Egypt entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Egypt — no need to apply before you travel. As of 2026, the process is straightforward: just join the visa-on-arrival queue at the airport, pay the fee, and you're in. Have your passport and cash ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at the airport upon arrival. Pay the fee in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) — $25 USD for a single-entry 30-day visa. Have a passport photo ready, though officers often skip it. The queue at Cairo Airport can take 30–60 minutes.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Airlines check this strictly at check-in. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. Without one, you risk being refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Carry a printed or digital copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least $1,000 USD or equivalent in cash, credit cards, or bank statements. Officers almost never check, but it's a formal requirement. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — no cards. Bring $25 USD (or equivalent in euros/EGP) in small bills. ATMs are available after passport control, but queues can be long.
Visa on arrival only at airports
This option is only available at international airports. If you're entering Egypt by land or sea, you must get a visa in advance from an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
What happens at the border
1
Land at an Egyptian airport
You'll arrive at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, or another international airport. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank' before passport control.
2
Buy the visa sticker
At the visa-on-arrival counter or bank kiosk (usually right before passport control), pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, it's $25 USD for a single-entry 30-day visa. You'll get a sticker.
3
Affix the sticker to your passport
Peel the sticker and place it on a blank page in your passport. Don't cover any existing stamps or visas.
4
Queue at passport control
Hand your passport (with the sticker) to the immigration officer. They'll stamp it and you're in. Keep your return ticket and hotel booking handy in case they ask.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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 via eVisa)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$25 USD (approx. €23)
Apply online at visa2egypt.gov.eg; faster than visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry via eVisa)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 6 months total
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. €55)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within 6 months.
Long-stay tourist visa (at embassy)
Max stayUp to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (approx. €46)
Apply at Egyptian embassy in Rome or Milan; requires invitation letter.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (approx. €460) per year
For retirees over 60 with proof of pension or sufficient funds (min. $2,000/month). Requires a local sponsor or property lease. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (approx. €275) plus employer fees
Requires a job offer from an Egyptian company and a work permit. The employer sponsors the visa. Allows residency and multiple entries.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa (Residency by Investment)
1 year, renewable; can lead to permanent residency
~$1,000 USD (approx. €920) plus investment of min. $50,000 USD
For investors who establish a business or invest in real estate. Requires proof of investment and a local partner. Offers long-term residency.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. €184) plus university fees
For students enrolled at an Egyptian university or language institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at airport bank kiosks before immigration. | $25 USD (approx. €23) |
| Tourist visa (single entry via eVisa)Apply online before travel; valid for 30 days from entry. | $25 USD (approx. €23) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry via eVisa)Valid for 6 months; allows multiple entries up to 30 days each. | $60 USD (approx. €55) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
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
Italian 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
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 48 hours if holding a confirmed onward ticket and staying airside.
- Holders of a valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canada visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
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 yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Rift Valley fever)Moderate risk
Risk is present year-round, especially in rural areas and during warmer months.
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 tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Red Sea resorts) but present in rural Nile Delta and oases. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard itineraries.
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 Passport and Immigration Office (Cairo)
Al Abageyah, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
For overstay fines and visa extensions; bring passport, visa, and cash.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
15 El Horreya Road, Raml Station, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits for northern Egypt.
Practical information for IT 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
As of 2026, a single-entry 30-day visa on arrival costs $25 USD. Pay in cash — US dollars, euros, or Egyptian pounds are accepted, but USD is easiest. Have exact change if possible.
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 you travel (e.g., a tourist visa from the Egyptian embassy in Italy).
Visa on arrival is only available at international airports. If you're entering Egypt by land (e.g., from Israel via Taba) or by sea (e.g., ferry from Jordan to Nuweiba), you must get a visa in advance from an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
If you're staying airside and your layover is under 12 hours, you generally don't need a visa. But if you want to leave the airport or your layover is longer, you'll need a visa on arrival.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Egyptian immigration. No exceptions. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, only cash is accepted. Bring $25 USD in cash (or equivalent in euros or Egyptian pounds). ATMs are available after passport control, but it's easier to have cash ready.
Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. It's not always checked, but having a printed or digital copy of your return ticket and first night's hotel booking is smart.
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.