Egypt visa for Indians: fees, process, e-Visa guide

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

If you are planning a trip to Egypt from India, the most reliable route is the official Egypt e-Visa, which allows Indian passport holders to apply online for short tourism or business visits without visiting an embassy. India is on the eligibility list for the e-Visa, and the portal publishes standard fees of 25 USD for a single-entry tourist visa and 60 USD for a multiple-entry visa. Apply at least seven days before departure, ensure your passport is valid for six months from the date you arrive, and carry a printed copy of the approved e-Visa to present at border control. The e-Visa is intended for tourism or business meetings; longer stays and activities such as work or study typically require an embassy-issued sticker visa. Two common options exist under the Egypt e-Visa for Indians: single entry and multiple entry. The single-entry e-Visa typically allows one trip with a stay of up to 30 days, while the multiple-entry option allows repeated visits within a validity window, with each stay generally capped at 30 days. Choose the type that matches your travel pattern; for example, travelers combining Cairo with a side trip to Jordan may prefer multiple entry to re-enter Egypt smoothly. Before you start, gather the basics: a passport with six months validity from arrival and at least one blank page, a clear passport-bio scan, a reachable email address, a debit or credit card for the government fee, your flight plan, and hotel bookings or an invitation for family/business visits. Set up an account on the portal, complete the form carefully, upload the required scan, pay online, and monitor your email for status updates. Many applicants report processing in a few days, but applying 710 days ahead adds a helpful buffer for any clarifications. What about a visa on arrival? Egypt issues visas on arrival to select nationalities, but rules for Indian citizens have varied and may depend on factors like holding a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa or traveling through an authorized Egyptian tour operator. Because policies can change and airline staff may deny boarding if your status is unclear, Indian travelers should not rely on a walk-up visa at the airport; applying for the Egypt e-Visa in advance is the safest approach. Transit through Cairo or other hubs is typically visa-free for short, airside layovers, while leaving the airport or longer connections can trigger transit-visa requirements. Always verify with your airline and the Egyptian authorities for your specific itinerary. To avoid refusals or delays, double-check that your names and dates match your passport, your scans are readable, and your travel dates fit the e-Visa validity window. Use only the official portal, keep copies of confirmations, and carry proof of funds and a return ticket. Remember that Egyptian port authorities reserve the right to refuse entry even with an e-Visa, so be ready to show onward travel, hotel bookings, and a sensible itinerary. This guide is informational, not legal advice. Visa rules, fees, and eligibility can change without notice. Always confirm requirements on the official Egypt e-Visa portal or with the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in India before you book non-refundable tickets.