Egypt
Occasional: some applicants are asked to show a bookingEgypt recorded a historic 15.7 million tourist arrivals in 2024, ranking first in Africa for tourism revenues. Fitch projects Egypt will welcome approximately 18.56 million tourists by end of 2026 (source: Egypt State Information Service, sis.gov.eg; Fitch Ratings via EgyptToday).
Egypt received 15.7 million international visitors in 2024 (source: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). Most travelers need a visa -- obtainable as an e-Visa through visa2egypt.gov.eg or on arrival at major airports -- and must present proof of accommodation such as a confirmed hotel booking. Embassies recommend booking a refundable hotel so applicants can cancel at no cost if the visa is denied.
GetHotelProof delivers a verifiable hotel booking confirmation for Egypt in 60 seconds, from $12.90. Every booking is a real, refundable reservation you can check directly with the property.
Visa Requirements
Egypt offers three main entry options for tourists: the e-Visa (single or multiple entry) applied for online through the official visa2egypt.gov.eg portal, the visa on arrival available at major airports, and the free Sinai-only permit for stays in South Sinai resorts. All visa types require standard documentation including proof of hotel accommodation.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| e-Visa (Single Entry) | 30 days | $30 (~€28)~28 EUR | Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank pages, Completed online application on the official visa2egypt.gov.eg portal, Digital passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO specifications, Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation in Egypt for the duration of stay, Credit or debit card for online fee payment |
| e-Visa (Multiple Entry) | 6 months (30 days per stay) | $65 (~€60)~60 EUR | Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank pages, Completed online application on the official visa2egypt.gov.eg portal, Confirmed hotel booking or accommodation proof for each planned visit, Digital passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO specifications, Credit or debit card for online fee payment |
| Visa on Arrival | 30 days | $30 (~€28)~28 EUR | Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank pages, Cash payment of $30 USD (or equivalent in EUR/GBP) at the airport counter, Proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking confirmation or host invitation letter, Return or onward flight ticket as proof of departure from Egypt, Two recent passport-sized photographs (may be required at some ports of entry) |
Transit Rules
Egypt has relatively relaxed transit rules. Passengers with layovers under 6 hours who remain in the airport transit zone do not need a visa. A free 96-hour transit visa program is available for travelers on Egyptian carriers (EgyptAir, Air Cairo, Nile Air), extended through April 2027.
Documents Required
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Completed visa application (online or at arrival)
- Passport-sized photographs (digital or printed)
- Hotel reservation or accommodation proof
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Practical tip
When applying for an Egypt e-Visa, embassies recommend booking a fully refundable hotel to satisfy the accommodation requirement. This way, if your visa is delayed or denied, you can cancel without financial loss. Keep digital and printed copies of your hotel confirmation ready for immigration officers at arrival.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?▾
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt. Citizens of over 70 countries can apply for an e-Visa online via the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg, or obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. Some nationalities must apply at an Egyptian embassy before travel (source: Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa2egypt.gov.eg).
How much does an Egypt visa cost?▾
As of April 2026, a single-entry e-Visa or visa on arrival costs $30 USD (~28 EUR), while a multiple-entry e-Visa valid for 6 months costs $65 USD (~60 EUR). The Sinai-only permit for stays in South Sinai up to 15 days is free (source: visa2egypt.gov.eg, updated April 2026).
Do I need a hotel booking to apply for an Egypt visa?▾
Yes, proof of accommodation in Egypt is a standard requirement for both e-Visa applications and visa on arrival. Embassies recommend booking a refundable hotel so you can cancel at no cost if your visa is denied. Immigration officers at airports may also ask to see your hotel reservation (source: Egyptian Embassy consular services, egyptembassy.net).
How long does Egypt e-Visa processing take?▾
The Egypt e-Visa is typically processed within 3 to 7 business days. The Egyptian authorities recommend submitting your application at least 7 working days before your planned travel date to allow sufficient processing time (source: visa2egypt.gov.eg official portal).
Can I transit through Egypt without a visa?▾
If your layover at a major Egyptian airport is under 6 hours and you remain in the transit zone, no visa is required. Egypt also offers a free 96-hour transit visa program (extended through April 2027) for travelers flying on EgyptAir, Air Cairo, or Nile Air, allowing them to leave the airport and explore the country (source: Egypt State Information Service, sis.gov.eg).
What is the Sinai-only free entry permit?▾
Travelers flying directly into Sharm El Sheikh Airport and staying exclusively in the South Sinai resort zone (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba) for up to 15 days receive a free entry stamp. This permit does not allow travel beyond South Sinai to destinations like Cairo, the Pyramids, or Luxor (source: Egyptian immigration authorities, Kadmar Travel official guide).
How long can I stay in Egypt with a tourist visa?▾
A standard single-entry tourist visa (whether e-Visa or visa on arrival) allows a stay of up to 30 days. A multiple-entry e-Visa is valid for 6 months and allows stays of up to 30 days per entry. Extensions may be obtained at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Administration office in Cairo (source: visa2egypt.gov.eg).
How can GetHotelProof help with my Egypt visa application?▾
GetHotelProof provides a real, refundable hotel booking confirmation that satisfies Egypt visa accommodation requirements. You receive a PDF confirmation document in 60 seconds, starting from just $12.90. The booking remains valid for 96 hours, giving you enough time to complete your visa application, and you can cancel the hotel at no extra cost afterward.
