Understanding Egypt eVisa Validity and Stay Duration
When planning your trip to Egypt, it's crucial to understand the validity period of your eVisa and the maximum permitted length of stay. These are two distinct concepts that often cause confusion among travelers, but knowing the difference will help you plan your Egyptian adventure with confidence.
The Egypt eVisa validity period refers to the timeframe during which you can enter Egypt, while the permitted stay duration indicates how long you can remain in the country once you've arrived. This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about both aspects to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Validity Period vs. Stay Duration: Key Differences
Validity Period
90 days from the date of issue
This is the window during which you must enter Egypt. Your eVisa is issued on a specific date, and you have 90 days from that date to make your entry into the country.
Example: If your eVisa is issued on January 1st, you must enter Egypt by March 31st.
Stay Duration
Maximum 30 days per entry
This is how long you can remain in Egypt once you've entered. Regardless of when you enter during the validity period, you can stay for up to 30 consecutive days.
Example: If you enter on March 15th, you can stay until April 14th.
Egypt eVisa Validity Period Explained
What Does "90-Day Validity" Mean?
The 90-day validity period of your Egypt eVisa begins on the date of issue, not the date you apply or the date you plan to travel. This is a critical distinction that many travelers overlook when planning their trips.
Once your eVisa application is approved and issued, you have a three-month window to enter Egypt. This applies to both single-entry and multiple-entry eVisas. If you don't enter Egypt within this 90-day period, your eVisa will expire and become invalid, requiring you to apply for a new visa.
Important Timing Considerations
- Application timing: Apply for your eVisa at least 7 days before your intended travel date, but not too early that it expires before you travel
- Processing time: Standard processing takes 3-7 business days, so factor this into your planning
- Optimal application window: Apply 2-8 weeks before your planned departure for the best balance
- Last-minute travel: If you need to travel urgently, urgent processing options are available
- Flexibility: The 90-day validity gives you flexibility to adjust your travel dates within that window
Ready to Apply for Your Egypt eVisa?
Start your application now and plan your Egyptian adventure with confidence
Start Your ApplicationPermitted Length of Stay in Egypt
Maximum Stay: 30 Days Per Entry
Once you enter Egypt with your eVisa, you are permitted to stay for a maximum of 30 consecutive days. This 30-day period begins on the day you enter Egypt and is counted in calendar days, not business days.
The 30-day stay limit applies to both single-entry and multiple-entry eVisas. However, the way it works differs slightly between the two visa types:
Single-Entry eVisa Stay Duration
With a single-entry eVisa, you can enter Egypt once and stay for up to 30 days. Once you leave Egypt, your visa becomes invalid, even if you haven't used the full 30 days or if the 90-day validity period hasn't expired.
- One entry to Egypt only
- Maximum 30-day continuous stay
- Visa expires upon exit from Egypt
- Cannot re-enter even within validity period
- Ideal for straightforward tourist visits
Multiple-Entry eVisa Stay Duration
With a multiple-entry eVisa, you can enter Egypt multiple times within the 90-day validity period, with each stay lasting up to 30 days. This provides significantly more flexibility for travelers with complex itineraries.
- Multiple entries allowed within 90-day validity
- Each entry permits up to 30 days stay
- Can exit and re-enter Egypt freely
- Perfect for regional travel plans
- Useful for business travelers making multiple trips
Egypt eVisa Validity and Stay Duration Overview
| Visa Type | Validity Period | Entry Window | Stay Duration | Re-entry Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry eVisa | 90 days from issue | Must enter within 90 days | 30 days maximum | No |
| Multiple-Entry eVisa | 90 days from issue | Can enter multiple times within 90 days | 30 days per entry | Yes |
Practical Examples: Understanding Validity and Stay
Scenario: You apply for a single-entry eVisa on February 1st and receive approval on February 5th.
- Issue Date: February 5th
- Validity Period: February 5th to May 5th (90 days)
- You Enter Egypt: March 15th
- Maximum Stay Until: April 14th (30 days from entry)
- Important Note: Even though your visa is valid until May 5th, you can only stay 30 days from your entry date
Scenario: You're planning a Middle East tour and receive your multiple-entry eVisa on January 10th.
- Issue Date: January 10th
- Validity Period: January 10th to April 10th (90 days)
- First Entry: January 25th - Stay until February 10th (16 days)
- Exit to Jordan: February 10th
- Second Entry: March 1st - Stay until March 20th (19 days)
- Important Note: You can make multiple entries as long as each stay is 30 days or less and all entries occur before April 10th
Scenario: Your eVisa is issued on March 1st, but you don't travel until late May.
- Issue Date: March 1st
- Validity Period: March 1st to May 29th (90 days)
- You Enter Egypt: May 25th (within validity)
- Maximum Stay Until: June 24th (30 days from entry)
- Important Note: You can stay the full 30 days even if it extends beyond the original 90-day validity period
Scenario: Your eVisa is issued on April 1st, but you don't travel until August.
- Issue Date: April 1st
- Validity Period: April 1st to June 30th (90 days)
- Planned Entry: August 15th
- Problem: Your eVisa expired on June 30th
- Solution: You must apply for a new eVisa before traveling
- Lesson: Time your application carefully to ensure validity covers your travel dates
Can You Extend Your Stay in Egypt?
Extending Your Egypt eVisa
If you find that you need to stay in Egypt longer than the permitted 30 days, it is possible to extend your visa while you're in the country. However, this must be done before your current visa expires.
To extend your stay, you'll need to visit the Mogamma Building in Cairo or local passport and immigration offices in other Egyptian cities. The extension process is handled by Egyptian immigration authorities, not through the online eVisa system.
Learn more about the extension process in our detailed guide on how to extend an Egypt eVisa.
Important Extension Considerations
- Apply before expiry: You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires
- In-person process: Extensions cannot be done online; you must visit immigration offices
- Additional fees: Extension fees will apply
- Documentation required: Bring your passport, current visa, and any supporting documents
- Processing time: Allow several days for the extension to be processed
- Not guaranteed: Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities
Planning Your Trip: Validity and Stay Duration Tips
Calculate Your Dates Carefully
Before applying, determine your exact travel dates. Count 90 days from your expected issue date to ensure the validity period covers your planned entry date.
Don't Apply Too Early
While it's tempting to apply months in advance, remember that your 90-day validity starts from the issue date. Apply 2-8 weeks before travel for optimal timing.
Consider Processing Time
Factor in the 3-7 business day processing time when planning your application. Apply at least one week before your intended departure.
Choose the Right Visa Type
If you might leave and re-enter Egypt, opt for a multiple-entry visa to avoid complications with your travel plans.
Track Your Stay Duration
Keep track of your entry date and calculate your maximum stay date. Overstaying can result in fines and future travel complications.
Plan for Extensions Early
If you think you might need to stay longer than 30 days, research the extension process before you travel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Validity Period Mistakes
- Confusing issue date with entry date: Remember, the 90 days starts from when your visa is issued, not when you enter Egypt
- Applying too early: Don't apply months in advance or your visa may expire before you travel
- Missing the validity window: Ensure you enter Egypt before the 90-day validity period expires
- Not checking the issue date: Always verify the issue date on your approved eVisa
Stay Duration Mistakes
- Overstaying the 30-day limit: Track your entry date and don't exceed 30 days without an extension
- Assuming you can stay 90 days: The 90-day validity is not the same as your permitted stay
- Leaving and re-entering with single-entry: A single-entry visa becomes invalid once you exit Egypt
- Not planning for extensions: If you need more than 30 days, arrange an extension before your visa expires
Egypt eVisa Requirements
Before applying, ensure you have all the required documents ready:
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date. Review our passport requirements guide.
Digital Photo
Recent passport-style photograph with white background in JPEG format. Check our photo requirements specifications.
Payment Method
Valid credit or debit card to pay the visa fee ($25 for single-entry or $60 for multiple-entry).
Email Address
Active email address to receive your approved eVisa. You can check your application status online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Egypt eVisa is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. This means you must enter Egypt within 90 days of receiving your approved eVisa. The validity period applies to both single-entry and multiple-entry visas.
You can stay in Egypt for a maximum of 30 days per entry with an eVisa. This applies to both single-entry and multiple-entry visas. If you have a multiple-entry visa, you can make multiple 30-day stays within the 90-day validity period.
No, the 90-day period is the validity period during which you can enter Egypt, not the permitted stay duration. Once you enter Egypt, you can stay for a maximum of 30 days. To stay longer, you would need to apply for a visa extension through Egyptian immigration authorities.
Overstaying your Egypt eVisa can result in fines, penalties, and potential travel bans. You may face difficulties at the airport when departing and could be prevented from entering Egypt in the future. Always ensure you leave Egypt before your 30-day stay period expires, or apply for an extension if needed.
The optimal time to apply is 2-8 weeks before your planned departure. This ensures your eVisa is issued with enough time before your trip, while also ensuring it doesn't expire before you travel. Remember to factor in the 3-7 business day processing time when planning your application.
Yes, you can extend your stay in Egypt by visiting the Mogamma Building in Cairo or local immigration offices. You must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. The extension is not guaranteed and is granted at the discretion of Egyptian immigration authorities. Learn more in our visa extension guide.
Start Your Egypt eVisa Application Today
Now that you understand the validity period and stay duration, apply for your Egypt eVisa with confidence
Apply Now