Cairo Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (family passports no longer accepted). Minors traveling without both parents should carry a notarized parental consent letter signed by the non-traveling parent(s), including passport copies. Single parents should carry child's birth certificate. Children under 16 traveling alone require special permission and airline-specific documentation. Unaccompanied minors must use airline's unaccompanied minor service. Children are subject to same visa requirements as adults but may receive discounted visa fees. Keep copies of children's documents separate from originals. For divorced parents, custody documentation may be requested.

Pets require: (1) Import permit from Egyptian Veterinary Quarantine Department obtained before travel; (2) Health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel; (3) Rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before travel); (4) Microchip for identification; (5) Proof of other vaccinations (distemper, parvovirus for dogs; panleukopenia for cats). Pets must arrive as manifest cargo or excess baggage, not in cabin. Quarantine period may apply depending on origin country and documentation. Certain breeds may be restricted. Contact Egyptian embassy and your airline well in advance (at least 6-8 weeks). Airlines have specific requirements for pet carriers and booking. Service animals have different requirements; contact embassy for details.

Tourist visas can be extended once for an additional 30 days. Apply at the Mogamma Administrative Complex in Tahrir Square (Cairo) or local passport offices before your current visa expires. Required documents: passport, current visa, proof of accommodation, passport photos, extension fee (approximately 1,100 EGP). Apply at least one week before expiration. Overstaying results in fines (currently around 1,535 EGP) and potential entry ban. For stays beyond 60 days, consider: (1) Exiting and re-entering Egypt (visa run); (2) Applying for residence permit if working, studying, or married to Egyptian national; (3) Business visa for work-related extended stays. Long-term stays require residence permit from Ministry of Interior, involving background checks, medical examination, and substantial documentation. Students need university enrollment confirmation. Retirees may apply for residence with proof of income. Consult immigration lawyer for stays exceeding 6 months.

Business visitors may enter on tourist visa for short business meetings, conferences, or negotiations. For longer business stays or work activities, obtain business visa from Egyptian embassy before travel. Requirements: invitation letter from Egyptian company on official letterhead stating purpose and duration, company registration documents, passport valid 6+ months, photos, application fee. Business visa typically valid 3-6 months with single or multiple entries. Working in Egypt requires work permit from Ministry of Manpower in addition to business visa. Attending conferences: carry conference registration confirmation and invitation. Bringing business samples or equipment: prepare detailed inventory and temporary import documentation to avoid customs duties. Commercial goods require different entry procedures. Business travelers should register with their embassy and maintain copies of all business documentation.

Egyptian dual nationals must enter and exit Egypt using their Egyptian passport, regardless of other citizenships held. Foreign-born children of Egyptian parents may be considered Egyptian citizens and subject to this requirement. Male dual nationals may be subject to military service requirements; check with Egyptian consulate before travel. Egyptian citizens residing abroad must obtain security clearance for certain professions. Dual nationals should carry both passports but present Egyptian passport to Egyptian authorities. Former Egyptian citizens who renounced citizenship should carry documentation proving renunciation to avoid complications. Women married to Egyptians may be considered Egyptian citizens; verify status before travel.

Professional journalists, photographers, and film crews must obtain media accreditation from Egyptian State Information Service (SIS) before arrival. Submit application through Egyptian embassy with: journalist credentials, assignment letter from media organization, detailed filming/reporting plan, passport copies, photos. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. Journalist visa different from tourist visa. All filming requires permits, even with smartphones for professional purposes. Unauthorized journalism activities can result in detention and deportation. Sensitive locations (government buildings, military installations, infrastructure) strictly prohibited without special permission. Drone use by media heavily restricted. Bloggers and social media influencers: regulations unclear; consult embassy if producing professional content. Amateur photography for personal use generally permitted at tourist sites.