Egypt entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Icelandic passport holders get a visa on arrival in Egypt — no need to apply in advance. Simply arrive at any international airport, pay the fee, and you'll receive a stamp valid for up to 30 days. This has been the policy since 2024 and remains unchanged for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Egyptian airports and land borders. Pay in USD, EUR, or GBP — cash only, no cards accepted. Single-entry visa costs $25 USD, multiple-entry costs $60 USD. Have a passport photo ready.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Egypt | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity left from the day you leave Egypt. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Cairo and Hurghada airports ask for a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. If you're flying out of Egypt, the airline also checks this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Immigration may ask for your hotel booking or a host's address. Have a printed confirmation or a screenshot ready on your phone. If you're staying with friends, a simple invitation letter with their address works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. ATMs are widely available in cities. | Recommended |
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Cairo Airport usually takes 10–15 minutes. Just follow the signs to the bank counter, pay $25 USD, get your sticker, and proceed to immigration. No forms to fill out in advance.
Cash only for visa fee
The bank counter does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring $25 USD (or EUR/GBP equivalent) in cash. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall but queues can be long.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
After landing at Cairo International Airport (CAI), Hurghada (HRG), Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH), or any other international airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank' before immigration.
2
Buy the visa sticker
Go to the bank counter near immigration. Pay $25 USD (or EUR/GBP equivalent) and receive a visa sticker. Keep the receipt.
3
Affix the sticker to your passport
Peel the sticker and place it on a blank page in your passport. Do not cover any existing stamps or information.
4
Proceed to immigration
Hand your passport (with the sticker) to the immigration officer. They will stamp it and return it. You're now cleared for up to 30 days.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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. 3,500 EGP)
Apply online or at embassy. Extension costs ~$10 USD.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, up to 6 months total
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 8,400 EGP)
Ideal for multiple visits. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Long-stay visa (investor/retirement)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost$1,000–$5,000 USD (depending on category)
Requires proof of investment or pension. Contact Egyptian embassy for details.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$1,000 USD initial fee + annual renewal ~$500 USD
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension (min. $2,000/month) and health insurance. Allows long-term stay without work.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$5,000 USD initial investment + fees
Requires investment of at least $100,000 USD in Egyptian business or real estate. Provides residency and potential citizenship path.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa (Temporary Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$500–$1,000 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign employees with a job offer from an Egyptian company. Requires labor ministry approval and health check.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (plus tuition)
For enrolled students at recognized Egyptian universities. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
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. 3,500 EGP) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via official eVisa portal or at embassy. | $25 USD (approx. 3,500 EGP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries, max stay 30 days per entry. | $60 USD (approx. 8,400 EGP) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap; fines accumulate daily. Pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. 1,400 EGP) |
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
Iceland passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Egyptian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 48 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying over 48 hours, a visa on arrival is required.
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 strict hygiene and consider antibiotics.
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 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 most tourists, but consider if visiting remote 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, near Al-Azhar Park, Cairo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El-Gaish Road, Raml Station, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north coast region.
Practical information for IS travellers
Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 53.32 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
The single-entry visa valid for 30 days costs $25 USD (or equivalent in EUR or GBP). You pay at the bank counter before immigration. Credit cards are not accepted — bring cash.
Yes, you can extend your visa once for an additional 30 days. Visit the Passport and Immigration Office in Cairo (or a local police station in tourist areas) before your initial 30 days expire. The extension fee is around 1000 EGP (about $20 USD).
You will be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Egyptian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you stay airside and your layover is under 12 hours, you generally do not need a visa. If you leave the airport or have a longer layover, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Yes, all international airports in Egypt offer visa on arrival for Icelandic passport holders. This includes Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, and Marsa Alam.
Have your passport (with the visa sticker affixed), your return ticket (screenshot is fine), and your first night's hotel booking confirmation. Immigration officers rarely ask for more, but it's smart to have them handy.
No, travel insurance is not a legal requirement for entry. However, it's strongly recommended because medical costs in Egypt can be high — a hospital stay can easily cost hundreds of dollars per day.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.