Visas & Documents

Do I need an e-visa or full Egypt visa to visit Cairo, or is the free Sinai entry stamp enough?

Electronic migration cards are being piloted only at Cairo airport and the system is unreliable — it's not guaranteed to work. Illegal workarounds to reach Cairo without a proper visa (e.g. arranging it through a local guide) are risky — some travelers end up stuck with only the free Sinai stamp and no way into Cairo.

3 sources · 1 day ago

How to get an Egypt visa on arrival in Cairo in 2026 (new digital QR visa system)?

Since August 1, 2026, Cairo airport issues a digital visa (QR code) instead of a sticker for $30 (some sources say $36), card payment only. Hurghada still uses the old system, and Sharm el-Sheikh stays visa-free for up to 15 days with the Sinai stamp.

2 sources · 11 days ago

How to pay an overstay visa fine at Cairo airport when leaving Egypt?

You can pay the overstay fine directly at Cairo airport before departure — often a reduced amount or nothing at all; document copies aren't always required, but with a serious overstay you may be held until you buy a ticket.

1 source · 19 days ago

Can Kazakhstan citizens get an e-visa or extend a tourist visa in Egypt?

Kazakhstan is no longer on Egypt's e-visa eligibility list — citizens can only get a standard 30-day visa, and extensions are frequently refused.

1 source · 33 days ago

Does staying 31 days on a standard Egypt tourist visa count as an overstay, and can you be fined when departing from Cairo?

Recent traveler reports suggest Egypt’s standard tourist visa is now being enforced as exactly 30 days, and if immigration sees you stayed longer, you may be asked to pay an overstay fine when departing from Cairo. The old 30 nights/31 days workaround that sometimes passed before is now considered risky.

3 sources · 10 days ago

What overstay fee is charged at Cairo airport if your Egypt visa has expired, and are there exemptions for children or travelers over 60?

Travelers report that Cairo airport is usually more lenient than Red Sea resorts: the residency/tourist overstay tax is generally not charged there, and children under 16 plus travelers over 60 are exempt. In resort airports such as Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, people mention fees around USD 150, while Cairo reports mention a much smaller charge of about USD 30.

1 source · 41 days ago

Do I need a visa for transit through Cairo to Sharm el-Sheikh?

Yes, a visa is required. Cairo is not part of the Sinai free zone, so you cannot board a connecting flight to Sharm el-Sheikh without one. On-arrival purchase is restricted — get it in advance or via a tour operator guarantee letter.

2 sources · 9 days ago