Egypt entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 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
Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt in 2026. Apply for an e-Visa online before you travel — it's the simplest option for most visitors.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter Egypt. Apply online at the official eVisa portal at least 7 days before your trip. The eVisa costs $25 USD for a single entry and $60 USD for multiple entries, valid for 30 days from entry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Egypt. Airlines check this at check-in and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Cairo Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Airlines may deny boarding without one. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support your stay | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask for proof of financial means, especially for longer stays. | Recommended |
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're flying from Ethiopia, you must show a yellow fever vaccination certificate at Egyptian immigration. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry.
Keep digital copies of everything
Save your e-Visa PDF, hotel booking, and return ticket on your phone and in cloud storage. If you lose your printed copy, you can still show the digital version.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for e-Visa online
Go to visa2egypt.gov.eg, fill in your details, upload a passport photo and a copy of your passport bio page. Pay the fee (around $25 USD for a single-entry tourist visa). Processing takes 3–7 business days.
2
Print or save your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at the airline check-in counter and again at Egyptian immigration.
3
Arrive at an Egyptian airport
At Cairo, Hurghada, or Luxor airports, follow signs to 'Passport Control' (not 'Visa on Arrival'). Hand over your passport, printed e-Visa, and boarding pass. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Show supporting documents if asked
Immigration may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed. Answer questions clearly and politely.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostEGP 1,000 (~$32 USD)
Apply at Egyptian embassy in Addis Ababa or on arrival at major airports.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 6 months total
Validity6 months from issue date
CostEGP 2,000 (~$64 USD)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within 6 months.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
CostVaries (typically EGP 5,000–10,000, ~$160–320 USD)
Requires sponsorship from employer or educational institution in Egypt.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Egyptian employer. Requires work permit approval and medical check. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable based on study duration
~$100–300 USD (institution-sponsored)
For those enrolled in an accredited Egyptian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500–1,000 USD (including residency permit)
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (minimum $2,000/month). Requires health insurance and local bank account.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa, typically valid for 30 days. | EGP 1,000 (~$32 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within 6 months, each stay up to 30 days. | EGP 2,000 (~$64 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap, but fines can accumulate quickly. | EGP 100 (~$3.20 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Egypt do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying more than 6 hours, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 6h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
- Transit through Cairo Airport only; other airports may have different rules.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission (Ethiopia is endemic). Must show valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice strict hygiene and drink bottled water.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water (Nile, canals); avoid contact with untreated water.
Dengue feverLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk in urban areas, especially during warmer months.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the Nile Delta and southern Egypt (e.g., Aswan). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban or tourist areas.
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, Downtown Cairo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El-Horreya Road, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and re-entry permits for visitors in northern Egypt.
Practical information for ET travellers
Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 52.22 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
No. Ethiopian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply for an e-Visa before you travel.
A single-entry tourist e-Visa costs around $25 USD. Double-entry visas are about $60 USD. Fees are paid online during the application.
Processing usually takes 3–7 business days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
The single-entry e-Visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. You cannot extend it while in Egypt.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (including Ethiopia), you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Carry it with your passport.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Yes, the e-Visa is valid for entry at all international airports and land borders (like the Taba crossing from Israel). But you must have the visa approved before you arrive.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.