Egypt Travel Requirements: Visas, Health, Rules & Entry Tips

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Egypt Travel Requirements: What to Know Before You Go

To enter Egypt, there are many documents, vaccinations, and instructions that you must follow for a safer and more secure trip. These Egypt Travel Requirements apply to travelers from all nationalities. Together, we will explore the types of visas accepted for entry, the countries that are visa-exempt, and the essential health guidelines.

With Egypt Tours Group, we’ll answer all your questions regarding entering Egypt so you can confidently begin your special journey.

Whether you’re planning a classic journey through Egypt Tour Packages, a luxurious Nile River Cruise, or short Day Tours from Cairo, it’s important to prepare your documents and health requirements in advance.

 

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to Egypt?

Tourist passport with Egyptian visa stamp - Egypt Travel Requirements

Find out if you need a visa before traveling to Egypt.

Yes, most countries require a visa to enter Egypt, but several countries do not require a visa to enter, including:

Hong Kong
Saudi Arabia
Malaysia ( for just two weeks)

Of course, you can stay in Egypt for approximately ninety days, depending on your nationality. However, there are several requirements regarding your passport and documents, which we will discuss later.

 

There are other countries that you can obtain a visa for when you enter Egypt, and among these countries are:

USA
Canada
New Zealand
Japan

These are among the countries from which you can obtain a visa upon entry to Egypt for a small fee (around $25), and you can obtain a tourist visa for a stay of up to thirty days.

 

There are countries whose citizens must apply for a visa in advance before entering Egypt, and among these countries are:

Iraq
Iran
Afghanistan
Somalia

Of course, each visa has its specific purposes based on its type.

 

Here are some of these types and what you can do when you enter Egypt with them.

1. Business Visa

You can attend events and meetings with it.

2. Student Visa

You can stay for your entire study period after you register.

3. Tourist Visa

Tourism and sightseeing

 

Egypt eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival

As part of the Egypt Travel Requirements, here we will make a simple comparison between both types of visas in terms of their advantages.

Side-by-side comparison of Egypt eVisa and visa on arrival documents.

Compare the Egypt eVisa and visa on arrival to choose the right option.

1. E-Visa

Apply before travel
Around 70 nationality eligible
Takes around a week as procession time
25$ for single entry and 60$ for multiple time-entry
Use credit or debit card as a payment method
There is a risk of denial if the application is incomplete

2. Visa on Arrival

Limited to about 45 countries only, unlike the e-visa.
For single entry, it costs around 25$
Cash as a payment method
May face long lines

E-visa is the best option for most nationalities like the USA, UK, Canada, and many others, it’s the ideal method if you want to skip long lines and want multiple entries.

But, Visa on Arrival is best for last-minute travelers, or if you didn’t have time to apply.

 

Passport Validity Travel Requirements for Egypt

Regardless of visa type, your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months; this applies to all travelers of course.

Airlines could deny your entry if the passport isn’t valid for another 6 months.

A small piece of advice is to check your passport well before traveling. If its expiration date is approaching, you need to renew it.

 

Entry Requirements for Cruise Passengers in Egypt

Cruise ship docked at an Egyptian port.

Entry rules for cruise passengers arriving in Egypt.

In the event of entering the Egyptian coast on a ship and exiting on the same ship during a shore excursion, a visa may not be required, as the essential documents are usually handled by the cruise staff.

However, if you plan to leave Egypt by plane or continue your journey independently, you must follow the Egypt Travel Requirements, including obtaining a valid tourist visa. It’s important to coordinate these steps with your cruise operator in advance.

1. Safaga port

It is located on the Red Sea coast and is the closest port for Luxor trips.

2. Port Said

It is located near the Suez Canal in northern Egypt and is the closest to Alexandria and Cairo trips.

3. Alexandria port

On the Mediterranean coast, closest to Cairo and the Giza Pyramids, and distinguished by its services

Day excursions can take up to 12 hours and there may be an overnight excursion.

To stay safe, book through the cruise line, check your required paper, and stay informed.

 

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Egypt?

While not mandatory for all nationalities, travel insurance is strongly recommended by tour operators and the Egyptian government as part of the broader Egypt Travel Requirements to ensure a safer journey.

For a safer and more secure trip, insurance may cover some features such as:

1. Medical expenses

2. Lost belongings

3. Trip delay or cancelation

4. Personal Liability

Many institutions provide insurance to Egypt, such as:

1. World nomads

2. AXA travel insurance

3. IMG Global

Although it is not necessary, it is recommended by everyone.

 

Egypt Entry Requirements by Nationality

Here is a summary of the Egypt Travel Requirements when entering the country from several key nationalities.

1. USA

Is a Visa required? Yes
Options for Visa: Visa on arrival or e-visa
Recommendation: e-visa
For a single entry, it costs around 25$, but for multiple entries, it costs around 60$

2. UK

Is a visa required? Yes
Options for visa: E-visa and visa on arrival
Recommendation: both are fine but UK citizens usually use e-visa
You can stay up to 30 days

3. Schengen countries

Is a visa required? Yes
Options for visa: visa on arrival or e-visa
Some countries may require pre-approved visas
Recommendation: e-visa

4. Canada

Is a visa required? Yes
Options for visa: visa on arrival or e-visa
You can stay up to 30 days
Make sure your passport is valid for 6 months

5. Australia

Is a visa required? Yes
Options for visa: visa on arrival or e-visa
Recommendation: e-visa to avoid payment issues

6. India

Is a visa required? Yes
Options for visa: e-visa
You need a passport, proof of residence, and itinerary.

7. GCC countries

Is a visa required? No, not for 90 days
Stay duration varies by country but can go up to 90 days

Notes

All travelers must have a passport valid for six months.
A tourist visa is not valid for study or work, only for tourism

Vaccinations & Health Requirements for Egypt Travel

For some travelers, no vaccinations are required under the Egypt Travel Requirements, but others may need several recommended vaccines to ensure general safety and security.

Travel vaccination card and health travel essentials.

Know the recommended vaccinations before visiting Egypt.

Required vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccine is required for South American citizens or sub-Saharan Africa
If you are a traveler from these countries you must present proof of yellow fever vaccine
But it’s not required if you are a citizen from any other place

Recommended Vaccines

1. Hepatitis A

It is transmitted through food and water.

2. Typhoid

Spread through food and water

3. TD

Important if injured or cut

4. Hepatitis B

Spread through blood

5. Rabies

For long stays around animals

6. MMR

Just to be up to date

7. Covid-19

May ease the entry

 

Tips to avoid diarrhea or food illness

Drink filtered water
Eat freshly cooked meals
Wash fruit before eating
Use hand sanitizers frequently
Carry a first-aid kit
Emergency contact for ambulances in Egypt is 123

What You Can (and Can’t) Bring to Egypt

As part of the Egypt Travel Requirements, there are specific rules regarding currency limits and duty-free allowances when entering Egypt.

You can bring up to $10,000 or its equivalent without declaration.
Any amount bigger than that must be declared in writing
You can obtain around 5000 EGP and anything more is not allowed

There are some things you can bring to Egypt tax-free like:

Up to 200 cigarettes
1 Liter of alcoholic beverage

Things you can not bring to Egypt

Pornographic materials
Animals without permits
Plants without permits
Weapons
Drugs
Drones
Explosives

Notes

Prescription medications must be carried with a doctor’s letter

What can you take out of Egypt

Gifts and souvenirs
Cotton, papyrus, and spices
Antiquities if allowed with a document from the Ministry of Antiquities

Tips

For a safer experience, pack valuables in a carry-on
Declare currency over limits
Keep receipts for high-value items

Explore Egypt with These Handpicked Tour Packages

No matter your nationality or travel preferences, we recommend reviewing the Egypt Travel Requirements and entry rules ahead of time. Then choose a tour that fits your style.

Whether it’s the 4 Days Cairo and Luxor Tour, the 7 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise Package, or the 14 Days Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Cruise and Hurghada Tour from our Egypt Tour Packages. You can also explore the wonders of the Nile on a 5 Days Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan. With Egypt Tours Group, your journey is fully covered from arrival to farewell.

Conclusion

In the end, entering Egypt is easier than you might expect—even if the Egypt Travel Requirements seem overwhelming at first. These steps are standard and, in many cases, simpler than those of other countries. They may be easier or more difficult depending on your nationality. Once you’ve completed them, your unforgettable journey through Egypt’s rich history and stunning landscapes can truly begin.

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