United States entry requirements for Egypt passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Egyptian passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. For tourism or business visits under 90 days, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. embassy in Cairo. Plan ahead — visa processing takes several weeks, and you'll need an in-person interview.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application Visa required | You need a valid US visa before boarding any flight to the United States. Apply at the US embassy or consulate in Cairo — the process includes an in-person interview and a non-refundable $185 fee (most categories). Start at travel.state.gov to find the correct visa category for your trip.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the United States. US immigration does not require 6 months beyond your departure date, but your airline may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | US Customs and Border Protection officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel at the primary inspection booth. Have a printed or digital copy of your return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Immigration officers may ask where you are staying, especially if you are visiting for tourism. Have a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from your host with their US address ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Officers can ask how you will support yourself during your stay. Carry bank statements, a credit card, or cash to show you can cover your expenses without working illegally. | Recommended |
Visa interview is mandatory for most applicants
All Egyptian passport holders aged 14–79 must appear in person at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. Exceptions only for children under 14 or adults over 79. No walk-ins — you must have a scheduled appointment.
No visa-free or ESTA access for Egypt
Egypt is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. You cannot use ESTA. A full visa is required for any travel to the US, including tourism, business, or transit.
Overstaying your visa has serious consequences
Overstaying even one day can trigger a ban of 3 or 10 years. If you need more time, file Form I-539 before your authorized stay expires. The US takes overstays very seriously.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application. Upload a recent passport-style photo (2x2 inches, white background). Save the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for the interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the nonrefundable MRV fee (currently $185 for B-1/B-2) at any Banque Misr branch or online via the U.S. visa appointment system. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Log into the U.S. visa appointment system, select the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, and pick an available date. Wait times can be 2–6 weeks, so book as early as possible.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy (5 Tawfik Diab St., Cairo) at least 15 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, photo, and supporting documents. The interview lasts 2–5 minutes. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa printing. Processing takes 3–10 business days. You'll receive an email to collect your passport from the courier location you selected.
6
Enter the US
At the port of entry (airport or land border), a CBP officer will check your passport and visa. You may be asked about your trip purpose and length of stay. The officer decides your actual allowed stay (usually up to 6 months).
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Egypt Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Standard visa for tourism or business; may be issued with single or multiple entries.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
Cost$185 USD (185 USD)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits within validity.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityDuration of program
Cost$185 USD (185 USD) + SEVIS fee
For full-time students enrolled in US academic programs.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable
ValidityUp to 6 years total
Cost$460 USD (460 USD) + other fees
For specialty occupations; requires employer sponsorship and lottery.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6
$460 USD filing fee + legal fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows dual intent (immigrant intent).
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace
$185 USD visa fee + SEVIS fee ($350)
For full-time students enrolled in accredited US academic programs. Allows part-time on-campus work and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000+ USD investment
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) in a US business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (typically 1–2 years)
$185 USD visa fee + program fees
For participants in approved exchange programs (e.g., research, teaching, training). Requires sponsorship by a designated program. May include two-year home residency requirement.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Egyptian citizens. | $185 USD (185 USD) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)Fee for extending B1/B2 stay; processing takes months. | $370 USD (370 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to fines, bans, or deportation; no fixed daily rate. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to Egypt30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Egyptian passport holders generally need a C-1 transit visa to transit through the US, even if not leaving the airport. However, if you have a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2), you may transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (any nonimmigrant category) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit without a transit visa under certain conditions.
- Citizens of certain countries with ESTA eligibility may transit without a visa (Egypt not included).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, flu)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderYellow FeverConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile, Zika, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most tourist areas; risk is seasonal and regional.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe food and water; risk is low with standard precautions.
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease)Low risk
Risk in wooded areas of Northeast and Upper Midwest; use repellent.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions and change of status; appointments required.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Busy office; arrive early for appointments.
Practical information for EG travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process takes 4–8 weeks on average. After submitting the DS-160, you'll wait 2–6 weeks for an interview appointment. If approved, visa printing takes 3–10 business days. Check current wait times on the U.S. Embassy Cairo website.
The nonrefundable MRV fee for a B-1/B-2 tourist visa is $185 (approximately 5,700 EGP as of 2026). You pay this before scheduling your interview. Fees are subject to change — confirm on the official U.S. visa website.
Yes, but you must apply for an extension with USCIS using Form I-539 before your authorized stay expires. The fee is $370 plus a $85 biometrics fee. Extensions are not guaranteed and can take months to process. Overstaying can lead to bans.
Yes, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (Egypt is not part of it). For airside transit (not leaving the airport), you may need a C-1 transit visa. For land or sea transit, a B-1/B-2 visa is required. Check with the embassy.
You'll receive a refusal notice under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Common reasons: insufficient ties to Egypt, unclear travel purpose, or incomplete documents. You can reapply anytime, but address the reasons for refusal first. There's no appeal process.
No. B-1/B-2 visas are strictly for tourism, business meetings, or medical treatment. Working for a US employer or enrolling in a degree program requires a different visa (e.g., H-1B for work, F-1 for study). Violating this can get you deported and banned.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months), DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one passport photo (2x2 inches), and supporting documents: bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, hotel bookings, and proof of ties to Egypt (e.g., property deeds, family certificates).
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.