The Egyptian government has good news for those who have been eyeing to go to Egypt and be awed by its rich history — the new e-Visa service.
Travelers from 46 countries can now bid goodbye to long lines at the border following a long-haul flight. Due to the rise of tourists in Egypt, electronic visas are now available to be bought online. This is similar to the strategy of Australia eta and Brazil.
The new system will allow residents from countries in Europe, North America and Asia to avail the service. Before, travelers going to Egypt would have to apply for a visa upon arrival or travel through the Egyptian Consulate.
Countries that can avail of the service include New Zealand, Canada, United States, Japan, Australia, Korea, France, UK, Germany, and many more. The system is also designed to make the process at border control faster and more efficient.
How To Get An E-Visa
Those heading to Egypt just need to fill out the form and buy a single-entry tourist visa which costs $25, or a multiple-entry tourist visa for $60. This can be paid using a credit or debit card.
The e-visa is valid for three months. Travelers are advised to buy it at least seven days before their trip and make sure that their passport is valid for at least eight months. Travelers also need to print out their visa, supporting letter, and travel itinerary with accommodation details upon their arrival.
The link to download the visa will be emailed to the applicant. Passport control officers at the country's ports of entry can also verify the e-Visa on the system. Similar to other visas, Egyptian officials reserve the right to deny a traveler's entry without explanation.
Travel Advisory
According to the Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website, travelers who are going to Egypt should increase caution because some areas have a higher danger risk.
The travel advisory discourages travel to The Sinai Peninsula, with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air, and the Western Desert due to terrorism. Going to Egyptian border areas is also prohibited due to military zones.
Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks in Egypt and may strike in tourist locations, transportation hubs, shopping malls and markets, and local government facilities.
There is also a possibility of terrorist attacks in urban areas despite tight security presence. In the past, attacks have been on religious sites including churches, mosques, monasteries, and buses that are traveling to these locations.
