Egypt entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders get a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, Sharm el-Sheikh) for up to 30 days. It's the easiest option for short tourist trips, costing around $25–35 USD. You can also apply for an e‑visa online before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. Pay $25 USD in cash (exact change) for a single-entry 30-day visa. Have a passport photo ready — they may ask for one.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Egypt. Airlines enforce this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers at Cairo Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Have your hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks, but having $1,000–$2,000 equivalent available avoids any questions. | Recommended |
Have exact cash for the visa fee
The bank kiosks often do not give change. Bring the exact amount in USD, EUR, or GBP. If you only have large notes, you may be directed to a currency exchange counter first.
Visa on arrival only at airports
If you’re entering Egypt by land (e.g., from Israel via Taba) or by sea, you cannot use the visa‑on‑arrival facility. Apply for an e‑visa or get a visa from an Egyptian embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Land and follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival'
After deplaning, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank' – these are clearly marked in English and Arabic.
2
Buy visa sticker at bank kiosk
Approach the bank counter (usually right before immigration). Pay the fee in USD, EUR, or GBP. They give you a sticker – do not peel it yet.
3
Proceed to immigration counter
Join the queue for foreign passports. Hand over your passport with the visa sticker still on its backing paper, plus your boarding pass. The officer will apply the sticker and stamp you in.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your checked bags and proceed through customs. No customs declaration form is required for most visitors.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry (pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$25 USD (approx. AUD 38)
Apply online via Egypt eVisa portal or at embassy. Extension costs ~$10 USD.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$60 USD (approx. AUD 90)
Good for multiple visits. Extensions possible at immigration offices.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayVaries by visa type
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$100–$200 USD (approx. AUD 150–300)
Requires sponsor in Egypt. Apply at Egyptian embassy in Australia.
work visa
Work Visa (Temporary Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~USD 100–200 (processing fees)
For foreigners with a job offer from an Egyptian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Manpower.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~USD 50–100 (processing fees)
For those enrolled in an accredited Egyptian university or institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Retirement Residency Permit
1 year, renewable
~USD 200–300 (processing fees)
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient income. Requires health insurance and local sponsor.
investor visa
Investor Residency Permit
1 year, renewable
~USD 500–1,000 (processing fees)
For those investing in an Egyptian business or real estate (minimum ~USD 50,000). Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in USD, EUR, or GBP at the airport bank kiosk before immigration. | $25 USD (approx. AUD 38) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; fines accumulate daily. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. AUD 15) |
| Tourist visa single entry (pre-arranged)Available via eVisa or at embassy; same price as VoA. | $25 USD (approx. AUD 38) |
| Tourist visa multiple entryValid for 6 months; apply online or at embassy. | $60 USD (approx. AUD 90) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Egypt
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders transiting through Egypt do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsCairo International Airport (CAI) · Hurghada International Airport (HRG) · Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
Health & vaccines for Egypt
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Rift Valley fever)Moderate risk
Risk is present, especially in rural areas and during warmer months. Use insect repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water (Nile, canals); avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural Nile Delta or desert oases.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cairo
Egyptian Immigration Office (Cairo)
Al-Azhar Street, near Al-Azhar Park, Cairo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, photo, and fee in USD.
Giza
Giza Immigration Office
26th of July Street, Giza
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Closer to pyramids area. Same services as Cairo office.
Practical information for AU travellers
Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 53.32 EGP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Egypt
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Egypt — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
It costs $25–$35 USD, depending on the exact fee at the time of travel. You must pay in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) at the bank kiosk inside the airport. Change may not be available, so bring exact or small bills.
No, the visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you’re entering overland from Jordan (e.g., via the Taba border crossing) or by sea, you must apply for an e‑visa or obtain a visa in advance from an Egyptian embassy.
Yes. You can apply for a single‑entry e‑visa online at www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. It costs about $33 USD, processing takes 5–7 business days. The e‑visa is valid for 30 days and can be used at any port of entry, including land borders.
The visa on arrival grants a 30‑day stay. It is single entry – if you leave Egypt, your visa expires. You cannot extend this visa (the database shows it is not extendable). For longer stays, you’d need to apply for a different visa type at an embassy beforehand.
Most travellers get through without one, but occasionally immigration officers will request it. If you don’t have one, you may be sent to a photo booth (available at major airports) or asked to pay a small fee. To avoid hassle, carry one.
Airlines and immigration often ask for proof of onward travel. It’s not a formal visa requirement, but not having a return/onward ticket can cause delays or denial of boarding. Always have a confirmed booking.
Yes, Australians can get the visa on arrival at Sharm el‑Sheikh Airport. However, if you plan to stay only in South Sinai resorts and not travel to the mainland, you may be eligible for a free 15‑day entry stamp (subject to change). Check current rules – the standard visa on arrival is simpler.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.