Quick answer
Yes, Australians need a visa for Egypt. At the time of writing you can apply online for an e-Visa through the official portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg, or buy a visa on arrival at major airports; a single-entry visa costs approximately US$25. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from arrival. Always check the official portal and Smartraveller before you travel, as rules and fees can change.
Do Australians need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. Australian passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt for tourism. At the time of writing there are two straightforward ways to get one: an e-Visa applied for online before you travel, or a visa on arrival purchased at the airport. Both typically allow a stay of up to 30 days.
The exception is travellers flying directly into South Sinai resorts such as Sharm el-Sheikh who stay within that area, who can usually enter on a free Sinai-only entry stamp (explained below). New Zealand passport holders currently have similar options, but always confirm for your own passport.
Visa rules, fees and processes change. Before you book, check the official Egypt e-Visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg and the Egypt page on Smartraveller.
How much does an Egypt visa cost for Australians?
At the time of writing, a single-entry tourist visa costs approximately US$25, whether you buy it as an e-Visa or on arrival. A multiple-entry visa is also available at a higher fee. Fees are set in US dollars and can change without much notice, so check the official portal for the current amount before you pay.
Be careful with lookalike websites. Many third-party sites offer Egypt visas with “processing” or “service” fees that can double or triple the price. The only official online channel is visa2egypt.gov.eg. If a site asks for much more than the official fee, you are not on the government portal.
Budget for the visa alongside other small entry costs. If you choose the visa on arrival, bring the fee in US dollars plus a little extra in case the amount has changed, and keep the receipt. Families should remember the fee applies per person, including children with their own passports. If you plan to leave Egypt and return during your trip, for example to visit Jordan or take a Red Sea cruise that calls elsewhere, price up a multiple-entry visa rather than buying two single entries.
Should I get an e-Visa or a visa on arrival?
We generally recommend the official e-Visa: you arrive with the visa already approved and can go straight to the passport queue. The visa on arrival is perfectly valid and many travellers still use it, but it adds a step and requires cash.
| e-Visa | Visa on arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | visa2egypt.gov.eg, before travel | Bank counters in the arrivals hall, before immigration |
| Payment | Credit or debit card online | Cash, ideally clean US dollar notes |
| Timing | Apply at least 7–10 days before departure | On the day; queues vary |
| What you carry | Printed copy of the approved e-Visa | Visa sticker placed in passport |
| Best for | Certainty and a smoother arrival | Last-minute travellers |
If you are travelling on a tour with Noble Travel, our airport meet-and-assist service can guide you through the visa and immigration process at Cairo, whichever option you choose.
How do I apply for the Egypt e-Visa?
Apply on visa2egypt.gov.eg, upload a passport scan, pay by card and wait for the approval email; allow at least a week. The steps are:
- Go to the official portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg, and create an account.
- Select your nationality (Australia) and the tourist visa type: single or multiple entry.
- Enter your passport details exactly as they appear, your travel dates and your first address in Egypt (your hotel).
- Upload a clear colour scan of your passport photo page and a passport-style photo if requested.
- Pay the fee by Visa or Mastercard.
- Wait for the approval email, which is often a few days but can take longer, then print the e-Visa and carry it with your passport.
Double-check your passport number and names before submitting. A single typo can mean the visa is not valid at the border.
How does the visa on arrival work at Cairo Airport?
On arrival at Cairo International Airport, buy the visa sticker from one of the bank counters in the arrivals hall before you join the immigration queue. Pay in cash; US dollars are the most reliable, and small, clean, recent notes avoid problems. The sticker is placed in your passport and stamped at immigration.
The visa on arrival is also available at other major international airports used by tourists, such as Luxor and Hurghada. Bring the exact amount in US dollars, as change may be given in Egyptian pounds. Policies can change, so if you plan to rely on the visa on arrival, confirm on Smartraveller shortly before you depart.
What is the Sinai-only entry stamp?
The Sinai-only stamp is a free entry permission for visitors arriving at Sharm el-Sheikh (or the Taba land border) who stay within the South Sinai resort area for up to 15 days. It covers Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba and St Catherine's Monastery.
It does not allow travel to Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan or the Red Sea coast around Hurghada. If you plan to combine Sharm with the rest of Egypt, or think you might take a day trip to the pyramids, get a full tourist visa instead. Tell the immigration officer which you need, as Sinai-only is sometimes applied by default at Sharm. See our Sharm el-Sheikh and Sinai guide.
What are the passport and entry requirements?
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Egypt and should have at least one blank page for the visa. Other practical requirements:
- Onward or return ticket: carry proof, as airlines may ask at check-in.
- Accommodation details: you'll need your first hotel address for the e-Visa and arrival paperwork.
- Customs: drones need prior approval and are routinely confiscated at the airport without it; leave yours at home.
- Currency: large amounts of cash must be declared; check current limits.
- Travel insurance: not a visa requirement, but essential. Smartraveller strongly recommends comprehensive cover.
- Dual nationals: Australian-Egyptian dual citizens should check Smartraveller for specific advice on entering on each passport.
What happens on arrival at Cairo Airport?
On arrival you walk to the immigration hall, buy a visa on arrival if you need one, queue for passport control, collect your bags and pass through customs; with an e-Visa the whole process typically takes 30–60 minutes, longer at peak times.
- Disembark and follow signs to arrivals and passport control. Some flights park remotely and use buses.
- Visa on arrival (if needed): the bank counters sit just before immigration. Buy your sticker first; don't join the passport queue without it.
- Immigration: hand over your passport and printed e-Visa or sticker. Officers may ask where you are staying.
- Baggage and customs: bags are often scanned on the way out. Declare drones, large amounts of cash and professional camera equipment if required.
- Arrivals hall: you will be offered taxis immediately. Ignore unsolicited offers and look for your pre-arranged driver or meet-and-assist representative with your name.
A meet-and-assist service, which we include on our tours, means a representative meets you at the aircraft door or the start of the arrivals hall, handles the visa purchase if needed, and walks you through formalities. After a 20-plus hour journey from Australia, it is worth every cent. For more on the journey itself, read flights from Australia to Egypt.
What is the Egypt visa checklist for Australians?
Before you fly, confirm your passport validity, visa, insurance and travel advice; these five minutes save most border headaches.
- Passport valid for at least six months from your arrival date, with blank pages.
- Either an approved e-Visa printed out (names and passport number checked), or US dollars in clean notes for the visa on arrival.
- If flying into Sharm el-Sheikh, a decision on Sinai-only stamp versus full visa.
- Hotel name and address for your first night.
- Return or onward flight details.
- Comprehensive travel insurance documents.
- Latest Smartraveller advice read, and a subscription to updates.
- Copies of passport and visa saved to your phone and email.
- Any transit requirements for your connecting airport, especially if taking a stopover in Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi.
Travelling with us? We send a personalised pre-departure pack covering visas, arrival, money and what to pack, and our team is available to answer questions before you go. Start planning your trip.
How long can Australians stay and can a visa be extended?
A tourist visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. At the time of writing, the e-Visa must be used within a set period after it is issued (check the validity shown on your approval). Extensions are possible through the immigration authority in Egypt but involve paperwork and time, so if you are planning a long trip, such as our Ultimate Egypt 21-day journey with extra time before or after, plan your dates carefully.
If you are visiting Egypt and Jordan, or doing a cruise that leaves and re-enters Egypt, consider a multiple-entry visa. For Cairo stopovers, see our 4-day Cairo and Pyramids stopover.
Frequently asked questions
Can Australians get a visa on arrival in Egypt?
Yes, at the time of writing Australians can buy a visa on arrival at major airports including Cairo. Pay in cash, ideally US dollars. Check Smartraveller before travel in case the policy changes.
How long does the Egypt e-Visa take?
Often a few days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 7–10 days before you fly and print the approval to carry with your passport.
What is the official Egypt e-Visa website?
The official portal is visa2egypt.gov.eg. Other sites are third-party agents that usually charge extra fees.
Do I need a visa for a Sharm el-Sheikh holiday?
If you fly into Sharm and stay in South Sinai for up to 15 days, you can usually use the free Sinai-only stamp. If you want to visit Cairo, Giza or Luxor, you need a full tourist visa.
Do children need their own Egypt visa?
Yes. Every traveller, including children travelling on their own Australian passport, needs a visa. See our Egypt with kids guide.
Can I pay the Egypt visa on arrival in Australian dollars?
Don't rely on it. Bring US dollars in cash for the visa on arrival, or avoid the issue entirely with the e-Visa paid by card.
