Summary
Looking to broaden your cultural horizons but regulatory red tape holding your back? The eVisa has made overseas traveling a breeze. Step into the land of Pharaohs and pyramids with the eVisa. Visiting Egypt has never been easier.
Read on to know how to apply for an Egypt visa online as a US citizen.
Introduction
Do you want to immerse yourself in Egypt’s glorious culture? Now applying for an Egypt tourist visa is easier with the eVisa system. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into the eVisa application process.
Whether you are visiting for business, learning, work, or even seeking treatment, traveling to Egypt has been simplified with the eVisa system. No more waiting for your visa at the airport or visiting the embassy weeks in advance. Simply go on the internet and apply for Egypt visa online.
The Egypt eVisa: Past and Present
The eVisa serves as an electronic travel application that lets you visit the country of your choice and stay for the approved period of time for a specific purpose. The old procedure for filing a visa application was long drawn and tedious.
As a result, you had to face one of the following:
- Either a long period of uncertainty about your visa approval, or
- Standing in long queues at the airports before you are approved.
Now you simply have to present a copy of your pre-approved eVisa at the airport and you are free to travel. This way, you no longer have to worry about the hassles of paperwork and are free to travel with ease. Visit the portal, fill out the application form for Egypt visa, and wait for your eVisa to arrive.
Different Types of Visa Applications
Visiting Egypt? You may opt for one of the following:
eVisa
With a 100% online application, that removes the need for standing in queues in airports or embassies, these are the most convenient option available.
Visa on arrival
Though there might be some waiting needed, eligible travelers can opt for getting a visa at the airport.
Consular Visa
For people belonging to certain nations, the Egyptian government requires an in-person application at the embassy or the consulate.
The methods you can avail are dependent on the type of agreement that your country of origin has. While some nations are exempted from applying for a visa, others can get an eVisa or a visa on arrival. However, some might have to apply in person at a consulate.
Country of Origin
Where you are hailing from will play a significant role in your ease of access to the Egyptian eVisa.
Exemptions
Recently, Egypt has opened up its borders with visa free travel for citizens belonging to countries of GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). These include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Additionally, visitors from Lebanon, Macao, Hong Kong, and Malaysia need not apply for a visa as well.
Eligible countries
Egypt has opened its doors to citizens of over 74 countries for easy travel using an eVisa. Among them, people from 51 nations are eligible to get a Visa on arrival.
If you belong to the United States of America, United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and Russia, you are eligible for both an eVisa and a Visa on arrival. However, it is always better to apply for Egypt visa online to reduce your wait time when you reach Egypt and have a hassle free travel experience.
Do you have to visit a consulate?
People from certain nations like Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Thailand, etc. need to visit the consulate if they want to travel to Egypt. This process can take as long as 6 months to a year. If you hold a passport from one of these countries, it is best to apply for the visa well ahead in advance. In fact, do not to make any solid travel plans before your visa is approved.
Different types of eVisa available
Based on the duration of the stay, the options available can be classified into:
- C Type visa (Short term): for a stay that is 90 days or less
- D Type visa (Long term): for a period exceeding three months
- Transit visa: if the transit period is more than 48 hours
C Type Visa
These can be further classified based on their purpose into:
- Tourist Visa
- Business/ Fair Participation Visa
- Family, Friend, or Relative Visit Visit
- Cultural/ Sports/ Conference Visa
- Short Term Education/ Internship Visa
D Type Visa
Even if your country is on the visa free list, you will have to apply for a Category D visa if your stay is more than 90 days. You may opt for this if you are one of the below:
- A student
- planning for higher education
- received a long term internship
- An employee:
- Appointed in a company based out of Egypt
- Received seasonal employment
- An academic/ researcher
- A private entrepreneur
- A patient seeking medical attention
- An individual with an Egyptian family member
Essential documents needed for eVisa application
If your country is not on the visa free list, you will need the below to apply for Egypt visa online:
- A signed and filled application form for Egypt visa
- Two copies of a recent photograph
- Valid ID and passport
- Proof of your finances (bank statement, tax documentation, etc.)
- A return ticket for your flight home
- Proof of accommodation
- Employment contract
- Proof of enrolment
- Sponsorship documents
- Receipt of payment
Keep a meticulous record of the above items when you apply online for an Egypt tourist visa.
Additional requirements
Along with the above documents, you also need to maintain the following when you apply for an Egypt visa online:
- A passport that is valid for > 6 months from the date of arrival
- The application should be made at a minimum of 7 days prior to traveling
- Carry a printed and approved copy of your eVisa
- Carry the fees in cash if you are opting for a visa on arrival
In case you need to visit your consulate, do the following:
- Schedule an appointment
- Carry a copy of all necessary documents
- Apply and pay the fees
While the processing time may vary, you will receive a call from your embassy if you have made an in-person submission of your documents.
Processing requirements
It is always advised to apply Egypt visa online well in advance. However, for a fee, you may be able to ask for a quicker processing time. The options include:
- Standard time: 6 business days
- Rush processing: 4 business days
- Super rush processing: 3 business days
The prices requested may vary slightly depending on the platform that you are using.
Avoiding common mistakes
Attention to detail is key when filling out your application and compiling necessary documents for your eVisa. The following steps will prevent unnecessary delays and reduce chances of rejection:
- Fill out all relevant details before submitting the application form
- Your documentation must have zero discrepancies
- Make sure that you have a valid passport
- Pick the right category for your eVisa
- Submit correct personal information
- Have sufficient documents in support of the data you furnish
By ensuring the above, you can have a smooth application and approval procedure for your eVisa.
If you are looking to travel to Egypt for whatever reason, the best way is to apply for Egypt visa online. All you need to do is go online, fill out the required documents, and hit apply. If you plan well, your visa will be approved and ready well before you travel.
With its rich history and vibrant culture, Egypt has always been a tourist hotspot. Travel with ease by getting an eVisa. Take your time when filling out the application form for Egypt visa to ensure that there are no mistakes, get your documents sorted, and get ready to visit Egypt
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