Egypt entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Irish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Egypt — no need to apply in advance. Simply arrive at the airport, pay the fee, and you're in. This has been the case for 2026 and remains the standard entry method for tourism.
Apply for Egypt eVisaSingle and multiple entry. Processing 3–7 business days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at any Egyptian international airport. Pay the fee in cash — USD, EUR, or GBP accepted (around $25 USD for a single-entry 30-day visa). Have a passport photo ready, though they often skip asking for it. The queue moves fast at Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, slower at Cairo.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Egypt | Egypt enforces the 6-month validity rule strictly at check-in and immigration. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Airlines double-check this — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | You must show a return or onward ticket to leave Egypt within your visa's validity. Immigration officers at Cairo Airport ask for it routinely. If you overstay, the fine is 100 EGP per day (about $2 USD), paid at the airport departure hall. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely asks, but if you arrive without a clear address, they may pull you aside for extra questions. A simple Booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $1,000 USD equivalent in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration almost never checks this for Western tourists, but it's a formal requirement. ATMs in Egypt dispense EGP, not foreign currency. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa counter at Egyptian airports only accepts cash — no credit or debit cards. Bring $25 USD in cash (or the equivalent in Egyptian pounds). Exact change is appreciated.
eSIMs save time at the airport
Instead of queuing for a local SIM at the airport, install an Airalo eSIM before you travel. It activates the moment you land, so you have data immediately.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
After landing at Cairo International Airport (or Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, etc.), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank' before passport control.
2
Buy the visa sticker
Go to the bank counter near passport control. Pay the fee (around $25 USD) and receive a visa sticker. Do not join the immigration queue without it.
3
Affix the sticker
Peel the sticker and place it on a blank page in your passport. Some counters will do this for you; if not, do it yourself.
4
Proceed to passport control
Hand over your passport with the sticker, your boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp you in.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from baggage claim and proceed through customs. You're now in Egypt.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
Cost$25 USD (approx. €23)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from Egyptian embassy. Extension costs ~$10 USD.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, valid for 6 months
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. €55)
Available from Egyptian embassy before travel. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. €92) plus processing fees
Requires a local employer sponsor and approval from the Ministry of Manpower. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. €46) plus university fees
For enrolled students at recognized Egyptian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. €184) plus proof of pension/investment
For retirees aged 60+ with stable income. Requires proof of funds and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP) at airport bank kiosks before immigration. | $25 USD (approx. €23) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap; fines accumulate daily. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. €9) |
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
Irish passport holders transiting through Egyptian airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed
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 (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)Essential
Health risks
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
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 urban/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 Abageyah, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash (USD/EGP).
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El Horreya Road, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Handles extensions and residency permits. Arrive early to avoid queues.
Practical information for IE travellers
Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 49.11 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
The standard fee is $25 USD (or the equivalent in Egyptian pounds). Pay in cash at the bank counter before passport control. Exact change helps.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
If you stay airside and don't pass through passport control, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Egyptian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, Egypt offers an e-visa for Irish citizens. It's optional — the visa on arrival works fine. The e-visa costs around $25 and takes a few days to process.
Yes, it's available at all major international airports: Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, and Marsa Alam. Smaller airports may not have the facility.
Your passport with the visa sticker, a return or onward ticket (screenshot is fine), and sometimes proof of accommodation. Have them ready to speed things up.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.