Egypt entry requirements for United States 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
US citizens can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at any Egyptian airport. Pay $25 USD (or €20/£18) in exact, clean cash at a bank kiosk before immigration. No credit cards, no change given. This is the most straightforward option for American travelers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | US passport holders can get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, Sharm el-Sheikh). Cost is $25 USD in cash (exact change preferred). You fill out a small form at the bank kiosk before the immigration counters — keep the receipt with your passport.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Egypt | Egypt enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly — your passport must have at least 6 months left from the day you leave Egypt, not just the day you arrive. Airlines check this at check-in and will deny boarding if you're short. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Cairo and Hurghada routinely ask to see a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your itinerary ready — they won't accept a verbal explanation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Keep a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking confirmation in your carry-on. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officers rarely ask, but having $1,000–$2,000 USD in cash or a recent bank statement covers you if questioned. ATMs at Egyptian airports dispense local currency (EGP) but exchange rates at airport kiosks are poor. | Recommended |
Cash only — exact change required
The bank kiosk at the airport will not give change. You must bring $25 USD (or €20/£18) in exact, clean cash. If you only have a $50 bill, you will need to break it at a duty-free shop or exchange money elsewhere first.
E-visa alternative for peace of mind
To skip the visa-on-arrival queue and guarantee entry, apply for an e-visa 1–2 weeks before travel at visa2egypt.gov.eg. It costs $25 + service fee and is valid for 30 days. Print the approval and present it at immigration alongside your passport.
Land borders do not offer visa on arrival
If you plan to enter Egypt from Israel via Taba or Nuweiba, you must have a valid visa sticker or e-visa already in your passport. There is no visa-on-arrival facility at these crossings. Advance planning is essential.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport in Egypt
After deplaning, follow 'Arrivals' and 'Immigration' signs. You'll enter a large hall before the immigration counters.
2
Go to the bank kiosk (Visa-on-Arrival counter)
Locate the bank counter labeled 'Visa-on-Arrival' or 'Egyptian Visa'. Hand over $25 USD (or equivalent in €/£) and your passport. You'll receive a receipt and a small visa sticker on a paper backing. Do not proceed to immigration until you have this sticker.
3
Proceed to immigration control
Join the queue for 'Foreign Passports'. When called, hand over your passport, the visa sticker (still on its backing), and the arrival card (if provided on the plane or at the kiosk). The officer will peel and stick the visa into your passport, stamp it, and return it.
4
Collect luggage and exit customs
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. No customs declaration unless you have goods to declare. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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
Cost$25 USD (same as VoA, but pre-arranged)
Apply online via Egypt eVisa portal before travel. No need to queue at airport.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days each)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$60 USD
Good for multiple trips. Apply online. Must have valid passport.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayVaries (up to 1 year)
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200 USD)
Requires sponsor in Egypt and approval from Ministry of Interior. Not for tourism.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD (processing fee + annual renewal)
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $2,000/month). Requires a local sponsor or property lease. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa (Temporary Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (employer-sponsored, includes work permit fee)
For foreign employees with a job offer from an Egyptian company. Requires employer to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Manpower. Allows residency and multiple entries.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa (Residence by Investment)
1 year, renewable
~$1,000 USD (initial fee, plus investment of at least $50,000 USD in an Egyptian project)
For investors who establish a business or invest in real estate. Requires proof of investment and a local partner. Grants residency and work rights.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa (Temporary Residence for Studies)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fee, plus university enrollment fees)
For students enrolled in an accredited Egyptian university or institute. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash at airport bank kiosks before immigration. No card accepted. | $25 USD (or equivalent in EUR/GBP) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap, but fines can accumulate quickly. Pay at immigration office before departure. | 100 EGP per day (~$3.20 USD) |
| Stay extension (30 days)Apply at passport office or immigration office before visa expires. Requires 2 photos and form. | 1,000 EGP (~$32 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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
US passport holders transiting through Egypt do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 48 hours. If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa or residence permit may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
- Transit passengers with a confirmed connecting flight to a third country within 12 hours are exempt from any 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 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 drink bottled water.
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 areas in the 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 Abageyah, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, 2 photos, and cash.
Giza
Giza Immigration Office
26 July St, Giza
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Less crowded than Cairo office. Same services.
Practical information for US 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
Only at international airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, Aswan, Marsa Alam, Borg El Arab). Land borders (Taba, Nuweiba) and seaports do NOT offer visa on arrival for US citizens — you need a visa from an Egyptian embassy or an e-visa before reaching those borders.
It is valid for 30 days from the date of entry. Single entry only — if you leave Egypt, you cannot re-enter without a new visa.
Officially, the visa-on-arrival is not extendable. You would need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa from the Immigration Department in Cairo (rarely approved for tourists). Plan your stay within 30 days.
You will be fined 100 EGP per day of overstay (about $3 USD). Pay at the immigration office at the airport before departing. Short overstays (a few days) are routine, but avoid long overstays as they can lead to a ban.
Yes, US citizens can apply for an e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg. It costs $25 USD plus a service fee; processing takes 3–7 business days. The e-visa is valid for 30 days, single entry. It is useful if you want to skip the queue or enter through a land border (the e-visa must be printed and presented at immigration).
Yes, regardless of age. Each person (including infants) needs their own passport and visa. The fee is $25 per person — no discounts.
US dollars are most widely accepted, followed by euros and pounds sterling. Exchange rates at the bank kiosk are fixed. You cannot use Egyptian pounds or credit cards to pay for the visa.
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.