Free tool · Updated April 2026
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Pick your passport. In one click you'll know what visa you need for Sharm El Sheikh, how much it costs and where to get it.
The five ways to enter Egypt
Every nationality falls into one of these buckets. Use the checker above to see which applies to you.
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No visa needed
You can enter Egypt without a visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
- Cost:
- Free
- Stay:
- Up to 90 days (varies)
-
Sinai Permit, free 15 days
If you fly into Sharm El Sheikh and stay only at the resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you can get a free 15-day Sinai Permit stamped at Sharm airport on arrival, no application, no fee. To travel anywhere outside these resorts, including Cairo, Luxor or Hurghada, you need a paid eVisa ($30) or Visa-on-Arrival ($30).
- Cost:
- Free (Sinai-only) · $30 eVisa · $30 VoA
- Stay:
- 15 days (Sinai Permit) · 30 days (eVisa/VoA, extendable)
-
eVisa or Visa-on-Arrival
You're eligible for Egypt's eVisa (apply online) or Visa-on-Arrival at Sharm airport. The Sinai Permit free-zone option does not apply to your nationality.
- Cost:
- $30 single-entry eVisa · $65 multi · $30 VoA (as of 1 March 2026)
- Stay:
- 30 days, single or multi-entry
-
eVisa (online only)
You must apply for the eVisa online before you travel, Visa-on-Arrival is not available for your nationality.
- Cost:
- $30 single-entry · $65 multi
- Stay:
- 30 days, single or multi-entry
-
Embassy visa required
You must apply for a visa at an Egyptian consulate or embassy before you travel. Neither the eVisa nor Visa-on-Arrival is available for your nationality.
- Cost:
- Varies by consulate, typically $25 to $75
- Stay:
- 30 days standard (varies)
Frequently asked
What is the Sinai Permit and who gets it?
A free 15-day entry stamp given on arrival at Sharm El Sheikh airport to most Western, Latin American, East Asian and ex-Soviet nationals. It lets you stay at the resorts of Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba. You can't use it to travel elsewhere in Egypt, such as Cairo, Luxor or Hurghada: for that you need the eVisa or Visa-on-Arrival.
How much does the Egypt visa cost in 2026?
eVisa: $30 single-entry, $65 multi-entry. Visa-on-Arrival rose to $30 on 1 March 2026 (multi still $60). Sinai Permit is free.
eVisa vs Visa-on-Arrival, which is better?
eVisa is $5 cheaper and skips the airport queue, but you need to apply at least 7 business days before travel. Visa-on-Arrival is faster if you booked last-minute. Both give you the same 30 days.
Can I extend my tourist visa once I'm in Egypt?
Yes. The standard 30-day tourist visa can be extended at the Mogamma in Cairo or at passport offices in major cities, typically by up to 90 days. Bring passport, photos and the extension fee.
Do children need their own visa?
Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, needs their own visa or Sinai Permit.
Do I need travel insurance to enter Egypt?
Not strictly required, but strongly recommended. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months' validity from date of entry.
Disclaimer: This is a best-effort guide. Rules change, always verify with the official Egyptian e-Visa portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) or your nearest Egyptian consulate before you travel.
First time at Sharm El Sheikh Airport? Read our airport guide
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