Egypt Travel Guide · Chapter 3

Egypt Visa, Entry Requirements & Legal Essentials for 2026

Tourist e-visa, visa on arrival, five-year multiple entry, or a work permit — here's which one applies to you and what it costs.

Updated September 2026 · 6 min read

Get the Complete Guide, Free

This chapter is one of 15 from The Complete Egypt Travel & Relocation Guide 2026. Download the full PDF instantly, free, straight to your inbox.

Download the free PDF guide

Tourist e-Visa (Most Common)

Available to citizens of most Western countries including the USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and many others. Apply online through the official Egypt e-Visa portal; processing typically takes 3–7 business days. Valid for 30 days from entry. Cost: approximately $25 for a single entry, $60 for multiple entry.

Visa on Arrival

Available at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Luxor airports for eligible nationalities. Pay in cash — USD, EUR or GBP — and bring exact change where possible. Valid for 30 days. Cost: $25. Have your accommodation details ready for the immigration desk.

Five-Year Multiple Entry Visa

Ideal for frequent visitors, business travellers, and anyone considering eventual relocation. It allows multiple entries over five years with stays of up to 90 days per visit. Apply through an Egyptian consulate in your home country.

Work Visa & Residency

For those moving to Egypt for employment, your employer typically sponsors the work permit. Requirements usually include a job offer from an Egyptian employer, proof that no qualified Egyptian candidate was available, document legalisation, and a medical exam that includes an HIV test. Work permits are valid for one year and renewable.

Investor / Real Estate Residency

Purchasing property above certain thresholds can qualify you for residency. Requirements change periodically, so consult a local lawyer for current thresholds before committing to a purchase for this reason alone.

Documents to Bring, Every Time

Planning to Relocate, Not Just Visit?

Our full expat relocation checklist covers everything from tax implications to health insurance and shipping — read it before you commit to a visa category.

Read the relocation checklist

Want the Whole Guide in One PDF?

All 15 chapters — visa rules, healthcare, connectivity, safety, relocation checklists and more — in one downloadable PDF you can read offline.

Get your free Egypt guide