- Download our Moving to Egypt Guide (PDF)
Visas for Egypt are relatively straightforward for most Western nationals, who can obtain an e-visa online or purchase a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. The requirements depend on nationality; citizens of some countries are visa-exempt, while others must apply in advance through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Expats travelling to Egypt to work or study will need to obtain a residence permit, as these activities are not permitted on a tourist visa.
Tourist visas for Egypt
Tourist visas for Egypt are available as single- or multiple-entry options. The single-entry e-visa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue and permits a maximum stay of 30 days. Multiple-entry visas allow repeated entries over a longer validity period. Egypt also offers a five-year multiple-entry visa for frequent visitors, which allows stays of up to 90 days per entry. Nationals of some countries do not require a tourist visa to travel to Egypt, while other nationalities can obtain one on arrival at Egyptian airports or apply online through the e-visa portal. Those not eligible for either option will need to apply for a tourist visa in advance through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Expats should check with their local Egyptian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on nationality requirements regarding tourist visas for Egypt. Citizens from certain countries, including Iran, Yemen, and Kazakhstan, will need pre-clearance before applying for an Egyptian visa.
Visitors to Egypt will need a passport that will be valid for at least six months from their entry date in Egypt, as well as proof of accommodation and a return ticket to apply for an Egyptian tourist visa. Those who will be travelling to the country for business purposes must have an invitation letter from a local company.
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Residence permits for Egypt
Residence permits for Egypt are required for expats planning to stay in the country for work or study purposes. Those in employment will also need a work permit. The duration of residence permits varies by category; employment-related permits are typically issued for six months initially, while property or investment-based permits may be granted for longer periods depending on the value of the investment. There are several types of residence permits available, including:
- Work or employment-based
- Family reunion
- Investor or business residence
- Retirement
- Student
The documentation required will differ based on the specific residence permit expats have applied for. Typically, expats must submit a valid passport, a police clearance certificate, a health certificate, and proof of health insurance, among others. Work permit applicants are required to undergo a mandatory HIV test at a government laboratory in Egypt; tests conducted abroad are not accepted.
Work permit applications are made separately from applications for residence permits. The process is a long one, and expats must have secured employment before they can apply for their work permit. Egyptian law limits foreign employees to 10 percent of a company’s total workforce, so employers must demonstrate that the role cannot be filled locally. Extensive documentation is required, and all foreign-issued documents must be translated into Arabic and legalised by the Egyptian embassy in the applicant’s home country.
Visa regulations and requirements for work permits are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.