Egypt entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt. You must arrange this before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option for your nationality, and the eVisa portal is not available to you. Plan ahead and apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have a visa stamped in your passport before you fly. Obtain before travel | Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Egypt. Apply at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate. The eVisa is not available for Sri Lankan citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date well before your trip. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Egypt. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe page must be blank on both sides, not just one. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and border officials often require this to confirm you won't overstay. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Egypt before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof can speed up entry. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Egypt, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceProtects you against unexpected costs while abroad. Recommended | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and trip cancellation is strongly recommended. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Sri Lankan citizens entering Egypt. | Not required |
No eVisa, no visa on arrival — plan ahead
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot use Egypt's eVisa system or get a visa at the airport. You must apply through an Egyptian embassy or consulate before you fly. Last-minute applications can cause missed trips.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Even if you have a valid visa, you'll be turned away if your passport doesn't meet this rule. Check your passport now.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate
Find the Egyptian diplomatic mission that covers your area (e.g., in Colombo or New Delhi). Call or email them to confirm the exact application procedure, required documents, and fee — requirements can change.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather your passport, photos, completed form, travel itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements, and fee. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will likely keep copies and return originals.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Some embassies require you to appear in person; others accept postal applications. If in person, arrive early. If by mail, use a tracked service and include a prepaid return envelope.
4
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5–10 working days, but can take longer during peak seasons. Check the embassy's website for current timelines. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the dates and spelling of your name immediately — errors must be corrected before you travel.
6
Arrive in Egypt and go through immigration
At Cairo International or any other Egyptian airport, join the 'Foreigners' queue. Present your passport with the visa, and your boarding pass. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your passport safe — you'll need it for hotel check-ins.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa on arrival
Max stay30 days
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$25
Requires a letter from the inviting company in Egypt; obtainable at major airports.
Tourist visa extension
Max stayAdditional 30 days
ValidityExtends current visa
CostApprox. $50
Apply before current visa expires; may require proof of funds and accommodation.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
$200 USD (approx. 60,000 EGP) per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires health insurance and no criminal record.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa
1 year, renewable
$300 USD (approx. 90,000 EGP) per year
Requires a job offer from an Egyptian employer and work permit approval. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable
$150 USD (approx. 45,000 EGP) per year
For enrolled students at recognized Egyptian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa on arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days; obtainable at major airports and some land borders. | $25 |
| Tourist visa on arrival (multiple entry)Valid for 30 days; available at major airports. | $60 |
| Visa extensionExtension for up to 30 additional days; apply at the Passport and Immigration Office in Cairo or other major cities. | Approx. $50 |
| Overstay finePayable at airport immigration or police station before departure. | 100 EGP per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Sri Lankan passport holders transiting through Egyptian airports without leaving the international transit area do not require a visa for stays up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight in a hotel, you must obtain a transit visa or a tourist visa on arrival.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food and water contamination; practice safe eating and drinking.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent and sleep under nets in risk areas.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water; avoid contact with Nile or canals.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas of the Nile Delta and southern regions; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban tourists.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Cairo
Cairo Immigration Office
5 Al-Ma'moun St., Nasr City
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency.
Alexandria
Alexandria Immigration Office
22 Al-Gaish St., Raml Station
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for northern region.
Practical information for LK 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
Getting to Egypt
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Egypt — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Sri Lankan passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Egypt. You must obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. The eVisa system is not available for Sri Lankan passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate in person or by mail.
Processing usually takes 5–10 working days, but it can take longer if the embassy is busy or if additional documents are requested. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee varies by embassy and visa type (single-entry vs. multiple-entry). Contact the Egyptian embassy in Colombo or the nearest consulate for the current fee. Expect to pay in cash or by money order.
If you stay in the international transit area and don't pass through immigration, you generally don't need a visa. However, if you plan to leave the airport or stay overnight in a hotel, you must have a visa. Confirm with your airline.
No. The visa for Sri Lankan passport holders is not extendable. You must leave Egypt before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and deportation.
At the immigration desk, present your passport with the visa sticker, your boarding pass, and possibly proof of accommodation. The officer may ask about your purpose of visit. Answer clearly and confidently.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.