Egypt entry requirements for Zambia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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

Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt in 2026. You can apply for an e-visa online before you travel or get a visa on arrival at major airports like Cairo and Hurghada. Plan ahead to avoid delays.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply before travel
Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt. Apply online at the official eVisa portal before departure. Processing takes up to 7 business days, so submit at least 2 weeks ahead.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Egypt. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll 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 flight or a ticket to your next destination ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Egypt. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have proof on hand.Recommended
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Egypt, not from your departure date. Check your passport now.
Keep cash for visa on arrival
If you plan to get a visa on arrival, bring $25 USD in cash. The airport counters may not accept cards or other currencies.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for e-visa online
Go to visa2egypt.gov.eg, fill in your details, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee. Processing takes 3–7 business days. Print the approval email and bring it with you.
2
Arrive at Egyptian airport
At Cairo, Hurghada, or Luxor airports, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. If you have an e-visa, go directly to passport control.
3
Get visa on arrival (if needed)
At the visa counter, pay the fee (typically $25 USD) in cash. You'll receive a sticker to put in your passport. Then proceed to immigration.
4
Pass through immigration
Hand over your passport, visa (if on arrival), and any requested documents. The officer may ask about your stay and return ticket. Answer clearly and calmly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to leave the airport.
Download Egypt Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$25 USD (approx. 25 USD)

Available on arrival or eVisa; must have valid passport and return ticket.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 60 USD)

Ideal for frequent visitors; allows multiple entries within validity.

Work visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; employer-sponsored

Requires job offer and employer sponsorship; processed by Egyptian embassy.

Student visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries; university-sponsored

Requires acceptance at an Egyptian educational institution.

retirement visa
Egypt Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$500 USD / year (approx. 500 USD)
For retirees aged 60+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (approx. $2,000/month). Allows long-term stay without work.
work visa
Egypt Work Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer covers fees
Requires a job offer from an Egyptian company and government approval. Valid for one year, renewable.
student visa
Egypt Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD / year (approx. 200 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized Egyptian institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Egypt Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
Varies; based on investment amount
For individuals investing in Egyptian businesses or real estate (minimum $50,000 USD). Includes residency rights.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Available on arrival or via eVisa; valid for 30 days.$25 USD (approx. 25 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for 6 months, multiple entries, 30 days per stay.$60 USD (approx. 60 USD)
Overstay fineNo official cap, but fines accumulate daily.$10 USD per day (approx. 10 USD/day)
Visa extension (if applicable)Extensions are rare for tourists; apply at immigration office before visa expiry.Varies; typically $50–100 USD

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

Zambia passport holders transiting through Egypt do not need a transit visa if staying airside and departing within 48 hours. For landside transit, a visa is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 48h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 risk (e.g., Zambia). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Traveler's diarrheaHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.

SchistosomiasisModerate risk

Risk from swimming in fresh water (e.g., Nile); avoid contact with untreated water.

Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Rift Valley fever)Low risk

Low risk for most tourists; use insect repellent in rural areas.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low in urban areas and tourist sites; prophylaxis not routinely recommended, but consider in rural Nile Delta regions.

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, Downtown Cairo
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and application form.

Alexandria
Alexandria Passport and Immigration Office
El-Gaish Road, Raml Station, Alexandria
Sun–Thu 08:00–15:00

Handles visa extensions for visitors in the northern region.

Practical information for ZM travellers

Country basics
CapitalCairo
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencyEgyptian Pound (EGP)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 52.22 EGP
updated May 31
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
Police122
Medical123
US EmbassyFind contact

Nearby destinations you can also visit

Countries close to Egypt — with your same passport.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. You can apply for an e-visa online before you travel or get a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports. Both options are available to Zambian passport holders.
The e-visa fee is around $25 USD for a single-entry visa. Payment is made online during the application process.
Processing usually takes 3 to 7 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to avoid last-minute issues.
Yes. At Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, and Sharm El Sheikh airports, you can get a visa on arrival. Pay the fee (about $25 USD) in cash at the counter before immigration.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), your visa (e-visa printout or on-arrival sticker), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs can be high if you need treatment.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You'd need to visit an immigration office in Egypt before your visa expires. The process can be slow, so it's better to plan your trip within the visa's validity.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.