Egypt visa for UAE residents: options, steps, and tips

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

Egypt visa for UAE residents depends on your passport nationality and the type of UAE residence you hold, but the pathways are consistent: apply online for the official Egypt e-visa, use visa on arrival if you meet eligibility conditions, or file through an Egyptian embassy or authorized visa center for special categories. Most tourists prefer the e-visa because it is requested on the government portal, paid online, and issued electronically; you present the approval with your passport at Egyptian border control. Visa on arrival can work for eligible travelers, including many GCC residents and holders of valid UK, US, or Schengen visas or residencies, but rules can vary by airport and carrier, so when in doubt choose the e-visa to avoid queues and uncertainty. Consular applications are suited to business, media shoots, longer stays, or non-tourist purposes and may require appointments, biometrics, and additional letters. Documents are similar across routes: a passport valid at least six months beyond entry with spare pages, recent photos that match specifications, completed form, return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, and evidence of sufficient funds; comprehensive travel insurance for Egypt is strongly recommended. Processing for e-visas often completes within several working days, and some portals advise applying at least a week before travel; consular timelines vary by season and category. Fee levels differ by single vs multiple entry and by channel, and are paid only through official portals or authorized centers; keep receipts. At arrival, officers may ask to see your e-visa approval, hotel booking, return ticket, and funds; having printouts speeds inspection. Families should carry a childs birth certificate and consent letters where a minor travels with one parent or a guardian. For business trips, attach an invitation letter from the Egyptian company, meeting agenda, and proof of your UAE employers registration; consistency between itinerary, bookings, and application dates reduces questions. Avoid common pitfalls such as booking non-refundable flights before approval, uploading low-quality scans, or relying on unofficial websites. Extensions are possible in Egypt through competent offices but are discretionary; overstays risk fines and delays when departing. Because visa policies are updated periodically, verify the latest requirements on the official Egypt e-visa portal or with the Egyptian consulate in Dubai or Abu Dhabi before you apply. This article is informational, not legal advice.