For many travelers planning a dream trip to the Pyramids of Giza or the beaches of Sharm El Sheikh, the digital application process is the first step. However, a growing number of applicants are hitting a frustrating digital brick wall.
If you have tried to submit your application and were met with the red text: "Error: One or more applicants are already enrolled in another ongoing application," you are not alone. This specific error is one of the most common reasons for travel delays.
Here is a human-centered guide on why this happens and, more importantly, how you can fix it.
Understanding the "Already Enrolled" Logic
The Egypt e-Visa system is designed with strict security protocols. Its primary identifier is your passport number. Unlike a standard retail website where you can create multiple accounts, the Egyptian visa portal only allows one active "request" per passport at any given time.
When the system triggers this error, it essentially means your passport number is "locked" to a previous session, a draft, or an application submitted through a different platform.
Why Your Passport is "Locked"
There are three main reasons why your details might be stuck in the system:
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The Multi-Platform Mistake: This is the most common cause. Many travelers start an application on a third-party site and then decide to try again on the official portal. If the first site has already transmitted your data to the government server, the official portal will see you as "Already Enrolled."
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Unfinished Drafts: If you started an application, didn't finish it, and then tried to start a new one rather than resuming the old one, the system sees a duplicate.
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Payment Failures: If your payment failed but the session didn't time out properly, the system might still consider that application "active" for several days.
To ensure you are using a streamlined process, you can visit the Egypt e-Visa registration page to start your documentation correctly.
How to Resolve the Error
If you are currently facing this error, do not panic. You do not need a new passport. Follow these steps to clear the "lock":
1. The 7-Day Reset
The most reliable (though slowest) fix is patience. The Egyptian e-Visa system typically clears unpaid or inactive "ghost" applications every 7 days. If your travel isn't immediate, wait one full week without attempting to log in, and then try a fresh application at e-visa-egypt.com.
2. The "Placeholder" Edit Hack
If you can still access the draft that is causing the conflict:
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Log in to the account where the first application was started.
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Go to the "Edit" section of the applicant details.
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Change the passport number to a random string (e.g., "000000000").
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Save the changes.
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This "frees up" your actual passport number in the database, allowing you to start a new, correct application immediately.
3. Clear Your Browser Cache
Sometimes the error is local. Your browser may be holding onto "session cookies" from a previous failed attempt. Clear your cache and cookies, or try completing the application in Incognito/Private mode.
How to Apply Correctly the First Time
To avoid the "Already Enrolled" headache entirely, travelers should follow these best practices:
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Stick to One Platform: Never enter your passport details into more than one website. Decide on a service and stay with it until the end.
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Double-Check Typos: A simple typo in a passport number can lead to a rejection that is very difficult to undo.
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Wait for the Email: If you don't receive a confirmation, check your spam folder before trying to "start over."
Final Thoughts
The Egyptian e-Visa system is a powerful tool for modern travelers, but its "one-passport-one-application" rule is unforgiving. By understanding that your passport number is the key, you can avoid the "Already Enrolled" trap and focus on what really matters: your upcoming Egyptian adventure.
For more information on requirements and the latest updates, visit e-visa-egypt.com to ensure your travel plans stay on track.