Egyptian Border Crossings for Visa Holders

This page provides guidance for travelers entering Egypt through the different ports of entry in the country, and whether they can obtain a visa on arrival at an Egyptian border crossing point.

Citizens of all European Union countries, the United States, and Israel (through the Taba border crossing) receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival in the Sinai Peninsula.

However, this stamp is only valid for travel to the Sharm El Sheikh, Nuweiba and Taba resorts, for up to 14 days. Please note the stamp does not grant travelers permission to visit the rest of Egypt (outside the resort premises). Those who wish to go beyond these resorts or stay in Egypt for longer must obtain the correct type of Egypt visa.

Who Can Obtain a Visa on Arrival at the Egyptian Border?

It is currently possible for nationals of roughly 40 countries to obtain an Egyptian visa on arrival at any port of entry in Egypt.

However, the visa on arrival application process requires long waits in immigration lines at the border and the need to supply supporting documents in paper form.

Nationals of many countries are able to apply online for the Egypt visa. This e-Visa is considered a much easier and more convenient option for eligible travelers, since it saves time waiting in long lines at border control for a visa on arrival.

Egyptian Land Border Crossings

Israel-Egypt Taba Border Crossing

The Taba border crossing allows tourists to cross the border between Egypt and Israel.

This land border is close to the Taba Red Sea resort and within driving distance of other popular tourist resorts in the Sinai Peninsula including Dahab, Nuweiba, and Sharm El Sheikh.

Travelers crossing the border between Egypt and Israel must pay a fee of 106 NIS (30 USD) prior to leaving Israel.

Tourists staying within 1km of the border are not required to pay the fee, but must be able to provide a printed hotel reservation from one of the following resorts:

Travelers are recommended to take cash, as paying by credit card incurs an additional 5 NIS (1.45 USD) charge.

Crossing from Jordan into Egypt

Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula shares a maritime border with Jordan. Tourists can take a ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba and arrive at either the Taba or Nuweiba border crossing.

Like visitors entering Egypt from Israel through the Taba crossing, travelers crossing from Jordan can stay in the Sinai Peninsula resorts for a maximum of 14 days by requesting the permission stamp on arrival.

Foreigners with the stamp cannot leave the specified resorts, if they wish to do so, a visa must be applied for.

Jordan to Egypt by Ferry: Aqaba to Taba

The Ferry service from Aqaba to Taba runs on Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays, departing at 10:30 am. A round-trip costs 90 USD and lasts one hour.

Tickets are purchased from the AB Maritime office in Aqaba.

Jordan to Egypt by Ferry: Aqaba to Nuweiba

The second option is to take the ferry from Aqaba to Nuweiba. This is a daily service leaving at 1 pm and arriving at 4 pm.

A round trip from Jordan to Egypt by ferry costs in the region of 100 USD.

Egypt International Airports

The majority of foreigners arrive in Egypt by plane. International flights arrive in the country at the following airports:

Only tourists arriving into Sharm El Sheikh International airport or St Catherine International Airport are eligible for the Sinai resort permission stamp. All other travelers are required to obtain a visa for Egypt.

Cairo is the main International airport in Egypt with 65 airlines offering regular flights to major European cities.

As Africa’s second-largest airport, Cairo International is very busy — in fact, it frequently ranks as the continent’s busiest airport. Travelers can avoid long lines at the airport by applying for an eVisa in advance.

Foreign nationals can check the Egypt visa requirements online to confirm eligibility.

Documentation Needed at Egypt Ports of Entry

Tourists visiting Egypt should ensure they have all the required documentation to enter the country, including:

Tourists are also highly recommended to check Egypt customs regulations when preparing luggage to avoid packing any prohibited items.

In addition, foreigners should be aware of the appropriate dress code for men and women in Egypt when packing clothing for the trip.