๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ฌ

Egypt

Africa

Egypt offers affordable living, ancient wonders, and growing digital nomad communities in destinations like Dahab and Cairo. With an e-visa system for over 74 countries, straightforward tourist visa extensions up to 6 months, and low cost of living, Egypt is increasingly popular among remote workers seeking adventure, beach lifestyle, and unique cultural experiences at budget-friendly prices.

5
Visa Types
10
Nationalities visa-free
๐ŸชชYour Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

๐ŸŽซ Available Visa Types

โญRecommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Tourist E-Visa (Single Entry)

The most popular option for short visits. Apply online and receive your visa via email within 3-7 days. Valid for 30 days with extension possibility.

30 days
Duration
$25
โ€” fee
+$35 additional
โš ๏ธRemote Work: Grey Area

Working remotely on a tourist visa is technically not permitted under Egyptian law. However, there is no specific enforcement against digital nomads working online for foreign employers. Egypt has no digital nomad visa. Staying over 183 days (continuous or intermittent within 12 months) may trigger Egyptian tax residency.

โœ… Key Benefits

โœ“Convenient online application from anywhere
โœ“Fast processing within 3-7 days
โœ“No embassy visit required
โœ“Entry through all major airports and Taba land crossing
โœ“Extendable up to 6 months while in Egypt
โœ“Simple application process in English
๐Ÿ“‹ Requirements (6)
  • โ€ขPassport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
  • โ€ขAt least one blank passport page for visa stamp
  • โ€ขDigital passport photo meeting Egyptian requirements
  • โ€ขValid credit or debit card for online payment
  • โ€ขReturn or onward flight ticket
  • โ€ขProof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation)
๐Ÿ“ Application Process
โœ“ Online Applicationโฑ 3-5 working days
  1. 1Create an account on visa2egypt.gov.eg
  2. 2Complete the online application form with personal and travel details
  3. 3Upload scanned passport bio page and digital photo
  4. 4Pay the $25 USD fee using credit or debit card
  5. 5Receive e-visa via email within 3-7 working days
  6. 6Print the e-visa PDF to present at immigration upon arrival
Apply Online
๐Ÿ”„ Extension & Renewal

Extension: 90 days (max x)

Cost: $42

Process: Extensions processed at the Passports, Emigration and Nationality Administration in Abbassia, Cairo (12 Al Seka Al Bayda, Al Wayli). Regional offices in Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor. Fee approximately EGP 2,090 (~$42 USD) for a Foreign Residence Card covering 3 additional months. Process requires two visits: first for application submission, document verification, fee payment, and biometrics; second for collection. Bring passport, copies of visa pages, passport photos, proof of accommodation, and bank statements. Offices open 8am-2pm Saturday-Thursday.

Renewal: After leaving Egypt, you can apply for a new e-visa immediately. There is no limit to how many times you can apply.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Tax Implications

Individuals staying more than 183 days (continuous or intermittent) within 12 months become Egyptian tax residents, taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates from 0% to 27.5%. Non-residents are only taxed on Egyptian-source income. The first EGP 40,000 of annual income is tax-free, plus an additional EGP 20,000 salary tax exemption.

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tips

  • โ€ขApply at least 7 working days before travel to avoid delays
  • โ€ขUse only the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg to avoid scams
  • โ€ขPrint a color copy of your e-visa for best results
  • โ€ขHave proof of accommodation ready for immigration
  • โ€ขStart extension process 1-2 weeks before visa expires to avoid overstay fines
โญRecommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

5-Year Multiple Entry Visa

Long-term visa for frequent visitors. $700 USD fee but allows unlimited entries over 5 years with stays up to 180 days per visit. Ideal for digital nomads and regular travelers.

180 days
Duration
$700
โ€” fee
+$50 additional
โš ๏ธRemote Work: Grey Area

Working remotely on a tourist visa is technically not permitted under Egyptian law. However, the 5-year multiple entry visa with 180-day stays is popular among digital nomads due to its flexibility. No specific enforcement against remote workers for foreign employers. Egypt has no digital nomad visa.

โœ… Key Benefits

โœ“5 years of unlimited entries
โœ“Extended 180-day stays per visit (doubled from 90 days in September 2025)
โœ“Perfect for regular visitors and digital nomads
โœ“Can be obtained on arrival if holding US/UK/Schengen visa
โœ“No repeated visa applications for 5 years
โœ“Flexibility to come and go freely
๐Ÿ“‹ Requirements (8)
  • โ€ขValid passport for entire visa duration (5+ years recommended)
  • โ€ขAt least 3 blank passport pages
  • โ€ขCompleted visa application form
  • โ€ขTwo recent passport-sized photos
  • โ€ขCitizens of ~180 countries (EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) can apply directly. Nationals of other countries need a valid visa from US, UK, Schengen, Japan, or New Zealand.
  • โ€ขProof of sufficient funds
  • โ€ขTravel history documentation
  • โ€ขStay extended from 90 to 180 days per entry since September 2025
๐Ÿ“ Application Process
Embassy Requiredโฑ 2-4 weeks at embassy; immediate if eligible at airport
  1. 1Check eligibility - must hold valid visa from US/UK/Schengen/Japan/NZ for airport option
  2. 2Schedule appointment at Egyptian embassy or consulate
  3. 3Submit completed application with all required documents
  4. 4Pay $700 USD visa fee (cash or cashier's check)
  5. 5Wait for processing (2-4 weeks typical)
  6. 6Collect passport with visa or receive by mail
  7. 7Alternative: Apply upon arrival at airport if holding qualifying visa
Apply Online
๐Ÿ”„ Extension & Renewal

Extension: 90 days (max x)

Cost: $50

Process: Each 180-day stay can be extended at immigration offices. Extension process same as standard tourist visa.

Renewal: After 5 years, apply for a new visa. Passport must remain valid for intended stay.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Tax Implications

Individuals staying more than 183 days (continuous or intermittent) within 12 months become Egyptian tax residents, taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates from 0% to 27.5%. Non-residents are only taxed on Egyptian-source income. The 180-day per-entry limit keeps most visitors just under the 183-day tax residency threshold. The first EGP 40,000 of annual income is tax-free, plus an additional EGP 20,000 salary tax exemption.

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tips

  • โ€ขCost-effective if visiting Egypt 4+ times over 5 years
  • โ€ขHolders of qualifying visas can obtain at airport instead of embassy
  • โ€ขEnsure passport validity covers the full 5-year period
  • โ€ขPopular among digital nomads doing extended stays
  • โ€ขCombine with extensions for even longer continuous stays

Tourist E-Visa (Multiple Entry)

TouristPopular

Ideal for frequent visitors. Allows multiple entries within 180 days, with each stay limited to 30 days. Perfect for exploring neighboring countries while based in Egypt.

30d
Duration
$60
โ€” fee
+$120 additional
๐Ÿ“Apply: Embassy
โฑ3-5 working days
๐Ÿ”„Extendable +90d
View full details
๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Multiple entry e-visa feeOfficial government fee for 180-day validity
$60โ€”
Additional (estimated)
Travel insurance (6 months)Extended coverage recommended for multi-entry travelers
$120โ€”
Required Total
$60โ€”
+ Additional (estimated)
$120โ€”
Estimated Total
$180โ€”
๐Ÿ’ก Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

๐Ÿ“‹ Requirements

  • โ€ขPassport valid for at least 6 months from first arrival
  • โ€ขAt least two blank passport pages
  • โ€ขDigital passport photo meeting Egyptian requirements
  • โ€ขValid credit or debit card for online payment
  • โ€ขTravel itinerary or planned entry dates
  • โ€ขProof of accommodation for initial stay

๐Ÿ“ Application Steps

  1. 1Create an account on visa2egypt.gov.eg
  2. 2Select Multiple Entry visa option
  3. 3Complete the online application with travel plans
  4. 4Upload scanned passport bio page and digital photo
  5. 5Pay the $60 USD fee using credit or debit card
  6. 6Receive e-visa via email within 3-7 working days
  7. 7Print the e-visa PDF for each entry into Egypt

โš ๏ธ Restrictions

  • โ€ขEach stay limited to 30 days maximum
  • โ€ขTotal validity 180 days from issue date
  • โ€ขCannot work on this visa
  • โ€ขMust exit and re-enter for new 30-day period
  • โ€ขVisa expires even if unused entries remain

โš ๏ธ Remote Work: Grey Area

Working remotely on a tourist visa is technically not permitted under Egyptian law. However, there is no specific enforcement against digital nomads working online for foreign employers. Egypt has no digital nomad visa. Staying over 183 days (continuous or intermittent within 12 months) may trigger Egyptian tax residency.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Tax Implications

Individuals staying more than 183 days (continuous or intermittent) within 12 months become Egyptian tax residents, taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates from 0% to 27.5%. Non-residents are only taxed on Egyptian-source income. The first EGP 40,000 of annual income is tax-free, plus an additional EGP 20,000 salary tax exemption.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

  • โ€ขBest value if planning 3+ trips within 6 months
  • โ€ขConsider Taba crossing for quick border runs to Israel
  • โ€ขKeep track of your entry stamps to monitor total days
  • โ€ขApply for extension before 30 days expire on each entry
  • โ€ขSave your e-visa PDF securely - you'll need it each entry

Visa on Arrival

TouristPopular

Available at major airports for eligible nationalities. Pay $30 USD cash at airport bank kiosks before proceeding to immigration. Quick and convenient for spontaneous travelers.

30d
Duration
$30
โ€” fee
๐Ÿ“Apply: On Arrival
โฑImmediate (10-30 minutes at airport)
๐Ÿ”„Extendable +90d
View full details
๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa on arrival feeCash payment only in USD, EUR, or GBP at airport bank kiosk. Increased from $25 to $30 on 1 March 2026.
$30โ€”
Required Total
$30โ€”
๐Ÿ’ก Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

๐Ÿ“‹ Requirements

  • โ€ขPassport valid for at least 6 months from arrival
  • โ€ขAt least one blank passport page
  • โ€ขCash payment in USD, EUR, or GBP (exact amount recommended)
  • โ€ขReturn or onward flight ticket
  • โ€ขProof of accommodation may be requested

๐Ÿ“ Application Steps

  1. 1Arrive at an eligible Egyptian airport
  2. 2Locate the bank kiosk in the arrivals hall before immigration
  3. 3Pay $30 USD (or equivalent in EUR/GBP) in cash
  4. 4Receive visa sticker to place in passport
  5. 5Proceed to immigration counter for entry stamp
  6. 6Present passport with visa sticker and answer basic questions

โš ๏ธ Restrictions

  • โ€ขCash payment only - no cards accepted
  • โ€ขAvailable only at airports, not all land borders
  • โ€ขQueue times can be long during peak seasons
  • โ€ขMust have exact change or close to it
  • โ€ขSingle entry only
  • โ€ขNot available for all nationalities

โš ๏ธ Remote Work: Grey Area

Working remotely on a tourist visa is technically not permitted under Egyptian law. However, there is no specific enforcement against digital nomads working online for foreign employers. Egypt has no digital nomad visa. Staying over 183 days (continuous or intermittent within 12 months) may trigger Egyptian tax residency.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Tax Implications

Individuals staying more than 183 days (continuous or intermittent) within 12 months become Egyptian tax residents, taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates from 0% to 27.5%. Non-residents are only taxed on Egyptian-source income. The first EGP 40,000 of annual income is tax-free, plus an additional EGP 20,000 salary tax exemption.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

  • โ€ขBring exact USD amount to avoid exchange issues
  • โ€ขChoose official bank kiosks, not freelance agents
  • โ€ขArrive with accommodation proof ready
  • โ€ขE-visa recommended during peak tourist season (Oct-Apr)
  • โ€ขKeep the visa sticker receipt for records

Sinai Only Permit (Free)

Tourist

Free entry permit for stays up to 15 days in Sinai resorts only (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba). Cannot travel beyond Sinai Peninsula.

15d
Duration
$0
โ€” fee
๐Ÿ“Apply: On Arrival
โฑImmediate at airport
๐Ÿ”„No extension
View full details
๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Sinai entry permitFree upon arrival at Sinai airports
$0โ€”
Required Total
$0โ€”
๐Ÿ’ก Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

๐Ÿ“‹ Requirements

  • โ€ขValid passport for at least 6 months
  • โ€ขDirect flight to Sharm El Sheikh, St. Catherine, or Taba airports
  • โ€ขConfirmed accommodation in Sinai region
  • โ€ขReturn or onward flight within 15 days

๐Ÿ“ Application Steps

  1. 1Fly directly into Sharm El Sheikh, St. Catherine, or Taba airport
  2. 2Request Sinai Only permit at immigration
  3. 3Receive free entry stamp valid for 15 days
  4. 4Stay only within Sinai Peninsula (east of Suez Canal)
  5. 5Depart within 15 days from arrival

โš ๏ธ Restrictions

  • โ€ขMaximum 15 days only
  • โ€ขCannot leave Sinai Peninsula
  • โ€ขNo access to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, or pyramids
  • โ€ขLimited to certain nationalities
  • โ€ขMust fly into specific Sinai airports
  • โ€ขCannot be extended as Sinai permit (must convert)

โš ๏ธ Remote Work: Grey Area

Working remotely during a short Sinai stay is a grey area. The permit is limited to 15 days and restricted to Sinai resorts only. For longer remote work stays, convert to a full tourist visa at a Sinai immigration office for $30 USD.

๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Tax Implications

A 15-day Sinai stay does not trigger tax residency. Egyptian tax residency requires more than 183 days (continuous or intermittent) within 12 months.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

  • โ€ขGreat for short diving trips to Dahab or Sharm
  • โ€ขConvert to full visa if you decide to explore Cairo
  • โ€ขMake sure your flight is to an eligible airport
  • โ€ขSome nationalities from 81 countries are not eligible
  • โ€ขPerfect for quick beach getaways from nearby countries

๐Ÿ“Š Quick Facts

CapitalCairo
CurrencyEGP (Eยฃ)
LanguageArabic
TimezoneUTC+2
Last UpdatedDec 1, 2025

๐Ÿ”— Official Resources

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Egypt have a dedicated digital nomad visa?
No, Egypt does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, digital nomads typically use the standard tourist e-visa (30 days) and extend it at local immigration offices for up to 6 months. Many remote workers base themselves in Dahab, Hurghada, or Cairo on consecutive tourist visas. The 5-year multiple entry visa ($700) is popular among frequent visitors and allows 90-day stays per entry.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while in Egypt on a tourist visa?
Technically, any work activity in Egypt requires a work permit. However, remote work for foreign employers paying in foreign currency exists in a legal gray area. Many digital nomads work remotely from Egypt without issues, especially for short stays. The key is not engaging with the local Egyptian job market. For extended stays, some nomads register companies or obtain proper work arrangements, but most rely on tourist visa extensions.
How do I extend my tourist visa in Egypt?
Visit the Passport and Immigration Administration office in Cairo (Abbasia) or local offices in other cities. You need your passport, copies of visa pages, passport photos, proof of accommodation (rental contract), and cash for fees (approximately $20-60 USD). The process typically requires two visits: first for application and biometrics, second to collect your residence card. Extensions are usually granted for 3-6 months. Start the process 1-2 weeks before your visa expires.
What happens if I overstay my visa in Egypt?
Overstaying results in fines calculated at departure, typically $30-50 USD for short overstays. Longer overstays may incur higher fines and potential complications. There is a 14-day grace period if departing by air. Repeat offenders may face entry bans. It is strongly recommended to extend your visa before expiration rather than overstay. You can pay overstay fines at the airport immigration counter before departure.
What is the Sinai Only permit and who can use it?
The Sinai Only permit is a free entry stamp available to most nationalities arriving at Sharm El Sheikh, St. Catherine, or Taba airports. It allows a 15-day stay but restricts travel to the Sinai Peninsula only (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba). You cannot visit Cairo, the pyramids, Luxor, or Aswan. If you want to travel beyond Sinai, you can convert it to a full tourist visa at the immigration office in Sharm El Sheikh for $25 USD.
Is Egypt safe for digital nomads?
Egypt is generally safe for digital nomads, especially in popular areas like Dahab, Hurghada, and central Cairo. Tourist areas have significant police presence. Petty crime like pickpocketing exists in crowded areas but violent crime against foreigners is rare. Solo female travelers should dress modestly and be prepared for harassment in public spaces. The Sinai Peninsula has some travel restrictions in certain areas. Cairo traffic is chaotic but public transport is improving.
What are the best cities for digital nomads in Egypt?
Dahab is the most popular digital nomad hub, offering affordable beachside living, a tight-knit expat community, multiple coworking spaces, and excellent diving. Cairo provides big-city amenities, cultural experiences, and better internet infrastructure. Hurghada offers beach resort living with Red Sea access. Alexandria is less touristy with Mediterranean charm. Cost of living is low throughout Egypt, but internet quality varies significantly by location.
Can I do border runs to extend my stay in Egypt?
Yes, border runs are possible and common. The easiest option is the Taba crossing to Israel/Eilat, which can be done as a day trip from Dahab or Sharm El Sheikh. You can exit Egypt, spend a few hours in Israel, and return on a new tourist visa. Ferry crossings to Aqaba, Jordan are also available. Note that each re-entry requires a new visa ($25) unless you have a multiple entry visa. Some travelers alternate between Egypt and Jordan regularly.
What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Egypt?
Egypt offers very affordable living. Budget digital nomads can live on $600-800 USD/month in Dahab, including rent, food, and coworking. Cairo is slightly more expensive at $800-1,200 USD/month for a comfortable lifestyle. Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment ranges from $150-400 USD depending on location. Meals cost $2-5 USD for local food. Coworking spaces charge $50-150 USD/month. Internet packages cost around $20-30 USD/month for home connections.
What are the internet conditions like for remote work in Egypt?
Internet quality varies significantly by location. Cairo has the best infrastructure with fiber connections up to 100+ Mbps in some areas. Dahab and coastal areas have more limited options, with speeds typically 10-30 Mbps. Mobile data (4G) is reliable in urban areas but weak in remote locations. Coworking spaces usually offer better connectivity than residential areas. Major providers include WE (Telecom Egypt), Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat. Power outages can occur, so battery backups are recommended.
โš ๏ธ

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025