Egypt e-Visa in 2026: How to Apply Without Getting Rejected

Most visitors need a visa for Egypt, and for most of them the single-entry e-Visa (US$25, 30-day stay) is the right choice. Apply only at the official portal — search-ad lookalikes charge triple for the same document. You'll need a passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival, a photo scan, and your first hotel's details.

The five rejection triggers we see weekly: a passport scan with cut-off edges; a name entered differently from the passport's machine-readable line; applying under 7 days before travel (processing is 1–3 working days — pay for 24h expedited if you're late); using a photo with glasses; and mixing up single vs multiple entry when you have a Jordan or Israel side trip planned — day-trippers to Petra need multiple entry.

The Sinai exception: flying into Sharm El Sheikh and staying in South Sinai under 15 days? A free Sinai-only stamp covers you — but it does not allow Cairo, Luxor or even Ras Mohammed boat trips beyond the zone. If your plans might grow, take the e-Visa. Stuck on any of this? Our visa desk checks documents free for Bright Star guests.