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.
You can enter Egypt without a visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
If you're staying in the South Sinai resort zone (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, St Catherine, Ras Mohammed), you can get a free 15-day Sinai Permit stamped at Sharm airport on arrival — no application, no fee. To visit Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada or anywhere outside South Sinai you need a paid eVisa ($25) or Visa-on-Arrival ($30).
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.
You must apply for the eVisa online before you travel — Visa-on-Arrival is not available for your nationality.
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.
Frequently asked
What is the Sinai Permit and who gets it?
A free 15-day entry stamp issued at Sharm El Sheikh, Taba and St Catherine airports to most Western, Latin American, East Asian and ex-Soviet nationals. It lets you stay in South Sinai (Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba, St Catherine, Ras Mohammed National Park). You can't use it to fly on to Cairo, Luxor or Hurghada — for that you need the eVisa or Visa-on-Arrival.
How much does the Egypt visa cost in 2026?
eVisa: $25 single-entry, $60 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.
Sorted your visa? Now sort your arrival.
Book a private airport transfer from Sharm airport to your resort. Fixed price, driver waiting with name sign, no haggling.