Application Process

French citizens have three ways to obtain an Egypt tourist visa: apply online before travel, get a visa on arrival at the airport, or apply through the Egyptian Consulate in Paris.1

Option 1: E-Visa (Recommended)

The e-visa is the most convenient option, allowing you to complete the process before leaving France.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 2-7 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 French passport and $25 in cash (US dollars or euros accepted)1
4. Receive your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
5. The entire process typically takes 15-30 minutes

Option 3: National ID Card Entry

French citizens can also enter Egypt with a valid national identity card:1

1. Ensure your carte nationale d’identité is valid for at least 6 months after your return date
2. Bring two passport-sized photographs
3. At the airport, you will receive a paper form for your visa
4. Verify the official correctly writes your name and ID number on the form
5. Keep this visa form safe throughout your stay, as you will need it to exit Egypt

Important: Only purchase visas at official airport counters. Avoid agents who approach you offering “assistance” for additional fees. If harassed, report to the tourist police.1

Fees

E-visa fees must be paid by credit or debit card.2 Visa on arrival can be paid in US dollars or euros cash.1 The equivalent amount in euros is calculated at the current exchange rate.

What You Need to Prove

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

• Valid travel documents: A French passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date with at least one blank page, OR a valid national identity card with two passport photos1
• 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 visa is primarily an administrative entry permit.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.

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.3

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 results in fines at departure, which can be substantial for longer overstays.

Note: If you entered Egypt with a national identity card, you cannot extend your visa beyond the initial 30 days.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 French citizens with proper documentation.3

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 can obtain a free 15-day Sinai permit, provided you stay within the Sinai Peninsula.1

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

France-Egypt Travel Connection

France and Egypt share deep historical and cultural ties, with approximately 200,000 French tourists visiting Egypt annually.4 Popular destinations for French travelers include:

• Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza: Egypt’s iconic ancient wonders
• Luxor and the Valley of the Kings: Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs
• Abu Simbel: The magnificent temples of Ramesses II
• Hurghada and the Red Sea: World-class diving and beach resorts
• Sharm El Sheikh: Popular resort town with excellent coral reefs
• Nile River cruises: Floating hotels between Luxor and Aswan
• Alexandria: Mediterranean city with Greco-Roman heritage

Direct flights connect Paris (CDG, ORY) to Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh, with flight times of approximately 4-5 hours, making Egypt highly accessible for French travelers seeking sun, history, and adventure.

Travel Safety Considerations

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides detailed travel advice for Egypt.1 Key points include:

• Most tourist areas in Egypt are safe for visitors
• The northern Sinai Peninsula and border regions are advised against (zone rouge)
• Exercise normal precautions in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts
• Register your trip on the Ariane platform for emergency alerts
• Ensure comprehensive travel insurance coverage

Always check the latest travel advisories before departure at diplomatie.gouv.fr.1