Egypt visa requirements for Irish citizens

Egypt, one of the world's most famous tourist destinations, has just launched a new electronic visa system for foreign visitors who seek to visit the country. Currently, the e-Visa is only available to citizens of certain countries, including Ireland.

The Egypt e-Visa for Irish citizens is designed to be quick and simple to obtain. The entire application is completed online, and once approved, the visa is also received in digital format. There is no need to go to an Egyptian embassy or wait in long lines at the airport.

Is a visa required for Irish citizens to enter Egypt?

Yes, Irish citizens need to have a visa to go to Egypt, and the easiest way to get it is using the Egypt eVisa system. This internet-based application system simplifies the process, enabling applicants to electronically submit their information and documents, eliminating the necessity for in-person visits to embassies or consulates. 

The eVisa is appropriate for brief trips, such as tourism, business, or medical reasons. Irish people can use the Egypt eVisa for up to 90 days from the date it was issued. They have the choice of a single-entry visa for stays of up to 30 days or a multiple-entry visa, with each stay limited to 30 days.

Types of Egypt visa for Irish citizens

Citizens of more than 70 countries are eligible for an e-Visa to enter Egypt, including Ireland. Irish citizens must obtain a permit before crossing Egyptian borders. Irish citizens are fortunate in that they can now apply for the new online visa, which allows them to visit Egypt for tourism purposes and stay for short periods.

Egypt e-Visa for Irish citizens offers two kinds of e-Visas:

• Single-entry e-Visa: It allows Irish citizens to enter Egypt only once. The single-entry online visa is valid for three months from the issued date, and Irish e-Visa holders are permitted to stay in Egypt for 30 days from the day they arrive in the country.
• Multiple-entry e-Visa: Holders from Ireland can travel to Egypt several times during the 6-month validity period. However, each stay is limited to 30 days. If an Irish citizen needs to enter Egypt for reasons other than tourism, they will need to apply for a different visa. The Egyptian embassy in Ireland will be able to assist Irish citizens in determining the appropriate type of visa and applying for it.

Egypt visa requirements for Irish citizens

Egypt e-visa requirements for Irish citizens include the following:

• An Irish passport that is valid for at least 06 months after the intended date of arrival in Egypt, with a minimum of 02 blank pages for verification.
• A debit or credit card is required for e-Visa fees.
• A valid email address in order to receive an Egypt e-Visa.

Irish visitors must print a valid e-Visa and bring it with them to Egypt. It is critical that they have the same Irish passport they used during the application process. The e-Visa is directly linked to a single passport, and if a holder of an e-Visa presents a different document, their visa will be deemed invalid, and they will be denied entry.

Read more about Egypt's rules for travel

Apply for an Egypt visa as Irish citizens

Each sort of visa has its own set of requirements and application process. Applying for an Egypt e-Visa is the quickest and most convenient way to obtain a travel permit for Egypt, and it only takes a few minutes.

To begin the application, all Irish citizens require is a stable internet connection. They can make their request from any location on the planet, including their home or office.

The Egypt e-Visa application process for Irish citizens is straightforward and may be done online in three steps:

• Fill out the application form completely through Egypt Immigration Services. An application form is a short form that will ask for the following details: Personal information (full name, date of birth, and place of birth), Number of the passport, and Travel information (the arrival date and departure).
• Pay the processing cost for your e-Visa.
• Receive your approved visa via email.

With Egypt Immigration & e-Visa Portal, the maximum processing time is within 03 working days. All applicants must give true and correct information. Incomplete or incorrect information may cause a visa application to be delayed or even refused.

The e-Visa cost for Irish citizens traveling to Egypt from Ireland

To obtain an Egypt visa for Irish citizens, you must pay two types of Egypt visa fees: the Government fee and a service fee. Because Ireland is not on Egypt's exemption list, Irish travelers must pay the Government fee.

Regarding the service fee, you can select one of three service options, which are as follows:

• Normal service: This is the least expensive option. You will receive your Egypt visa in three business days.
• Urgent service: If you select this advanced service, you will receive your e-Visa result within two working days.
• Super urgent: If you require your Egypt e-visa as soon as possible. You can expect to receive an Egypt e-visa within one working day if you use this service.

Travelers from Ireland can pay their Egypt e-Visa fees via electronic transfer (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Paypal) or wire transfer (HSBC bank transfer).

Additionally, we recommend that you purchase Covid-19 Insurance. You will be covered for many risks, including Covid-19 when you are not in your home country. It is important to note that this is an optional coverage you can choose to purchase depending on your needs.

Traveling to Egypt from Ireland

Traveling to Egypt from Ireland offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of one of the world’s oldest civilizations. For Irish citizens, here are key things to consider when planning a trip to Egypt:

• Visa Requirements: Irish citizens need a visa to enter Egypt. The most convenient option is the Egypt eVisa, which can be applied for online.
• Flights: Direct flights from Ireland to Egypt are limited, so travelers usually have to connect through major European hubs such as London, Paris, or Frankfurt. Cairo International Airport is the main gateway to Egypt, but other airports, such as those in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, are popular for tourists heading to the Red Sea.
• Health and safety: It is recommended to check for any required vaccinations before traveling to Egypt. Common vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and, depending on your specific itinerary, other precautions.
• Currency: The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Although credit cards are widely accepted in larger cities and tourist areas, it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially in more rural areas or smaller markets.
• Language and communication: The official language in Egypt is Arabic, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
• Cultural etiquette: Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s important to be respectful of local customs, especially in more traditional areas. Modest clothing is recommended when visiting religious sites. In urban areas like Cairo or Alexandria, the dress code is generally more relaxed, but it’s still a good idea to be mindful of local customs.
• Transportation: Egypt has various transportation options, including taxis, buses, and trains. In cities like Cairo, Uber is available and offers a convenient way to get around.
• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months from October to April. During this period, the weather is more comfortable for sightseeing, especially in the desert and near historical monuments. The summer months, from May to September, can be extremely hot, particularly in southern Egypt and around Luxor and Aswan.