eVisa
Tourist
Entry
Validity
30 days
- Processing
- 5–7 business days
- Total cost
- $104
Do US citizens need a visa for Egypt?
Yes, US citizens need a visa for Egypt, but most travellers can get one online through the official e-Visa before flying.
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Egypt Visa for US Citizens: e-Visa Rules & How to Apply
- Visa required · e-Visa
- Apply at least 7 days before arrival
- Decision in 5–7 business days
- Verified
Plusvisa is a private visa application service, not a government agency or embassy. Official government source: Egypt e-Visa Portal (Ministry of Interior), visa2egypt.gov.eg.
Table of contents
Passport validity
6 months from arrival
Also need one blank visa page
Entry points
Set list of airports & borders
e-Visa isn't accepted elsewhere
Apply ahead
At least 7 days before travel
Official portal's minimum lead time
Three routes into Egypt
Most US travellers
e-Visa
US passports are on Egypt's e-Visa list. Apply online before flying for a tourist or business visit that covers the whole country, then print and show it at a listed port of entry.
Red Sea resorts only
Sinai-only entry stamp
If you're only visiting Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you can get a free stamp on arrival instead of the e-Visa. It doesn't cover travel to the rest of Egypt.
Diplomatic passports
Embassy visa
US diplomatic, official or service passport holders can't use the e-Visa. Apply for a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Which US passport are you holding?
The US issues more than one type of passport, and Egypt treats them differently for the e-Visa.
Regular passport (tourist or business)
e-Visa eligibleMost US citizens hold this blue passport. It qualifies for the e-Visa and for the Sinai-only entry stamp.
Official passport
Not e-Visa eligibleEgypt does not accept official passports on the e-Visa portal. Apply for a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Diplomatic passport
Not e-Visa eligibleDiplomatic passport holders can't use the e-Visa. A diplomatic visa must be arranged through an Egyptian embassy or consulate in advance.
Egypt e-Visa types and cost for US citizens
| e-Visa | Validity | Processing | Government fee | All-in with Plusvisa* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tourist eVisa | 30 days Multiple entry | 5–7 business days | $65 | $104 |
Tourist eVisa | 30 days Single entry | 5–7 business days | $30 | $59 |
* The government fee is the government's own charge, never refundable. All-in adds Plusvisa's service fee, per traveller; it is refunded if we cause a refusal.
The 30-day rule, and what it does not mean
Your approved e-Visa or Sinai stamp sets how long you may stay and does not let you live, study or work in Egypt. Staying past the date it allows can lead to fines or trouble leaving the country.
Tourist: 30 days per visit.
Arrive 1 March
21 of 30 days
1 Mar – 21 Mar: 21 of the 30 days this visa allows in one visit.
Check your own e-Visa: Your e-Visa approval states the dates and length of stay it covers. These can vary by application, so check the document itself rather than assuming a fixed number of days.
Sinai-only stamp is limited: The free Sinai stamp only covers Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba. It does not let you travel to Cairo, Luxor or anywhere else in Egypt, whatever its length.
Extending your stay: If you need longer, visit a passport and immigration office in Egypt before your current permission runs out. Do this well ahead of the expiry date on your e-Visa.
Overstaying: Egypt can fine travellers who overstay, and may stop you leaving until it's sorted out. Extend or exit before your permitted stay ends.
Your document checklist
Five things to have ready before you start your application, as a US applicant.
US passport bio page
Colour scan or photo of your US passport's personal details page. It must be valid at least 6 months after your arrival date and have one blank page free.
Passport-style photo
A recent photo on a plain white background, head and shoulders visible, no sunglasses. A standard US passport photo (2x2 inch, white background) usually meets this.
Debit or credit card
The official portal takes Visa, Mastercard and other major cards for online payment, including cards issued by US banks.
Flight itinerary
Your round-trip flight booking or ticket showing arrival and departure dates, matching the port of entry you'll actually use.
Only for some visa types
Employer or invitation letter
Only if Business or family visits. For business trips, a letter from your US employer stating the purpose and dates. For family visits, an invitation letter from your host in Egypt.
When should you apply?
Processing takes 5–7 business days. Enter your arrival date and we'll work backwards.
Processing
Standard5–7 business days
Pick your arrival date
- 1
Apply online
—
Form and uploads, about 30 min
- 2
Pay the fee
—
By card, on the portal
- 3
Processing
5–7 business days
Official estimate
- 4
Approval emailed
—
Keep a copy on your phone
- 5
Arrive in Egypt
—
Show the approval at the border
The official portal requires you to submit your e-Visa application at least 7 days before you travel. Apply earlier to leave time to fix a rejected upload and get your approval email.
Four questions, 20 seconds
Are you travelling on a regular US tourist or business passport, not a diplomatic, official or refugee travel document?
Will you arrive at one of Egypt's listed e-Visa airports, seaports or land borders?
Does your passport have at least 6 months of validity left from your arrival date and one blank page?
Is your trip for tourism or business, rather than study, work or living in Egypt?
Result
Answer all four
Four quick checks of the rules that most often catch travellers out, and we'll tell you where you stand.
The application, step by step
Before you apply
- 1
Confirm you qualify
Check your US passport is a regular (non-diplomatic, non-official) passport, valid at least 6 months from your arrival date, with a blank page.
- 2
Plan your entry point
Make sure your flight or crossing lands at one of Egypt's listed e-Visa airports, seaports or land borders before you book.
- 3
Gather your documents
Scan your passport bio page, prepare a plain white background photo, and have your flight and hotel details ready to upload.
On the official portal
- 4
Create your account
Register on the Egypt e-Visa Portal with your email address and confirm the registration link it sends you.
- 5
Complete the application
Sign in, choose your visa type, and fill in your personal, passport and travel details exactly as they appear on your passport.
- 6
Pay with a US card
Pay online using a Visa, Mastercard or other major debit or credit card issued by a US bank.
After you apply
- 7
Download your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll get an email. Sign back in to download and print the e-Visa from your account.
- 8
Show it on arrival
Present the printed e-Visa with your US passport, and any hotel or flight details you were asked for, to the immigration officer at your port of entry.
Questions US travellers actually ask
Usually yes. Egypt's e-Visa asks for a recent photo on a plain white background with your head and shoulders visible, which a standard US passport photo normally meets.
No. Only regular US tourist or business passports qualify for the e-Visa. Diplomatic, official or service passport holders must apply for a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Yes, but only if you're staying in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba. It doesn't cover Cairo, Luxor or anywhere else in Egypt, so you'd need the e-Visa for a wider trip.
No. The e-Visa is only accepted at Egypt's listed airports, seaports and land borders. Check your arrival point is on that list before you book flights.
Yes. The official portal accepts Visa, Mastercard and other major debit or credit cards, including those issued by US banks.
Egypt's e-Visa portal offers both single-entry and multiple-entry tourism visas. Choose the multiple-entry option on the application form if you'll re-enter Egypt on the same trip.
Yes. Visit a passport and immigration office in Egypt before your current permission expires to ask about extending your stay.
Visa sorted
The things that make the first
48 hours easy, compared with home
Your US plug won't fit. Here's what will.
Type C
Two round pins · 2.5 A
Type F
Two round pins · 16 A
Type C
Egypt uses type C and F sockets and your plugs are type A and B. A A-to-C adapter works for the whole trip.
Voltage
220 V · 50 Hz
Against 120 V · 60 Hz at home. Check the label on chargers and appliances: anything marked 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz works in both.
Pack: one type C adapter and a small power strip — hotel rooms rarely have more than two sockets.
Egypt drives on the right — just like home
Compare traffic side:
Egypt · right-hand traffic — same as United States
Getting around
Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are linked by domestic flights, sleeper and day trains, and Nile cruises. Within cities, ride-hailing apps are widely used and generally more reliable than hailing a taxi on the street.
Health and water
Drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water, and carry sun protection and rehydration salts, especially outside the Cairo winter. Discuss standard travel vaccinations with a doctor before you go.
Dress and etiquette
Dress modestly at mosques, churches and other religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. Ask before photographing people, and avoid photographing military or police sites.
Egyptian Pounds, cash and cards
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
E£
$1 ≈ E£48.5 · indicative mid-market rate, possibly a few days old
Cards and ATMs
ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas and mostly accept international cards. Hotels, larger shops and restaurants take cards, but smaller vendors, taxis and markets usually want cash.
Carry small notes
Keep a supply of small EGP notes for tipping (locally called baksheesh), taxis, and small purchases, since change can be hard to come by.
Exchange sensibly
Exchange money at banks, official exchange bureaus or your hotel rather than with street changers, and keep some exchange receipts if you plan to convert leftover cash back on departure.
Weather by month (Cairo)
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
6°7°9.3°12.6°16.8°19.8°21.4°21.7°19.7°16.8°12.4°8.2°
- Daytime high
- Grey row = night low
- Best time to go
- Daytime high
- Grey row = night low
- Best time to go
| Month | High, °C | Low, °C | Rain, mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January · best | 18.2 | 6 | 8.1 |
| February · best | 20.4 | 7 | 6.8 |
| March · best | 24.8 | 9.3 | 6.8 |
| April · best | 29.2 | 12.6 | 9 |
| May | 33.9 | 16.8 | 0.3 |
| June | 37.3 | 19.8 | 0.3 |
| July | 38.5 | 21.4 | 0.3 |
| August | 38.1 | 21.7 | 0 |
| September | 35.3 | 19.7 | 0.3 |
| October · best | 30.5 | 16.8 | 4.7 |
| November · best | 24.9 | 12.4 | 16.8 |
| December · best | 19.9 | 8.2 | 6.5 |
Monthly averages. Source: NASA POWER climatology, 2001-2020.
January · ideal
The best window runs January, February, March, April, October, November and December.
High 18.2°CLow 6°CRain 8.1 mm
Sweet spot: Cairo has a hot desert climate. Winters (December to February) are mild and dry with cool evenings, spring and autumn are warm, and summer (June to August) is very hot with little rain. Most visitors prefer the cooler months from October to April.
One time zone
Washington, D.C.
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Cairo
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How much to tip, in USD
E£700($14.42)
Restaurant bill
Even where a service charge is already added, a small extra cash tip is customary.
10–15%
on a E£700 bill: E£70 · $1.44
Hotel porter
Per bag.
E£20–E£50
$0.41–$1.03
Housekeeping
Per night, left in the room.
E£20–E£50
$0.41–$1.03
Tour guide
Per day, more for private guides.
E£100–E£200
$2.06–$4.12
Driver
Per day.
E£50–E£100
$1.03–$2.06
Taxi or ride-hail
Rounding up the fare is common; not obligatory.
0–10%
on a E£700 bill: E£0 · $0
Restroom attendant
Small change is expected at many public restrooms.
E£5–E£10
$0.10–$0.21
SIM, eSIM or roaming?
Local SIM
Local SIM card
≈ $3.09E£150
Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat or WE kiosks at the airport or in any town, with your passport Prices vary by data allowance; a passport is required to register the SIM.
eSIM
RecommendedTravel eSIM
≈ $10
International eSIM apps or websites, bought online before you arrive Quick to set up and avoids queuing at the airport, but usually costs more per GB than a local SIM.
Roaming
Roaming on your home plan
Activate through your home network before departure Usually the most expensive option; check your provider's Egypt roaming rates first.
Get your Egypt e-Visa in about seven business days, without the portal headaches
Upload a phone photo and your passport, we check them against every rule above, submit, and send your approval to your inbox. From $59 all-in.
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- Fee refunded if we cause a refusal
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