Egypt Tourist Visa

Egypt e-Visa / Visa on Arrival · For United States citizens

98%
approval
3-7 business days
Processing
$25
Fee
View Requirements Check Your Chances
Verified Guide
· 3 official sources

Planning a trip to Egypt as a US citizen? You can apply for an e-visa online for $25 (single entry) or $60 (multiple entry), or get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. Both allow stays up to 30 days. This guide covers the application process, requirements, and tips for a smooth entry.

Visa Options for US Citizens

American passport holders have two main options:1

1. E-Visa (Recommended)

  • Single entry: $25, 30 days
  • Multiple entry: $60, valid 6 months
  • Processing: 3-7 business days
  • Apply online, skip airport queue

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA)

  • Cost: $25, 30 days
  • Available at all Egyptian airports
  • Pay in cash (USD, EUR, GBP)
  • Instant but may have lines

E-Visa Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documents

  • US passport with 6+ months validity
  • Digital passport photo
  • Hotel/accommodation details
  • Credit/debit card

Step 2: Apply Online

Visit visa2egypt.gov.eg:1

  • Create account
  • Fill application form
  • Upload photo
  • Pay $25 (single) or $60 (multiple)

Step 3: Wait for Approval

Processing takes 3-7 business days. Apply at least 7 days before travel.

Step 4: Print and Travel

Download and print the e-visa approval to present at Egyptian immigration.

Visa on Arrival Process

If you prefer VOA:2

  1. Arrive at Egyptian airport (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, etc.)
  2. Locate visa purchase counter (before passport control)
  3. Pay $25 in cash
  4. Receive visa sticker
  5. Proceed to immigration

VOA is available at all international airports but not at land borders.

Fees

Visa TypeCostValidity
E-Visa (single)$2530 days
E-Visa (multiple)$606 months
Visa on Arrival$2530 days

Entry Points

E-Visa valid at:

  • All international airports
  • Land borders (with pre-approval)

VOA available at:

  • Cairo International Airport
  • Hurghada Airport
  • Sharm el-Sheikh Airport
  • Luxor Airport
  • Alexandria Airport

Processing Times

MethodTime
E-Visa3-7 business days
VOAInstant (may have wait)

At Immigration

Present to Egyptian immigration:

  • US passport
  • Printed e-visa OR VOA sticker
  • Return ticket (may be requested)
  • Hotel details

Extending Your Stay

For stays longer than 30 days:

  1. Visit Egyptian immigration office
  2. Apply before visa expires
  3. Bring passport, photos, and fees
  4. Extensions granted case-by-case

Travel Advisory

Check the U.S. Department of State travel advisory for Egypt before your trip.3

Your Egypt visa covers all tourist destinations:

  • Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza
  • Luxor and Valley of the Kings
  • Aswan and Abu Simbel
  • Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh)
  • Alexandria

Common Rejection Reasons

Based on official refusal data for this corridor

35%

Passport Validity

Passport does not have 6 months validity.

How to avoid: Ensure 6+ months validity from entry date.

25%

Photo Quality Issues

Photo does not meet e-visa requirements.

How to avoid: Use a clear, recent passport photo with white background.

25%

Incomplete Application

Missing required information in e-visa form.

How to avoid: Complete all fields carefully.

15%

Late Application

Applied less than 7 days before travel.

How to avoid: Apply at least 7 days ahead, or use VOA as backup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do US citizens need a visa for Egypt?

Yes, US citizens need a visa for Egypt. You can either apply for an e-visa online ($25 single / $60 multiple) or get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports ($25).

How much does Egypt visa cost for Americans?

Single entry visa costs $25 (e-visa or VOA). Multiple entry e-visa costs $60 and is valid for 6 months. Both allow 30-day stays.

Should I get an e-visa or visa on arrival for Egypt?

E-visa is recommended as you skip the VOA queue at the airport. Apply at least 7 days before travel. VOA is convenient if you forget to apply but requires waiting in line.

How long can US citizens stay in Egypt?

Both e-visa and VOA allow stays up to 30 days. Extensions are possible at the Egyptian immigration office before your visa expires.

How long does Egypt e-visa processing take?

E-visa processing takes 3-7 business days. Apply at least 7 days before your departure. You receive the e-visa by email.

Can I get multiple entry visa for Egypt?

Yes, the multiple entry e-visa costs $60 and is valid for 6 months. Each entry allows up to 30 days. Great for visiting neighboring countries and returning.

Sources