Egypt eVisa for US Citizens: Cost, Processing Time, How to Apply
Short answer: Yes, US citizens need a visa for Egypt, but it's easy: apply for the eVisa online before you fly, or buy a visa on arrival at the airport. Both cover a 30-day tourist stay.
The options at a glance
| Option | Fee | Processing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa, single entry | $25 (some 2026 sources report $30 after a March 2026 increase — confirm on portal) | 3–7 business days, sometimes 48 hours | Apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg |
| eVisa, multiple entry | $60 (some sources report $65) | 3–7 business days | Valid 6 months, 30 days per entry |
| Visa on arrival | Same single-entry fee, cash USD | Minutes at the airport bank window | Major airports only; bring exact cash |
How to apply (eVisa)
- Go to the official portal: visa2egypt.gov.eg. Third-party sites often charge $60–$100+ for the same visa.
- Apply at least a week before travel — the portal advises allowing up to 7 business days.
- The fee is non-refundable, even if denied.
eVisa vs visa on arrival
Same price for single entry, so it's about convenience: the eVisa lets you skip the airport payment window and arrive already approved. Visa on arrival is the reasonable backup for last-minute trips.
Apply
apply direct at visa2egypt.gov.eg and pay only the government fee.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee | eVisa single entry: $25 (some 2026 sources report $30 — confirm on portal); eVisa multiple entry: $60 (some sources report $65); visa on arrival: same single-entry fee, cash USD |
| Processing | eVisa: 3–7 business days, sometimes 48 hours; visa on arrival: minutes at the airport |
| Validity and entries | Single entry: 30-day tourist stay; multiple entry: valid 6 months, 30 days per entry |
| Official portal | visa2egypt.gov.eg |
Before you apply
- Apply at least a week before travel — the portal advises allowing up to 7 business days.
- Have a payment card ready for the eVisa, or exact cash in USD if you plan to buy on arrival.
- Remember the fee is non-refundable, even if denied, so double-check your application.
- Decide eVisa vs. visa on arrival before you fly: the eVisa lets you arrive already approved.
Common mistakes
- Paying a third-party site $60–$100+ for the same visa.
- Applying too late and then relying on the airport window as a fallback without exact cash.
- Assuming the fee is refundable if the application is denied — it is not.
FAQs
- eVisa or visa on arrival — which is better? Same price for single entry, so it is about convenience: the eVisa skips the airport payment window, while visa on arrival is the reasonable backup for last-minute trips.
- How long does the eVisa take? 3–7 business days, sometimes 48 hours.
- How long is the multiple-entry eVisa valid? 6 months, with 30 days per entry.
- Is the fee refundable? No. The fee is non-refundable, even if denied.
*Visa rules change. Confirm current requirements on the official portal before applying. Not legal or immigration advice.*