Egypt Transit Visa Guide: Requirements, Process & Tips

Planning a layover in Cairo? Egypt transit visa is also important to understand the requirements of the travelers having connecting flights. For layovers under 6 hours, most travelers do not need a visa if they remain in the international transit area. However, some nationalities may face restrictions and are not permitted to leave the airport. EgyptAir currently offers a free 96-hour transit visa program for eligible passengers transiting through Cairo International Airport. This program is not available for travelers flying with other airlines. For layovers longer than 6 hours where travelers wish to leave the airport, a tourist visa or eVisa is usually required, as Egypt does not issue a standard ‘transit visa’ for most nationalities. This is a one-stop-shop guide containing necessities, application procedures and advice on how to get the most out of your transit experience in Egypt without breaking the law or making it a nightmare.

Egypt transit visa information guide

What is an Egypt transit visa?

An Egypt transit visa is a temporary travel permit granted to a traveler to exit Cairo International Airport on a 6-hour and above layover. The transit visa will permit you to spend up to 48 hours in Egypt as a transit destination where the traveler can do a tour around attractions in Cairo as you wait between flights.

The transit visas, unlike in the case of tourist visas, are meant only to serve passengers with an onward ticket. In cases of less than 6 hours, there is no necessity for transit visas because passengers are able to stay in the international transit area.

EgyptAir currently offers a free 96-hour transit visa program for eligible passengers transiting through Cairo International Airport. This program is not available for travelers flying with other airlines.. For layovers longer than 6 hours but under 48 hours, some travelers may be required to apply for a transit visa through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.

This visa serves as a perfect opportunity for travelers to experience Egypt's iconic pyramids, museums, and cultural sites without needing a full tourist visa, making long layovers productive and memorable.

Who can use the Egypt transit visa

The Egypt transit visa is available to international passengers meeting specific eligibility criteria. The free 96-hour transit program is currently available only at Cairo International Airport for passengers flying with EgyptAir.

Standard transit visa eligibility:

• Passengers with layovers between 6-48 hours
• Valid passport holders from eligible countries
• Confirmed onward flight tickets

Free 96-hour program eligibility:

• A key eligibility condition is the airline used - primarily EgyptAir passengers
• Minimum 8-hour layover requirement
• Maximum 96-hour stay limit

Exclusions:

• Passengers with layovers under 6 hours (visa-free transit)
• Certain restricted nationalities
• Travelers without confirmed connecting flights

Most nationalities can apply, but requirements vary by citizenship. Visitors must hold passports that are valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival to Egypt. Business travelers, tourists, and family visitors all qualify under appropriate circumstances.

Egypt transit visa is offered to travelers who meet eligibility criteria

Egypt transit visa requirements

Obtaining an Egypt transit visa requires specific documentation and meeting established criteria. Visitors must hold passports that are valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival to Egypt.

Essential requirements:

• Valid passport (6+ months remaining validity)
• Confirmed onward flight ticket or boarding pass
• Completed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photographs (2 copies)
• Proof of sufficient funds for stay

Documentation process:

• Show your passport and onward flight ticket or boarding pass
• Fill out a brief form with your travel details
• Airline staff will check your eligibility based on nationality and layover duration

Processing details:

• Embassy-issued transit visas may take up to 7 working days and require advance application. 
• In contrast, the 96-hour free transit visa can be issued on arrival at eligible airports for qualifying passengers.
• Fees vary by nationality and visa type

Important note: Travellers with a layover in Egypt of more than 48 hours are required to obtain a regular tourist visa or an eVisa instead of a transit visa.

Egypt transit visa application process

The Egypt transit visa application process involves essential steps, including eligibility checks, required documents, and submission through designated channels.

Online application

You just have to register on the official Egypt E-VISA Portal in order to apply for an Egypt visa online, fill your application form, and pay your visa using a credit card or a debit card. Nevertheless, there are no standard transit visas with the e-visa system - the visa of a tourist can only be issued online.

Before traveling to Egypt, you are supposed to apply to get an e-Visa for at least 7-10 days. After you have been approved with your application, you will be notified via email, and you have to print your e-visa to arrive.

Embassy/Consulate application

Travelers wishing to leave the airport during transit should apply for a tourist visa in advance through an Egyptian embassy or consulate, which typically takes around 5–7 working days to process. Depending on the consulate, there are those that need an appointment and hence it is better to confirm embassy requirements so that you do not apply to obtain your transit visa.

How to apply for an Egypt transit visa

Egypt transit visa costs

Standard Egypt transit visa fees:

• Single entry: $27 USD for most nationalities
• Multiple entry: $62 USD (if eligible)
• Tourist visa on arrival: $25 USD (alternative option)

Free 96-hour transit visa:

• Completely free - no fees or charges
• Available through participating airlines like EgyptAir
• Extended program through 2026

Payment methods:

• Cash only in USD, EUR, or GBP
• No credit or debit cards accepted at immigration
• Embassy applications may accept additional payment methods

Note: Transit visa fees vary depending on nationality and are typically processed as part of a tourist visa application. Tourist visa on arrival costs around USD 25, payable in cash or by accepted methods at embassies and consulates.

Additional costs:

• Passport photos: $5-10 USD
• Transportation to/from embassy: varies by location
• Express processing fees: additional charges may apply

Always budget extra for potential administrative fees or currency exchange rates when planning your Egypt transit visa application.

Transit visa charges for Egypt

Important rules and restrictions

Transit duration limits:

• Under 24 hours: No visa required if staying in transit area
• 6+ hours with airport exit: Transit visa mandatory
• Maximum 48 hours for standard transit visas
• 96 hours maximum for free program participants

Geographic restrictions:

• Must remain within approved Egyptian territories
• Cannot travel to restricted border areas
• Limited to major tourist destinations and cities

Important prohibitions:

• Overstaying visa duration results in fines and deportation
• Working or conducting business strictly forbidden
• Must hold confirmed onward flight tickets
• Cannot extend transit visa duration

Entry requirements:

• Passport valid for minimum 6 months
• No vaccination requirements unless arriving from yellow fever areas
• Proof of sufficient funds for stay period
• Clean criminal background (may be checked)

Violating these restrictions can result in immediate deportation, entry bans, and legal consequences.

Cairo Airport Transit information

Airport layout and facilities:

• Multiple terminals with different services and lounges
• International transit area for visa-free connections
• Prayer rooms, restaurants, and duty-free shopping available
• Free WiFi throughout terminal areas

Leaving the airport:

• Minimum 8 hours recommended for downtown Cairo visits
• At least 10 hours needed for Pyramids of Giza trips
• Transportation: taxis, buses, and metro connections available
• Private layover tours available from 7:00 AM onwards

Transit services:

• EgyptAir offers transit hotel services for long layovers
• Meet and greet services for first-time visitors
• Currency exchange and ATM facilities
• Medical facilities and pharmacy services

Connection times:

• Allow minimum 3 hours for international connections
• Terminal transfers may require additional time
• Consider Egyptian traffic when planning city visits during layovers.

Transit details at Cairo Airport

Tips for Egypt transit visa success

Application best practices:

• Apply 7-15 days before travel for standard visas
• Double-check passport validity (minimum 6 months remaining)
• Print all confirmations and keep copies of documents
• Verify airline eligibility for free 96-hour program

Documentation tips:

• Carry confirmed flight tickets and boarding passes
• Keep passport photos ready (recent and regulation-size)
• Have sufficient cash in accepted currencies (USD, EUR, GBP)
• Prepare proof of accommodation if staying overnight

Airport navigation:

• First-time visitors should consider meet-and-greet services
• Learn basic Arabic phrases for easier communication
• Download offline maps and translation apps
• Allow extra time for immigration and security processes

Layover planning:

• Book organized tours for efficient sightseeing
• Consider Egyptian traffic when timing return to airport
• Keep emergency contact information readily available
• Stay hydrated and dress appropriately for local climate and cultural norms.

FAQs about Egypt transit visa

Can I get an Egypt transit visa on arrival?

Transit visas are generally not available on arrival. However, eligible EgyptAir passengers may receive a complimentary 96-hour transit visa upon arrival at Cairo International Airport. Only under certain free transit-programs or for eligible nationals is arrival-visa permitted

How long does Egypt transit visa processing take?

Processing time depends on nationality and application method: embassy/consulate applications often take up to 7 working days, while e-Visa or approved transit-online requests may be processed in 1 to 3 days if documents are in order.

What happens if I miss my connecting flight?

Transit visas cannot be extended. If your connection is delayed or missed, contact your airline immediately for assistance and rebooking support. Immigration services and airline staff will advise. But note: overstaying without authorization can result in fines or denied re-entry.

Can I extend my transit visa?

No — transit visas in Egypt are typically not extendable. They only allow short stays (often up to 48-50 hours). To stay longer or explore beyond transit, you’ll need a regular tourist visa or e-Visa. Extensions are only in very exceptional emergencies.

In conclusion

There is no need to make navigating Egypt transit visa processes complex. The 48-hour visa is the standard or you use the free 96-hour program, in any case, good planning will make the Cairo layover a hassle free affair. Do not forget about the 6-hour policy, pack necessary papers ahead, and think about your stay at the airport. Using the appropriate Egypt transit visa, your next flight will be an adventure to see ancient pyramids, colorful markets, and Egyptian culture. Be prepared, read the instructions and make your layover an Egyptian experience to remember. Visa and transit regulations in Egypt are subject to change. Travelers should always confirm the latest entry requirements with EgyptAir or the nearest Egyptian embassy before departure.