Application Process

Canadian citizens have two convenient ways to obtain an Egypt tourist visa: apply online before travel or get a visa on arrival at the airport.1

Option 1: E-Visa (Recommended)

The e-visa is the most convenient option, allowing you to complete the process from home before your trip.2

1. Visit the official Egypt e-visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg2
2. Create an account using your email address
3. Select “Tourist Visa” and choose single or multiple entry
4. Complete the application form with your personal and travel details
5. Upload a clear passport scan and compliant photo
6. Pay the visa fee ($25 single, $60 multiple) via credit or debit card
7. Receive your approved e-visa by email within 3-7 days3
8. Print your e-visa and present it at Egyptian immigration

Option 2: Visa on Arrival

If you prefer not to apply in advance, you can obtain a visa at Egyptian airports.1

1. Arrive at an Egyptian international airport (Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, or Aswan)
2. Proceed to the visa counter before passport control
3. Present your Canadian passport and $25 USD in cash1
4. Receive your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
5. The entire process typically takes 15-30 minutes

Important: Avoid purchasing visas from agents or touts at Egyptian airports who may approach you offering to “help” with your visa. They often charge inflated fees. Go directly to the official visa counter.1

Fees

E-visa fees must be paid by credit or debit card on the official portal.2 Visa on arrival requires cash in US dollars.1 Canadian dollars are generally not accepted for visa fees.

Previous Process (Before December 2024): Canadians previously had to apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate, paying approximately $150 CAD with a lengthy application process involving mailing documents. The new policy makes Egypt much more accessible for Canadian travellers.4

What You Need to Prove

Egypt’s tourist visa requirements are straightforward for Canadian citizens. You must demonstrate:13

• Valid travel documents: A Canadian passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date with at least one blank page1
• Basic travel plans: Hotel booking or accommodation address
• Intent to depart: Evidence of onward travel or return flight (may be requested)

Unlike many countries, Egypt does not require extensive financial documentation, employment letters, or proof of ties to your home country for tourist visas. The process is designed to be quick and tourist-friendly.2

Processing Times

The e-visa portal recommends applying at least 7 days before travel.2 During peak tourist seasons (October-April), visa on arrival queues may be longer at airports, particularly at Cairo International Airport.

After Your Visa is Approved

If you applied for an e-visa, you will receive approval via email.2 Print a copy of your e-visa to present at Egyptian immigration.

At the Egyptian port of entry, immigration officers will:

• Review your passport and visa (e-visa printout or on-arrival stamp)
• Ask about your accommodation and travel plans
• Stamp your passport with the entry date
• Grant a 30-day stay period1

Your 30-day stay begins from the date you enter Egypt, not from the visa issue date. If you exit and re-enter on a multiple entry visa, you get a fresh 30-day period.2

Extending Your Stay

If you wish to stay beyond 30 days, you can apply for an extension at Egyptian Passport and Immigration Offices.1 Extensions are typically granted for tourism purposes.

Extension process:

1. Visit a Passport and Immigration Office before your visa expires
2. Bring your passport and a copy of your entry stamp
3. Complete the extension application form
4. Pay the extension fee
5. Wait for processing (usually same day or next day)

Total stay including extensions is generally limited to 6 months.1 Overstaying your visa by more than 14 days results in fines at departure, typically around 1,500 Egyptian pounds per month overstayed.1

If Your Visa is Refused

E-visa rejections are primarily due to technical errors in the application.3 If your e-visa is refused:

1. Check the rejection email for specific reasons
2. Review your application for typos or document quality issues
3. Correct the errors and reapply with a new application
4. Consider visa on arrival as an alternative if time is limited

The e-visa fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected.2 However, you can still use the visa on arrival option at the airport if you meet all requirements.

Egyptian port authorities retain the right to deny entry even with a valid e-visa, though this is rare for Canadian citizens with proper documentation.3 If you have concerns about entry issues, consider applying through the Egyptian Embassy in Ottawa for a pre-screened visa.5

Sinai Peninsula Exemption

If you are only visiting certain Red Sea resorts for 15 days or less, you do not need a visa.1 The Sinai Only permit (free entry stamp) allows visits to:

• Sharm El Sheikh
• Dahab
• Nuweiba
• Taba

This permit restricts you to the Sinai Peninsula only. If you plan to visit Cairo, Luxor, the Pyramids, or any other part of Egypt, you need a full tourist visa.1

Entering Egypt from Israel

If you cross the border from Israel into Egypt at Taba, you must pay a “Sinai Tax” of approximately 720 Egyptian pounds per person.1 This allows entry for up to 15 days if you stay within the Sinai Peninsula.

If your stay in Sinai exceeds 15 days, or you plan to travel to mainland Egypt, you need a full tourist visa. This can be purchased at the Taba border crossing for $25 USD or from the immigration office in Sharm El Sheikh.1

Safety Considerations

The Government of Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution in Egypt due to regional tensions and the threat of terrorism.1 Specific areas to avoid include:

• Northern Sinai: Avoid all travel due to terrorist activity and military operations
• Western Desert and Libyan border: Avoid all travel due to armed groups and smuggling
• Northern South Sinai: Avoid non-essential travel north of the St. Catherine-Nuweiba-El Tor road

Popular tourist destinations such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh are generally safe for tourists, though you should remain vigilant and follow local news.1