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Can I work with a tourist visa in Egypt?

Have you decided to travel to Egypt and wonder whether you can manage to fit some work in a tourist visa? The answer is no no-officially, tourist visas in Egypt absolutely do not allow paid work or business. This policy assists in safeguarding the domestic jobs and in making sure that the immigration laws are adhered to. Nevertheless, there are also overtures to the remote workers and those who want to receive professional jobs. We will also dissect the facts in accordance with the most recent rules in this guide, such as the new extended-stay options.

Can you work on a tourist visa? The restrictions

The law of Egypt is explicit on the issue of tourist visas being of non-commercial nature -there should be no paid employment, freelance or business transactions conducted. This will involve local employment or even remote employment to Egyptian employers. Breaking this may cause serious consequences since the tourist visas do not allow income-generating activities.

However, foreign employees usually come on a tourist visa and transform it to a work visa upon acquiring a work permit in the Ministry of Manpower. The work permit process typically takes 4–6 weeks. During this period, applicants may remain in Egypt if sponsored by an employer, but they should not begin paid employment until the permit is officially issued.

Consequences of working illegally

Violation of visa regulations may result in fines, deportation, or a future entry ban, depending on the severity of the offense. Spending an excess of time or illegal employment, usually provokes airport detention. Egyptian officials focus on hiring the locals and quotas of foreign workers are 10 percent of the workforce. Always on the side of safety-see what the Egyptian embassy says competitors.

For legitimate work:

  • Work visa: Requires employer sponsorship, a work permit, and conversion from an entry visa. Valid up to 1 year, renewable for 3 years. Documents include health checks, qualifications, and security clearance.
  • Business visa: For meetings or conferences, not full-time work.
  • Freelance/Independent worker visa: There is currently no official freelance or independent worker visa in Egypt. Self-employed professionals must obtain a work permit through a local sponsor or employer if they intend to work legally.

Apply through Egyptian consulates or the Ministry of Manpower.

Remote work and the new 5-year tourist visa

Egypt does not currently offer a specific digital nomad or freelance visa. While some visitors may perform limited remote work for foreign employers while in the country, this is not officially permitted under Egyptian visa law and may carry legal risks. Egypt has discussed introducing a long-term multiple-entry tourist visa for frequent visitors, but official details such as validity periods and fees have not been fully confirmed. At present, most tourist visas are valid for 30 to 90 days per visit. Open to the citizens of 180 countries; apply through e-Visa portal. Remark: There is no working officially, so remote working is risky.

How to apply and tips for success

Start online at visa2egypt.gov.eg for e-Visas. For work visas, secure employer support first. Tips: Double-check eligibility, prepare documents meticulously, and register with police upon arrival for stays over 30 days. Some reports have suggested that Egypt may extend the maximum stay for long-term visitors, but no official confirmation has been issued by the government.

In summary, stick to proper channels for work to avoid complications. If remote, the 5-year visa offers flexibility, but consult experts for personalized advice.

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