Egypt entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
German passport holders can get a visa on arrival when entering Egypt. At the airport, pay the fee at a bank counter before immigration, receive a sticker, and proceed to passport control. No advance application is needed, but you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and one blank page.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Egyptian airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor). Pay $25 USD in cash (exact change) — they don't accept cards. The visa is a sticker placed in your passport, valid for 30 days single entry.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Egypt. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers ask for a return or onward ticket at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at Cairo Airport. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have your hotel reservation or host's address handy. Immigration rarely asks, but if you're arriving without a booking, they may question your plans. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a credit card with available limit. Immigration doesn't routinely check, but they can ask if you look underfunded. | Recommended |
USD bills must be in good condition
The bank counter may reject worn, torn, or pre-2009 banknotes. Bring crisp new bills. Old or damaged notes are not accepted, and there's no ATM to get replacements until after immigration.
No visa needed for short stays in some areas
If you arrive by ship or plane and stay only in the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, or Taba (South Sinai), you may be granted a free 15-day entry stamp without a visa – but you cannot leave the South Sinai region. For most travellers, the standard visa on arrival is simpler.
What happens at the border
1
Land at any Egyptian airport with international arrivals
Proceed to the 'Visa on Arrival' bank counter before immigration. This is usually in the arrivals hall, before passport control. Pay the fee in USD cash ($25) and receive a visa sticker.
2
Affix the sticker to your passport
Open your passport to a blank page and stick the visa sticker there. Some counters will do this for you. Then join the queue for foreign passports.
3
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand your passport with the visa sticker, your hotel booking confirmation, and (if asked) your return ticket to the immigration officer. You'll receive an entry stamp valid for 30 days.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostUSD 25 (USD 25)
Same as VoA but can be obtained in advance via eVisa or embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue
CostUSD 60 (USD 60)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within 6 months.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, retirement)
Max stayVaries (up to 1 year, extendable)
Validity1 year (renewable)
CostUSD 100–500 (USD 100–500)
Requires sponsor in Egypt and approval from Ministry of Interior.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year (processing fees)
For retirees over 60 with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100–$300 USD (employer covers most fees)
For those with a job offer from an Egyptian company. Requires work permit approval from Ministry of Manpower. Valid for multiple entries.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–$100 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Egyptian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa (Long-Term Residence)
5 years, renewable
~$1,000–$5,000 USD (depending on investment amount)
For those investing at least $100,000 USD in an Egyptian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Includes family members.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) at the airport upon arrival. | USD 25 (USD 25) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine accrues daily after visa expiry; no official cap but may be waived for short overstays. | EGP 100 (approx. USD 3.20) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days) – pre-arrangedAvailable via eVisa or at embassy; same cost as VoA. | USD 25 (USD 25) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days)Available via eVisa; allows multiple entries within validity. | USD 60 (USD 60) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
German passport holders transiting through Egyptian airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and no intention to leave the airport are exempt.
- Passengers with a visa for a third country may have additional flexibility.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Rift Valley fever)Moderate risk
Present in some regions, especially during warmer months. Use insect repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water, avoid street food, and practice hand hygiene.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water (Nile, canals). Avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Red Sea resorts). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural areas in the Nile Delta.
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 Abageyah, Qism El-Khalifa, Cairo Governorate
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El Horreya Road, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the northern region.
Practical information for DE travellers
Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 52.92 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
Getting to Egypt
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Egypt — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, visa on arrival is available at the Taba border crossing from Israel and at the Nuweiba port from Jordan, but only if you are arriving from those specific routes. At other land borders, you may need an e-visa or have arranged a visa beforehand. The process and fee are the same ($25 USD cash).
No ATMs are available before immigration at most Egyptian airports. The bank counter only accepts USD cash. If you don't have any, you may need to go back to the currency exchange desk (if it's before immigration) or ask other travellers to change money. Best to bring USD from home.
The standard visa on arrival is single entry. If you leave Egypt (even for a day trip to Israel or Saudi Arabia), you'll need a new visa each time you re-enter. For multiple entries, apply for an e-visa online before travel – it's valid for 30 days with multiple entries.
No, the visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave the country and re-enter (getting a new visa) or apply for an e-visa before travel, which also has a 30-day maximum stay. Overstaying risks a fine of 100 EGP per day and possible deportation.
No, you do not need to bring passport photos. Unlike some countries, Egypt does not require a photo for the visa sticker at the airport. It's all done with the sticker and your passport.
No. Only US dollars are accepted. The fee is fixed at 25 USD (plus a small bank service fee, often included). Euros and pounds are not taken. If you only have euros, you can exchange them at desks before immigration, but bringing USD avoids hassle.
The e-visa costs about $25-30 and can be applied for online in advance. It's especially useful if you want to skip the bank counter queue (though queues are usually short) or if you need a multiple-entry visa. However, the visa on arrival is often faster because you pay and go. Either works.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.