Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What is Egypt's visa policy for Palestine?

What is Egypt's visa policy for Palestine?

As a Palestinian passport holder intending to visit Egypt, this may be one of the questions you need to know the precise way the visa policy works. Egypt does not offer visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival to Palestinian passport holders. All visas must be pre-approved and obtained through an Egyptian embassy or consulate, or in some cases through special coordination for entry via the Rafah Border Crossing. You cannot just present at the border and get a visa.

Key points of the policy

  • Palestinian passport holders are not eligible to use Egypt’s e-Visa system and must apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
  • They do not qualify in the online e-Visa system in Egypt.
  • The visa is typically issued as a paper sticker and is valid for short stays, usually up to 30 days, depending on the purpose of travel and the applicant’s security clearance.
  • Due to the fact that the policy is more demanding with regards to Palestinian passports, it is better to apply at length in advance, provide all the necessary papers and make sure that the visa corresponds to the specific travel reason.

Why this matters

Due to political and security sensitivities, especially concerning the Rafah Border Crossing with Gaza, Egypt applies stricter visa controls and requires prior coordination or special permits for Palestinian travelers. This implies that Palestinian nationals would expect more scrutiny, compulsory application through embassies, and fewer expedited routes. Having this information ahead of time will make sure that travel plans should not come to a halt when they arrive.

Practical steps for Palestinian travellers

  • Call the closest Egyptian diplomat mission to verify the current needs and charges.
  • Check your valid Palestinian travel document and verify that it has passed any minimum validity (usually six months) and blank page requirements.
  • Make the visa application personally or through authorized representatives: the common documents are invitation letters (in case of business), itinerary, evidence of accommodation, and financial capabilities.
  • Travelling-await permission-realise that refusal to grant you the e-Visa route implies that you will not be sure of online or border-issued visas.
  • Once you get to Egypt, ensure that you have not exceeded the visa you obtained (tourism vs business) and that you also do not overstay the allowed period.

In conclusion

In summary, Palestinian passport holders must obtain a pre-approved visa before travel. There is no visa-on-arrival or online e-Visa option, and applications are subject to additional security screening compared to other nationalities. This knowledge would help to plan the trip better in advance, avoid last-minute complications, and be in line with the policy framework of Egypt as documented. Proper preparation is also a way of showing that you adhere to the process, and that you are also doing your part to make your travel compliant, well-planned, and free of hassles.

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