Visa

It’s best to apply for your visa before you arrive in egypt. You can do so in person at the egyptian conslate in London or via post. Further information can be found by reading below or click here for the official website. There are other options which are listed below. In all cases, a visa doesn't guarantee entry into Egypt. They can bar you at their own discretion, however we've found that getting a visa before arrival is generally better than at the airport.

Ways to obtain a visa for Egypt:

1. At the airport: This is a sticker and it's valid for 30 days if you're leaving within those 30 days, or 14 days if you plan to stay longer than a month.

This is the best option if you plan for a short trip to Egypt or a holiday up to 30 days. You can fly out without a visa and once you land, obtain a visa after entering the terminal building and before passing immigration. Go to any bank (clear signs everywhere) and pay for the visa. As of August 2018, the visa costs $25 US or the equivalent in foreign currency.

Be careful as they may want to charge £25. Don't fall for this, tell them to do a conversion and give your change (they may not have dollars and sterling, so will give change in EGP which is normal.) This visa is a 2 week visa, and along with the extra 2 week grace period, you get a full 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, you must extend the visa via the methods below.

2. Online: This is valid for 30 days and costs $25 or $60 for multiple entry.
This is the most hassle free method. Visit the following site and complete your application: https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/
You will receive an email with visa information. Print 2 copies as they may take a copy from you at immigration.

3. At the Consulate: This is valid for 60 or 90 days if you opt for multiple entry.
This is the best method if you plan to stay for an extended period in Egypt. You can obtain this visa 2 ways.

1. In person: go to the address below with the documents mentioned on the link below. You will have to return the day after to collect.
2. Via post: get all your documents ready (mentioned in the link below) then go to any Post Office to send it off as you will need to buy a postal order. We recommend sending using recorded delivery as the consulate will not accept liability if the envelope is misplaced on the way. You must also include another envelope for return delivery. This can be to any address you wish - make sure you also add recorded delivery to this. You may send more than one passport/form in the same envelope.

Download the visa application form by clicking here.

The official site has most details about the process and requirements.
https://egyptianconsulate.co.uk/visas/

This is the address to visit or send your application to:
2 Lowndes St, Belgravia, London SW1X 9ET

The online and consulate visas are all valid 6 months from the issue date. You can renew your visa once you are in Egypt (see below).

There are fines for not having a valid visa (overstaying) or entry stamp in your passport on departure from Egypt. You do have a 2 week grace period after your visa expires. Expect to pay around 1000 EGP for up to 3 months without a visa. Add on 500 EGP for every 3 months after that. Adults over 16 will always pay the fine. Children do not pay - however bear in mind that this is not an official rule, simply what is practised at the airport so you should always have visas for everyone travelling with you.

Renewing your Visa

What to Bring:

1. Your passport/s - if you are married and your spouse has a different surname, you’ll need a marriage certificate. 
2. A rental contract stamped at the local Public Notary Office or Real Estate Registration Office. You will need the landlord to get this for you - make sure you tell him/her this before agreeing a contract for your apartment. 
3. A photocopy of your passport photo page. 
4. A photocopy of the page with your previous visa. 
5. A photocopy of your entry stamp - if its on the same page as the previous visa, ignore this. 
6. 2 passport-sized photos of yourself. 
7. A pen to fill in the forms. 
8. The fees for renewing and any fines you may incur. 
9. Lots of patience - and a bottle of water. 

The Process:

At Nasr City Police Station

You must make an appointment before you can renew. Typically (in 2017/18) appointments are given around 2 months in advance, so go at least 6 weeks before your visa expires and book an appointment. They will give you a slip of paper with details of your appointment, so keep that safe.

Once you are there, this is the process:

• Arrive at 8 AM 
• Wait for your name to be called out from the appointment book 
• Get your application/s signed by the main person there - you’ll receive a number 
• Go to the visa window which opens at 9 AM. Take the time to fill in your forms. They will call your number soon. 
• Give them your forms. Go to the cashier's window inside to pay around 40 EGP. 
• Bring the receipt back to the visa people. They will keep your passports and documents (see: what to bring) and ask you to return on the same day at 2 PM. 
• Return and receive your passports. You will get a visa valid up to 3 months - maybe less. 
• Repeat the process if necessary, the second time should be easier and you may not need to submit as many documents. 

At Mogamma in Tahrir Square

• Get the photocopies and passport photo done before you go there, but if you forget, you can get them done when you get to the Mogamma. Photo and copy center is to the right, past the main staircase (is usually costs more than if you got it done near home). You will probably need to use your elbows to maintain your place in line since people try to push in.
• Arrive at Mogamma, the earlier the better. The building opens at 8AM. It’s highly recommend to make sure there’s nothing major happening that day in Tahrir. 
• Go through security. If you’re carrying a camera, they’ll ask you to check it at the entrance. 
• If you didn’t get your photocopies and passport photos in advance, do so now. 
• Go up the man staircase on your right. 
• Go down the linoleum lined hallway to the right at the top of the stairs. 
• Look for visa renewal (window 12) It’s near the end of the hallway. They will ask you to fill in the paperwork first. 
• Find a table behind you and fill in the paperwork. It’s an A3-sized page. 
• Return to window 12 and hand everything in (see: what to bring). They will write some things on the form and in your passport. They will return everything to you along with an invoice that states how much you need to pay. 
• Find the bank, make the payment and return to window 12. 
• Submit all the documents (you will keep your passport). They will ask you to return the next day at 9AM (you may wait for another day if it isn’t convenient for you as long as it’s at 9AM). 
• Return to the Mogamma the next day, go back through security, back up the stairs and down the hall. Look for window 38, hand in your passport and they will tell you to come back at 1PM. 
• You can wait inside, or go outside and take a walk along the Nile which is a 5 minute walk away. 
• Return at 1PM and join the massive throng of people waiting for their visas at window 38. 
• Your visa is ready when someone holds up your form with your photo attached. Make your way to the window to pick up your passport. Note: this can take up to 2 hours. 

Additional information:

To buy a rental contract visit any stationary or photocopying place. They will usually have it, or can guide you to where you may procure a copy. It is usually on blue paper but doesn't matter what colour. An example can be seen if you click here.

Markaz Taqwa Print shop or the big stationary shop in Swissery B or the stationary shop in Swissery A sells the contracts.. Costs 1-2LE.

If you use a Nasr City address, they will ask for a stamped contract (authenticated by the Real Estate Registration Office or Shahr Aqari)

Addresses in Maadi, Garden City or other areas close to Tahrir Square don’t require the stamp many times - however they will ask for the stamped contract if they feel like it.

The location for the Shahr Aqari in Nasr City is here. Each borough has its own office, so go to the office closest to you - search for Real Estate Registration Office on Google Maps.

This process costs around 20 EGP and must be done by your landlord. Make sure to negotiate this when agreeing your contract with him originally.