Egypt entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 11, 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Egypt. As of 2026, you pay the fee at a bank kiosk before immigration and receive a sticker in your passport. The process is straightforward but requires a few specific documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at the airport upon arrival. Pay the fee in cash — USD, EUR, or GBP are accepted, but bring exact change in crisp bills. The standard tourist visa costs $25 USD for single entry, valid for 30 days.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Egypt. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from your host in Egypt. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is king for taxis and smaller shops. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The bank kiosk at immigration only takes cash. ATMs are available after you exit, but not before. Bring USD 25–60 in cash (exact change preferred) to avoid hassle.
Multiple entry vs single entry
If you plan to leave Egypt and come back (e.g., a day trip to Jordan or Israel), get the multiple-entry visa for USD 60. The single-entry visa is only valid for one arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Land and head to the bank kiosk
After deplaning at Cairo International Airport (or Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor), follow signs to 'Bank' or 'Visa on Arrival' before the immigration counters. There are clearly marked kiosks where you pay the fee.
2
Pay the visa fee and get your sticker
Hand over USD 25 (single entry) or USD 60 (multiple entry) in cash. The bank clerk gives you a visa sticker. Do not stick it in yourself — the immigration officer will do it.
3
Join the immigration queue
Proceed to the 'Foreign Passports' line. Hand over your passport, the visa sticker, and your arrival card (usually given on the plane). The officer will stamp and stick the visa. Keep your return ticket and hotel confirmation handy in case asked.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items. You're free to exit.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 11, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD (approx. €23)
Can be extended at an immigration office for a fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, valid 6 months
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. €55)
Ideal for multiple visits within the validity period.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayVaries (up to 1 year, renewable)
ValidityDepends on sponsor
CostVaries (typically $100–$300 USD)
Requires a sponsor in Egypt (employer, university, etc.).
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–$200 USD per year (processing fees)
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or property lease. Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200–$500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Egyptian company. Requires a work permit and residency registration. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100–$200 USD per year
For students enrolled at an Egyptian university or educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows stay for the duration of studies.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa (Residence by Investment)
1–5 years, renewable
Varies (minimum investment ~$50,000 USD)
For individuals investing in an Egyptian business or real estate. Requires proof of investment and a local partner. Offers long-term residency and potential citizenship path.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at the airport upon arrival. | $25 USD (approx. €23) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via the official eVisa portal before travel. | $25 USD (approx. €23) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry, 30 days per entry, valid 6 months)Available online or at some Egyptian embassies. | $60 USD (approx. €55) |
| Overstay finePayable at the airport immigration counter before departure. Accumulates daily. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9), no official cap |
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
French passport holders transiting through Egyptian airports do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward flight within 48 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
- Transit passengers with a valid US, UK, Schengen, or other visa may have relaxed rules but still must stay 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Recommended
Health risks
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water (Nile, canals); avoid swimming in untreated water.
Dengue feverLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in some areas; use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural areas in the Nile Delta or desert oases.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cairo
Passport and Immigration Office (Cairo)
Al Abageyah, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El Horreya Road, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions and permits for the northern coast region.
Practical information for FR 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, all international airports in Egypt (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, Marsa Alam) offer visa on arrival for French passport holders. Land borders (like Taba or Rafah) may have different rules — check ahead if crossing by land.
Single entry is USD 25, multiple entry is USD 60. Pay in cash at the bank kiosk before immigration. US dollars are easiest, but euros and Egyptian pounds are also accepted. Have exact change to avoid delays.
The single-entry visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. The multiple-entry visa also allows stays of up to 30 days per visit. Extensions are possible but require a visit to the passport office in Cairo or a local police station — not straightforward.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You need to go to the Passport and Immigration Office in Cairo (or a local police station in other cities) before your visa expires. Extensions cost around EGP 1,000–1,500 and can add 30 days. Start the process at least a week before expiry.
Digital is fine — show the confirmation on your phone. But having a printed copy is safer if your phone dies or has no signal. Immigration rarely asks, but it's good to have.
You may be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by immigration. The airline is required to check this before you fly. Book a refundable or flexible ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, Egypt offers an e-visa for French passport holders. It costs about USD 30 and is processed in 3–5 business days. The e-visa allows a single entry of up to 30 days. It's a good option if you want to skip the queue at the airport, but the visa on arrival is faster and cheaper for most.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 11, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.