Do US passport holders need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. If you travel on a US passport, you need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. It is a standard 30-day single-entry visa that covers a typical vacation, whether you are here for a Nile cruise, a Cairo and pyramids trip, or a longer tour of the country.
The good news is that getting one is genuinely easy. There are two clear routes, and both are inexpensive. When you travel with us, we send you full pre-trip documentation so you know exactly what to do and when, with no guesswork at the airport.
What are the two ways to get an Egypt visa?
Option one is the official Egypt e-Visa. You apply online at the government portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg, upload a passport photo and your details, and pay $30. It is usually issued in about 3-5 days, so apply at least a couple of weeks before you fly to leave comfortable margin. You print the approval and carry it with you.
Option two is our arrival visa service for $35. Instead of standing in the visa line at the airport, your visa stamp is arranged in advance and ready and waiting when you land. Our representative meets you, and you skip the queue for the visa sticker entirely. Many travelers prefer this after a long flight.
Which option is better for me?
Both are valid and both are simple, so it comes down to how you like to travel. The e-Visa costs a little less and puts everything in your hands before you leave home. The arrival service costs $5 more and buys you a smoother landing with no airport visa queue.
- Choose the $30 e-Visa if you like to organize documents ahead of time and do not mind applying online about 3-5 days out.
- Choose our $35 arrival service if you would rather land, get met, and skip the visa line completely.
- Either way, we send you full documentation and are on hand if you have any questions.
How long does the e-Visa take and when should I apply?
The e-Visa is typically issued in about 3-5 days after you apply. We recommend applying at least two weeks before departure so a slow week never becomes a problem. Keep both a printed copy and a photo on your phone once it is approved.
Only use the official portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg. There are lookalike sites that charge extra for the same thing. If you would rather not deal with any of it, our arrival service takes the whole task off your plate.
What do I need before I fly?
Beyond the visa itself, the main requirement is a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, which is standard for Egypt and most international travel. Make sure it has at least one blank page for the stamp.
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with a blank page.
- Your e-Visa printout, or confirmation that you are on our arrival service.
- A recent passport-style photo if you are applying for the e-Visa online.
- Your trip details, which we provide in full before you leave.
How does Discovery Tours Egypt help with the visa?
As an Egypt-based tour operator with local teams in six offices, we do this every day. Whichever route you pick, we send clear pre-trip documentation covering exactly what your visa needs and how to prepare, and we answer any question along the way.
If you choose our arrival service, our representative handles the stamp so it is ready when you land and meets you at the airport. You step off the plane, get greeted by name, and head straight into your trip rather than a queue.
Plan with us
Do I Need a Visa for Egypt, and How Do I Get One?
Yes, US passport holders need an Egypt visa. Get it online for $30 in about 3-5 days, or let us have your arrival stamp ready and waiting when you land.