Egypt entry requirements for South Korea 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

South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Egypt. As of 2026, you pay the fee at the airport and receive a stamp valid for up to 30 days. No advance application needed.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
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. The visa counter is before immigration, not after baggage claim.Apply onlineRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Egypt
Egypt enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. No exceptions for emergency travel.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers always ask for a confirmed onward ticket. A flight booking out of Egypt within your visa validity (30 days) is mandatory. They may also ask for a hotel booking to confirm your itinerary.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Have your hotel booking or a letter of invitation from a host ready. Immigration may ask for it if you look under-prepared. A printout of your booking confirmation works fine.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or a credit card with a visible balance. Immigration rarely checks, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. ATMs at Cairo Airport dispense Egyptian pounds, not dollars.Recommended
Cash only at the bank kiosk
The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars, euros, or British pounds. No credit cards, no Egyptian pounds. Have the exact amount ready to speed things up.
Keep your arrival card
The small card you fill out on the plane is stamped and returned to you. Don't lose it — you'll need to hand it back when you leave Egypt.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at the airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Bank' or 'Visa on Arrival' kiosks before the immigration counters. These are located in the arrivals hall at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Luxor airports.
2
Buy the visa sticker
Go to the bank counter, pay the fee (typically $25 USD), and receive a visa sticker. Keep the receipt.
3
Proceed to immigration
Hand over your passport, the visa sticker, and your arrival card (usually given on the plane). The officer will stamp you in. Keep the stamped card in your passport — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist Visa (single entry) obtained in advance
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$25 USD (approx. 400 EGP)

Apply at Egyptian embassy in Seoul. Same cost as VoA but pre-approved.

Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60 USD (approx. 960 EGP)

Available from Egyptian embassy. Good for multiple trips.

work visa
Egypt Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 1,600 EGP) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from an Egyptian employer. Requires employer to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. 800 EGP) plus university enrollment
For students enrolled at an Egyptian university or institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 3,200 EGP) plus proof of pension/investment
For retirees over 60 with stable income (minimum $1,000 USD/month). Requires proof of funds and health insurance. Allows unlimited stays.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at bank kiosks before immigration.$25 USD (approx. 400 EGP)
Overstay fineNo official cap; can accumulate quickly. Pay at immigration office before departure.$10 USD per day (approx. 160 EGP)

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

South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Egyptian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 48 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying over 48 hours, a visa on arrival or pre-arranged visa is required.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene and consider carrying antibiotics.

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in fresh water (Nile, canals); avoid contact with untreated water.

Dengue feverLow risk

Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in some areas; use repellent.

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 overnight stays in high-risk areas.

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-Azhar Street, near Al-Azhar Park, Cairo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

For visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.

Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El-Gaish Road, Raml Station, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00

Handles extensions for visitors in the north coast area.

Practical information for KR 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
updated May 19
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
Police122
Medical123
US EmbassyFind contact

Getting to Egypt

8,874 kmgreat circle distance
~12hfrom Seoul
Find flights

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Egypt — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

The fee is $25 USD (or equivalent in euros or British pounds). 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 apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need a visa on arrival.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, at all international airports: Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, and others. The process is the same everywhere.
No, a digital copy on your phone is fine. But having a printed backup never hurts in case your phone dies.
No, it's not required for the visa. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Egypt can be high for tourists.

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.