Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with unified kingdoms dating back as far as year 3000 BC, the time of the Pharaohs. The country links northeast Africa with the Middle East and houses thousand-year-old monuments, such as Giza’s enormous Pyramids (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Sphinx, and the ancient tombs filled with hieroglyphs.

However, most of the people who want to visit these breathtaking ancient sites will have to apply for an Egypt Visa. Fortunately, for many, the Egyptian government has made the process of obtaining a visa easier.

Do I Need a Visa for Egypt?

Yes, unless you are from one of the countries listed below, you must have a visa before you enter Egypt. However, many nationals are eligible to get a visa online or on arrival, which makes the process less time-consuming.

Nationals of the following countries are eligible to enter Egypt without a visa for stays of up to 90 days (except where stated otherwise):

• Bahrain
• Hong Kong
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
  • If you’re traveling by a charter flight, you can only enter through Borg El Arab Airport, Hurghada Airport or Sharm el-sheik Airport
• Macao
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Malaysia (for stays of up to 14 days)

Other Egypt visa-exemptions

You may also be exempt from an Egypt visa if you are from one of the following countries and you fulfill certain conditions:

• Afghanistan – only if you are 50 years of age and over or 16 years of age and under
• Algeria – only if you are under 14 years of age
• China – only if you have a return or onward flight ticker as well as a reservation in a 4 or 5-star hotel and USD 2000 (or the equivalent in another currency).
• Libya – only if you are a woman or a resident of the Butnan District on Sundays and Mondays
• Jordan – if you have an ordinary 5-year passport which is not stamped by the Jordanian Registration Office on the back cover
• Lebanon – only if you are 50 years of age and over or 16 years of age and under (for Alexandria and South Sinai all ages can enter visa-free)
• Morocco – only if you are 14 years of age and under
• Sudan – only if you are 50 years of age and over or 16 years of age and under or you are a female national
• South Sudan – only if you are 50 years of age and over or 16 years of age and under or you are a female national
• Tunisia – only if you are 14 years of age and under
• Yemen – only if you are 50 years of age and over or 16 years of age and under or you are traveling for medical purposes
• Palestine – you have a travel document issued by Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, or Syria and you are over 40 years of age or under 18 years of age

Additionally, you are also exempt from an Egypt visa if you:

• Are traveling as part of a tourist group consisting of at least 5 people, have a return ticket, reserved accommodation, and a signed letter of guarantee from a travel agency and you are from one of the following countries:
  • Azerbaijan
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • China
  • Costa Rica
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Honduras
  • India
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Lebanon
  • Moldova (excluding women between the ages of 15 and 35)
  • Nicaragua
  • Russia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Turkey
• You are the child of an Egyptian father (unless you are from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or Qatar)
• You are the child of an Egyptian mother born after 25 July 2004 (unless you are from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or Qatar)
• You are a woman married to an Egyptian man (unless you are from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, or Qatar)

Countries who need pre-clearance to apply for an Egypt visa

If you are from one of the countries listed below, before you can apply for an Egypt visa at a consulate, you must receive pre-clearance from the Egyptian State Security Authorities:

• Iran
• Iraq
• Kazakhstan
• Kosovo
• Lebanon
• Mauritania
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• Syria
• Yemen

Egypt Tourist Visa

The Egypt tourist visa is a type of Egypt visa issued for short-term purposes – up to 90 days maximum. Nationals of the countries listed above are exempt from applying for an Egypt tourist visa prior to travel, but they still have to obtain a visa if they want to stay long-term.

Additionally, nationals from several other countries are eligible to obtain an Egypt Tourist Visa upon arrival to Egypt or online.

Note: Those who are eligible to get an Egypt Tourist Visa On Arrival or Online still have to apply at an Egyptian embassy or consulate if they want to stay in Egypt long-term.

Who is Eligible for an Egypt Visa On Arrival?

Citizens of all countries except the ones listed below can get an Egypt Visa On Arrival:

Additionally:

• Turkey passport holders can get an Egypt Visa On Arrival if they are 45 years of age and above or 18 years of age and below
• Sudan passport holder can get an Egypt Visa On Arrival if they have a residence permit issued by Australia, Canada, USA, or an EU Member State
• Resident Permit holders issued by a GCC Member State can get an Egypt Visa On Arrival if they have at least six more months left on the residence permit

Applying for an Egypt Visa On Arrival

If you are from one of the countries eligible for an Egypt Visa On Arrival, you have to obtain the visa after you arrive in Egypt, but before you pass through immigration. You can get a Visa On Arrival at one of the visa-issuing counters at Egyptian entry ports.  You must pay the Egypt visa fee in exact change.

However, many of the travelers who are eligible for a Visa On Arrival still choose to obtain the Egypt visa before they travel. That’s because all of the nationals who are eligible for the VOA are also eligible to apply for an Egypt visa online, and the online process offers more security due to the fact you know that your visa has been approved before you make any travel plans.

Who can get an Egypt Visa Online?

You can get an Egypt Visa Online before you travel if you are from one of the following countries:

The Egypt government launched the Egypt eVisa in 2017, as a way of allowing foreigners to obtain a visa in an easier way before they travel to Egypt.

Applying for an Egypt Visa Online (e-Visa)

You have to apply for an Egypt e-Visa at least seven days before you intend to travel. You must apply through this website, which operates under the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.

• Create an account. You will receive a confirmation code on your email address.
• Enter the traveling information (visa type, arrival and departure dates, etc)
• Attach the scanned copy of your passport
• Pay the Egypt eVisa fee through a credit or debit card
• Wait for the visa to be processed

If your Egypt eVisa is approved, you will receive an electronic visa which you must print and show it at the entry point in Egypt.

When you travel to Egypt, you must also have the following with you:

• Your passport, which is valid for at least six more months
• The printed Egypt e-Visa
• A travel itinerary
• Hotel reservation or a tour agenda, if you’re traveling as a tourist
• A letter of invitation from a host or company/organization in Egypt (if applicable)

Applying for an Egypt Visa at an Embassy or Consulate

Anyone who is not exempt from Egypt visa requirements and who is not eligible to receive an Egypt Visa On Arrival or online has to apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate in their country or a neighboring country.

The exact application changes depending on which country’s embassy or consulate you have submitted your visa application. However, an outline of the Egypt visa application process is as follows:

• Contact the Egyptian embassy or consulate to set up an appointment
• Complete the Egypt Visa Application Form. You can get the application form at the embassy/consulate offices
• Gather the required documents
• Pay the Egypt visa fee*
• Submit the documents and application at the Egyptian embassy/consulate. Check with them regarding the submission process, since some offices require you to submit the documents in person, whereas others also allow submissions through the mail.
• Wait for the visa to be processed
• Pick up your passport (or have it mailed back to you) with the visa affixed, if the application is approved.

*Regarding payment of the visa fee, you may have to pay it prior to applying through bank transfer or at the actual visa counter at the embassy/consulate in cash. Check with the Egyptian embassy or consulate for the specific visa fee requirements. See the list of Egypt visa fees below.

The consulate/embassy may also require an interview if they see fit.

Note: You also have to apply for your Egypt visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate if you are from a visa-exempt country, or you are eligible for the e-Visa or VOA, and you want to stay in Egypt long-term.

Egypt Visa Requirements

When you apply for an Egypt visa, you need several documents to support your application, such as:

• The Egypt Visa application form (two copies)
• Two passport-size pictures of yourself (2inch x 2inch, white background, taken recently)
• Your passport, valid for at least six more months from the date of entry in Egypt and with at least two blank pages
• Two photocopies of the personal information page of your passport
• If you are not a citizen of the country from which you’re applying: Your residence permit or other proof of legal residence
• Proof of a return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of accommodation in Egypt
• If you’re traveling for business: A Letter of Invitation from the company which is hosting you
• Proof of payment of the visa fee
• If you apply by mail, also include a self-addressed and prepaid envelope so that the Egyptian embassy/consulate can return your passport and documents

Please note: This is not a complete list of documents you may have to provide for an Egypt visa application. The exact required documents depend on the purpose of your travel as well as the embassy or consulate in which you apply.

Egypt visa processing time

The processing time for an Egypt visa changes depending on the method of application. If you apply for the Visa On Arrival, you will receive it (or have your application be rejected, as it is) right there.

The Egypt e-Visa is processed in about seven days, which is why it is advisable to apply at least seven days before you intend to travel.

If you’re applying through an embassy or consulate, the processing time changes depending on the specific office. In most cases, it takes at least 10 working days, so make sure to apply well before you intend to travel, but no earlier than three months.

If you apply by mail, also take into consideration the time it will need for the documents to be mailed back and forth.

Duration of an Egypt Visa

The duration of an Egypt visa depends on the number of entries it allows. As such:

• Egypt Visa On Arrival and e-Visa are valid for 90 days from the date of issue. They’re valid for one single entry and allow you to remain in Egypt for a maximum of 30 days.
• Single-entry Egypt tourist visas are valid for 6 months and allow you to stay in Egypt for a maximum of 60 days
• Multiple-entry Egypt tourist visas are valid for 6 months and allow you to stay in Egypt for a maximum of 90 collective days

Can you extend an Egypt Tourist Visa?

You may be able to extend an Egypt tourist visa (short-term visa) for an additional 90 days at the Egypt Passport and Immigration Administration.  You need a copy of your passport, your Egypt visa, and enough money to pay for the processing fee.

Do I need an Egypt Transit Visa?

Whether you need an Egypt Transit visa depends on the duration of your transit. As such:

• If your transit is less than six hours: You do not need a transit visa, but you are not allowed to leave the airport
• If your transit is 6 – 48 hours, you may leave the airport and visit the surrounding areas. You must show your valid passport and proof of onward travel.
• If your transit will be longer than 48 hours, you have to get the relevant visa

Submitting an Egypt Visa application from the UK

As a UK national, you are eligible to apply for an Egypt visa online or get it upon arrival. You can also get an Egypt visa if you apply through one of the consulates of Egypt in the UK.

You can apply online through this website at least seven days before you intend to travel. If you opt for getting the Egypt visa upon arrival, you have to line up at one of the visa-issuing counters at the Egyptian airport before you clear immigration.

If you want to travel to Egypt for long-term purposes, you have to get a visa at the embassy or consulate.

See a more detailed explanation of the application for an Egypt e-Visa or Visa On Arrival above.

Do US citizens need a visa for Egypt?

Yes, US citizens do need to have a visa if they want to enter Egypt. However, as a US citizen, you are eligible to apply for an Egypt visa online or on arrival at the port of entry in Egypt without having to visit an embassy or consulate.

Please see the application process for an Egypt Visa On Arrival and e-Visa detailed above.

Egypt Visa fees

For the eVisa and Visa On Arrival, which are issued for tourism purposes, the fees are as follows:

• Single-entry visa: 25$
• Multiple-entry visa: 60$

When applying at an Egypt embassy or consulate, the Egypt visa fee costs are as follows:

Holders of diplomatic or official passports and UN Laissez-Passer do not have to pay an Egypt visa fee.

Note: Fees may change depending on the consulate or embassy, so it is advisable to check with them first.

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Even though Algeria may not be on most people’s top destinations when planning a holiday, there’s actually plenty someone can do there. Algeria, situated in North Africa, has access to the Mediterranean, meaning plenty of beaches for those wanting to work on a bit of a tan. The mountains are great for hiking, and there are countless historical sites and ruins you can visit.

However, unless you are from a select few countries, you will need to obtain a Alegria visa before travelling there.

This article will detail the Algeria visa policy: who needs it, the types, application process, requirements, and other frequently asked questions regarding Algerian visas.

Who Needs an Algeria Visa?

Almost everyone has to obtain a visa before travelling to Algeria. The only countries whose nationals are exempt from holding an Algeria visa when travelling for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days are:

• Libya
• Malaysia
• Mali
• Mauritania
• Morocco
• Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
• Seychelles
• Tunisia

Additionally, holders of diplomatic and service passports from the following countries are exempt from Algerian visas:

Holders of diplomatic passports from the following countries are also exempt from Algerian visas:

What are the types of Algerian visas?

The Algerian government issues the following visas:

• Algeria Tourist Visa, which is issued to visa-required foreign nationals travelling to Algeria for tourism or recreational purposes.
• Algeria Business Visa, which is issued to visa-required foreign nationals travelling to Algeria for a business trip such as businessmen, company representatives or employees of foreign companies. However, this type of visa is not authorization to actually work in Algeria and be paid from an Algerian employer.
• Algeria Visitor Visa, issued to foreign nationals travelling to Algeria to visit friends or family members living there.
• Algeria Official/Diplomatic Visa, which is issued to government officials or diplomats who hold diplomatic, official, or service passports or UN laissez-passer, travelling for official purposes.
• Algeria Work Visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who have received authorization to work in Algeria long-term.
• Algeria Temporary Work Visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who have received permission to work in Algeria, but only for a period not exceeding 90 days.
• Algeria Study Visa, which is issued to a foreign national who wishes to pursue their studies in Algeria and has been accepted into an Algerian educational institution.
• Algeria Family Visa, which is issued to non-Algerian immediate family members of Algerian citizens for family reunification.
• Algeria Medical Visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who must enter Algeria to receive medical treatment in an Algerian educational institution.
• Algeria Media Visa, which is issued to foreign journalists or media representatives.
• Algeria Cultural Visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who want to enter Algeria to attend a cultural, scientific, or sporting event or for research purposes.

Algeria visa types based on the number of entries

Based on the number of times you are allowed to enter Algeria within the duration of your visa, there are:

• Single-entry visas, which only allow the holder to enter Algeria once. After you leave, you cannot return even if you have not spent the entire issued amount of days.
• Multiple-entry visas, which allow the holder to leave and enter the country multiple times, provided that the total number of days they spend in Algeria does not exceed the days they were issued.

What Are the Algeria Visa Document Requirements?

When you submit an Algeria visa application, you must have the following required documents:

• Your original passport, which must be valid for at least another six months from the time you enter Algeria. It must have at least one blank page to affix the visa in.
• Photocopy of your passport’s relevant pages (some consulates may require you to submit photocopies of all the pages on your passport, even empty ones).
• Algeria Visa Application Form, completed and signed. If the applicant is a minor, the parent or legal representative has to sign the application form. You can download the application form from the consulate or embassy’s website. Make sure it is legibly and clearly filled in.
• Passport-size picture of yourself, which follows the following requirements:
  • Dimensions: 35 mm x 45mm
  • Taken within the last three months
  • Colored and taken in front of a white background
  • The picture must show your entire face and head
  • It must be printed in high-quality photo paper
  • You must be starting ahead with a neutral facial expression.
  • You are not allowed to wear eyeglasses
  • You are not allowed to wear hats or other type of headgear, unless it is for religious reasons.
  • Cannot be affixed to your application
  • Must be in good condition (no glue, staples, etc) 
• Invitation Letter, which can be issued by your Algerian host (if you have one) or an Algerian travel agency. The invitation letter has to be notarized at the city hall in Algeria or at a notary public office.
• Copy of your host’s ID, passport or consular card (if applicable).
• Proof of employment status: letter from your employer, company documents, if self-employed, etc.
• Proof of financial means, in the form of bank statements or payslips.
• Reserved flight ticket or flight itinerary.
• If you apply by mail, include a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope for the embassy/consulate to return your passport and documents.
• If you apply by a proxy, include a notarized letter of authorization to apply on your behalf.
• Proof of Algeria visa fee payment, as per the embassy/consulate’s requirements.
• In cases of visa applications for minors, include a letter of consent from the parent/s or legal guardian/s, stating they agree for the child to travel alone.

Required documents for an Algeria Tourist Visa

• Proof of accommodation in Algeria, such as a hotel reservation, if you are staying in a hotel or invitation from your host.

Required documents for an Algeria Business Visa

• Letter from your employer stating your position in the company, the reason why you are travelling, and confirming they will cover your expenses on the trip.
• Letter of invitation from the Algerian company which you will be visiting/doing business with.

Required documents for an Algeria Visitor Visa

• An Invitation Letter from your Algerian host. The letter has to be notarized at the city hall in Algeria or at a notary public office.
• Copy of your host’s ID, passport or consular card.

Required documents for an Algeria Official/Diplomatic Visa

• Letter of invitation from the Algerian authorities
• Any other proof that you are travelling for diplomatic/official purposes, such as letter from the Governmental department you work in etc.

Required documents for an Algeria Work Visa

• Algerian Work Permit issued by an Algerian office of employment
• Request for an Algeria Work Visa, directed to the Directorate General of Legal and Consular Affairs, Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Copy of the Work Contract
• A letter from your employer, starting your job title, position, purpose of travel. Your employer must also state that they will cover your living expenses and the cost of your repatriation

Required documents for an Algeria Temporary Work Visa

• Work authorization issued by an Algerian office of employment
• A copy of your employment contract
• A letter from your employer, starting your job title, position, purpose of travel. Your employer must also state that they will cover your living expenses and the cost of your repatriation

Required documents for an Algeria Study Visa

• Letter of acceptance into the Algerian educational institution
• Proof of financial means/resources
• Proof of scholarship, is applicable
• Proof you have paid the tuition fees

Required documents for an Algeria Family Visa

• A copy of your host’s Algerian ID, passport or consular card
• A notarized invitation letter from the host, stating they will cover your living expenses
• For spouses of Algerian citizens: Copy of the marriage certificate
• For children of Algerian citizens: Copy of the child’s birth certificate

Required documents for an Algeria Medical Visa

• Your medical certificate
• A letter from the Algerian medical institution where you will receive treatment

Required documents for an Algeria Media Visa

• A letter from your employer, which states your job title and position as well as the reason for travelling
• A list of your program in Algeria (people you will interview, where you will film etc)
• A list of the filming or photography equipment you will take with you
• A copy of your professional card
• A letter of invitation from a partnering Algerian company (if applicable)

Required documents for an Algeria Cultural Visa

• A letter of invitation from the institution where you will attend the cultural event

Keep in mind:

The Algerian authorities may request any additional documents as they see fit.

Depending on the consulate, you may have to submit either one or two copies of all the required documents.

Where Can I Submit an Algeria Visa Application?

You must apply for an Algerian visa at the Algerian embassy or consulate which is responsible for your region – the one in your country or one nearest to you if there is no Alegrian diplomatic mission in your country.

You must find out which embassy or consular office covers your region before you apply.

How Can I Submit an Algeria Visa Application?

You can submit an Algeria visa application in one of the following ways:

• Yourself, by appearing at the Algerian consulate/embassy in person and handing in the required documents.
• By mail or courier. Make sure you use a safe postal service because you’ll be sending important documents.
• Through a proxy, to whom you must give a notarized letter of authorization, stating you consent to them applying on your behalf
• Through an authorized visa application agency

However, before you submit the application, make sure you know the requirements of the consulate or embassy who will handle your application. Not all consulates accept document submission in all the aforementioned methods.

Algeria Visa Application

The Algerian visa application process is as follows:

1. Visit the website of the Algerian embassy or consulate in which you will be lodging your visa application to learn about appointment requirements, work days, and opening hours.
2. Make an Algerian visa appointment. Depending on the consulate, you may be able to do this online.
3. Complete the Algeria visa application form.
4. Gather the necessary documents for the Algeria visa (see “Alegria visa requirements” below) and submit them on the date of your appointment. When you submit the documents, you may be asked several questions regarding the purpose of your trip, what you’ll be doing in Algeria, or personal questions, such as your job, salary, etc.
5. Pay the Algeria visa fee.
6. Wait for the visa to be processed. When the decision is made, the embassy or consulate will notify you of the decision.
7. If approved, the consular/embassy staff will contact you to go and get your passport with the afixed visa. If you applied by mail, they will mail you back your passport with the visa affixed. Your visa states the date in which you will be allowed to enter the country.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Algeria Visa?

The Algeria visa processing time depends on the type of visa you’re applying for, the county you are applying from, and the specific embassy or consular office.
However, it usually takes about 10-20 working days to process an Algerian visa. However, to make sure, inquire with the embassy or consulate in which you are applying. If you are applying by mail, the processing time will be longer.
If you submitted any wrong documents, it may cause the processing time for your visa to be delayed, or even for the application to be denied.

What is the duration of an Algeria visa?

The duration of an Algeria visa depends on the reason you are travelling. If you are applying for an Algeria tourist or business visa, the duration is usually a maximum of 90 days. The date when you can enter Algeria and the amount of days you are allowed to remain in the country is stated on your visa. You must leave the country by that date otherwise you risk persecution.
Overstaying a visa can result in being detained at the airport as you leave and even imprisoned, so be cautious.

Can you Extend an Algeria Visa?

Yes, it is possible to extend an Algeria visa beyond the date of its original issuance. You must apply for an Algeria visa extension at least 15 days before your current visa expires at the The Foreigners’ Office (Bureau des Étrangers) in Algeria and have a valid reason as well as an invitation from someone in Algeria.
The person inviting you must write you an Invitation Letter and be present with you when you apply for the Algeria visa extension.
The decision is entirely up to the administration reviewing your case to make.

What Are the Algeria Visa Fees?

There is no standard set of Algeria visa fees which are uniform for everyone.

The fees for Algerian visas differ based on the type of visa you’re applying for (single-entry/multiple-entry, long-stay/short-stay) as well as the Algeria consulate or embassy handling your application.

The required payment method also differs depending on the way you apply.

If you apply in person, you may have to pay in cash at the time of application, or you may be asked to pay via bank draft in advance and hold the payment slip.

If you apply by mail, you will usually have to pay through bank transfer.

Check the website of the Algerian embassy or consulate to learn their preferred payment method for the Algeria visa fee as well as the specific amount.

The Algeria visa fee is non-refundable.

How Can I Transit Through Algeria?

If you have to transit through Algeria or clear immigration in an Algerian airport on your way to another country, you must have an Algerian transit visa.

Algerian transit visas are issued for a maximum of 7 days. The application process for an Algeria transit visa is the same as for other types of Algerian visas (see above).

To apply, you need:

• Your passport, which is valid for at least another 6 months after entering Algeria and has at least one blank page.
• A visa allowing you entry into the next country (if visas are required).
• Flight ticket for onward travel.
• Two passport-size pictures.
• Algeria Transit Visa Application form.
• Proof of financial means to cover the duration of your stay.
• Payment of the Algeria visa fee.

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Algeria Visa?

Only citizens of the following countries have to get travel health insurance before applying for an Algeria visa:

The Algeria visa travel health insurance must cover the cost of at least €30,000 for illness, accidents, and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay.

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