Applying for an Egyptian visa through an embassy

Most foreign travellers visiting Egypt require a visa to enter the country.

The most convenient way to get your Egyptian visa is to apply online. However, this service is only available to travellers from certain countries.

Here, we explain how to request an Egyptian embassy visa, including the application process and required documents, for travellers who cannot apply for a visa online.

Who should apply through the Egyptian embassy?

Foreign visitors from most countries need a visa to enter Egypt.

Nationals from around 70 countries can apply for their Egyptian visa online, including the United Kingdom, United States and all member countries of the European Union.

Citizens of other countries must visit their closest Egyptian embassy to apply for a visa.

Nationalities not eligible for the Egyptian e-Visa

There are more than 100 countries whose citizens are not eligible to apply for their Egyptian visa online. The list of non-eligble countries for the e-Visa includes most African nations, Canada, some Asian countries.

Check the list of Egypt e-Visa eligible countries to see if you can get yours online.

If your nationality is not eligible for the Egypt e-Visa, you should visit an Egyptian embassy to request a visa.

Special cases which require an Egyptian embassy visa

Depending on individual circumstances, some travellers to Egypt may need to go to an Egyptian embassy to get their visa.

If you’re going to Egypt to work, live or study, you cannot apply for your visa online. Instead, you’ll need to get your visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate office.

If you’ve previously applied for an e-Visa for Egypt but your e-visa have beenrejected, you cannot make another online application. To obtain your visa, it’s necessary to visit an embassy.

Are there country-specific restrictions when applying for an Egyptian embassy visa?

Citizens of certain countries may need an authorised visa, which must be applied for in person at an Egyptian embassy or consulate.

Nationals from the following countries need to apply for an authorised visa:

Authorised visas must be approved by immigration authorities in Egypt and can take from 6 to 8 weeks to process.

The embassy Egypt visa application process

The embassy visa for Egypt application process has various key steps. Ensure you have all the required paperwork to avoid delays.

What are the Egypt embassy visa documentation requirements?

The Egypt embassy visa requirements for tourists usually include the following documents:

• completed application form(s)
• your passport and some photocopies
• printed details of your travel plans and accommodation
• high-definition passport photos taken within the last 6 months

For the Egypt embassy visa process, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned arrival date.

You will also need to take cash to pay the Egypt embassy visa fees. Credit or debit cards are not usually accepted. Some embassies accept bank transfers.

Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you’ll need to provide some extra documentation. For work or study visas, this includes information from your employer or academic institution.

Business visa requirements for Egypt

If you are applying for a business visa, you’ll need to provide a letter from the company you’ll be working with, along with the documents listed above.

Student visa requirements for Egypt

Student visas for Egypt require proof of your enrolment in an educational institution, such as a university.

As well as the documents listed above, you might also have to show proof of funds to cover your expenses while studying in Egypt.

Work visa requirements for Egypt

If you need a work visa for Egypt, you’ll need to provide the documents listed above, along with a job offer letter.

You might also need some types of medical certificates, a criminal record clearance, or other types of documents. Contact your nearest embassy for more information.

Step-by-step guide to the embassy visa application for Egypt

Egyptian embassy visa applications typically follow these steps:

If your application is approved, you’ll receive your passport and Egyptian embassy visa. If it is rejected, your passport will be returned to you without a visa.

Some embassies will post your passport to you, while others require you to collect it.

When should I apply for the Egypt embassy visa?

Egypt embassy visa processing times are usually 10 business days. Processing times can vary so it’s best to check with your embassy about their current wait period.

Some types of visa, such as the authorised visa, can take much longer to be processed.

Contact your closet Egyptian embassy or consulate well in advance of your travel plans to get guidance on when to submit your application.

The e-Visa is typically processed within 2 days, making it a faster option for eligible travellers.

How can I check my Egypt embassy visa application status?

Your closest Egyptian embassy or consulate will inform you about the status of your application. Contact them to get updates on the progress of your embassy visa application.

If you receive an Egypt embassy visa rejection, contact the consulate where you applied for more information.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Egypt instead of an embassy visa?

Travellers from some countries are eligible to apply for a visa on arrival in Egypt. The visa on arrival is a less convenient option for tourists who are also eligible for the e-Visa.

If you are not eligible for an e-Visa, you cannot get a visa on arrival in Egypt and must apply in advance.

It’s important to note that exact cash payments, usually in British pounds, US dollars or Euros, are required for the visa on arrival fee.

Differences between the Egyptian embassy visa and e-Visa

There are several advantages to the e-Visa for Egypt compared to the embassy visa. For this reason, eligible travellers usually opt for an e-Visa.

Here are some of the differences between our e-Visa service and embassy visa application.

Apply for an e-Visa

The e-Visa is the most convenient way to get your visa for Egypt. If you’re eligible for the e-Visa, it’s easy to make your application online.