Cairo Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Cairo, the large capital of Egypt, welcomes millions of visitors each year drawn by its iconic pyramids, lively markets, and ancient wonders along the Nile. While the Cairo weather is famously hot and dry, the city has a blend of modern energy and timeless history that captivates travelers from around the globe. Entry requirements are straightforward for most nationalities, but knowing the latest visa rules and airport procedures can save you time and stress upon arrival. Before you explore the countless things to do in Cairo—from the Egyptian Museum to Khan el-Khalili bazaar—ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay, and confirm whether you need a visa in advance or can obtain one on arrival. Immigration queues at Cairo International Airport can be lengthy during peak travel seasons, including winter when many consider it the best time to visit Cairo, so arriving with all documents organized helps you start your Egyptian adventure smoothly.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Egypt operates a flexible visa policy: most visitors can either enter visa-free for short stays, obtain an e-Visa online in advance, or purchase a visa on arrival. The type you need depends entirely on your nationality and intended duration of stay.

Visa-Free Entry

90 days

Citizens of select countries can enter Egypt without a visa for tourism.

Includes

Bahrain Kuwait Oman Saudi Arabia United Arab Emirates Jordan Lebanon Malaysia (up to 15 days) Hong Kong (up to 90 days)

Entry stamp issued at immigration; onward ticket may be requested.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 days

Most travelers—including those from the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and many others—can apply online for a single-entry e-Visa before departure.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Germany France Italy Spain Netherlands Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Russia Brazil Mexico India South Africa Turkey

How to Apply: Apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg; upload passport bio-page and passport-style photo; processing usually 3–5 business days.
Cost: USD 25 single-entry / USD 60 multiple-entry

Print or save the e-Visa PDF on your phone; also allows visa-on-arrival as fallback.

Visa Required

30 days (extendable once for additional 30 days)

A small group of countries must obtain a tourist visa in advance from an Egyptian embassy or consulate.

How to Apply: Apply in person or by appointment at the nearest Egyptian diplomatic mission; provide passport, application form, photos, hotel booking, and bank statements.

Processing times vary; some embassies outsource to VFS or TLS centers.

Arrival Process

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main gateway. Follow the clear signs to immigration after disembarking; the process is usually polite but thorough.

Immigration Control

Present passport, visa or e-Visa printout, and arrival card (distributed on the plane or at kiosks before immigration).

Baggage Claim

Collect checked luggage on the carousels; screens display flight numbers in both Arabic and English.

Customs & Exit

Choose the Green (nothing to declare) or Red (goods to declare) channel; officers may conduct random bag checks.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date.

Visa or e-Visa

Visa on arrival sticker (if applicable) or printed e-Visa approval.

Arrival Card

Short form asking purpose of visit, address in Egypt, and flight number.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have your e-Visa PDF easily accessible on your phone as backup, even if you printed it.

Exchange a small amount of cash at the airport for taxi fares; ATMs and exchange counters are available 24/7.

Download offline maps and your Cairo hotels’ addresses in Arabic to show taxi drivers.

Customs & Duty-Free

Egyptian customs regulations allow reasonable duty-free quantities for personal use, but strict bans exist on certain items. Declare anything questionable to avoid fines.

Alcohol

1 liter of spirits and 1 liter of wine or 2 liters of wine only

Must be 18+ years; alcohol is sold at duty-free shops on arrival.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200 g of loose tobacco

Excess quantities are subject to high duties.

Currency

Declaration required for cash or bearer instruments exceeding EGP 5,000 or USD 10,000 equivalent

Use the red channel and fill out a currency declaration form.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to EGP 1,500 duty-free

Electronics for personal use are generally exempt if one unit per type.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and recreational drugs—severe penalties including imprisonment
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without special permits
Wireless drones without prior approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation

Restricted Items

Satellite phones require a permit from the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA)
Antiques and artifacts over 100 years old need export permits from the Supreme Council of Antiquities

Health Requirements

No vaccinations are mandatory for most travelers entering Cairo unless arriving from a yellow-fever endemic country; however, staying healthy in Cairo’s busy metropolis requires some preparation.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever – only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of sub-Saharan Africa or South America)

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, flu)
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Rabies (for adventure travelers or those handling animals)

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance covering emergency medical evacuation is strongly advised as public hospitals can be crowded; most Cairo hotels can recommend private clinics with English-speaking staff.

Current Health Requirements: As of June 2024, Egypt has lifted all COVID-19 entry restrictions. Monitor the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population for any reinstatement of PCR or vaccination proof requirements.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US citizens, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK citizens)

Immigration Authority

Official immigration website

visa2egypt.gov.eg for e-Visa applications and official FAQs

Emergency

Emergency services number

Dial 122 for police, 123 for ambulance, 180 for tourist police (English-speaking)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors need their own passport; if only one parent is traveling, carry a notarized consent letter from the non-traveling parent plus copies of both parents’ passports to avoid issues at immigration.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs and cats require an import permit from the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture, a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and proof of rabies vaccination. Pets must arrive as manifested cargo, not in cabin.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas can usually be extended once for an extra 30 days at the Mogamma or local passport offices; long-term stays (study, work) require a residence visa from an Egyptian consulate before arrival.

Know what to pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

View Cairo Packing List →