not on your visa, you may face issues.

• Not having cash for VoA: Some airports do not have functioning ATMs before the visa desk. Always carry the $25 in cash.

Why Choose Egypt Via Travel for Your Journey?

Securing your Egypt Visa is just the beginning. To truly experience the magic of this country, you need a partner who knows every corner of the Nile Valley. Egypt Via Travel is recognized as the best travel agency in Egypt because we don’t just book tours; we curate experiences.

From private Egyptology guides who bring the temple walls to life to seamless airport transfers that make you feel like royalty, we handle every detail. When you book a trip with us, we provide a “Meet and Assist” service at the airport. Our representative will meet you before the immigration desk, help you with your Egypt Visa (whether you have an eVisa or need a VoA), and whisk you through the terminal.

Final Thoughts on the Egypt Visa

Whether you choose the digital convenience of the eVisa or the traditional Visa on Arrival, getting your Egypt Visa is a small step toward a life-changing adventure. Egypt is a country that rewards the curious, and with the right preparation, your entry will be the smoothest part of your trip.

Ready to see the wonders of the ancient world? Let the experts handle the logistics while you focus on the history.