Egypt Visa Guide: e-Visa, Sinai Stamp, and Visa on Arrival

Egypt’s visa situation is relatively straightforward for most nationalities, but the distinction between a full tourist visa and the Sinai-only stamp trips up a surprising number of travellers. Here is what you need to know before you travel.

Tourist e-Visa

For most nationalities, the tourist e-Visa is the simplest option. Applications are submitted at visa2egypt.gov.eg. The fee is $25 USD, payable by card. You can choose between single or multiple entry. The visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue, and allows a stay of 30 days from your first entry.

Processing typically takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before departure. The approved visa is sent by email — print it or store it on your phone to show at passport control. This is the most reliable option and we recommend it over the visa on arrival for most travellers.

Sinai-Only Visa (Free Stamp)

If your trip is limited to the Sinai Peninsula — Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, or the surrounding area — you can receive a free 15-day entry stamp on arrival at Sharm el-Sheikh and Taba airports and Nuweiba port. No advance application is required.

The critical limitation: this stamp is not a visa. It does not allow you to travel to mainland Egypt. If you decide to visit Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan during your trip, you need a full e-Visa before you arrive. The Sinai stamp cannot be extended and cannot be converted to a full visa in-country.

Visa on Arrival

A visa on arrival ($25 USD cash, single entry) is available at major international airports including Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada for select nationalities. The process works in practice, but the queue can be long and the bank counters where you pay are separate from passport control — allow extra time. The e-Visa is more predictable and we recommend it where possible.

Exempt Nationalities

Citizens of some Arab countries do not require a visa for Egypt. The list is limited and changes periodically — check the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the current exemptions before assuming you qualify.

Extending Your Visa

A 30-day tourist visa can be extended once for a further 30 days. Extensions are processed at the Mogamma building on Tahrir Square in Cairo, or at provincial passport offices in other cities. Bring your passport and the original tourist visa receipt. The cost is approximately EGP 22 (verify current fee). Apply before your current visa expires — overstaying without an extension carries fines and potential complications at departure.

Children and Israeli Stamps

Children travelling on a parent’s passport should check current requirements, as policies on child visas vary and have changed in recent years. Confirm with the Egyptian consulate or embassy before travel.

Travellers with Israeli entry or exit stamps in their passport may occasionally encounter additional scrutiny at Egyptian border control, despite the Egypt-Israel border being open and regular crossings occurring at Taba. This is not a definitive problem, but it is worth being aware of. If you have concerns, some travellers request that Israeli border officials stamp a separate insert rather than the passport itself.

Photography at passport control is prohibited — stow your phone before reaching the desk.