Egypt is one of the most visited countries worldwide. In 2019, Egypt had at least 13 million tourists. Although the numbers have considerably decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this African country continues to be one of the most popular touristic destinations worldwide.
If you plan on traveling to Egypt, you need to apply for an Egypt visa. You don’t need to visit the nearest Egypt consulate or embassy anymore, as now you can obtain an electronic visa and focus on organizing your travel plans without losing your head over bureaucratic procedures.
Learn what an e-visa is and what you need to obtain one to visit Egypt.
What is an Egypt e-visa?
An Egypt e-visa is an electronic document that allows you to enter Egypt. Depending on your needs, you can apply for a multiple-entry visa or a single-entry visa. The visa requirements are similar for either option, but the validity time may vary.
The Egyptian government made electronic visas available for more than 78 countries starting in December 2017. While it is still possible to obtain a classic visa, an Egypt e-visa is more convenient to the velocity of the process. You may be able to obtain your Egypt visa in less than one week if you apply for it on the web.
Egypt electronic visa requirements
You can apply for an e-visa to Egypt online in easy steps. There is a visa application form you must complete, which consists of a few personal and security questions, such as your nationality, marital status, and so on. Many of these questions do not require in-depth answers, allowing you to go through the whole application form in about 30 minutes or less.
Besides the application form, you are also required to provide a few documents to be able to complete the process. Here are all the visa requirements you will need for your request:
Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon your arrival in Egypt. You will also be required to upload pictures of the information pages of your passport for the process.
Passport-type photograph: Please, upload a passport-size picture. It should not be older than six months and should show your current appearance.
Email: You must provide a valid email address as it will be the primary mean of communication between you and the visa system.
Means of Payment: You must pay the visa fee to be able to complete the process. The system is compatible with a wide range of credit and debit cards.
You will be notified of the approval of your Egypt e-visa via email. The standard process takes about 7 business days, allowing you to obtain your e-visa within one week of requesting it. You do not need to mail any of these documents, as you are only required to submit digital copies of each one during the visa application process.
Although most people use the e-visa system to apply for a tourist visa, you can also obtain business visas through the same process.
Egypt e-visa eligibility
As mentioned, the e-visa system was first introduced in Egypt in December 2017. Since then, citizens of 42 countries have been able to obtain an Egypt visa online without too much hassle. In July 2021, the Egyptian government added 28 more countries, giving a total of 74 countries eligible for an e-visa. If your country is not listed, you must apply for a classic visa.
Check the eligibility list for Egypt e-visas. Egypt intends to add more countries to the list of eligible countries in the future, however. You can also visit VisaHQ for more information on how to obtain your Egypt e-visa.
Egypt e-visa types
Most people apply for a single-entry visa, but multiple-entry visas are also available. While a single-entry visa allows you to stay for 30 days (one month), a multiple-entry visa allows you to enter Egyptian territory multiple times within a period of 180 days. The number of visits you can make to the country as a multiple-entry visa holder is not limited.
It is recommended for travelers to apply for an e-visa at least 7 days before their flight. Once the process is done and your application has been reviewed, the system will send you your e-visa via email. You must print a copy of your e-visa and carry it with you, as the immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival in Egypt.
Additional information
You will be able to apply for your Egypt e-visa through any device that has an internet connection. Make sure you have already taken the digital copies of each document and saved them in the internal storage of the computer, phone, or tablet where you might be completing the process.
An e-visa can save you several hours before and after your arrival in Egypt, allowing you to directly enter the country and enjoy your holiday.