Egypt entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated June 1, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Egypt. Pay the fee and receive a stamp at the airport — no need to apply before you travel. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a 30-day single-entry visa on arrival at Egyptian airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor). Cost is $25 USD in cash (exact change). Have a passport photo ready — they don't always ask but it speeds things up. The visa counter is before immigration, not after.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date in Egypt. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. No exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight booking ready. Without it, you risk being refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Have your hotel reservation or host's address and phone number ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying — they've turned people away who couldn't name their hotel. A printed booking confirmation works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial proof | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a credit card with a visible limit. Immigration rarely checks, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. ATMs at Cairo Airport work reliably for most international cards. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa counter only accepts cash — USD, EUR, or GBP. No cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
E-visa alternative
If you want to skip the airport queue, apply for an e-visa online before you go. It costs the same (USD 25) and takes 3–5 business days. The e-visa is single-entry for 30 days.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
After landing at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, or Luxor, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank' before passport control.
2
Buy the visa sticker
At the bank counter or kiosk near immigration, pay USD 25 cash and receive a visa sticker. They'll hand it to you — do not stick it in yourself yet.
3
Proceed to passport control
Hand your passport (with the sticker still loose), the visa fee receipt, and your boarding pass to the immigration officer. They will affix the sticker and stamp you in.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags from baggage claim and walk through customs. No further forms needed.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 1, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry) – pre-arranged
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$25 USD (same as VoA, but can be obtained in advance)
Apply at Egyptian embassy in Wellington or online via official eVisa portal.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost$60 USD
Good for multiple visits. Apply at embassy or eVisa.
Long-stay tourist visa (3 months)
Max stay90 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100 USD
Available at Egyptian embassy. Requires sponsor or hotel letter.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year (including processing)
For those aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires a local sponsor or property rental. Allows multiple entries.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa (Employment Residence)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD (employer covers most fees)
Requires a job offer from an Egyptian company and a work permit. Sponsored by employer. Allows family to join.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For enrolled students at recognized Egyptian universities or language schools. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa (Long-Term Residence)
5 years, renewable
~$10,000 USD (investment minimum varies)
For those investing in Egyptian real estate or business. Minimum investment of $50,000 USD. Includes residency for family.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Valid for 30 days. Must have exact cash or use ATM at airport. | $25 USD (paid in USD/EUR/GBP at bank counter before immigration) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure to avoid issues. | $10 USD per day (no official cap, but typically up to $100 USD) |
| Tourist visa extension (30 days)Apply at passport office in Cairo or Alexandria before visa expires. | $50 USD (plus processing fee ~$10 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Unconfirmed accommodation20%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Egypt do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or exiting the airport, a visa on arrival is 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 yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)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 is low but present in some areas; use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is very low in tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Red Sea resorts). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural Nile Delta or Sinai.
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 08:00–14:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, 2 photos, and fee in cash.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport Office
El Horreya Road, Raml Station, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Less crowded than Cairo. Same services available.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 51.94 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, the visa on arrival is available at all international airports: Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, Marsa Alam, and Borg El Arab (Alexandria). It's not available at land borders or seaports.
USD 25 (or equivalent in EUR or GBP). You must pay in cash — exact change is preferred. Cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It can be extended once for another 30 days at a passport office in Egypt (e.g., in Cairo or Hurghada) for a fee of about EGP 1,000–1,500.
Yes, immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready.
Yes, New Zealanders can apply for an e-visa online before travel. It costs about USD 25 and takes 3–5 business days. The e-visa allows a single entry for 30 days. It's a good option if you want to skip the airport queue.
Overstaying costs EGP 100 per day (about USD 3–4). You pay at the airport before departure. It's not a big deal, but avoid it if you can.
No mandatory vaccinations for entry. But Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Polio are recommended. Check with your doctor 4–6 weeks before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 1, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.