Entry Requirements and Visa for Egypt

People

For French Citizens

For a tourist trip, a passport valid for at least 6 months from the planned departure date from the country is required.

That said, even though a passport is the simplest option, French citizens can also travel to Egypt with just an identity card, also valid for 6 months after the planned return date. However, two photos will still be needed for the "visa" on arrival.

Visa

In all cases, a 1-month visa is also mandatory for a single entry or (3) multiple entries. It can be obtained in several ways:

1- On arrival, which remains the simplest option. It is obtained directly at the bank counters before passport control. The cost, payable only in cash, is around $25 USD or the equivalent in euros.

2- Online, via the approved site Egypt e-Visa. This should be done, at the same price, at least 7 days before arrival in the country. Advantage: no waiting on arrival.

3- At an Egyptian consulate in France or elsewhere. Often more expensive and slower to obtain.

Arrival from Israel or Jordan

Those arriving from Israel by land will not be able to obtain a visa at the border and must therefore apply in advance, for example at the Egyptian consulate in Eilat. As for those taking the ferry between Aqaba (Jordan) and Nuweiba, they can get their visa at the embarkation port.

Special Case for Sinai

It is not necessary to apply for an "Egypt visa" if you plan to visit only the Sinai. Indeed, for this area, a free entry stamp allows a 15-day stay. It is obtained at Taba, Nuweiba, and Sharm el-Sheikh. In short, as long as you do not leave this area and stay for less than 15 days, you need nothing else.

Special Permits

Several places in the country require special permits or are even completely off-limits to foreigners depending on the current security situation in the area.

Long Stay and Visa Extension

It is entirely possible to extend your stay beyond the initially authorized 30 days. To do this, you must go to one of the Immigration and Passport offices (locally called Mogamma) found in major cities to make your request. Expect a few days for the response, typically resulting in an additional 3-month extension allowed in the country.

Other Nationalities

For Swiss, Canadian, Belgian, and other European Union nationals, the same requirements apply as for French citizens.

Consulates

In France

• Consulate General: 53 bd Bineau, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine. Tel.: 01 55 21 43 70.

• Consulate in Marseille: 166 av. de Hambourg, 13008 Marseille. Tel.: 04 91 25 04 04.

Other Countries

Belgium

• Brussels: Av. de l'Uruguay 19, 1000 Brussels. Tel.: +32 2 663 58 00.

Canada

• Montreal: 1000 rue de la Gauchetière O., Suite 3320, Montreal, Quebec H3B 4M6. Tel.: (514) 866 84 55.

• Ottawa: 454 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6R3. Tel.: (613) 234-4931.

Switzerland

• Consulate General in Bern: Elfenauweg 61, 3006 Bern. Tel.: (0)31 352 80 55.

• Geneva: 47 ter Route de Florissant, 1206 Geneva. Tel.: (0)22 347 62 55.