Good news for American travelers: getting a tourist visa for Egypt is quick and inexpensive. U.S. passport holders can apply online for an e-Visa before they fly or buy a visa on arrival at the airport. Here is how each option works, so you can choose the one that suits your trip.
Option 1: The Egypt e-Visa
The e-Visa is issued through the Egyptian government’s official portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg. You fill in your details, upload a passport scan, pay by card and receive the visa as a PDF by email.
- Single-entry visa: around USD 25, for a stay of up to 30 days.
- Multiple-entry visa: around USD 60, useful if you will leave and re-enter Egypt, for example on a side trip to Jordan.
- Processing: usually several working days, so apply at least a week or two before you travel.
Use only the official government portal. Many look-alike websites charge extra service fees for the same visa.
Option 2: Visa on arrival
U.S. citizens can also buy a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at major airports, including Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. The visa costs about USD 25 and is sold at the bank counters before passport control. Bring the exact amount in clean U.S. dollar bills, as cards are often not accepted.
When you book with Black Egypt Tours, our representative meets you at the airport and helps you through the visa and passport line.
The Sinai exception
If you fly directly into Sharm El Sheikh and stay only in South Sinai resorts, you can receive a free entry stamp valid for up to 15 days. It does not cover Cairo, Luxor or Aswan, so if your trip includes the Nile Valley you need a full tourist visa.
What to bring
- A U.S. passport with at least six months of validity and blank pages. We recommend checking the latest entry rules on the U.S. State Department’s Egypt page before you travel.
- Your e-Visa printout, or cash in U.S. dollars for a visa on arrival.
- Your hotel or tour confirmation and return ticket.
Which option should you choose?
If you like to have everything settled before you leave, apply for the e-Visa. If you are traveling on short notice, the visa on arrival is simple and fast. Either way, fees and rules can change, so confirm them shortly before your trip. Not sure when to go? Read the best time to visit Egypt from the U.S. and our Black traveler’s guide to Egypt.
Plan your trip with Black Egypt Tours
We plan private and group trips for African American and Black travelers, with Egyptologist guides and 24/7 support on WhatsApp. Browse our classic Egypt tours, Nile cruises and group trips, or send us your dates and we will design your itinerary.
Next steps: read Flights from the U.S. to Egypt and How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost from the U.S.?
Reach us on WhatsApp