A vacation in Egypt can take some advanced planning, but of course, visiting the Giza Pyramids and sailing on the Nile River make up for this. What first must be borne in mind is that virtually all travelers need a visa to enter the country. However, getting one is reasonably simple with a little planning.

Visas to visit Egypt

Most nationalities require a visa to visit Egypt but can obtain one on arrival at the country’s international airports. However, if you would prefer to avoid queues at the airport, it is possible to apply for a visa online, seven days in advance. This is done via the Egyptian Government’s official e-Visa portal. You just need to complete an online application form and pay.

Meanwhile, citizens of a number of countries can enter Egypt visa-free for up to 90 days. Basically, the countries are Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Macau, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. However, Malaysian citizens can enter Egypt and stay for up to 14 days without the document.

Moreover, some countries do need to head to their local embassy or consulate to apply in person for a visa and the process can take several weeks. The countries are:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova, Morocco, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Tunisia, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Somalia.

Applying for an e-Visa

Getting an e-Visa to visit Egypt is relatively simple and can be done as a single or double entry. The single entry visa allows travelers one entry, and they stay for up to 30 days. Meanwhile, the multiple-entry visa allows travelers to enter the country an unlimited number of times during a 180-day period. They can also stay for up to 30 days at a time. However, bear in mind that the multi-entry visa should be applied for at least seven days prior to the trip.

Moreover, citizens of the 74 countries listed here are eligible for the Egyptian e-Visa and can apply via the official government online portal. Note that your passport must be valid for at least six months before the intended date of travel.

Applying for the e-Visa is simple. Travelers need to sign up, log in, complete the form and pay US$25. Once done, an email notification will advise when the application is processed. Once the visa is issued, you will receive a link to your e-Visa via email. You can then download, print, and present it at the Egyptian border together with your passport.

Meanwhile, ensure you have a copy of your accommodation details or tour bookings handy, as you made need to present them at the airport.

Obtaining a visa on arrival in Egypt

Should you prefer to do so, you can still obtain a visa on arrival at the airport, as long as you are eligible. They are available for purchase for US$25 through a bank kiosk in the arrival hall, located in front of the immigration counters. Save time by having the correct amount in cash to avoid any delays.

Meanwhile, the visa comes in the form of a stamp which you should put in your passport. It will then be ready to present at immigration counters and passport control. Bear in mind that should you opt to purchase a visa on arrival, your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. You will also require a travel itinerary and documentation to prove any booked tours or accommodation.

Should anything be missing from your documentation, or if there is a problem processing the authorization, you may be denied entry. Rather apply for an e-Visa through the online portal to avoid any potential problems.