Egypt Business Visitors Visa

The Egypt Business Visitors Visa is designed for foreign nationals travelling to Egypt for short-term business activities, such as meetings, negotiations, or attending conferences. It does not authorise employment or income-generating activities within the country.

Who Qualifies

Many nationalities are visa exempt and may obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian ports of entry, typically valid for a short stay of up to 30 days. Nationals from countries that are not visa exempt must apply in advance at the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin or legal residence.

Eligibility

To qualify for an Egypt Business Visitors Visa, applicants must demonstrate the purpose of their visit through supporting documentation, such as:

• An invitation letter from an Egyptian company or business partner
• Evidence of business activities, such as scheduled meetings or conference registration
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay
• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity

Duration of Visa

The Business Visitors Visa is generally issued for a maximum stay of 90 days. The permitted duration is indicated on the visa itself and may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the issuing Egyptian mission. Extensions are not commonly granted, and individuals who wish to undertake employment must apply for the appropriate Work Visa and Work Permit.

Last updated: 27/08/2025

Egypt grants visa exemption or visa-on-arrival facilities to nationals of many countries, making short-term business travel more accessible. Eligibility depends on the traveller’s nationality and the purpose of their visit.

• Visa on Arrival: Nationals from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, European Union member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries may obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports and designated ports of entry. The visa is usually valid for 30 days and may be used for business or tourism purposes.
• Pre-Application Required: Nationals of countries not eligible for visa exemption or visa on arrival must apply in advance at the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin or residence.
• Diplomatic and Official Passports: Holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports from certain countries may benefit from bilateral agreements that grant full exemption from visa requirements.

Travellers should always confirm their eligibility with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Egyptian Embassy, as the list of exempt countries and policies may be updated periodically.

When applying for an Egypt Business Visitors Visa, applicants must prepare a complete set of supporting documents. These documents demonstrate the purpose of travel, financial capability, and compliance with Egyptian immigration regulations. Requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the Egyptian mission handling the application.

Core documents usually include:

• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended date of entry, containing at least two blank pages
• A completed and signed visa application form (available from the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate)
• Two recent passport-sized photographs that meet official specifications
• An official invitation letter from the host company or organisation in Egypt, confirming the purpose and duration of the visit
• Proof of business activity, such as conference or event registration, or a letter from the applicant’s employer confirming the trip
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover accommodation, transport, and daily expenses during the stay
• Confirmed return flight booking or itinerary
• Proof of accommodation arrangements in Egypt (e.g. hotel reservation or confirmation from host company)
• Payment receipt or evidence of visa fee settlement (where required)

Additional documentation may be requested by the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate depending on the applicant’s nationality and individual circumstances. It is strongly recommended to confirm requirements with the relevant diplomatic mission before submission.

The processing time for an Egypt Business Visitors Visa depends on the applicant’s nationality and whether the visa is obtained on arrival or through an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate abroad.

• Visa on Arrival: For nationals eligible for visa exemption, the visa is issued immediately at the port of entry, typically within minutes of arrival.
• Embassy or Consulate Application: For nationals who require pre-approval, the standard processing time is generally 5 to 10 working days. However, this may vary depending on the specific mission and the volume of applications at the time of submission.

Applicants are advised to confirm the expected processing time directly with the Egyptian mission in their country of origin or residence before travelling, as local requirements and workloads may affect turnaround times.

The cost of an Egypt Business Visitors Visa depends on the applicant’s nationality and whether the visa is obtained on arrival or through an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate abroad.

• Visa on Arrival: The standard fee is approximately USD 25 for a single-entry visa, payable in cash at the port of entry. A multiple-entry visa, where available, is typically USD 60.
• Embassy or Consulate Application: Fees vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and the local Egyptian mission. Costs usually range between USD 25 and USD 60. Some missions may also charge administrative or service fees.

Applicants should verify the exact fee with the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate responsible for their jurisdiction before applying, as consular exchange rates and local policies can affect the final amount.

The application process for an Egypt Business Visitors Visa differs depending on whether the applicant is eligible for a visa on arrival or must apply in advance through an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate.

Step 1: Determine Visa Eligibility

Check if your nationality qualifies for a visa on arrival. If eligible, you may obtain the visa directly at the port of entry. If not, you must apply through the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin or residence.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Prepare all supporting documents, including a valid passport, invitation letter from the host company, proof of business activity, financial evidence, and accommodation details. Embassy applicants must also complete the official visa application form.

Step 3: Submit the Application

If applying at an Embassy or Consulate, submit your documents and pay the applicable fee. Processing generally takes 5 to 10 working days. If eligible for a visa on arrival, present your passport and documents at the Egyptian port of entry.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the required fee either at the Embassy or Consulate when applying in advance, or in cash (usually in USD) at the airport or border point if obtaining a visa on arrival.

Step 5: Receive the Visa

For visa-on-arrival applicants, the visa will be stamped into the passport at the port of entry. For Embassy applicants, the visa will be affixed to the passport and must be presented on arrival in Egypt.