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 the visa on arrival. Egypt now issues it at digital consoles in the immigration hall, before passport control. It costs $36: the $30 visa plus a $6 admin fee. There is nothing to arrange before you fly, which suits a late booking. If your trip with us includes an airport meet and assist, our representative is there to help you through it.
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 $6 less and puts everything in your hands before you leave home. The visa on arrival needs no advance application, at the cost of one more stop in the immigration hall.
- 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 the $36 visa on arrival if you booked late or would rather not apply online.
- 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 apply online at all, the visa on arrival at the airport is the alternative.
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 be ready to pay the $36 visa fee on arrival.
- 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 your trip includes our airport meet and assist, our representative meets you at the airport and helps with the visa on arrival if you still need one. You are greeted by name and start your trip with someone who knows the airport.
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 the e-Visa online for $30 in about 3-5 days, or pay $36 at the digital consoles when you land.