Egypt Tourist Visa
Egypt Tourist e-Visa / Visa on Arrival · For Australia citizens
Planning a trip to Egypt as an Australian citizen? You have two easy options: apply for an e-Visa online before travel or get a Visa on Arrival at the airport. Both cost USD 25 for single entry and allow stays up to 30 days. The e-Visa takes 3-7 days to process, while Visa on Arrival is instant. With a near-certain approval rate, visiting the pyramids is straightforward for Australians.
Egypt Tourist Visa for Australian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Australia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Egypt
Proof of your departure from Egypt
Address where you will be staying in Egypt
Credit/debit card for e-Visa or USD cash for Visa on Arrival
Recommended (Optional)
Outline of your planned activities in Egypt
Recent passport-style photograph for online application
Entry Options for Australians
Australian passport holders have two straightforward options for tourist travel to Egypt.1 Both allow the same 30-day stay:
Option 1: e-Visa (Online)
- Apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travel
- USD 25 (single entry) or USD 60 (multiple entry)
- Processing: 3-7 business days
- Best for avoiding airport queues
Option 2: Visa on Arrival
- Obtain at Egyptian airports
- USD 25 cash
- Instant processing
- Best for spontaneous travel
Most Australian travelers choose the e-Visa for convenience, though Visa on Arrival works well if you prefer not to apply in advance.1
Application Process
For e-Visa (Online Application)
The recommended option for most travelers:1
1. Create an Account
Visit the official portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg and register with your email address.1
2. Complete the Application
Fill in your personal details, passport information, travel dates, and accommodation address in Egypt. Upload a passport-style photo if required.1
3. Pay Online
Pay USD 25 (single entry) or USD 60 (multiple entry) by Visa or Mastercard.1
4. Receive Your e-Visa
Your approved e-Visa will be sent to your email within 3-7 business days. Print a copy to present at immigration.1
For Visa on Arrival
Available at major Egyptian airports:2
1. Proceed to Visa Counter
After landing, look for the bank or visa payment windows located before passport control.
2. Pay the Fee
Pay USD 25 in cash. Have exact change ready for faster processing. Egyptian pounds are not accepted.
3. Receive Your Visa Stamp
You will receive a visa stamp or sticker. Proceed to passport control with your visa.
Fees
| Visa Type | Fee | Validity | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry e-Visa | USD 25 | 3 months | Up to 30 days |
| Multiple Entry e-Visa | USD 60 | 6 months | Up to 30 days per visit |
| Visa on Arrival | USD 25 | 30 days | Up to 30 days |
| Visa Extension | ~USD 15 | Additional 30 days | - |
As of December 2025, visa fees remain at USD 25 for single entry despite discussions of potential increases.5
Airports Accepting Visa on Arrival
Australians can obtain Visa on Arrival at these Egyptian airports:2
- Cairo International Airport (CAI)
- Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
- Luxor International Airport (LXR)
- Aswan International Airport (ASW)
- Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF)
- Borg El Arab Airport (HBE)
Land border crossings may have different requirements. Check with the Egyptian Embassy if arriving by land.
Extending Your Stay
If you want to stay longer than 30 days:1
- Visit the Egyptian Immigration Authority office in Cairo (Tahrir Square or 6th of October City)
- Apply before your current visa expires
- Bring your passport, passport photos, and completed application form
- Pay the extension fee (approximately USD 15)
- Processing may take several days
Extensions typically add another 30 days. For longer stays, consider the multiple entry e-Visa or consult with the Egyptian Embassy about other visa options.
After Arrival
At Egyptian immigration, have these documents accessible:
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- Printed e-Visa (if using e-Visa)
- Visa on Arrival payment receipt (if applicable)
- Return or onward ticket (may be requested)
- Accommodation address (may be requested)
Immigration processing is generally straightforward for Australian tourists with proper documentation.
Important Notes
Currency
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). However, for visa payments:
- e-Visa: Pay in USD by credit card
- Visa on Arrival: Pay in USD cash only
US dollars, Euros, and British Pounds are widely accepted at tourist locations. ATMs are available at airports and throughout major cities.
Safety Considerations
Australia’s Smartraveller advises:2
- Exercise a high degree of caution throughout Egypt
- Reconsider your need to travel to North Sinai
- Be vigilant in tourist areas due to terrorism risks
- Follow local authorities’ advice during your visit
Sinai Peninsula
If visiting Sharm El Sheikh or other Sinai resorts only, some travelers can receive a free “Sinai Only” stamp at Sharm El Sheikh airport, valid for 15 days and restricted to the Sinai Peninsula. This option is not always available, so confirm before relying on it.
If Your Visa is Refused
Visa refusals for Australian tourists are rare. Common reasons include:
- Passport validity less than 6 months
- Incomplete e-Visa application
- Payment failure
- Previous immigration violations in Egypt
If your e-Visa is refused, you may still be able to obtain a Visa on Arrival at the airport. If refused entry at the border, you will be returned on the next available flight at your own expense.
To minimize risk:
- Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity
- Double-check all information before submitting e-Visa application
- Have USD cash as backup for Visa on Arrival
- Book accommodation before applying
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Passport Validity Less Than 6 Months
Your passport does not have the required 6 months validity from your entry date into Egypt.
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry before applying. If it expires within 6 months of your trip, renew it first.
Incomplete or Incorrect Application
Missing information, incorrect passport details, or blurry photos in the e-Visa application.
How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly before submitting.
Payment Failure
Credit card payment was declined or did not process correctly.
How to avoid: Ensure your card is enabled for international transactions and has sufficient funds.
No Valid Accommodation
Unable to provide hotel booking or valid accommodation address.
How to avoid: Book at least your first night's accommodation before applying.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying or immigration violations in Egypt.
How to avoid: If you have had previous issues, contact the Egyptian Embassy before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa to visit Egypt?
Yes. Australian citizens must obtain either an e-Visa before travel or a Visa on Arrival at designated Egyptian airports. Both options cost USD 25 for single entry and allow stays up to 30 days.
How much does the Egypt visa cost for Australians?
The single entry visa (e-Visa or VOA) costs USD 25. The multiple entry e-Visa costs USD 60 and is valid for 6 months.
How do I apply for the Egypt e-Visa?
Visit the official portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg, create an account, fill in your travel details, upload your passport photo, and pay by credit card. You will receive your e-Visa by email within 3-7 business days.
Can I get a Visa on Arrival in Egypt?
Yes. Australians can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, and other international airports. Pay USD 25 in cash at the visa counter before passport control.
What is the difference between e-Visa and Visa on Arrival?
Both cost USD 25 and allow a 30-day stay. The e-Visa is applied for online before travel, saving time at the airport. Visa on Arrival is purchased at the airport but requires queuing and having USD cash.
How long can Australians stay in Egypt?
Both the e-Visa and Visa on Arrival allow stays of up to 30 days. Extensions can be applied for at the Egyptian Immigration Authority office in Cairo.
How long does the Egypt e-Visa take to process?
Processing typically takes 3-7 business days. Apply at least one week before your travel date to ensure your visa arrives in time.
What is the multiple entry e-Visa?
The multiple entry e-Visa costs USD 60, is valid for 6 months, and allows unlimited entries with each stay up to 30 days. Ideal for travelers planning multiple visits or cruises that visit Egypt multiple times.
Can I extend my Egypt tourist visa?
Yes. Extensions can be obtained at the Egyptian Immigration Authority office in Cairo. Apply before your current visa expires. Extensions typically add another 30 days.
Which airports offer Visa on Arrival?
Major airports including Cairo International, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor, Aswan, Marsa Alam, and Borg El Arab offer Visa on Arrival for Australians.
Do I need USD cash for Visa on Arrival?
Yes. The Visa on Arrival must be paid in USD cash. Have exact change ready (USD 25) to speed up the process. Egyptian pounds are not accepted for visa payment.
Is Egypt safe to visit?
Australia's Smartraveller advises exercising a high degree of caution in Egypt due to terrorism risks. Some areas near borders have higher travel advisories. Check current advice before traveling.