Egypt entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Egypt — no need to apply before you travel. As of 2026, you pay the fee at the airport and receive a stamp valid for up to 30 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports and land borders. Pay the fee in USD, EUR, or GBP — bring exact cash as change may not be available. The visa is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Egypt. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return ticket | Immigration officers at Cairo Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight booking ready. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking | Officers may ask for your hotel reservation or host's address in Egypt. Have a printed confirmation or a digital copy on your phone. A simple booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Carry at least $1,000 USD in cash or have a credit card with sufficient limit. Immigration rarely checks, but if asked, show a bank statement or card with available credit. | Recommended |
Cash only at the visa kiosk
The bank kiosk does not accept credit cards or mobile payments. Bring USD 25 in cash (exact change preferred). ATMs are available after immigration, but you need the visa first.
Keep your entry stamp safe
The immigration officer stamps your passport on entry. You'll need that stamp when you leave — if it's damaged or missing, you may face delays or fines at departure.
What happens at the border
1
Get off the plane and follow signs
At Cairo International Airport (CAI), Hurghada (HRG), or Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH), follow the 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Bank' signs before the immigration counters.
2
Buy your visa sticker at the bank kiosk
Look for a small bank counter or kiosk near the immigration area. Pay USD 25 (cash) and receive a visa sticker. Do not join the immigration queue without it.
3
Paste the sticker into your passport
Peel the sticker and place it on a blank page. Some travellers ask the bank staff to do it, but you can do it yourself. Make sure it's straight and fully adhered.
4
Proceed to immigration
Hand over your passport with the sticker, plus your boarding pass and return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the entry stamp safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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. 400 EGP)
Apply online or at embassy; extension costs ~$10 USD.
Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 960 EGP)
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits.
Long-Stay Visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200 USD)
Requires employer or university sponsorship.
retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD per year
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds. Requires annual renewal and proof of income of at least $1,000 USD/month.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa (Employment Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign nationals with a job offer from an Egyptian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Manpower.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For students enrolled in an accredited Egyptian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (USD or EGP) at the airport upon arrival. | $25 USD (approx. 400 EGP) |
| Tourist Visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Can be obtained online via eVisa portal before travel. | $25 USD (approx. 400 EGP) |
| Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, allows multiple entries. | $60 USD (approx. 960 EGP) |
| Overstay fineNo maximum cap; pay at immigration office before departure. | $10 USD per day (approx. 160 EGP) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
South Africa passport holders transiting through Egypt 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 up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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, influenza)RecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Rift Valley fever)Moderate risk
Risk is present especially in rural areas and during warmer months.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh 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.
Malaria risk: low
Risk is low in most tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan) but present in rural areas of the Nile Delta and Sinai. Prophylaxis not routinely recommended for standard itineraries.
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)
El-Tahrir Square, Downtown Cairo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El-Gaish Road, Raml Station
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north coast region.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 53.39 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, at all major international airports: Cairo (CAI), Hurghada (HRG), Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH), Luxor (LXR), and Marsa Alam (RMF). Smaller airports may not have the facility — check before flying.
30 days from the date of entry. It's a single-entry visa — if you leave Egypt, you'll need a new one to return.
Yes, you can extend it once for another 30 days. Visit the Passport and Immigration Office in your city (e.g., in Cairo at the Mogamma building in Tahrir Square). The fee is around EGP 1,000 (about USD 20). Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
The bank kiosks usually accept EUR or GBP at a fair rate, but USD is easiest. Avoid large bills — they may not have change. ATMs are available after immigration, but you need the visa first.
If you stay airside and don't pass through immigration, you don't need a visa. But if you leave the transit area (e.g., to catch a connecting flight from a different terminal), you'll need a visa on arrival.
Yes, Egypt offers an e-visa for South Africans. It costs about USD 30 and takes 3–5 business days. It's useful if you want to skip the airport queue. Apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg.
You'll be fined EGP 100 (about USD 2) per day of overstay, payable at the airport before departure. Overstays longer than 90 days may result in a ban.
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.