Are you planning to visit Egypt this year? Then, you are making a great choice similar to around 15.7 million people who visited the country in 2024. This will help you explore the country’s rich history and let you dive into its vibrant culture. This, along with a few other things, makes it totally worth it for you to get an Egypt online visa.
However, the process of acquiring this visa might feel a little challenging as it involves understanding a few different things. On top of that, you will have to carefully choose the most suitable one out of the multiple visa options offered by the country. This is why you need to understand the different steps of the process so that you do not end up making any mistakes.
Types of Egypt Tourist Visas
As discussed earlier, Egypt offers multiple visa options for the country and the same goes for Tourist visas. There are a few different ways in which you can acquire this visa, so you must understand all the different ways to avoid further confusion. Some of the types of tourist visas in Egypt are:
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
This type of visa is applied after you reach the Egyptian airport. However, you should remember that this is only available at major airports like the Cairo International Airport. On top of that, all nationalities are not even eligible to get this type of tourist visa. So, you need to check that before you plan to get this visa which comes with 90 days validity, a maximum stay of 30 days, and allows single entry.
eVisa
An Egypt online visa or online visa is the most convenient one on the list. This one can be applied from your house and can allow single entry (90 days validity and 30 days maximum stay period) or multiple entry (180 days validity and maximum stay of 30 days/ entry). This process involves you just logging into the online portal and selecting the right type of visa. However, similar to the first one, this option does not apply to all nationalities. So, it is best that you check your eligibility before starting your application process.
Embassy/Consulate Visa
This type of visa is also known as a traditional visa. You must apply for it through the embassy or consulate, which means you will have to physically visit these places. This pre-arranged visa has provisions for longer stays, such as 90 days of validity, a maximum stay of 30 days per entry, and multiple entries.
Documents Required for an Egypt Tourist Visa
Well, the process of applying for a tourist visa in Egypt trip, requires you to provide a few important documents. These are necessary for the process and your application can get cancelled if you fail to show these documents. Some of these documents are:
Valid passport
Planning an international trip is impossible if you do not have a passport. This one acts as the biggest identity proof and proves your ties with your home country. However, you must ensure that your passport passes the basic checks of validity. Some of the signs of a valid passport are that it comes with a minimum of 6 months validity from the arrival date and has at least two blank pages.
Completed visa application form
Well, all foreign nationalists are required to complete the visa application form as that helps in acquiring the visa. This works like a travel permit in providing that you are eligible to enter the country. So, unless you are on the visa-exempted country list, you will have to get this one.
Recent passport-size photo
Your passport is not the only identity proof that you will need for the process. Rather, you will also have to use your most recent passport-sized photograph. As per the visa specifications, this picture of yours is supposed to have a blank background. On top of that, all your facial features should be visible in the photograph.
Proof of accommodation
All individuals getting a tourist visa in Egypt are required to share a travel itinerary with the authorities. This proves your legitimacy and eliminates the chances of you being suspected of any illegal activity. Well, this itinerary includes your hotel bookings too. So, make sure you have a copy of your hotel booking or invoice to share your travel plan.
Return flight ticket
Well, all individuals traveling to the country with a tourist visa are required to share a copy of a return ticket. This shows that you have plans on leaving the country and do not wish to stay there forever in an unlawful manner.
Proof of sufficient funds
This might not be required for all, however, you will have to provide it if the government requires you to do so. You will just have to share a few copies of your most recent bank statements to prove that you are eligible to pay for the expenses that will be incurred on this trip.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for an Egypt Tourist Visa
All types of visa applications require you to follow a few different steps. We will break down the steps for all the different visa applications to simplify the processes for you.
Option 1: Visa on Arrival (VOA) Process
- Choose your destinations to be major airports like Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh.
- Reach the right counter to get the application form.
- Fill out the visa application form upon arrival with necessary and accurate details.
- Submit the passport, photo, and visa fee required by the authority.
- Receive the visa stamp and proceed through immigration.
Option 2: Applying for an E-Visa Online
- Visit the correct portal for an Egypt online visa.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload required documents like scanned copies of your passport, photo, and other things that we discussed above.
- Pay the visa fee through your debit or credit card.
- Wait for 3-7 business days as that is the minimum processing time.
- After that, the visa approval letter will be automatically sent to the email ID that you provided on the application form.
- Print the letter once you get it and present it at immigration.
[Note: Remember to contact the Helpdesk if you do not receive the approval letter within the specified period.]
Option 3: Applying at an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate
- Locate the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
- Reach the right counter at the embassy to get your application form.
- Submit the completed application form and necessary documents required by the authority.
- Pay your Egypt tourist visa fee through your debit or credit card.
- Wait for the processing time of 7 to 10 business days for the application to get accepted.
- Once your visa is approved, collect your passport with the visa from the embassy.
Effective Tips for an Easy Visa Application
Well, there is a big chance that you might still face some issues even after you follow all the necessary steps. You need to keep a few things in mind if you want a smooth experience. Some of the things that you should remember are:
Ensure your passport’s validity:
Using a passport that does not meet that minimum standard for validity will not help you in getting a visa. So, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond travel. On top of that, you should also check if your passport has at least two blank pages in it.
Carry some cash with you:
Well, anyone who is planning to get a visa on arrival should always have some cash with them. This will help you to make payments for the application in case card payment is not allowed. So, make sure you carry some exchanged Egyptian pounds with you.
Apply for an e-Visa in advance:
There is always a chance of facing some delay or even rejection while applying for an Egypt online visa. This is why it is always best to apply for the visa at least 2 weeks before the trip. This way you will not have to deal with any last-minute hiccups.
Avoid overstaying:
Well, staying beyond the validity of your visa will end you in a legal issue. Plan your entire trip within the validity period. This way you will be able to avoid the chance of paying expensive fines or facing travel restrictions in the future.
Ready to apply for an Egypt online visa?
Traveling to Egypt with an Egypt online visa or traditional visa can be a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to explore some of the finest historical artifacts in the world. However, the visa application process may feel a bit overwhelming due to its many steps. Therefore, it’s best to begin the process after gaining proper knowledge about it. This approach will make the rest of your journey easier. Ultimately, it will help ensure you have a successful trip.
