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Egypt Visa for United States Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

US citizens can get a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports for USD 25 (single entry, 30 days), or apply for the e-Visa in advance for about the same fee with faster immigration lines.

Guide last updated October 1, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date
  • USD cash (exact small bills recommended) if getting the visa on arrival
  • Completed arrival card (provided on the plane or at the visa counter)
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
  • Return/onward ticket
  • Passport photo not required for visa on arrival, but needed if applying in advance at a consulate
  • No biometrics required for the visa itself

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: single entry, 30 days, fee USD 25
  • Tourist e-Visa (applied before travel): single entry, 30 days, fee USD 25; multiple-entry e-Visa, valid 90 days with multiple entries, fee USD 60
  • Business visa: requires a company invitation letter, obtained through Egyptian consulates abroad, fee varies
  • Sinai-only visa: free, valid 15 days, but restricted to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba area

Visa on arrival

  • Available at Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh and other major international airports
  • Buy a visa stamp from the bank kiosk before the immigration counters (cash USD, EUR, or GBP), then present it with your passport at immigration
  • Processing takes about 10-15 minutes including the bank kiosk line
  • Alternatively, apply for the e-Visa online 7+ days before travel at visa2egypt.gov.eg to skip the on-arrival payment step and get a faster immigration line

Fees & processing time

  • Visa on arrival: USD 25 cash, paid at the airport bank kiosk
  • E-Visa (online): USD 25 single entry / USD 60 multiple entry, paid by card
  • No separate VFS/BLS fee for either route
  • Total cost: USD 25 typical
  • Visa on arrival processing: 10-15 minutes at the airport; e-Visa processing: typically 3-7 business days online

Tips for United States travelers

  • The e-Visa is generally faster at the airport since you skip the bank kiosk line — apply at least a week ahead
  • Carry exact USD cash if you plan to do the visa on arrival, since kiosks sometimes run short on change
  • If you're only visiting Sinai resort areas, the free Sinai-only visa can save money, but it restricts travel outside that zone
  • Common rejection reasons for the e-Visa: blurry photo uploads, passport scan cropped, or applying with a passport expiring soon
  • Keep your visa receipt/stamp until departure — it's sometimes checked when exiting

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

More visa guides for United States passport holders

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.