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Do US citizens need a visa for Egypt?

US citizens need a visa to enter Egypt, which can be obtained upon arrival, or as an eVisa online.

Apply on the official siteUS State Department travel advice — last checked 28 June 2026
Always confirm with the official source before you travel.
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Deep breath. Here's the answer.

All US citizens are required to have a visa to enter Egypt for tourism. You have two primary options: obtain a 30-day single-entry tourist visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports for a fee (payable in USD cash), or apply for an eVisa online before your trip through the official Egyptian government website.

Key facts

For United States passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

PassportRegular US passport
PurposeTourism
Visa requiredYes — eVisa
Maximum stay30 days (single-entry tourist visa)
Passport validity6 months beyond date of departure
Return/onward ticketNo (verify on the official source, not explicitly stated as required)
Arrival formNone required (verify on the official source, not explicitly stated)
Last checked28 June 2026

You may need a visa if…

  • Visas obtained on arrival require payment in exact USD cash only, approximately $30 for single-entry.
  • Be cautious of unofficial websites claiming to offer e-visas at inflated prices; use only the official Government of Egypt website.
  • Having a visa does not guarantee entry into Egypt, as immigration officials make the final decision.
  • Dual U.S.-Egyptian citizens may face limitations on consular assistance from the U.S. Embassy, as Egyptian law considers them solely Egyptian citizens.
  • Bringing any type of drone to Egypt is illegal and can lead to serious issues.
  • Exercise increased caution due to terrorism, crime, and health concerns, especially in certain regions.

Before you travel

  • Ensure your US passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date.
  • Obtain a visa either via the official eVisa website before travel or be prepared to purchase one upon arrival with exact USD cash ($30 for single-entry).
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
  • Review the U.S. Department of State's travel advisory for Egypt for the latest security information.
  • Check CDC website for current vaccination recommendations, especially for polio.
  • Consider purchasing comprehensive medical insurance that includes medical evacuation.
  • Keep travel documents up to date and copies easily accessible, separate from originals.

Common questions

Yes, all U.S. citizens are required to have a visa to enter Egypt for tourism.

Related destinations

Morocco

Low panic
No visa needed

No visa is required for US citizens visiting Morocco for tourism for stays under 90 days.

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Tunisia

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No visa needed

No visa is required for US citizens visiting Tunisia for tourism for stays of 90 days or less.

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South Africa

Check carefully
Check before travel

The official US State Department page for South Africa is currently unavailable; you will need to check directly with the South African embassy or consulate.

Read the answer