Egypt travel guide for New Zealanders

New Zealanders need a visa to enter Egypt. The simplest option is a tourist visa on arrival at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh or other major airports: pay about US$25 in cash (US dollars or euros are accepted) and get a stamp in your passport. Alternatively, apply for an e-visa online before you travel, which lets you skip the arrival queue. Both allow a stay of up to 30 days for tourism. Check the latest rules with the Egyptian authorities before you fly, as fees and procedures can change.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Egypt. You need a visa for tourism, business, or any other purpose. The visa on arrival is straightforward: fill in a form, pay the fee in cash, and get the stamp. The e-visa (available through the official Egyptian e-visa portal) is valid for 30 days from issue and can be single or multiple entry. For longer stays or work, contact the Egyptian embassy in Wellington before you go.

The New Zealand Embassy in Cairo is the nearest diplomatic mission. It provides consular assistance to New Zealanders in Egypt, including help with lost passports, arrests, and emergencies. For visa applications, you deal with the Egyptian authorities, not the NZ embassy. If you need urgent help while in Egypt, call the embassy's consular line or the 24/7 emergency number from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Wellington.

Egypt is a budget-friendly destination for New Zealanders. A mid-range trip – hotels, meals, transport, and entry fees – might cost NZ$150–250 per day per person, depending on your style. Flights from New Zealand to Cairo are the biggest cost, often NZ$1,500–2,500 return (2026 estimate). On the ground, a decent hotel room is NZ$40–80, a meal at a local restaurant NZ$5–15, and a taxi ride across Cairo NZ$5–10. Entry to the pyramids is about NZ$15–20.

There are no direct flights from New Zealand to Egypt. You'll fly via a hub like Dubai, Doha, or Singapore, with a total travel time of 20–30 hours including the stopover. From Auckland, expect about 18–20 hours of flying time plus a layover. Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main gateway; Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh also have international airports for Red Sea resorts. Book early for better prices, and consider a stopover to break the journey.

Egypt uses the same plugs as New Zealand? No – Egypt uses types C and F (the round two-pin plugs common in Europe), with a standard voltage of 220 V and frequency 50 Hz. New Zealand uses type I plugs (three flat pins) with 230 V. Your devices will work with a simple adapter, but check if they are dual-voltage (most phone chargers and laptops are). If not, you'll need a voltage converter.

Tipping, or baksheesh, is expected for almost every service in Egypt. Give EGP 20–50 for small services like helping with luggage or guiding, and 10–15% in restaurants. Keep small notes handy for toilets, parking attendants, and anyone who shows you a site. It's not optional – it's part of the local economy. Budget for tips as a daily cost, maybe NZ$5–10 per day.

In an emergency in Egypt, call: police 122, ambulance 123, tourist police 126, fire 180. The tourist police are specifically for visitors and speak some English. For consular help, contact the New Zealand Embassy in Cairo. Save these numbers in your phone before you travel, and know your hotel's address in Arabic to show a taxi driver.

Do New Zealanders need a visa for Egypt? Yes, a tourist visa is required. You can get it on arrival at major airports or apply for an e-visa online before you go.

How much does a trip to Egypt cost in NZD? A mid-range trip costs about NZ$150–250 per day per person, plus flights of NZ$1,500–2,500 return.

Where is the nearest New Zealand embassy in Egypt? The New Zealand Embassy in Cairo is the nearest diplomatic mission for consular assistance.

This page is based on official travel advice from the New Zealand Government (SafeTravel) and the Egyptian authorities. Always check the latest updates before you travel, as entry rules and fees can change without notice.