Egypt
Occasional — randomly verifiedEgypt welcomed 14.9 million international tourists in 2023, a 27% increase from 2022. The average budget is 25 to 50 EUR per day, making it one of the most affordable destinations in the Mediterranean region.
Egypt is the most visited destination in North Africa and the Middle East, welcoming 14.9 million international tourists in 2023. Airlines verify proof of return travel before boarding, and Egyptian immigration may request this document on arrival. Cairo, Luxor, the Pyramids of Giza, and Red Sea beach resorts attract travelers from around the world.
Updated on March 2026
Visa Requirements
Egypt offers several visa options: the e-visa online (approximately 25 USD for single entry, 60 USD for multiple entry), visa on arrival at the airport (approximately 30 USD), and a free Sinai-only exemption (14 days). E-visa applications are completed at visa2egypt.gov.eg. A return ticket is recommended for all options.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| e-Visa (Single Entry) | 30 days | Approximately 23 EUR (25 USD)~23 EUR |
| e-Visa (Multiple Entry) | 30 days per stay (6-month validity) | Approximately 55 EUR (60 USD)~55 EUR |
| Visa on Arrival | 30 days | Approximately 28 EUR (30 USD)~28 EUR |
Transit Rules
Transiting through Egyptian airports (Cairo CAI, Hurghada HRG) requires a confirmed ticket to your final destination. Transit rules are generally flexible, but airlines verify onward tickets before boarding.
Documents Required
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival date in Egypt
- Printed or digital e-visa, or visa on arrival obtained at the airport
- Proof of onward or return travel recommended
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient financial means (25-50 EUR per day recommended)
- Travel medical insurance (not mandatory but recommended)
Practical tip
For Egypt, the visa on arrival is convenient but can involve queues. The e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg is recommended to save time. Combine it with a Volward onward ticket to pass check-in and immigration without issues.
Order an onward ticket for Egypt
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an onward ticket to enter Egypt?▾
Egypt does not always systematically check for return tickets at immigration, but airlines at departure increasingly require them. EgyptAir, Air Cairo, and European carriers verify travel documents at the check-in counter. Budget carriers like Wizz Air are particularly strict. An onward ticket is strongly recommended to avoid any boarding issues.
What is the difference between the e-visa and visa on arrival in Egypt?▾
The e-visa is obtained online before departure at visa2egypt.gov.eg (25 USD single entry, 60 USD multiple entry). The visa on arrival is purchased at the counter at the airport (30 USD). The e-visa is faster as it avoids queuing at the visa counter on arrival.
Is the Sinai-only visa exemption really free?▾
Yes, travelers arriving directly at Sharm el-Sheikh Airport (SSH) can obtain a free Sinai-only stamp valid for 14 days. This stamp does not allow visits to Cairo, Luxor, or any other region outside Sinai. A full visa is required to visit the rest of Egypt.
How long can I stay in Egypt with an e-visa?▾
The single-entry e-visa allows a 30-day stay. The multiple-entry e-visa is valid for 6 months and allows 30-day stays per visit. Beyond 30 days, you must apply for an extension at the nearest immigration office (Mogamma in Cairo).
Do Egyptian airlines check return tickets?▾
EgyptAir follows IATA rules and verifies travel documents at the check-in counter. Air Cairo and Nile Air, as low-cost carriers, are also rigorous. Charter flights to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are generally less strict on this particular point.
Does Egypt require travel insurance?▾
Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Egypt, but it is strongly recommended. Medical care at private hospitals in Cairo is of good quality but expensive. The Egyptian public health system is not designed to accommodate foreign tourists.
Can I extend my Egyptian visa beyond 30 days?▾
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the immigration office (Mogamma in Cairo or regional offices) before your 30-day visa expires. The extension costs approximately 65 EGP and is generally granted for an additional 30-day period.
Do Cairo and Hurghada have different checks?▾
Checks are similar regarding visas, but Cairo (CAI) is the main international entry point with more formal procedures. Hurghada (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) primarily receive European charter flights and the process is often faster and more relaxed.
