Egypt entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports and land borders. Bring cash and your passport. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. Pay in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) — $25 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have your passport photo ready.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Egypt | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date you leave Egypt. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Cairo Airport routinely asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmations or an invitation letter from your host help satisfy immigration. Keep a printed copy or have it accessible on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter only accepts cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring USD 25 in small bills. ATMs are available after immigration, but you need cash before that.
Sharm el-Sheikh free entry
If you fly directly to Sharm el-Sheikh and stay only in the South Sinai resort zone, you can get a free 15-day entry stamp. No visa needed. But if you leave the resort area, you must have the standard visa on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Land at an Egyptian airport
Fly into Cairo (CAI), Hurghada (HRG), Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH), or Luxor (LXR). The visa on arrival is available at all international airports.
2
Go to the visa bank counter before immigration
Before you join the immigration queue, look for a bank counter or kiosk selling visa stickers. Pay USD 25 (cash) and get a sticker. This is usually right before the passport control lines.
3
Affix the sticker to a blank page
Peel the sticker and place it on a blank page in your passport. Don't cover any existing stamps or visas.
4
Proceed to passport control
Hand your passport (with the sticker) to the immigration officer. They'll stamp the sticker and your entry. No forms needed. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, grab your bags from baggage claim and walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$25 USD (approx. 175 EGP)
Can be obtained from Egyptian embassy before travel; allows extension.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$60 USD (approx. 420 EGP)
For frequent visitors; must apply at embassy.
Long-stay Tourist Visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$100 USD (approx. 700 EGP)
Requires sponsorship or proof of funds; apply at embassy.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 1,400 EGP) plus fees
For those with a job offer from an Egyptian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term stay.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 700 EGP)
For enrollment in an Egyptian university or accredited institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 3,500 EGP) plus investment
For those investing in an Egyptian business or real estate. Minimum investment varies; provides residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EGP) at airport bank kiosk before immigration. | $25 USD (approx. 175 EGP) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; fines accumulate daily. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD (approx. 70 EGP) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Egypt
No transit visa needed
Chinese passport holders transiting through Egypt airports (e.g., Cairo) for less than 12 hours and staying airside do not need a visa. If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 12h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours if staying airside.
Transit hubsCairo International Airport (CAI) · Hurghada International Airport (HRG) · Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH)
Health & vaccines for Egypt
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and consider antibiotics.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water (Nile, canals); avoid contact with untreated water.
Dengue feverLow risk
Mosquito-borne; present in some areas, especially during rainy season.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the Nile Delta and southern Egypt (e.g., Aswan). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for tourists visiting main cities.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cairo
Egyptian Passport and Immigration Office (Cairo)
Al-Azhar Street, Abdeen, Cairo
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, photo, and fee.
Giza
Giza Immigration Office
26th of July Street, Giza
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions for residents in Giza area.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 53.39 EGP
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h (EST) / +6h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+10h (PST) / +9h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European/universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Do not drink tap water. Use sealed bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Egypt — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Taba border crossing (from Eilat) issues visas on arrival for Chinese passport holders. Same USD 25 fee, cash only. The Rafah crossing from Gaza is not open for tourists.
The visa counter accepts USD, EUR, and GBP. They may also take Egyptian pounds but at a poor rate. ATMs are available after immigration, but you need cash before that. Bring USD.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you need to apply for a regular visa at an Egyptian embassy before travel, or leave and re-enter.
If you fly directly to Sharm el-Sheikh and stay only in the South Sinai resort area, you can get a free 15-day entry stamp at the airport. But if you plan to leave the resort area (e.g., go to Cairo), you need the standard visa on arrival.
Yes, China is eligible for Egypt's e-visa. It costs about USD 25 and takes 3–5 business days. The e-visa is single-entry and valid for 30 days. It's a good option if you want to skip the airport queue.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
Yes, all international airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, Marsa Alam, Alexandria) issue visas on arrival. Smaller domestic airports do not have immigration counters.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.