Travelling to Cairo

For most nationalities, it is essential to obtain the Egyptian visa for touring the city of Cairo. The visa required for entry can be easily obtained from Egyptian Diplomatic Bodies. Another body providing the same is Travel Documents, Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA), which has a separate Entry Visa Department.

Most tourists and visitors can obtain the visa at any of the major entry ports of Cairo. Some of the major points of entry include airports like Cairo International, Alexandria Nozha and Luxor, and marine harbours, such as Alexandria, Suez and Hurghada. Those entering from overland entry posts like Salloum, Rafah and Taba are allowed to reside in Taba without any visa for 14 days, so as to pay a visit to the Gulf of Aqaba coast and St. Catherine.

However, citizens of India and other countries, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Israel and Russia are required to possess a pre-arrival visa. They can obtain the tourism visa for visiting Cairo from the nearest Egyptian Consulate or Embassy. Visitors having Egyptian residence permit are not required to obtain entry visa when returning to Egypt, within the validity of permit or within six months, whichever is less.

Nationals of certain countries, such as Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates are exempted from visa while visiting Cairo. Those who hold diplomatic passports of Argentina, Bosnia Herzegovina, Italy, Malaysia, Malta, Singapore, Slovak Republic and Turkey are also not required to obtain a visa for visiting Cairo.

Citizens of many countries like Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia and the United States are partially exempted from Egyptian visa fees. They can obtain the visa to visit Cairo at reduced prices. There are certain other people, such as holders of diplomatic passports and Arab League officials, who are not required to pay for the Egyptian visa. For more details regarding exemption of visa fees, one is advised to contact the regional Egyptian Consulate or Embassy.

Indian nationals can obtain the Egyptian visa from Egypt Embassy in New Delhi or regional Egyptian Consulate. Their request is processed within two days after submission of requisite documents, which include a valid passport, completed visa application form and 3 recent photographs of the applicant. In addition, applicants also need to submit evidence of adequate finance and a copy of airline ticket. Indian tourists are also liable to obtain an on-arrival visa for Egypt in emergency cases. The visa is issued to the Indian applicants only after submitting a fee of 1,358.76 INR per entry, for each person. Applicable for three months, the tourism visa allows the applicant to stay in Cairo for 60 days from the date of arrival.

For more information, contact:
Egypt Consulate General, India
Address: Flat No.101 Benhur Apartments, 32 Narayan Dabholkar Road
            Mumbai – 400006, India
Tele: +91-22-2367-6422, +91-22-2367-6407
Fax: +91-22-2363-4558

Egypt Embassy, India
Address: 1-50 M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri
            New Delhi – 110021, India
Tele: +91-11-2611-4096, +91-11-2611-4097
Fax: +91-11-2688-5355
Website: www.mfa.gov.eg/missions/india/delhi/embassy/en-gb
E-mail:  India_emb@mfa.gov.eg