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Essential Documents to carry when applying for your Egypt visa:
Travelers applying for Egypt visa must keep these documents with them prior to application: These are usually standard but may differ slightly according to the applicant’s country of origin:
Main Egypt Visa Application Documents
Passport with at least 6 months validity left when you arrive in the country
A completed Egypt visa application form (online or through an embassy)
One recent passport sized photograph with a white background
Booked return ticket/itinerary stating departure date from Egypt
Hotel reservations or some indication of where you are staying in Egypt
Method of payment for the Egypt visa fees (credit card/debit card for online application, cash for embassy)
Additional Supporting Documents (in some cases)
Proof that you are in possession of sufficient funds (e.g. Bank statement or credit card)
Invitation letter (if applying as part of a business trip or a private visit)
Return/onward ticket conformation
Egypt is a widely visited destination, but the immigration authorities may ask to see evidence of the above during their stay. So always ensure you carry copies as backup.
The Different Types of Egypt Visas
Egypt has different types of visas depending on what you plan to do when you are visiting the country. Selecting the correct visa type will save you any complications when trying to enter.
Tourist Visa (A popular choice)
This is the most chosen type of visa when you are travelling to Egypt to sightsee or simply to go on a holiday, cultural experience or even explore the various landscapes.
When to use this visa:
Visiting the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx
Taking tours of Luxor and Karnak Temple
Beach holidays in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada
Going on a Nile cruise and other desert explorations
How long do these visas last: Generally 30 days, according to your country of origin.
Business Visa
The Egypt business visa is best suited if your purpose of visit is due to attending:
Business meetings
Conferences and exhibitions
Trade related visits
For this type of visa, an official letter of invitation from a company or organization in Egypt may be required.
Transit Visa
This visa type applies to those who are travelling through Egypt and intend on leaving the airport during a layover on their onward journey.
If you will be staying inside the transit area only then an Egypt transit visa is often not needed but this depends on your nationality.
The Egypt e-Visa (Electronic Visa Application System)
One of the easiest methods of obtaining a visa is by completing the Egypt e-Visa application online. This is generally the best choice if you are only visiting for tourism purposes. There are two options when it comes to the Egypt e-visa:
Single entry Egypt e-visa-this usually lasts for 30 days and only allows one entry.
Multiple entry Egypt e-visa-this type is suitable for repeated visits within a specified period and is generally issued as per the validity of your passport.
Visa on Arrival
You may be able to acquire a visa upon arrival at most major Egyptian airports like Cairo International Airport if you are a resident of any one of these listed countries, but it is advisable to go online to acquire a visa beforehand just to save time queuing at the airports, etc.
How to Apply For Your Egypt Visa with Ease (Step-by-Step)
It has now become much simpler to apply for your Egypt visa and the process is now very user friendly:
Step 1: Decide on which Egypt visa to get
Work out whether a tourist visa, business visa, or transit visa is the most appropriate visa type for you. If travelling for tourism the online Egypt e-Visa is most suitable.
Step 2: Make your Egypt visa application
Fill out an application form on the official Egypt e-visa website, or alternatively contact the nearest Egyptian consulate to apply through the conventional method.
Step 3 - Complete and submit your Egypt Visa application form:
Enter all your personal information into the form correctly, specify the travel dates, and the hotel where you will be staying.
Step 4 - Scan and upload your documents:
Scan a copy of your passport and a passport-sized photo and upload it to the website.
Step 5 - Pay for your Egypt Visa:
Make a payment for the visa application fee via credit or debit card, or cash at the Egyptian consulate. The price for an Egypt visa depends on your nationality.
Step 6 - Wait for your Egypt Visa approval:
The normal procedure of getting your visa is between three to seven working days after which you shall receive a notification, and the approved visa by email.
Step 7 - Print your Egypt Visa
It's very important to take printed Egypt e-Visa. It should be taken along with your passport.
How long do an Egypt Visa takes and some pitfalls and tips
Tips to help you have a smooth and efficient travel experience when applying for your Egypt visa:
Egypt Visa Processing Time:
Egypt e-Visa- typically 3-7 business days
Embassy Visa- anything from 1-2 weeks and possibly more depending on how busy they are at that time of year
Common Egypt Visa Mistakes:
Not checking the expiry date of your passport (it must have at least 6 months validity remaining upon entry)
Incorrect personal details entered on the Egypt visa application form
Forgetting to print out the confirmed Egypt e-Visa
Applying for an Egypt visa very close to the date of travel
General Egypt Travel Tips
Apply for your visa at least two weeks in advance of your departure
Ensure you always have a scanned and printed copy of all your supporting documents
Double check the list of Egypt visa requirements, depending on your country of origin
Check that your hotel reservations are up to date and are exactly matched to your Egypt visa dates
Final thoughts, have a brilliant time in Egypt with your visa application.
Now that you know the different types of visas available, the documentation needed, the Egypt visa process, and common pitfalls, you should have an easier time applying for your visa to Egypt and entering the country of ancient wonders and majestic pyramids with confidence.
From exploring Luxor and Karnak temples, sailing the Nile on a cruise trip, enjoying holidays in the resort towns of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, to adventuring into the desert, you'll have no problem obtaining your visa and enjoying your travels to Egypt to the full. Plan early and apply smart and look forward to an adventure of a lifetime!
