Current DossierSubject · United States passportFile · EGYPT

Does Egypt require a visa for US citizens?

Straight answer, official source, and how long it takes.

Last checked 28 Jun 2026Source · US State Department travel adviceHow we source this →
Visa Panic answer
eVisa requiredMedium paperwork

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.
Your panic level

When are you travelling?

Add your travel date and we'll tell you exactly how much to panic, based on typical processing times.

eVisa typically takes around a week.

Health FileSubject · EgyptChecked · 22 Jul 2026

Vaccinations for Egypt

Book a travel clinic appointment 6–8 weeks before you fly.

Conditional

Only if arriving from a risk area

Required only if you're travelling from — or transiting through — a country with active transmission.

  • Yellow Fever

    Certificate required if arriving from (or transiting) a country with yellow fever transmission risk.

Recommended on health grounds

Not required for entry — advised by NHS / CDC for most travellers.

  • Hepatitis A

    Recommended — food & water borne.

  • Typhoid

    Recommended, especially for longer stays or rural travel.

  • Rabies

    Consider for rural travel, cyclists, and long trips.

→ Read the Yellow Fever briefing

Which countries require the certificate, timing, cost, and the 10-day validity rule.

Not medical advice. Always confirm with your GP, travel nurse, or a Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre — requirements change and can vary based on where you're arriving from.

Colour KeyCalm— no visaMedium— ETA / eVisaPanic— full visa

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

Field Report Provenance

Human-checked

Every dossier is written from official government sources, then re-checked on 28 Jun 2026.

Auto-monitored

An hourly job re-scans official sources for changes. Anything fishy triggers a manual review.

Not legal advice

Always cross-check with the linked official source before you book. Read our methodology and disclaimer.