Egypt entry requirements for Switzerland 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
Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Egypt. The process is straightforward: pay the fee at a bank kiosk before immigration, then get your visa sticker. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Swiss passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. The cost is $25 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have exact cash ready in USD, EUR, or GBP — the kiosk at Cairo Airport does not give change.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry into Egypt. Airlines at Zurich and Geneva enforce this strictly — they will deny boarding if your passport expires sooner. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration at Cairo Airport asks for a return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like EgyptAir and Air Cairo check this at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Immigration officers occasionally ask for a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host. Have a printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or a credit card with a visible limit — ATMs at the airport are unreliable. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards
The visa fee must be paid in cash at the bank kiosk before immigration. There are no ATMs before that point. Bring USD, EUR, or GBP in good condition. Exact change helps avoid delays.
Visa sticker is a full page
The visa sticker takes up an entire passport page. Make sure you have at least one completely blank page. Stickers cannot be placed on pages with existing stamps or visas.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
After landing at Cairo (CAI), Hurghada (HRG), Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH), or Luxor (LXR), follow signs to 'Bank' or 'Visa on Arrival' before you reach passport control.
2
Buy the visa sticker
Go to the bank kiosk (usually near the immigration hall entrance). Pay USD 25 cash and receive a visa sticker. Do not proceed to immigration without it.
3
Affix the sticker
Peel the sticker and place it on a blank page in your passport. Some travellers write their passport number on it, but it's not required.
4
Go through immigration
Present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and (if asked) your return ticket and hotel booking. The officer will stamp you in.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. No additional forms are needed.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD (approx. 25 USD)
Can be obtained on arrival or in advance from Egyptian embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
Available on arrival for some nationalities; check with embassy. Allows multiple entries.
Long-Stay Visa (Residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$100–200 USD (approx. 100–200 USD)
Requires sponsor (employer, family, or property owner). Apply at Egyptian embassy or through sponsor.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year (approx. 200 USD)
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or property ownership. Allows long-term stay.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa (Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$150–300 USD (approx. 150–300 USD)
For those with a job offer from an Egyptian employer. Employer sponsors the visa. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa (Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (approx. 500–1,000 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in an Egyptian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at the airport upon arrival. | $25 USD (approx. 25 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap, but fines can accumulate quickly. Pay at immigration before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD) |
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
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit (staying in the international transit area) for up to 48 hours. If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 48 hours.
- If leaving the airport, obtain a visa on arrival (single entry, $25 USD).
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, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water (Nile, canals); avoid contact with untreated water.
Dengue feverLow risk
Mosquito-borne; present in some 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 in rural Nile Delta or Sinai.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cairo
Passport and Immigration Office (Cairo)
Al-Azhar Street, near Al-Azhar Park, Cairo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
For visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El-Horreya Road, near Alexandria Zoo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for CH 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
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Egypt — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
USD 25 for a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days. You can also get a multiple-entry visa for USD 60. Pay in cash at the bank kiosk before immigration. Credit cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The same process applies. All international airports in Egypt have bank kiosks for visa on arrival. The fee is the same everywhere.
If you stay airside and your connecting flight is within 12 hours, you don't need a visa. If you leave the airport or have a longer layover, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Yes. Each traveller, including infants and children, needs their own visa sticker. The fee is the same per person.
The bank kiosks also accept EUR and GBP, but the exchange rate may be less favourable. USD is preferred. ATMs are available after immigration, but you'll need cash before that point.
No, it's only for certain nationalities including Switzerland. Check the latest list from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism before travel.
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.