If you’re planning a trip to Cairo, you’ll need to check which documents you need to visit Egypt.
Most international travellers need a visa to enter Egypt and visit Cairo—citizens of many countries can apply online using Egypt’s eVisa system.
The online Egypt visa is the quickest and most convenient way to get a visa for Cairo, as the application is 100% electronic with no need to visit an embassy or consulate.
This page explains the requirements to get an Egyptian visa for Cairo and how to apply online.
Do I need a visa to travel to Cairo?
Most foreigners need a visa for Cairo. Only travellers from a few countries can enter visa-free for a limited time.
Tourists arriving from over 70 countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia can apply for a visa for Cairo online.
With an approved Egypt eVisa, tourists can spend up to 30 days in Cairo and explore the pyramids of Giza and many other tourist attractions.
Foreigners visiting Cairo for reasons other than tourism, or for longer than 30 days, must apply for a visa at the nearest embassy or consulate.
How to get a visa for Cairo
Tourists from eligible countries can get a visa for Cairo online in 3 steps:
- Complete the Egyptian visa application form
- Pay the fees and submit the request
- Receive the approved visa for Cairo by email
Most travellers receive their approved visa by email in a few business days.
Cairo visa application form: questions and information
To apply for a visa for Cairo, travellers need to fill out the application form with basic personal data, passport information, and travel details.
Required information includes:
- Full name, nationality, date of birth
- Passport country, date of issue, and date of expiry
- Contact details including an email address
- Number of entries and date of arrival
- Payment information
A digital copy of the passport biographical page is also required. Everything is submitted electronically, there’s no need to present paperwork in person at an embassy or visa application centre.
Travelling to Cairo with an eVisa
Tourists can visit Cairo for up to 30 days with the eVisa. Applicants can choose between a single entry or multiple entry Egypt visa, depending on how many times they wish to visit.
The same visa is valid for Cairo and the rest of Egypt—visitors spend up to 30 consecutive days in the capital or exploring the rest of the country too.
Cairo ports of entry with an eVisa
The Egypt eVisa is valid at air, land, and seaports. Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the largest airport in Egypt and the main gateway for international tourists.
Passengers must present documents, including their passport and visa, to Egyptian border officials when travelling to Cairo International Airport.
It is also possible to arrive at another international entry port with the eVisa and travel to Cairo on a domestic flight or by land.
Entrance visa to Egypt at Cairo airport
Passengers who are eligible for the eVisa can also get a visa on arrival at Cairo airport. However, the electronic visa is more convenient, visitors who already hold an approved visa can avoid waiting in queues at the airport.
Visa on arrival fees need to be paid in cash, in British pounds, US dollars, or Euros. Travellers need to check that they have enough money with them to get the visa on arrival.
Cairo eVisa fees are paid securely online by debit or credit card.
Do I need a visa to transit in Cairo?
Passengers may be able to transit in Cairo without a visa. Holders of an onward travel Transit in Cairo International Airport for up to 48 hours is allowed with an onward travel ticket.
If the transit time is between 6 and 48 hours, passengers may leave the airport. If it’s under 6 hours passengers can leave the transit area but not the airport.
A visa to transit in Egypt is required if the onward flight is in more than 2 days' time. In this case, travellers can apply for an eVisa and visit Cairo until their next flight.
