Foreign nationals looking to enter Egypt have multiple visa options. Some of the visas available to US citizens are extendable, and others are not:
Travelers to Egypt might encounter situations where they want—or need—to stay in Egypt past the expiration date of their visa, and therefore need to extend their visa too.
While it’s generally possible to extend your Egypt visa, the decision comes down to the specific factors involved, such as your circumstances or the nature of your initial visa. But note: You cannot renew your Egypt visa online; the process takes place at a specific immigration office. Here’s how to extend or renew your Egypt visa.
- Egypt Visa Types for US Citizens
- Important Information about Egypt Visa Extensions
- How to Extend Your Egypt Visa
- Documents Needed for Egypt Visa Extension
- Medical or Medical Attendant Visas
- Business Visas
- Egypt Visa Extension Costs
- Penalties for Overstaying Your Egypt Visa
- Visiting Egypt on Non-Extendable Visas
- Egypt Visa Extension FAQs
- Preparing for Your Egypt Trip
Egypt Visa Types for US Citizens
- Tourism e-Visa: Renewable; it can be extended for an additional three months beyond the original expiry date.
- Business Visa: Nonrenewable after but you can apply for a new visa
- Work Visa: Renewable under specific conditions
- Student Visa: Renewable
- Transit Visa: Nonrenewable
Important Information about Egypt Visa Extensions
- If your situation changes while you’re in Egypt, you might need to make changes to your visa. If you have a single-entry visa, you’ll need to apply for a variation of travel conditions.
- You cannot extend your Egypt visa online. All eligible Egypt visa extensions are handled by the Egypt’s Ministry of Interior Administration of Passports, Emigration and Nationality in Cairo or another immigration and passport office in Egypt.
- It’s important to apply for an extension before your current visa expires; overstaying your visa could result in fines or other penalties.
How to Extend Your Egypt Visa
For all the visas listed above that can be extended or renewed, including the Egypt tourist visa, you’ll follow the same process. It’s recommended that you apply for your visa extension at least two weeks prior to the expiration date. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your Egypt visa renewed
1. Gather Your Documents in Advance
For an Egypt visa extension, travelers need to assemble required documents to bring to an immigration and passport office at least one month before the original visa’s expiration date.
2. Apply for Another Visa Before Your Visa Expires
Visa holders must start the extension process before their current visa expires. You will need to fill in the entire online application form, including personal information, passport details, health declarations, and employment details, and upload supporting documents, such as your passport photos, passport, bank statements, and itineraries.
2. Submit Your Application and Documentation
For the extension process, you will need to provide your valid passport and possibly additional documents, such as proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance, or a return flight ticket. Be prepared to provide these, but understand that required documents can vary.
3. Go Early to Get In Line
Go early to the Ministry of Interior Administration of Passports, Emigration and Nationality in Cairo to avoid long waits. It is open Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 am to 2:30 pm, but be sure to confirm business hours before you go.
Once you arrive, be patient, as you may have to wait in line and thoroughly go through the visa process with the office workers. Other than your phone, wallet, passport, and a pen, avoid bringing any valuables, as you may have to leave them with security.
4. Have Your Form of Payment Ready
While debit or credit cards may be accepted, carry some extra Egyptian pounds with you in case the card machines are down.
Documents Needed for Egypt Visa Extension
- Copy of your current passport
- Copy of your current Egypt visa
- Your completed visa extension form
- The address of the place you’re staying (written out in Arabic is best)
- Recent passport photos (JPG format, max size 1 MB; passport size 3.5 x 3.5 cm or 3.5 x 4.5 cm)
Medical or Medical Attendant Visas
The procedures and eligibility for extending a Medical or Medical Attendant Visa would vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of medical condition, the duration of treatment, and local immigration laws and policies.
Business Visas
If you possess a Business Visitor Visa and want to stay longer, you cannot renew—you need to apply for a new visa.
Egypt Visa Extension Costs
Costs for extending your Egypt visa vary depending on the type of visa and your country of origin. Booking a visa with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time.
In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees, starting at just $50.
Penalties for Overstaying Your Egypt Visa
Overstaying for a short period (typically less than three months) often results in a fine that must be paid upon departure. The amount can vary but is generally in the range of several hundred to a few thousand Egyptian pounds.
Fines can become more substantial the longer you overstay, so if you can’t get an extension, be sure to leave Egypt before your visa expires.
Visiting Egypt on Non-Extendable Visas
If you’re visiting Egypt on a non-extendable visa, you must adhere to the conditions specified in the visa, especially the duration of your stay. Make sure you Egypt before it expires; plan accordingly.
Egypt Visa Extension FAQs
What happens if I stay in Egypt after my visa expires?
If you’re unable to extend your visa and overstay your visa duration, the government of Egypt imposes fines in Egyptian pounds.
When should I apply for a visa extension?
You should apply online for another visa at least two to three weeks before your current visa’s expiration date. Don’t wait for your Egypt visa to expire. Failing to extend your visa before it expires, even by applying late, can result in fines and could complicate your ability to remain in Egypt or reenter in the future.
How long does it take to process a visa?
Depending upon the type of visa, the processing time can vary depending on factors such as the type of visa, your nationality, and the specific circumstances of your application. If your application is incomplete, that could also delay the application processing time.
Can I change the travel conditions on my visa from single entry to multiple?
If you haven’t used your single-entry tourist visa yet, the most straightforward approach will most likely be to apply for a new multiple-entry tourist visa. You’ll have to pay the visa fees again and go through the application process.
Didn’t find the answer you needed? Reach out to us directly —we’re happy to help.
Preparing for Your Egypt Trip
Don’t be caught off guard by unexpected requirements before your Egypt trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting an Egypt visa. Start your visa application process.
For more information on other aspects of travel to Egypt, including banking and money, airport transportation, and local culture and customs, visit our Egypt content hub.