Planning a trip to Egypt and wondering which visa you need? In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything about the Egypt visa – from the different visa types and costs to the most common application mistakes. Start your dream vacation at the Red Sea or the Pyramids fully prepared.
Which Visa Do I Need for Egypt?
German, Austrian, and Swiss nationals need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. You can obtain one in three different ways:
1. E-Visa (Online Visa)
Since 2017, Egypt has offered an electronic visa that you can conveniently apply for from home. The application is made through the official Egyptian government website. The E-Visa is the most modern and convenient option: you fill out an online form, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport, and pay by credit card. After approval (usually within 5-7 business days), you receive your visa by email as a PDF to print out.
2. Visa on Arrival
The most popular option for package holiday tourists: You get the Visa on Arrival directly at the airport in Egypt. Upon arrival, you purchase a visa stamp at a bank counter before passport control, which is affixed to your passport. This procedure is straightforward and usually takes only 10-20 minutes. Make sure to have the exact amount in US dollars or euros.
3. Embassy Visa
If you want your visa securely in hand beforehand, you can apply at the Egyptian Embassy or a consulate in your home country. This option is recommended for travelers who want to play it safe, or for business travelers who need a special visa type.
Tip
For most tourists, the Visa on Arrival at the airport is the easiest and fastest solution. Have 25 USD ready and head straight to the bank counter before passport control after landing.
Costs and Validity of the Egypt Visa
| Visa Type | Cost | Validity | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (Single Entry) | 25 USD | 30 days | 5-7 business days |
| E-Visa (Multiple Entry) | 60 USD | 30 days per stay | 5-7 business days |
| Visa on Arrival | 25 USD | 30 days | Immediate at airport |
| Embassy Visa | 22-30 EUR | 30-90 days | 3-10 business days |
The standard tourist visa permits a stay of 30 days. It can be extended at the local Passport Office. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date and have at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
What Documents Do I Need?
For entry into Egypt, you need the following documents:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. A temporary passport is also accepted.
- National ID card: Possible for German citizens entering through certain airports (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Cairo, Luxor). You then need 2 biometric passport photos. However, we strongly recommend traveling with your passport, as delays frequently occur with ID cards.
- Passport photo: Only required when entering with a national ID card (2 copies).
- Return ticket: May be requested at entry as proof of return travel.
- Hotel booking: Proof of accommodation in Egypt (booking confirmation).
Common Visa Application Mistakes
Passport Not Valid Long Enough
The most common mistake: Many travelers only realize shortly before departure that their passport is valid for less than 6 months. Check your passport validity at least 2 months before your trip and apply for a new one if necessary.
Wrong Currency at the Airport
The Visa on Arrival costs 25 US dollars. Many travelers only carry euros. While euros are often accepted, the exchange rate may be unfavorable. Ideally, bring 25 USD in cash. Credit card payment at the bank counter is also possible but not always reliable.
E-Visa Applied for Too Late
The E-Visa typically requires 5-7 business days for processing. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure to be ready in time even with delays. Express processing is not available.
Entering with ID Card Without Photos
Those entering with a national ID card need two biometric passport photos. Without these photos, entry may be denied. Our advice: Travel with your passport – this avoids the problem entirely.
Visa for Children and Special Cases
Children also need their own visa and their own passport. Registration in a parent's passport has not been accepted since 2012. Visa costs for children are identical to those for adults.
For unaccompanied minors or children traveling with only one parent, we recommend carrying a notarized consent letter from the other custodial parent, even though this is not always checked in Egypt.
Extending Your Visa in Egypt
Want to stay longer than 30 days in Egypt? You can extend your visa locally. Visit the nearest Passport Office (e.g., in Hurghada, Cairo, or Luxor). Required documents: passport, copy of your visa, a passport photo, and the extension fee (approx. 50-70 EGP). An extension for an additional 30 days is usually straightforward.
Important: If you overstay without an extension, you must pay a penalty fee upon departure. This can vary depending on the duration of overstay.
Sinai Exception: Visa-Free Entry to Sharm el-Sheikh
There is a special rule for the Sinai Peninsula: EU citizens entering through Sharm el-Sheikh airport can receive a free 14-day entry stamp if they stay exclusively on the Sinai. This stamp is not a full visa and does not permit travel to Cairo or Hurghada. If you plan excursions inland, you should get a regular visa.
Plan your Egypt vacation relaxed and informed! If you have questions about entry requirements or planning your trip, we are happy to help. Contact us for free consultation – we assist you with all questions about your Egypt vacation.
✅ Key Takeaway
The Egypt visa is straightforward and quick to obtain. For most tourists, the Visa on Arrival at the airport (25 USD) is recommended – it is immediately available and requires no advance planning. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and have 25 USD ready. Nothing stands in the way of your Egypt adventure!
