Egypt Entry Visa Guide

How to Get an Egypt Entry Visa — Duration, Extension, Costs & Where to Apply

This guide explains the common ways travelers obtain a visa for Egypt (e-Visa, visa on arrival, and consular visas), how long each visa typically permits you to stay, how to extend a tourist visa while in Egypt, expected fees, and which government offices handle extensions.

1. Main visa types

  • e-Visa (electronic visa) — apply online before travel via the official Egyptian e-Visa portal.
  • Visa on arrival — available at major airports for many nationalities (single-entry, usually 30 days).
  • Consular visa — apply at an Egyptian embassy or consulate for business, work, long-stay, or special visas.

The official and exclusive online portal for Egypt e-visas is the government e-Visa site (use that portal for online tourist visas).

2. Typical duration & common fees

Single-entry tourist visa

Usually valid for a 30-day stay. The standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa is typically around $25 (amounts can vary slightly by payment method and nationality).

Multiple-entry tourist visa

A multiple-entry e-visa option is commonly available and costs more (commonly around $60). Always confirm exact prices on the official e-Visa portal before you pay.

3. How to apply — step by step

A. Apply for an e-Visa (recommended)

  1. Visit the official Egypt e-Visa portal and create an application account. Fill in passport details and trip information.
  2. Pay online with a supported debit/credit card.
  3. Receive the e-Visa confirmation by email (print or save a copy to show at arrival if requested).

B. Visa on arrival (at airports)

Many nationalities may purchase a single-entry 30-day visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports (cash or card may be accepted). This remains an option, but using the official e-Visa portal is safer to avoid third-party fees.

C. Consular visa

For longer stays, business, work, or if your nationality is not eligible for e-visa/arrival, contact the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate. They will provide the required documents and fees for the appropriate visa category.

4. Extending a tourist visa while in Egypt

If you need to stay longer than your initial visa allows, you must apply in person to the Egyptian immigration/passport authorities — extensions are not processed online. The General Administration of Passports, Immigration and Nationality (or local passport & immigration sub-offices) handles visa extensions. Bring your passport, photocopies, current visa page, and any supporting documents.

Important: some locations (e.g., Sinai resort areas) used to have local visa offices or special procedures — rules and availability can vary by city and season, so check locally or with official offices before you travel.

5. Where to go for extensions (typical offices)

  • Main office in Cairo: General Administration of Passports, Immigration & Nationality (central office) — the main place to apply for renewals/extensions.
  • Regional passport & immigration offices: Many governorates (Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor, etc.) have local passport/immigration branches for routine services and short extensions.

Use the official migration/passport administration portal for service details and to find the correct office for your city.

6. Practical tips & payment

  • Always use the official e-Visa website for online applications to avoid scams.
  • Carry extra passport photocopies and passport-sized photos when visiting extension offices.
  • Extension processing times can vary — avoid last-minute requests and start the extension process a few days before expiry.
  • Keep some US dollars in cash for arrival halls that still prefer cash for visa-on-arrival in some airports (but online e-visa payments use cards).