How long is the Egyptian eVisa Valid for, and how many days can you stay?
Travelling to Egypt requires careful planning, especially when it comes to visa rules. One of the most essential details travellers often overlook is the difference between a visa’s validity period and the allowed duration of stay.
Understanding these rules is not just crucial; it's empowering as it puts you in control of your travel plans. Below is a clear explanation of how the Online Egypt eVisa works, along with practical tips to avoid confusion or overstays.
Understanding the difference between Validity and Duration of Stay
Validity
The period during which the visa is valid for you to enter Egypt.
Duration of Stay
The maximum number of days you are permitted to remain in the country after entry.
Important Note - Many travellers would often confuse these two terms. While a visa may be valid for several months, the duration of stay per visit is usually shorter.
Validity of the Egypt eVisa
The Egypt eVisa is usually valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
You must enter Egypt as soon as possible, within 90 days.
If you do not use the eVisa within the validity window, it will expire automatically, and you will need to reapply as soon as possible.
What are the different types of eVisa Validity?
Single-entry eVisa
This particular type of visa is only Valid for up to 90 days at a time.
It can be used only once to enter Egypt.
Multiple-entry eVisa
This visa type is also valid for 90 days.
Allows you to enter Egypt several times during the 90 days, as long as each visit stays within the permitted duration.
Duration of Stay in Egypt
With an eVisa (both single and multiple-entry), the maximum stay allowed is 30 consecutive days per visit.
This stay is non-extendable online. If you need more time in Egypt, you must apply for an extension at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Administration office in Cairo. This information should make you feel more informed and prepared for your trip.
In case you are overstaying, it has been shown to result in several tedious violations. Including the following:
Daily fines.
Possible restrictions on future entry to Egypt.
Practical Examples
Example Number One
Single-entry Visa
If the date you issued a Single-entry visa was September 1.
And it was valid until November 30th.
By entering on the 20th of September, you can stay until the 19th of October.
And once you leave the country, the visa can no longer be reused or reissued.
Example Number Two
Multiple-entry Visa
The Visa you have issued starts on September 1st.
It is valid until November 30th.
You enter on September 10th and stay until October 9th.
You can re-enter, for example, on 25th October, and stay another 30 days (until 24th November).
Extension of Stay
Extensions are not guaranteed, but can be applied for in Egypt.
The main office for extensions is located in Cairo, although the process can be time-consuming. To apply for an Egypt visa extension, you need to visit the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Administration office in Cairo and submit a formal request. The decision on your extension request will be communicated to you within a few days.
If you anticipate needing more than 30 days, consider a multiple-entry eVisa and plan short exits and re-entries.
Some Important Key Tips for Travellers
Apply for the eVisa at least one to two weeks in advance of your trip, ideally well before your departure.
Double-check your passport's validity (it must be at least six months beyond the entry date).
Track both your validity period and your duration of stay to avoid overstaying. You can do this by setting reminders on your phone or calendar for the visa expiration date and the last day of your permitted stay.
If you plan to take longer trips or multiple trips, consider opting for a multiple-entry visa.
Be sure to carry both a printed copy and a digital copy of your eVisa.
A Quick and Efficient Comparison Table
Features for Visa-types
A Single-Entry Type visa
A Multiple-Entry Type visa
Validity Period
For a Single-Entry type visa, the validity period would be around 90 days from the start of issuance.
It is the same time period as the Single-Entry type Visa.
How Many Entries per Visa Type?
There is only one issuance for a Single-Entry type visa.
The Multiple-Entry visa type allows for multiple entries and exits within its 90-day validity period.
The Duration for each of the Visa-Types
A Single-Entry Type visa can allow only up to 30 days at a time.
A Multiple-Entry Type Visa trip allows for consecutive 30-day stays based on each visit.
Extension Period?
This is possible only in Cairo, and not anywhere else in Egypt.
The same could be said for a Multiple-Entry Type Visa.
