Egypt entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Egypt — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport with your passport and cash. This has been the case for 2026 and remains the simplest option for most travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply at airport upon arrival | Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. Have $25 USD in cash ready for the visa fee — the exchange rate at the airport is poor. The visa is a single-entry sticker valid for 30 days.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Egypt. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Cairo and Hurghada airports routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready. If you are flying out of Egypt, the airline may also check this at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed copy of your hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you are arriving without a pre-booked tour. A simple booking confirmation email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $1,000 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks this for short tourist stays, but it is better to be prepared. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival desk only accepts cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring $25 USD in crisp, undamaged notes. ATMs are after immigration, so you can't withdraw before paying.
Visa on arrival is the standard option
You do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy. Just show up at the airport with your passport and cash. It's the simplest method for most travellers.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at any international airport in Egypt — Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank' before immigration.
2
Buy the visa sticker
Go to the bank counter (usually right before immigration). Pay the fee in USD or EUR — around $25 for a single-entry 30-day visa. You'll get a sticker.
3
Paste the sticker in your passport
Peel the sticker and place it on a blank page. Do not cover any existing stamps or pages.
4
Queue at immigration
Present your passport with the sticker, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After the stamp, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're in.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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. 2,250 EGP)
Apply online or at embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, total 90 days per 6-month period
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 5,400 EGP)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Long-stay tourist visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost$100–150 USD
Available through embassy for those with strong ties. Requires sponsor or property.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD per year (including fees)
For those aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $2,000/month). Requires local sponsor or property. Allows long-term stay.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$1,000–5,000 USD (depending on investment)
For those investing in real estate (min. $50,000 USD) or business. Requires proof of investment and local partner. Fast track available.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$300–600 USD (employer-sponsored)
Requires a job offer from an Egyptian company and work permit approval. Employer handles most paperwork. Allows family sponsorship.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–400 USD (plus tuition)
For enrollment in recognized Egyptian universities or language programs. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, GBP) at airport bank kiosks before immigration. | $25 USD (approx. 2,250 EGP) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via official eVisa portal or at embassy. | $25 USD (approx. 2,250 EGP) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, allows multiple entries. | $60 USD (approx. 5,400 EGP) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap; pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. 900 EGP) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extensions are rare for VoA; apply at passport office in advance. | Varies, typically $50–100 USD |
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
Russian passport holders transiting through Egyptian airports do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa is allowed for up to 48 hours if holding a confirmed onward ticket and staying in the transit area.
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)Essential
Health risks
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk
Common due to food and water contamination; 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; risk is low but present in some areas; use repellent.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, resorts). Prophylaxis not routinely recommended but consider for rural areas in the Nile Delta.
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
Handles extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport Office
El Horreya Road, Bab Sharqi, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–14:00
Less crowded than Cairo. Same services available.
Practical information for RU travellers
Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 52.93 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 single-entry 30-day visa costs $25 USD (or equivalent in EUR). Bring exact change if possible. Some airports also accept GBP, but USD is safest.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
Visa on arrival is available at all international airports. At land borders (like Taba or Rafah) and seaports, you may need to arrange a visa in advance. Check with the nearest Egyptian consulate.
No, the visa desk only accepts cash. There are ATMs after immigration, but you need cash before you get through. Bring USD or EUR.
If you stay airside and don't pass immigration, you don't need a visa. If you want to leave the airport during a layover, you need the visa on arrival.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes, as of 2026, all Russian citizens with a valid passport can get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. No prior approval needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.