Home Arrow FAQs Arrow Can Canadians use the 96-hour free transit visa for Egypt if flying on EgyptAir?

Can Canadians use the 96-hour free transit visa for Egypt if flying on EgyptAir?

EgyptAir has offered a free transit visa for eligible passengers with stopovers of 8 to 96 hours. However, travelers should confirm that the program is still available for their travel date, as the latest published extension I could verify ran through April 2026.

Although Cairo International Airport is the main EgyptAir hub and the most common transit point, the transit visa program is not limited to Cairo. EgyptAir’s published guidance describes the free transit visa as being processed on arrival at Cairo International Airport through the EgyptAir Transit Office.

The 96-hour transit facility should not be treated as a replacement for a regular tourist visa or Egypt e-Visa. It is designed specifically for eligible transit passengers continuing their journey to another destination. Travelers should confirm the latest requirements with EgyptAir before departure because airline procedures and Egyptian immigration rules may change.

What is the EgyptAir 96-hour free transit visa?

Egypt’s 96-hour free transit visa is a special facility that allows eligible international transit passengers to enter Egypt during a qualifying stopover of between 8 and 96 hours before continuing their journey.

Unlike passengers who remain airside during a short connection, travelers granted this transit visa may leave the airport and spend part of their layover exploring Egypt before returning for their onward flight.

Published EgyptAir guidance specifically refers to Cairo International Airport. Travelers connecting through another Egyptian airport should verify the applicable transit arrangements directly with the airline.

  • Cairo International Airport (CAI)
  • Luxor International Airport (LXR)
  • Aswan International Airport (ASW)
  • Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
  • Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
  • Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE), serving Alexandria

For EgyptAir passengers, Cairo International Airport is particularly relevant because Cairo is the airline’s primary hub and handles a large proportion of its international connecting traffic. However, travelers should not assume that the 96-hour transit facility is exclusive to Cairo.

Can Canadian citizens use it?

Canadian passport holders may be eligible for the free 96-hour transit visa if their journey satisfies the applicable immigration and airline conditions.

Published EgyptAir guidance states that the facility applies to eligible transit passengers whose nationality permits the relevant visa-on-arrival procedure. Travelers should confirm their nationality and itinerary eligibility with EgyptAir before departure.

  • Holding a valid Canadian passport.
  • Traveling on an eligible international itinerary, including qualifying EgyptAir connections.
  • Having a confirmed onward ticket to another destination.
  • Having a transit period of at least 8 hours and no more than 96 hours.
  • Meeting the requirements applicable at the participating Egyptian airport.
  • Receiving approval from the relevant Egyptian immigration authorities.

For example, if a Canadian passenger flies with EgyptAir from Toronto to Cairo and then continues to another international destination after a 12-hour or 48-hour stopover, the transit duration falls within the 8-to-96-hour window. The passenger would still need to satisfy all other applicable requirements.

By contrast, a connection lasting only six hours would fall below the minimum eight-hour transit requirement, while a stopover exceeding 96 hours would be too long for this facility.

Because admission ultimately remains subject to the relevant Egyptian authorities, passengers should not assume that simply holding an EgyptAir ticket automatically guarantees entry under the transit visa program.

When should Canadians use an Egypt e-Visa or tourist visa instead?

The 96-hour transit visa is designed specifically for qualifying stopovers rather than regular holidays in Egypt. Canadian travelers should consider obtaining the appropriate regular Egypt visa or Egypt e-Visa if they:

  • Plan to remain in Egypt for more than 96 hours.
  • Have a transit period shorter than the required eight hours and otherwise need to enter Egypt.
  • Begin or end their main journey in Egypt rather than using the country as a transit point.
  • Are traveling on an itinerary that does not satisfy the transit visa requirements.
  • Want to arrange their entry authorization before departure instead of relying on a transit facility processed in connection with their arrival.

If Egypt is the actual holiday destination rather than an intermediate stop, travelers should therefore check the regular entry requirements applicable to Canadian passport holders rather than relying on the 96-hour transit scheme.

Tips before booking your EgyptAir transit

Before planning a long EgyptAir layover around the free transit visa, travelers should verify the details of their itinerary carefully:

  • Check your transit duration: Your stopover should be at least 8 hours but no longer than 96 hours.
  • Confirm the participating airport: The program covers Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Borg El Arab (Alexandria).
  • Verify eligibility with EgyptAir: Ask the airline whether your specific flights and itinerary qualify for the transit facility.
  • Check passport validity: Make sure your Canadian passport satisfies Egypt’s applicable passport-validity requirements.
  • Keep your onward travel documents: Carry your confirmed onward ticket and other supporting travel documents.
  • Prepare accommodation information: If you intend to spend one or more nights in Egypt, keep your hotel or accommodation details available.
  • Check the latest rules before departure: Transit and immigration requirements can change, so verify current information with EgyptAir and the relevant Egyptian authorities shortly before traveling.

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