Egypt visa and entry requirements for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, NZ and Irish citizens

All six nationalities — US, UK, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and Irish citizens — need a visa to enter Egypt. The simplest route for most travellers is a single‑entry tourist visa on arrival at major airports, which costs about US$25 and is usually issued quickly. Alternatively, you can apply for an e‑visa online before you fly, which lets you skip the arrival queue and can be single or multiple entry.

The exact cost, validity and application process can change, so check the latest guidance from your own government's travel advice page and the Egyptian embassy before you book. The visa on arrival is not available at every border crossing, so if you plan to enter by land or sea, confirm the options in advance.

The table below summarises the visa situation for the six nationalities covered by this page. All need a visa; the difference is how you get it and what it costs. Figures are a 2026 estimate and should be verified with official sources before travel.

There are two main ways to get a tourist visa for Egypt: on arrival or online in advance. The on‑arrival visa is the most common for short visits. At Cairo International Airport and other major entry points, you buy a stamp at a bank kiosk before passport control, then present it with your passport. It costs about US$25 for a single entry and is valid for 30 days.

The e‑visa is applied for through the official Egyptian e‑visa portal before you travel. You choose single or multiple entry, pay online, and receive a PDF to show on arrival. It avoids the arrival queue and is useful if you plan to leave and re‑enter Egypt, for example on a trip to Israel or Jordan. Processing times vary, so apply at least a week before departure.

If you are entering by land, for example from Israel at Taba or from Sudan, the visa on arrival may not be available at all crossings. Check the specific border's rules before you rely on it.

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Egypt. Some nationalities may be allowed with less, but the six‑month rule is standard and airlines often enforce it. Ensure you have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.

You must also show proof of onward travel — a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination — and evidence of accommodation for your stay. Immigration officers may ask for these, and airlines sometimes check before boarding. Carry printed copies or have them easily accessible on your phone.

If you are travelling with children, check the specific documentation requirements for minors, which can include birth certificates and parental consent letters.

The main costs are the visa fee itself and any service charges. The single‑entry tourist visa on arrival is about US$25. The e‑visa fee is similar, with single and multiple entry options priced differently. Some travel agencies and visa services charge a handling fee on top, so compare the official e‑visa portal with your own application.

There is no separate 'electronic travel authorisation' for Egypt — the e‑visa is the electronic option. The on‑arrival visa is paid in cash, usually in US dollars, euros or British pounds, so carry the exact amount in a major currency to avoid exchange issues.

Answers to the most common questions about Egypt visas and entry requirements.

This page was last checked in September 2026. Visa rules change frequently, so always confirm with your government's travel advice and the Egyptian embassy before booking. The links below are the official sources we recommend.