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
šŖŖYour Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
š« Available Visa Types
āRecommended 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
ā fee
+$35 additional
ā Key Benefits
āConvenient online application from anywhere
āFast processing within 3-7 days
āNo embassy visit required
āEntry through all major airports and Taba land crossing
āExtendable up to 6 months while in Egypt
āSimple application process in English
š Requirements (6)
ā¢Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
ā¢At least one blank passport page for visa stamp
Process: Extensions are processed at the Passport and Immigration Administration office in Cairo (Abbasia) or local offices in major cities. You need your passport, copies of visa pages, passport photos, and proof of accommodation. First visit for application, second visit to collect the residence card. The process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Renewal: After leaving Egypt, you can apply for a new e-visa immediately. There is no limit to how many times you can apply.
š” Pro Tips
ā¢Apply at least 7 working days before travel to avoid delays
ā¢Use only the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg to avoid scams
ā¢Print a color copy of your e-visa for best results
ā¢Have proof of accommodation ready for immigration
ā¢Start extension process 1-2 weeks before visa expires to avoid overstay fines
āRecommended 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 90 days per visit. Ideal for digital nomads and regular travelers.
90 days
Duration
$700
ā fee
+$50 additional
ā Key Benefits
ā5 years of unlimited entries
āExtended 90-day stays per visit
āPerfect for regular visitors and digital nomads
āCan be obtained on arrival if holding US/UK/Schengen visa
āNo repeated visa applications for 5 years
āFlexibility to come and go freely
š Requirements (7)
ā¢Valid passport for entire visa duration (5+ years recommended)
ā¢At least 3 blank passport pages
ā¢Completed visa application form
ā¢Two recent passport-sized photos
ā¢Proof of valid visa from US, UK, Schengen, Japan, or New Zealand (for VOA option)
ā¢Proof of sufficient funds
ā¢Travel history documentation
š Application Process
Embassy Requiredā± 2-4 weeks at embassy; immediate if eligible at airport
1Check eligibility - must hold valid visa from US/UK/Schengen/Japan/NZ for airport option
2Schedule appointment at Egyptian embassy or consulate
3Submit completed application with all required documents
4Pay $700 USD visa fee (cash or cashier's check)
5Wait for processing (2-4 weeks typical)
6Collect passport with visa or receive by mail
7Alternative: Apply upon arrival at airport if holding qualifying visa
Process: Each 90-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.
š” Pro Tips
ā¢Cost-effective if visiting Egypt 4+ times over 5 years
ā¢Holders of qualifying visas can obtain at airport instead of embassy
ā¢Ensure passport validity covers the full 5-year period
ā¢Popular among digital nomads doing extended stays
ā¢Combine 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
ā fee
+$120 additional
šApply: Embassy
ā±3-7 working days
šExtendable +90d
View full details
š° Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Multiple entry e-visa feeOfficial government fee for 180-day validity
$60ā
Additional (estimated)
Travel insurance (6 months)Extended coverage recommended for multi-entry travelers
$120ā
Required Total
$60ā
+ Additional (estimated)
$120ā
Estimated Total
$180ā
š” Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
š Requirements
ā¢Passport valid for at least 6 months from first arrival
3Complete the online application with travel plans
4Upload scanned passport bio page and digital photo
5Pay the $60 USD fee using credit or debit card
6Receive e-visa via email within 3-7 working days
7Print the e-visa PDF for each entry into Egypt
ā ļø Restrictions
ā¢Each stay limited to 30 days maximum
ā¢Total validity 180 days from issue date
ā¢Cannot work on this visa
ā¢Must exit and re-enter for new 30-day period
ā¢Visa expires even if unused entries remain
š” Tips
ā¢Best value if planning 3+ trips within 6 months
ā¢Consider Taba crossing for quick border runs to Israel
ā¢Keep track of your entry stamps to monitor total days
ā¢Apply for extension before 30 days expire on each entry
ā¢Save your e-visa PDF securely - you'll need it each entry
Visa on Arrival
TouristPopular
Available at major airports for eligible nationalities. Pay $25 USD cash at airport bank kiosks before proceeding to immigration. Quick and convenient for spontaneous travelers.
30d
Duration
$25
ā fee
šApply: On Arrival
ā±Immediate (10-30 minutes at airport)
šExtendable +90d
View full details
š° Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa on arrival feeCash payment only in USD, EUR, or GBP at airport bank kiosk
$25ā
Required Total
$25ā
š” Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
š Requirements
ā¢Passport valid for at least 6 months from arrival
ā¢At least one blank passport page
ā¢Cash payment in USD, EUR, or GBP (exact amount recommended)
ā¢Return or onward flight ticket
ā¢Proof of accommodation may be requested
š Application Steps
1Arrive at an eligible Egyptian airport
2Locate the bank kiosk in the arrivals hall before immigration
3Pay $25 USD (or equivalent in EUR/GBP) in cash
4Receive visa sticker to place in passport
5Proceed to immigration counter for entry stamp
6Present passport with visa sticker and answer basic questions
ā ļø Restrictions
ā¢Cash payment only - no cards accepted
ā¢Available only at airports, not all land borders
ā¢Queue times can be long during peak seasons
ā¢Must have exact change or close to it
ā¢Single entry only
ā¢Not available for all nationalities
š” Tips
ā¢Bring exact USD amount to avoid exchange issues
ā¢Choose official bank kiosks, not freelance agents
ā¢Arrive with accommodation proof ready
ā¢E-visa recommended during peak tourist season (Oct-Apr)
ā¢Keep 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
ā fee
šApply: On Arrival
ā±Immediate at airport
šExtendable +15d
View full details
š° Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Sinai entry permitFree upon arrival at Sinai airports
$0ā
Required Total
$0ā
š” Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
š Requirements
ā¢Valid passport for at least 6 months
ā¢Direct flight to Sharm El Sheikh, St. Catherine, or Taba airports
ā¢Confirmed accommodation in Sinai region
ā¢Return or onward flight within 15 days
š Application Steps
1Fly directly into Sharm El Sheikh, St. Catherine, or Taba airport
2Request Sinai Only permit at immigration
3Receive free entry stamp valid for 15 days
4Stay only within Sinai Peninsula (east of Suez Canal)
5Depart within 15 days from arrival
ā ļø Restrictions
ā¢Maximum 15 days only
ā¢Cannot leave Sinai Peninsula
ā¢No access to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, or pyramids
ā¢Limited to certain nationalities
ā¢Must fly into specific Sinai airports
ā¢Cannot be extended as Sinai permit (must convert)
š” Tips
ā¢Great for short diving trips to Dahab or Sharm
ā¢Convert to full visa if you decide to explore Cairo
ā¢Make sure your flight is to an eligible airport
ā¢Some nationalities from 81 countries are not eligible
ā¢Perfect for quick beach getaways from nearby countries
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.
ā ļø
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