- Download our Moving to Egypt Guide (PDF)
Expats wanting to travel to Egypt will need a valid passport and possibly a tourist visa, depending on their nationality. Although the service has been suspended since October 2023, nationals of 74 countries can purchase a visa on arrival at an airport in Egypt.
Expats travelling to Egypt to work or study will need to obtain a residence permit, as these activities are not permitted on a tourist visa.
Tourist visas for Egypt
The tourist visa for Egypt is valid for up to 90 days, with a maximum stay of 30 days during this period. While nationals of some countries do not require a tourist visa when travelling to Egypt, other nationalities will need to get a tourist visa upon arrival at an airport in Egypt. These options don't apply to all countries, however, and nationals of some other countries will have to apply for a tourist visa in advance of travelling to Egypt.
Expats should check with their local Egyptian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on nationality requirements regarding tourist visas for Egypt. Citizens from certain countries, such as Iran, Yemen and Kazakhstan, will need pre-clearance before applying for an Egyptian visa.
Visitors to Egypt will need a passport that will be valid for at least six months from their entry date in Egypt, as well as proof of accommodation and a return ticket to apply for an Egyptian tourist visa. Those who will be travelling to the country for business purposes must have an invitation letter from a local company.
Useful links
- For more on applying for a tourist visa, check out Egypt's eVisa system.
Residence permits for Egypt
Expats planning to stay in Egypt for work or study purposes will need to acquire a residence permit and, if in employment, a work permit. Residence is generally granted for one, three or five years. There are several types of residence permits available for Egypt, including:
- Work or employment-based
- Family reunion
- Investor or business residence
- Retirement
- Student
The documentation required will differ based on the specific residence permit expats have applied for. Typically, expats must submit a valid passport, a police clearance certificate, a health certificate and proof of health insurance among others.
Work permit applications are made separately from applications for residence permits. The process is a long and arduous one, and expats must have secured employment before they can apply for their work permit. Extensive documentation is required for a work permit application, so it's important to do thorough research beforehand on all that's required.
*Visa regulations and requirements for work permits are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.