Egypt Visa-Free Entry
GCC National Entry Permit · For Saudi Arabia citizens
Planning a trip to Egypt as a Saudi citizen? Great news: you can enter Egypt visa-free as a GCC national. Simply present your valid Saudi passport at immigration, and you can stay up to 90 days for tourism. No visa application, no fees, no waiting. Egypt welcomes approximately 1.5 million Saudi visitors annually, making it one of the most popular destinations for Saudi travelers.
Egypt Entry for Saudi Arabian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Saudi Arabia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Saudi passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date in Egypt
Proof of your return flight to Saudi Arabia or onward travel to another destination
Evidence that you can support yourself during your stay in Egypt
Recommended (Optional)
Hotel booking or address where you will be staying in Egypt
Travel and health insurance covering your stay in Egypt
As a Saudi citizen, you enjoy one of the simplest entry processes to Egypt.1 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) agreement grants Saudi nationals visa-free access, making Egypt a convenient destination for tourism, family visits, and business trips.
Entry Process
Entering Egypt as a Saudi citizen is straightforward:
1. Arrive at any Egyptian port of entry
You can enter through major international airports including Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor, and Alexandria.3 Land borders and seaports also accept GCC nationals.
2. Present your passport at immigration
Hand your valid Saudi passport to the immigration officer. Ensure your passport has at least six months validity from your arrival date and one blank page for the entry stamp.1
3. Answer any questions
Immigration officers may ask about your travel purpose, length of stay, and accommodation. Be prepared with clear answers and have your hotel booking confirmation accessible.
4. Receive your entry stamp
Upon verification, you will receive an entry stamp in your passport allowing a stay of up to 90 days.2 Keep your passport safe as you will need to present it when departing.
Fees
| Entry Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| GCC National Entry (Saudi citizens) | Free |
| Optional e-Visa (if desired) | $25 single entry / $60 multiple entry |
| Visa on Arrival (other nationalities) | $25 |
As a Saudi citizen, you enter Egypt at no cost.1 The e-visa and visa on arrival options are available but unnecessary for GCC nationals who can simply enter visa-free.
What You Need to Prove
Egyptian immigration focuses on standard entry verification for GCC nationals:
Valid travel document: Your Saudi passport must have at least six months validity and one blank page.2 Expired or damaged passports will be rejected.
Genuine visitor purpose: Be ready to explain why you are visiting Egypt. Common purposes include tourism, visiting family, religious pilgrimage, medical treatment, or short business meetings.
Return or onward travel: Have proof of your return flight to Saudi Arabia or onward travel plans. This demonstrates your intent to leave Egypt within the permitted period.
Sufficient funds: While no specific amount is required, you should be able to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay without working illegally.2
Accommodation arrangements: Know where you will be staying and have the address or hotel booking available. Immigration may ask about your accommodation plans.
Processing Times
| Entry Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Airport immigration | 5-15 minutes |
| Land border | 10-30 minutes |
| Seaport | 15-30 minutes |
Entry processing is immediate at the immigration counter.1 During peak travel times such as Egyptian holidays, Ramadan, or Saudi school breaks, allow extra time for longer queues at busy airports.
After You Enter Egypt
During your stay: Carry your passport with you at all times as it serves as your identification and proof of legal entry. Hotels will typically register your stay automatically, fulfilling any registration requirements.4
Currency and banking: Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops.
Emergency contacts: The Saudi Embassy in Cairo can assist with emergencies. Keep their contact information handy: Address: 9 Ibn Zanki St., Zamalek, Cairo. Phone: +20 2 27362245.5
Extending your stay: If you wish to stay longer than 90 days, apply for an extension at the Mogamma building in Tahrir Square, Cairo, or at passport offices in other governorates. Apply before your permitted stay expires to avoid penalties.
Departure: Present your passport at immigration when leaving Egypt. Officers will stamp your passport with an exit stamp. Ensure you depart before your 90-day limit expires.
If Entry is Denied
Entry denial for Saudi citizens is rare but can occur. If denied entry:
Understand the reason: Ask the immigration officer for the specific reason. Common issues include passport problems, previous violations, or security concerns.
Contact the Saudi Embassy: If you believe the denial is unjustified, contact the Saudi Embassy in Cairo for assistance. They can help communicate with Egyptian authorities.
Document everything: Keep records of the denial, including any documents given to you by immigration. This information is important if you wish to resolve the issue for future travel.
Check for bans: Previous overstays or violations may result in entry bans. If you suspect this is the issue, contact the Egyptian embassy in Saudi Arabia before attempting to travel again to understand any restrictions.
Consider alternatives: If denied at a land border or seaport, you may attempt entry at an airport where processing may differ. However, if the denial is based on a formal ban, entry will be refused at all ports.
Most entry issues can be resolved by ensuring your passport is valid, having clear travel plans, and being prepared to answer basic questions about your visit.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Passport Validity Issues
Saudi passport with less than six months validity or insufficient blank pages may result in entry denial.
How to avoid: Check your passport validity before traveling. If it expires within 8 months of your travel date, consider renewing before your trip.
No Proof of Return Travel
Immigration officers may deny entry if you cannot demonstrate plans to leave Egypt within the permitted stay period.
How to avoid: Always book a round-trip ticket and have a printed or digital copy of your return flight confirmation ready to show at immigration.
Insufficient Funds
Inability to demonstrate sufficient financial means for your stay may raise concerns at the border.
How to avoid: Carry credit cards, bank cards, or sufficient cash. Be prepared to show evidence of funds if asked by immigration officers.
Previous Immigration Violations
Prior overstays in Egypt or other immigration violations can result in entry bans.
How to avoid: If you have previous violations, contact the Egyptian embassy before traveling to understand if any restrictions apply to you.
Incomplete Travel Purpose
Vague or suspicious answers about your travel purpose may cause additional scrutiny or denial.
How to avoid: Be prepared to clearly explain your travel purpose, itinerary, and where you will be staying in Egypt.
Security or Watchlist Issues
Names matching security watchlists or previous security-related denials.
How to avoid: If you have a common name that may trigger false positives, carry additional identification documents and be patient with security procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Saudi citizens need a visa to visit Egypt?
No. Saudi citizens can enter Egypt visa-free as GCC nationals. You simply present your valid Saudi passport at immigration and receive an entry stamp allowing stays of up to 90 days.
How long can Saudi citizens stay in Egypt?
Saudi citizens can stay in Egypt for up to 90 days per visit without a visa. For longer stays, you would need to apply for a visa extension through Egyptian immigration authorities or exit and re-enter.
Is there a fee for Saudi citizens to enter Egypt?
No. Entry is free for Saudi citizens. Unlike visitors from many other countries who must pay $25 for a visa on arrival or e-visa, GCC nationals including Saudis enter at no cost.
What documents do I need to enter Egypt as a Saudi citizen?
You need a valid Saudi passport with at least six months validity and one blank page. Immigration may also ask for proof of return travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds for your stay.
Can I enter Egypt by land as a Saudi citizen?
Yes. Saudi citizens can enter Egypt at any authorized port of entry, including land borders, airports, and seaports. The visa-free entry applies regardless of how you arrive.
Can Saudi citizens work in Egypt on visa-free entry?
No. The visa-free entry is for tourism, family visits, and short business meetings only. To work in Egypt, you must obtain the appropriate work visa through the Egyptian embassy before traveling.
Do I need to register with police after arriving in Egypt?
If staying in a hotel, the hotel handles registration automatically. If staying in a private residence for more than seven days, you may need to register at the nearest police station, though this is rarely enforced for short tourism visits.
Can I extend my stay beyond 90 days?
Yes, extensions are possible by applying at the Mogamma government building in Cairo or at passport offices in other cities. You should apply before your 90-day period expires to avoid overstay penalties.
What happens if I overstay in Egypt?
Overstaying results in fines and may lead to detention, deportation, and future entry bans. If you realize you have overstayed, report to immigration authorities immediately to regularize your status and pay applicable fines.
Are there any restricted areas in Egypt for Saudi visitors?
Yes. Some areas, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula and near the Libyan and Sudanese borders, have travel restrictions. Check current travel advisories and obtain necessary permits before visiting border regions.