Egypt visa for Canadian travelers: complete guide

Explore Egypt with our detailed travel guide featuring local insights, must-visit destinations, and practical travel tips.

Canadian citizens need a visa to visit Egypt for tourism or short business trips, and the two easiest pathways are the Egypt e-visa and the visa on arrival. As of 2025, Canadians are eligible to apply online via the official Egypt e-Visa Portal or purchase a tourist visa at major airports such as Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh. The e-visa can be single entry or multiple entry; both generally allow stays of up to 30 days per visit. Travelers heading only to South Sinai resort areas like Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba may instead receive a free Sinai-only entry permission stamp for up to 15 days, but it does not permit travel to Cairo or the Nile Valley. If you plan to move beyond Sinai, obtain a standard tourist visa. For the Egypt e-visa, create an account and apply at least seven days before departure, pay by credit or debit card, and watch for approval by email. Print the e-visa to carry with your passport. The single-entry visa costs US$25 and the multiple-entry visa costs US$60; the visa on arrival is typically US$25, payable in cash in USD, EUR, or GBP at bank kiosks before immigration. Your Canadian passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended exit date, and you may be asked for proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and a basic travel itinerary. On arrival, ensure the entry stamp is placed in your passport; you will need it to depart. Families should note that each traveler, including children, requires their own visa. If you need longer than 30 days, contact the Egyptian Immigration Authority to request an extension; overstays can lead to fines or exit delays. Practical tips include applying online during peak seasons to avoid airport queues, carrying exact cash for a visa on arrival, and matching passport details precisely to your application to prevent processing issues. For cruises or land border crossings, confirm whether your operator arranges visas, as some land borders have restrictions for tourists. Business visitors should carry an invitation letter; journalists and travelers with professional camera gear may require additional clearances. Rules can change, so always recheck official guidance shortly before you fly. With the right preparation, getting an Egypt visa for Canadian passport holders is straightforward and enables a smooth start to classic itineraries from the pyramids of Giza to Nile cruises and Red Sea diving.