Reviewed by: Professional Visa Consultants team of BTW Visas ( Egypt Visa Experts)
Planning your Egyptian adventure? This comprehensive guide covers everything Indian travelers need to know about obtaining an Egypt visa in 2025-2026, including the latest e-visa procedures, fees, requirements, and insider tips to ensure a smooth application process.
Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Egypt. The Egyptian government offers three primary visa options for Indian citizens:
✅ Egypt e-Visa (Recommended) - Apply online, get approved in 5-7 days
✅ Visa on Arrival (Limited eligibility) - Only for specific conditions
✅ Embassy Visa - Traditional consular application through BLS International
Key Facts at a Glance:
The Egyptian government has streamlined visa procedures for Indian nationals, offering multiple pathways to obtain travel authorization. Understanding which visa type suits your travel plans is crucial for a hassle-free journey.
The Egypt e-Visa is the most convenient and recommended option for Indian tourists traveling to Egypt in 2025-2026. Introduced to simplify the visa application process, the e-visa system allows Indian citizens to apply entirely online without visiting an embassy or consulate.
Who Should Apply:
Key Advantages:
While Egypt does offer Visa on Arrival at major international airports, Indian passport holders face strict eligibility conditions that limit this option for most independent travelers.
Limited Eligibility for Indians: Indian citizens can obtain VOA only if they meet one of these specific conditions:
✓ Traveling as part of an organized tour group (minimum 2 people) with a signed Letter of Guarantee from an Egyptian-certified travel agency
✓ Holding a valid multiple-entry visa from the United States, United Kingdom, or Schengen countries
✓ Possessing a valid GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) residence permit with at least 6 months validity
✓ Spouse or child of an Egyptian citizen (with proof of relationship)
Important Note: Solo Indian travelers without the above qualifications cannot obtain visa on arrival and must apply for an e-visa before departure.
Indian citizens can also apply for an Egypt visa through the traditional consular route via BLS International, which handles visa applications on behalf of the Egyptian Embassy in India.
When to Choose Embassy Visa:
The Egypt e-Visa system has revolutionized travel for Indian citizens, making it the preferred choice for tourists visiting Egypt in 2025-2026. Here's everything you need to know about this convenient option.
An Egypt e-Visa is an official electronic travel authorization issued by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that permits entry into Egypt for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The entire application process is completed online through the official Egyptian e-Visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg.
Digital Processing: The entire application, payment, and approval process happens online. No physical documents need to be submitted to any embassy.
Email Delivery: Once approved, your e-visa is sent directly to your registered email address as a PDF document.
Airport Verification: Immigration officers at Egyptian ports of entry can verify your e-visa electronically in their system using your passport number.
Printout Required: While the visa is electronic, you must carry a printed copy along with your passport when traveling to Egypt.
Indian citizens with an approved Egypt e-Visa can enter through the following ports:
Major International Airports:
Important: e-Visa is not valid for overland border crossings. If entering Egypt by land from neighboring countries, you must obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy beforehand.
While the Visa on Arrival option exists for Egypt, Indian passport holders should understand that this facility comes with strict eligibility requirements that make it unavailable for most solo travelers.
Indian citizens can obtain Egypt Visa on Arrival only under these specific circumstances:
Indian passport holders with a valid multiple-entry visa from:
Requirements:
Indian citizens residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can obtain VOA if they hold:
Fee: $25 USD (cash only - exact change preferred)
Accepted Currency: US Dollars or Euros
Payment Method: Cash only at immigration counter
Processing: Immediate upon arrival at airport immigration
Available Airports for VOA:
Not Available: VOA is not available at overland border crossings or seaports.
Even if you qualify for Visa on Arrival, applying for an e-visa beforehand offers several advantages:
✅ No Airport Queues: Skip long immigration lines
✅ Guaranteed Entry: Pre-approved before you fly
✅ Better Planning: Know your visa status before booking flights
✅ No Cash Hassles: Pay online with card
✅ Peace of Mind: Avoid last-minute rejections at airport
Expert Recommendation: Unless you're traveling with an organized tour group, always apply for an e-visa before departure to avoid complications.
For Indian citizens who prefer the traditional visa application route or need special visa categories, BLS International serves as the official visa application center for Egypt in India.
BLS International is the authorized visa outsourcing partner for the Egyptian Embassy in India, handling all visa applications on behalf of the Egyptian government. They operate visa application centers across major Indian cities.
Major Cities with BLS Centers:
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding public holidays)
Step 1: Document Preparation Gather all required documents (see complete list in next section)
Step 2: Online Registration
Step 3: Center Visit
Step 4: Tracking
Step 5: Passport Collection
Standard Service Fee: ₹500 per application
Additional Services:
Proper documentation is crucial for a successful Egypt visa application. Here's the comprehensive checklist for Indian citizens applying in 2025-2026.
Requirements:
Important: Check your passport expiry date carefully. If it expires within 6 months of your travel date, renew it before applying.
Specifications:
Pro Tip: Use a scanner rather than a phone camera for best results. If using a phone, ensure good lighting and hold the phone parallel to the passport page.
Specifications:
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Recommendation: Use Gmail, Outlook, or other reliable email services. Avoid using work emails that might have strict spam filters.
Accepted Payment Options:
Payment Security:
If applying through BLS International, you'll need additional documents:
Flight Tickets:
Hotel Reservation:
Tour Itinerary (if applicable):
Bank Statements:
Other Financial Documents:
For Salaried Employees:
For Self-Employed/Business Owners:
For Students:
For Retired Persons:
For Minors (Under 18):
For Visa on Arrival (Tour Groups):
Follow this detailed guide to apply for your Egypt visa successfully. We'll cover both e-visa and embassy visa application processes.
Warning: Many unofficial websites offer Egypt e-visa services at inflated prices. Always use the official government portal to avoid scams.
Applicant Details:
Passport Information:
Contact Information:
Pro Tip: Double-check all information before proceeding. Any mismatch with your passport can lead to rejection.
Note: You can enter tentative dates. The e-visa validity allows flexibility in your actual travel dates.
Common Upload Issues:
Critical Check: Your name on the application must exactly match your passport. Even small differences can cause rejection.
Payment Confirmation:
Processing Time: 5-7 working days (can be faster, sometimes within 24-48 hours)
e-Visa Validity:
Payment Options at BLS:
Option A: Self Collection
Option B: Courier Delivery
Understanding the complete cost structure helps you budget accurately for your Egypt visa application. Here's a detailed breakdown of all fees for Indian citizens.
Government Fee: $25 USD
Conversion to INR: Approximately ₹2,100 (varies with exchange rate)
Validity: 90 days from issue date
Stay Duration: Up to 30 days
Entries: One entry only
What's Included:
Additional Costs:
Government Fee: $60 USD
Conversion to INR: Approximately ₹5,000 (varies with exchange rate)
Validity: 180 days from issue date
Stay Duration: Up to 30 days per entry
Entries: Multiple entries allowed within validity period
Best For:
Cost Comparison:
Single Entry Tourist Visa:
Multiple Entry Tourist Visa:
Single Entry Transit Visa:
Multiple Entry Transit Visa:
Single Entry:
Multiple Entry:
Optional Services:
VIP/Premium Services:
Fee: $25 USD (cash only)
Accepted Currency: US Dollars or Euros
Payment Method: Cash at immigration counter
Change: Exact amount preferred (change may not be available)
Important: Credit/debit cards are not accepted for VOA. Carry exact cash amount.
Visa Type | e-Visa Cost | BLS Embassy Cost | Savings with e-Visa |
Single Entry Tourist | ₹2,100 | ₹3,200 | ₹1,100 |
Multiple Entry Tourist | ₹5,000 | ₹6,300 | ₹1,300 |
Additional Benefits of e-Visa:
Travel Insurance:
Document Preparation:
Bank Charges:
e-Visa:
Embassy Visa (BLS):
Important: Ensure all documents are correct before applying to avoid rejection and loss of fees.
Understanding the visa processing timeline helps you plan your Egypt trip better. Here's what to expect for each application method.
Standard Processing:
Processing Stages:
Factors Affecting Processing Time:
Peak Season Delays:
Recommended Application Timeline:
Standard Processing:
Processing Breakdown:
Expedited Processing:
Processing Time: Immediate (at airport immigration)
Queue Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on flight arrivals)
Total Time: Usually completed within 1-2 hours
Factors Affecting VOA Time:
Method 1: Online Portal
Method 2: Email Notifications
Status Indicators:
Method 1: Online Tracking
Method 2: SMS/Email Updates
Method 3: Customer Service
e-Visa Approval Rate: 95-98% (very high)
Common Approval Time: 2-5 working days
Rejection Rate: 2-5% (very low)
Reasons for High Approval Rate:
e-Visa PDF Contains:
Visa Stamp Contains:
For e-Visa:
For Embassy Visa:
Common Rejection Reasons:
What to Do If Rejected:
Rejection Rate: Less than 5% for Indian citizens (very low)
Learning from others' mistakes can save you time, money, and stress. Here are the most common errors Indian travelers make when applying for Egypt visas, and how to avoid them.
Mistake: Applying with a passport that expires within 6 months of travel date.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Example: If traveling to Egypt on January 15, 2026, your passport must be valid until at least July 15, 2026.
Mistake: Name on visa application doesn't exactly match passport.
Common Variations:
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Uploading blurry, dark, or unclear scans of passport and photos.
Common Issues:
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Providing wrong or inactive email address.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Applying for visa just 2-3 days before travel.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Applying through third-party websites instead of official portal.
Common Scams:
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Arriving at Egypt airport without visa, expecting to get VOA.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Assuming digital copy on phone is sufficient.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Entering wrong arrival/departure dates in application.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Not understanding visa validity vs. stay duration.
Common Confusion:
Clarification:
Solution:
Mistake: Missing visa approval email because it went to spam.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Payment fails but applicant doesn't realize.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Not checking visa details after receiving it.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Applying for tourist visa when you need business or other visa type.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Mistake: Not keeping copies of application and supporting documents.
Why It's a Problem:
Solution:
Obtaining an Egypt visa as an Indian citizen in 2025-2026 has never been easier, thanks to the streamlined e-visa system. Whether you're planning to explore the ancient pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile River, relax on the Red Sea beaches, or experience the vibrant culture of Cairo, securing your visa is the first step toward an unforgettable Egyptian adventure.
✅ e-Visa is the Best Option: For most Indian tourists, the Egypt e-visa offers the perfect combination of convenience, affordability, and speed. Apply online from home, get approved in 5-7 days, and receive your visa via email.
✅ Plan Ahead: Apply at least 10-14 days before your travel date to account for processing time and any unexpected delays.
✅ Use Official Channels: Always apply through the official government portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) or authorized BLS International centers to avoid scams and inflated fees.
✅ Prepare Thoroughly: Ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months, prepare high-quality document scans, and double-check all information before submitting.
✅ Understand Eligibility: Visa on arrival has strict conditions for Indians. If you don't meet the criteria, apply for e-visa beforehand.
This comprehensive guide is based on:
Official Egypt e-Visa Support:
BLS International (Embassy Visa):
Indian Embassy in Cairo, Egypt:
Egypt, with its 5,000 years of history, stunning monuments, and warm hospitality, awaits your visit. The visa process is straightforward when you have the right information and follow the correct procedures. This guide has equipped you with everything you need to successfully obtain your Egypt visa and embark on your journey to one of the world's most fascinating destinations.
Disclaimer: Visa regulations can change without notice. Always verify current requirements through official egyptian government sources before applying. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
Content Accuracy: This guide is compiled by travel documentation experts with extensive experience in visa procedures for Indian citizens. Information is verified from official government sources and updated regularly.
Expert Contributors: BTW Visas experts team with 15+ years of industry experience, with a 99% visa success rate, and have processed more than 4 lakh+ Visas.
Q1: Do Indian citizens need a visa to visit Egypt?
Yes, Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Egypt. There are no visa-free entry provisions for Indian citizens. You can apply for an e-visa online, get a visa on arrival (if eligible), or apply through the Egyptian Embassy via BLS International.
Q2: What is the easiest way for Indians to get an Egypt visa?
The Egypt e-Visa is the easiest and most convenient option. You can apply entirely online from home, without visiting any embassy or consulate. The process takes 5-7 working days, and the visa is sent to your email. It's also more affordable than the embassy route.
Q3: How long does it take to get an Egypt visa for Indians?
We recommend applying at least 10-14 days before your travel date to account for any delays.
Q4: What is the cost of Egypt visa for Indians in 2025-2026?
Q5: How long is the Egypt visa valid for Indians?
Q6: What is the official website for Egypt e-visa?
The official Egyptian government e-visa portal is visa2egypt.gov.eg. Always verify the .gov.eg domain to ensure you're on the authentic government website. Avoid third-party websites that charge inflated fees.
Q7: Can I apply for Egypt e-visa from India?
Yes, Indian citizens can apply for Egypt e-visa from anywhere in the world, including India. The entire process is online, and you don't need to visit any physical location.
Q8: What documents do I need for Egypt e-visa?
Essential documents:
Q9: Can I get Egypt e-visa on the same day?
While the official processing time is 5-7 working days, some applications are approved within 24-48 hours. However, same-day approval is not guaranteed. Always apply well in advance of your travel date.
Q10: What if my Egypt e-visa application is rejected?
If rejected:
Rejection rate for Indian citizens is very low (2-5%), usually due to incomplete applications or document issues.
Q11: Can Indians get visa on arrival in Egypt?
Indians can get visa on arrival only under specific conditions:
Solo Indian travelers without the above qualifications cannot get visa on arrival and must apply for e-visa beforehand.
Q12: How much is Egypt visa on arrival for Indians?
The visa on arrival fee is $25 USD, payable in cash only (US Dollars or Euros). Credit/debit cards are not accepted. Exact change is preferred as change may not be available.
Q13: Which airports in Egypt offer visa on arrival?
Visa on arrival is available at:
Not available at overland border crossings or seaports.
Q14: I have a US visa. Can I get Egypt visa on arrival?
Yes, if you hold a valid multiple-entry visa from the United States, you can obtain Egypt visa on arrival. The US visa must be currently valid (not expired) and must be a multiple-entry visa. Single-entry US visas don't qualify.
Q15: How long can Indians stay in Egypt on a tourist visa?
Indian citizens can stay in Egypt for up to 30 days on a tourist visa (both e-visa and embassy visa). This applies to each entry for multiple-entry visas.
Q16: Can I extend my Egypt visa while in Egypt?
Yes, you can apply for a visa extension at the Mogamma Administrative Complex in Cairo or at local passport offices in other Egyptian cities. Extensions are granted at the discretion of Egyptian immigration authorities. It's recommended to apply for extension before your current visa expires.
Q17: What happens if I overstay my Egypt visa?
Overstaying your Egypt visa can result in:
Always ensure you depart Egypt before your visa expires.
Q18: Can I enter Egypt multiple times with a single-entry visa?
No, a single-entry visa allows only one entry into Egypt. Once you exit Egypt, the visa becomes invalid, even if the validity period hasn't expired. If you plan to visit Egypt multiple times, apply for a multiple-entry visa.
Q19: Which Egyptian airports can I enter with an e-visa?
You can enter through all major Egyptian international airports:
Q20: Can I use e-visa to enter Egypt by land border?
No, Egypt e-visa is not valid for overland border crossings. If you're entering Egypt by land from neighboring countries (Israel, Sudan, Libya), you must obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate beforehand.
Q21: What is the passport validity required for Egypt visa?
Your passport must be valid for minimum 6 months from your intended date of entry into Egypt. Additionally, your passport should have at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp.
Q22: Do I need travel insurance for Egypt visa?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for Egypt visa application. However, it's highly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost baggage.
Q23: Do I need hotel booking before applying for Egypt visa?
For e-visa, you need to provide accommodation details (hotel name and address) in the application form. A confirmed booking is not always required at application stage, but it's recommended to have at least a tentative booking. For embassy visa through BLS, hotel reservation confirmation is required.
Q24: Do I need flight tickets before applying for Egypt visa?
For e-visa, flight tickets are not required at application stage. However, for embassy visa through BLS, you need to submit confirmed round-trip flight bookings. It's advisable to book refundable tickets or wait for visa approval before booking non-refundable flights.
Q25: Can I apply for Egypt visa without confirmed travel dates?
Yes, you can enter tentative travel dates in your e-visa application. The visa validity period (90 days for single entry, 180 days for multiple entry) gives you flexibility to travel on different dates within that period.
Q26: What payment methods are accepted for Egypt e-visa?
The official Egypt e-visa portal accepts:
Payment is processed securely through encrypted gateway. Cash and bank transfers are not accepted for e-visa.
Q27: Is Egypt visa fee refundable if application is rejected?
No, Egypt visa fees are non-refundable in all cases, whether your application is approved or rejected. This applies to both e-visa and embassy visa applications.
Q28: Are there any hidden charges for Egypt e-visa?
If you apply through the official government portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg), there are no hidden charges. The fee is exactly $25 for single entry or $60 for multiple entry. However, your bank may charge a small international transaction fee (1-3%) and currency conversion charges.
Avoid third-party websites that charge inflated fees ($100-$200) for the same visa.
Q29: How can I track my Egypt e-visa application?
You can track your e-visa application by:
You'll also receive email notifications at each stage of processing.
Q30: What does "Under Review" status mean?
"Under Review" means your application is being processed by Egyptian immigration authorities. This is a normal stage and typically takes 2-5 working days. No action is required from your side during this stage.
Q31: I haven't received my e-visa email. What should I do?
If you haven't received your e-visa:
Q32: Can I expedite my Egypt visa processing?
For e-visa, there's no official expedited processing option. Standard processing is 5-7 working days. For embassy visa through BLS, expedited processing is available for an additional fee (₹1,000-₹2,000), reducing processing time to 2-3 working days.
Q33: Can minors (children) apply for Egypt visa?
Yes, minors (under 18 years) need a separate visa. The application process is the same, but additional documents are required:
Q34: I have a criminal record. Can I get Egypt visa?
Having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from getting an Egypt visa. However, you must declare it in your application if asked. Egyptian authorities will review your case individually. Serious criminal offenses may result in visa denial.
Q35: Can I work in Egypt on a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas are strictly for tourism purposes only. Working in Egypt requires a work visa and work permit, which must be sponsored by an Egyptian employer. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in deportation and future visa bans.
Q36: I'm an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) cardholder. Do I need Egypt visa?
Yes, OCI cardholders need an Egypt visa. The OCI card provides visa-free entry to India but doesn't exempt you from visa requirements for other countries. Apply for Egypt visa using your foreign passport.
Q37: Can I apply for Egypt visa if I'm currently in another country?
Yes, you can apply for Egypt e-visa from anywhere in the world. The online system doesn't restrict applications based on your current location. However, for embassy visa, you may need to apply through the Egyptian embassy in your current country of residence.
Q38: Do I need to print my Egypt e-visa?
Yes, you must print your Egypt e-visa and carry it with your passport when traveling. While the visa is electronic and stored in the immigration system, Egyptian immigration officers require a printed copy. Print at least 2 copies (one for immigration, one backup).
Q39: What should I do if there's an error in my approved e-visa?
If you notice any errors in your approved e-visa (name spelling, passport number, dates):
Don't travel with an incorrect visa as it may cause entry issues.
Q40: Can I use my Egypt e-visa for multiple trips?
Only if you applied for a multiple-entry e-visa. Single-entry e-visas are valid for one entry only. Multiple-entry e-visas allow multiple trips to Egypt within the 180-day validity period, with each stay up to 30 days.
Q41: Is Egypt safe for Indian tourists in 2025-2026?
Egypt is generally safe for tourists, with millions of visitors annually. Major tourist areas like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh have strong security presence. However, avoid border areas and North Sinai region. Always follow local guidelines and stay updated with travel advisories from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
Q42: What is the best time to visit Egypt?
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April when temperatures are pleasant (20-30°C). Summer months (May-September) can be extremely hot (35-45°C), especially in southern Egypt. Peak tourist season is December-January, so apply for visa early during this period.
Q43: Do I need vaccinations for Egypt?
No mandatory vaccinations are required for travelers from India to Egypt. However, it's recommended to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Hepatitis A & B). Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Q44: Can I convert my tourist visa to work visa while in Egypt?
Generally, no. Tourist visas cannot be converted to work visas while in Egypt. You would need to return to India, apply for a work visa through the Egyptian embassy, and then travel back to Egypt. Work visas require employer sponsorship and additional documentation.
Q45: What should I carry when traveling to Egypt?
Essential documents to carry:
Yes, Indian citizens require a visa to enter Egypt, unless eligible for a visa on arrival or E-Visa.
A single-entry visa allows one entry into Egypt, while a multiple-entry visa permits more than one entry within the visa’s validity period.
Yes, but it's recommended to consult with the Egyptian authorities or the embassy/consulate for the most current information and procedures.
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