Have any Indians visited Egypt on a transit visa?
Some Indian travelers have managed short visits outside Cairo Airport during long layovers, but this is generally possible only under EgyptAir’s sponsored 96-hour transit visa or with a pre-approved transit visa. As of 2025, the visa policies of Egypt will continue to be favorable to the travelers, particularly in short transits. This guide is based on official sources and real traveler accounts
Understanding Egypt's transit visa for Indians
Visa entry into Egypt is required to Indians but transit facilities facilitate easy layovers. According to IATA Timatic, when you have a stay less than 24 hours in your place of transit within the airport terminal, you are not required to have a visa. But during longer layovers or in case you would like to leave the airport, you would need a transit visa.
EgyptAir currently offers a 96-hour transit visa facility for eligible passengers, allowing short visits in Cairo. This program is airline-specific and not a nationwide free visa policy. This will enable qualified passengers to have a look around the country without a complete tourist visa. It applies to single layovers between 8 and 96 hours in Cairo, sponsored by EgyptAir. It has benefits such as free visa, hotel accommodation, food, and airport transport- ideal to the Indian who is flying between Europe or Africa through Cairo.
The required papers are a confirmed onward ticket, an authentic passport (with a minimum duration of 6 months), and evidence of adequate funds. On arrival at the Cairo International Airport; it is processed, and it takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Note: This is airline-specific, and hence, works with EgyptAir to obtain smooth access. For passengers traveling on other airlines, Indian nationals need to apply for a standard Egypt e-visa (around USD 25) in advance if they wish to exit the airport during transit.
Real experiences from Indian travelers
There have been many positive stories posted online by Indians. One user on Reddit, who has an Indian passport, has recounted how he got a visa on arrival without any problems in 2024 as he was passing through another country. The boarding was uneventful and they briefly visited Cairo, saying that the pyramids were well accessible.
No transit visa was needed according to a 2019 post of Quora (not yet outdated in 2025) with no longer than 20 hours of the layover, but the option provided by EgyptAir was free, and a user was able to leave the airport and go to Giza. This is echoed in recent forums of Tripadvisor: An Indian national with a 17-hour layover in 2025 used the free transit to go sightseeing without prior permission, although they recommended that they carry printouts of their tickets.
In a 2025 Facebook group discussion, the customers praised the Egyptian Airline advantages when on transit through them such as free accommodation to Indians. Challenges? Others would say airport crowds and heat, but generally it was worth it due to the friendliness of the locals. No significant rejections of applicants who are compliant.
Tips for a smooth transit visit
- Book smartly: Opt for EgyptAir flights to unlock the free 96-hour visa.
- Prepare documents: Carry passport photos, flight itineraries, and hotel bookings if extending beyond transit.
- What to do: With limited time, prioritize Giza Pyramids (2-3 hours from airport) or a Nile cruise. Use licensed taxis or Uber for safety.
- Stay updated: Check Egypt's official e-visa site or VFS Global for changes, as policies evolve.
- Insurance: Get travel insurance covering delays—Niva Bupa or Tata AIG offer Egypt-specific plans.
In summary, yes—Indians frequently visit Egypt on transit visas, blending convenience with culture. Whether it's a quick pyramid peek or a relaxed layover, it's doable and rewarding. Plan ahead for a hassle-free trip!
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