Egypt has extended its free transit visa until April 30, 2026, allowing travelers with long layovers to explore the country for free. Find out what this permit is, who can get it, and what the current application process is.

Egypt has extended its popular 96-hour free transit visa initiative until April 30, 2026. The move is part of the government’s strategy to boost the tourism industry, attract new travelers, and elevate the country’s status as a transit hub between Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The program was first launched in June 2023 and has already attracted hundreds of thousands of travelers, who have been able to explore Egypt’s ancient treasures for free, without going beyond a short trip.

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What is a free 96-hour transit visa?

This is a short-term 4-day visa that allows you to leave the airport for free and visit the country’s key tourist attractions – from the Pyramids of Giza to the resorts on the Red Sea.

- Key benefits

1. No fees – the visa is completely free (unlike the standard one, which costs $25).

2. Fast processing – issued directly at the airport upon arrival.

3. Enough time – 4 days to enjoy the atmosphere of the country.

Who can get a free transit visa to Egypt?

To get a free transit visa, you need to meet a few simple conditions:

1. Make a transfer at an international airport in Egypt

Your journey must pass through one of the following airports:

- Cairo (CAI)

- Luxor (LXR)

- Aswan (ASW)

- Hurghada (HRG)

- Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH)

- Borg el-Arab, Alexandria (HBE)

2. Flights with Egyptian airlines

Your flights (both arrival and departure) must be operated by one of the following airlines: EgyptAir, Air Cairo or Nile Air.

3. Transfer duration – from 8 to 96 hours

Less than 8 hours – you will not leave the transit zone. More than 96 – you will need a regular tourist visa.

4. Passport with at least 6 months validity

The document must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

5. Citizenship of a country with visa exemption

You must be a citizen of a country that is eligible for visa on arrival or emergency entry. These countries include: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, India and most EU countries.

Important! If your country requires a prior visa to Egypt, this program is unfortunately not available to you.

How to get a transit visa to Egypt? Step-by-step instructions

Step 1 – Upon arrival, contact your airline representative or the transit visa counter.

Step 2 – Provide the necessary documents – passport and flight ticket (or boarding pass) for your onward flight.

Step 3 – Fill out a short form with basic travel information.

Step 4 – Receive confirmation and stamp – your 96-hour visa will be issued on the spot.

Now you are free to explore the country until your next flight.

What is worth seeing in 96 hours in Egypt?

Even a few days will be enough to experience the magic of this country, here is a short list of places that can be explored in this short period:

- Cairo – Giza pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum.

- Luxor and Aswan – Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak.

- Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh – diving, beaches and coral reefs.

- Islamic Cairo – ancient mosques and markets

Why is this beneficial for travelers?

This program is a real gift for those traveling between continents. You can make a short cultural stopover without having to apply for documents in advance and without spending money on a visa. This is a great alternative to a long wait in the transit zone.

The extension of the free 96-hour transit visa until 2026 is an invitation to see Egypt on the way somewhere else, but with a sense of full-fledged adventure. If your trip includes a stopover in Egypt - take the chance to add a few unforgettable days to your trip.

Tip: Plan your route in advance, book excursions or transfers to make the most of your time on Egyptian soil.

When planning a trip abroad, be sure to take care of a travel insurance policy that will protect you from unforeseen situations during your trip and compensate for unplanned expenses - for medical treatment, in case of lost luggage, flight cancellation, etc.

Buy a reliable travel insurance policy from trusted insurance agents on the Visit World portal!

Reminder! Egypt attracts a considerable number of migrants, in particular due to the low cost of living and favorable working conditions for expats. We have already talked about the pros and cons of employment in Egypt, the rules for obtaining a work permit, the tax system, average salaries, available job search services, and other important nuances for expats.

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