Egypt Visa Services
Almost every traveller to Egypt — including visitors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the EU — needs an entry visa, and almost everyone qualifies for one of two easy routes: the official e-Visa applied for online before you fly, or the visa on arrival bought at the airport bank counter. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with at least two blank pages. Fees and eligibility on this page were last reviewed in July 2026; they are set by the Egyptian government and can change — when you book with us, we confirm the current rules for your nationality before you travel.
Egypt e-Visa: Apply Online Before You Fly
Apply on the official government portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg. As of mid-2026 the single-entry e-Visa costs $30 (valid three months, stay up to 30 days) and the multiple-entry e-Visa costs $65 (valid six months, each stay up to 30 days). Around 75 nationalities are eligible, including the US, Canada, the UK and the EU. Processing normally takes five to seven business days — the portal advises applying at least a week before departure, and we recommend two to three weeks to leave room for questions or resubmissions.
Visa on Arrival at the Airport
Travellers from roughly 46 countries — including the US, Canada, the UK, all EU states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea — can buy a single-entry 30-day visa at the bank counter just before immigration. Since 1 March 2026 it costs $30, payable in cash (US dollars, euros or British pounds; cards are generally not accepted). If you arrive with our meet-and-assist service, our airport representative is beside you for the whole process.
The Free Sinai-Only Stamp
Flying non-stop to Sharm El Sheikh or Taba for a beach-only holiday? Many nationalities can enter with a free Sinai-only stamp, valid 15 days within the Sinai resort zone (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba and St. Catherine). It does not cover Cairo, Luxor, Nile cruises or some offshore boat trips — if your itinerary goes beyond Sinai, you need the full visa, and we will tell you which before you book.
How Egypt Top Light Handles Visas for Our Guests
Visa fees are not included in our tour prices (standard across Egypt operators), but the guidance is. For every booking we confirm the best option for your nationality and itinerary, walk you step-by-step through the e-Visa application on the official portal, meet you at Cairo Airport with our standard meet-and-assist service if you choose the visa on arrival, and stay reachable 24/7 on WhatsApp for any visa question before or during your trip. Our visa desk also assists with applications to other destinations — reviewing documents and handling procedures with the relevant embassies — including for our multi-country tours pairing Egypt with Jordan or the Holy Land.
Egypt Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. US passport holders need an entry visa, but it is simple to get: apply online for the Egypt e-Visa before you fly, or buy a visa on arrival at the bank counter in Cairo Airport for $30 (cash). Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
How much is the Egypt tourist visa in 2026?
As of mid-2026, the single-entry e-Visa is $30 and the multiple-entry e-Visa is $65 on the official portal. The single-entry visa on arrival is $30, paid in cash (US dollars, euros or pounds) at the airport bank counter. Fees are set by the Egyptian government and can change.
How long does the Egypt e-Visa take?
Most applications are processed within five to seven business days on the official portal, which recommends applying at least seven days before travel. We suggest applying two to three weeks ahead to leave room for questions or resubmissions.
Is the visa included in my Egypt Top Light tour price?
No — like nearly all Egypt tour operators, the entry visa fee is not included in our packages. What is included is our help: we confirm which option fits your nationality, walk you through the e-Visa application, and our meet-and-assist team is with you at the airport if you choose the visa on arrival.
What is the Sinai-only entry stamp?
If you fly directly into Sharm El Sheikh or Taba and stay within the Sinai resort zone (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, St. Catherine) for up to 15 days, many nationalities can enter with a free Sinai-only stamp instead of a visa. It does not cover Cairo, Luxor or Nile cruises — for those you need a full visa.