Planning a trip to see the Great Pyramids of Giza or cruise the majestic Nile River is a dream come true. But before you can start packing your bags and dreaming of ancient pharaohs, you need to sort out your travel documents.
When you sit down to start the process, you’ll be faced with a choice right off the bat: should you get a Single-Entry or Multiple-Entry visa?
Choosing the wrong one could mean paying more than you need to, or worse, causing a major headache at the border. In this guide, we will break down exactly which option fits your specific travel itinerary so you know exactly what to select when you Apply Egypt eVisa without second-guessing your choice.
What is the Egypt Tourist eVisa? (A Quick Refresher)
Before we compare the two options, let’s quickly cover the basics. The Egypt tourist eVisa is an official electronic travel authorization that allows eligible travelers to enter the country for tourism purposes.
Gone are the days of mailing your physical passport to an embassy or standing in massive, chaotic lines at Cairo International Airport. Today, getting an Egypt visa online from the comfort of your couch is the fastest and most secure way to guarantee your entry. You simply fill out a digital form, pay the fee, and receive a downloadable PDF to show at the border.
The Single-Entry Egypt e-Visa Explained
As the name suggests, a Single-Entry visa allows you to cross the Egyptian border exactly once. The moment you leave Egypt—even if you haven’t used up all your allowed days—this visa becomes invalid.
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Cost: The standard government fee for a single entry is $25 USD.
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Validity: It is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
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Maximum Stay: You can stay in Egypt for up to 30 days.
Who Should Choose This?
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The Classic Vacationer: If you are flying into Egypt for a 1-to-2-week trip to see Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, and then flying straight home.
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Resort-Goers: Travelers heading straight to Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada for a relaxing, uninterrupted beach holiday.
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One-Country Explorers: Anyone who has absolutely no plans to cross the border into neighboring countries during their vacation.
The Multiple-Entry Egypt e-Visa Explained
The Multiple-Entry visa offers a lot more flexibility. It allows you to enter, leave, and re-enter Egypt as many times as you want within a specific timeframe.
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Cost: The government fee for this option is $60 USD.
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Validity: It is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
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Maximum Stay: You can stay for up to 30 days per entry.
Who Should Choose This?
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The "Border Hopper": If your Middle East itinerary includes taking a side trip to see Petra in Jordan or visiting Jerusalem, and you plan to fly back out of Cairo to head home.
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Digital Nomads & Frequent Visitors: If you are traveling around the region for a few months and want to use Egypt as a base—visiting for a few weeks, leaving for a month, and coming back.
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Cruisers: Many Red Sea or Mediterranean cruises technically exit and re-enter Egyptian borders. A multiple-entry visa ensures you won't have issues getting back on land!
Quick Comparison: Single vs. Multiple Entry
(Tip: Take a screenshot of this handy chart for your travel planning!)
| Feature | Single-Entry eVisa | Multiple-Entry eVisa |
| Government Fee | $25 USD | $60 USD |
| Validity Period | 3 Months | 6 Months |
| Max Stay per Visit | 30 Days | 30 Days |
| Best For... | Standard vacations, staying within Egypt | Side trips to Jordan/Israel, cruises, frequent visitors |
Essential Egypt eVisa Requirements for Both Types
Here is the good news: whether you decide to go with the single or multiple-entry option, the Egypt eVisa requirements are exactly the same! You do not need to provide any extra paperwork or special justification for wanting a multiple-entry visa.
To guarantee a smooth application, make sure you have the following ready:
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A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date.
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A clear, high-quality digital scan of your passport's information page.
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Your travel itinerary (including hotel bookings or host information).
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A valid credit or debit card to pay the processing fee.
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An active email address to receive your approved document.
Ready to Go? How to Apply Smoothly
Now that you know which visa fits your itinerary, obtaining your Egypt eVisa is a breeze. The process only takes a few minutes:
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Register Your Account: Create a secure profile on the official portal to start your application.
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Select Your Visa Type: Choose either "Single" or "Multiple" entry based on the advice above.
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Submit & Relax: Upload your passport scan, pay the fee, and wait. Most applications are processed within 5 to 7 business days.
Pro-Tip: Always apply at least 7 days before your flight to avoid any last-minute travel stress!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I upgrade a single-entry visa to a multiple-entry visa later?
No. Once a single-entry visa is issued, it cannot be modified. If your plans change and you need to leave and re-enter Egypt, you will have to apply and pay for a brand-new visa from scratch.
Do children need their own visa?
Yes. Every single traveler, including infants and children traveling on their parents' passports, must have their own individual approved e-Visa.
What happens if my flight has a layover in Egypt? Do I need a multiple-entry visa?
If you are strictly transiting through the airport and your layover is less than 48 hours, you generally do not need a visa (as long as you don't leave the transit area). However, if you plan to leave the airport to explore Cairo during a long layover, you will consume an "entry."