Egypt entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Egypt. As of 2026, you pay the fee at a bank kiosk before immigration and receive a sticker in your passport. Expect a short queue, but the process is straightforward.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for $25 USD (single entry, 30 days). Have exact cash in USD or EUR ready — the bank counter at the airport does not give change. The visa sticker goes into your passport, so bring a pen to fill out the arrival card on the plane.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Egypt. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. No exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration at Cairo Airport asks for a return or onward ticket before stamping you in. If you are flying out of Egypt, have the booking confirmation ready on your phone or printed. Overland exits are less strict, but air travel is always checked. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Accommodation | Have your hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host ready. Immigration officers at Cairo sometimes ask for the first night's address. A printed confirmation or a screenshot on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Funds | Carry at least $1,000 USD equivalent in cash or have a credit card with a visible limit. Immigration rarely asks, but if you look under-prepared, they may request proof. ATMs are plentiful in Cairo but unreliable outside major cities. | Recommended |
Cash only at the visa kiosk
The bank kiosk does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring USD 25 (or EUR/GBP equivalent) in cash. ATMs dispense Egyptian pounds, which the kiosk won't take.
Keep your receipt
After paying at the bank kiosk, you'll get a small receipt. Don't lose it — the immigration officer needs it to issue your visa sticker.
What happens at the border
1
Land and head to the bank kiosk
After deplaning at Cairo International Airport (or Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor), follow signs to 'Bank' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There will be a small counter or window where you pay the fee. Hand over USD 25 (or equivalent) and receive a receipt.
2
Get your visa sticker
Take the receipt to the adjacent immigration officer. They'll stick a visa into your passport and stamp it. This takes about 2 minutes.
3
Proceed to passport control
Join the main immigration queue. Present your passport (with the new visa sticker) and your boarding pass. The officer may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking. Answer clearly and you're through.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. You're now in Egypt.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD (approx. $25 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from Egyptian embassy.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry, 6 months)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. $60 USD)
Available from Egyptian embassy; allows multiple entries.
Long-Stay Tourist Visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
Requires application at Egyptian embassy with proof of funds and itinerary.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD / year (including fees)
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or property rental. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$300 USD / year (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Egyptian company. Requires employer to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year (plus university fees)
For students enrolled in an Egyptian university or language program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD / year (plus investment minimum)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in an Egyptian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Fast-track processing available.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at the airport upon arrival. | $25 USD (approx. $25 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap; overstay can lead to detention and deportation. | $100 USD per day (approx. $100 USD per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Egypt do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 48 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
- Transit through multiple airports in Egypt may require a visa.
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
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water (Nile, canals); avoid swimming in non-chlorinated water.
Dengue feverLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban areas, especially during rainy season.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider for rural areas in the Nile Delta.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cairo
Cairo Passport and Immigration Office (Al-Abbasiya)
Al-Abbasiya, Cairo Governorate
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El-Shaheed Galal El-Desouky St, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in the north.
Practical information for CA 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
Yes, all international airports in Egypt (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, Marsa Alam) offer visa on arrival for Canadians. The process is the same everywhere.
USD 25 for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. You can also pay in euros (€25) or British pounds (£20). Exact change is appreciated but not required.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before travel (e.g., a tourist visa from an Egyptian consulate).
If you stay airside and your connecting flight is within 48 hours, you don't need a visa. If you leave the transit area or have an overnight layover, you'll need a visa on arrival.
There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, but they dispense Egyptian pounds (EGP). The bank kiosk only accepts foreign cash (USD, EUR, GBP). Bring the exact amount in one of those currencies to avoid hassle.
No, it's single entry only. If you leave Egypt (even to a neighboring country) and return, you'll need to pay for a new visa on arrival.
Yes, Canada is eligible for Egypt's e-visa. It costs about USD 30 and takes 3-5 business days. You'll still need to queue at immigration, but you skip the bank kiosk step. The visa on arrival is simpler for most travellers.
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.