Egypt offers sunny beaches, ancient pyramids, and lively markets, and now you can visit for free during layovers. Egypt has extended its 96-hour free transit visa program until April 30, 2026, allowing passengers with long layovers to explore without visa fees. Started in June 2023, this program boosts tourism and makes Egypt a key transit hub. This article explains the Egypt transit visa 2025, who qualifies, how to apply, and tips for a great trip, using data up to May 6, 2025. Written in simple English, it helps travelers from India, the US, or elsewhere enjoy a short Egyptian adventure.
What Is the 96-Hour Transit Visa?
The Egypt transit visa 2025 is a free entry permit for passengers passing through Egypt airports. Unlike the standard $25 tourist visa, it costs nothing and allows a stay of 8 to 96 hours (4 days). You can visit sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo museums, or Luxor temples during your layover. Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities supports this to increase tourist numbers. Egypt welcomed 15.7 million visitors in 2024, aiming for 30 million by 2028.
Who Can Get the Transit Visa?
To qualify for the Egypt transit visa 2025, you must meet these rules:
- Airline: Fly with EgyptAir, Air Cairo, or Nile Air for both arrival and departure.
- Airports: Transit through Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, or Borg El Arab International Airports.
- Layover Time: Your layover must be 8 to 96 hours.
- Passport: Valid for 6 months beyond entry.
- Nationality: Open to about 106 countries eligible for visa-on-arrival or emergency visas, including India, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and EU nations. Countries needing pre-arranged visas (e.g., Pakistan) are not eligible.
- Onward Travel: Show a confirmed onward ticket.
Check eligibility at egyptair.com or gov.uk, as rules depend on nationality.
How to Apply for the Transit Visa
Getting the Egypt transit visa 2025 is easy and free. Follow these steps when you land:
- Visit the Transit Desk: Go to your airline’s transit visa desk (e.g., EgyptAir Transit Office at Cairo Airport) before exiting the airport.
- Fill a Form: Provide your passport number and flight details.
- Submit Documents: Show your passport and onward ticket. No photos or fees needed.
- Receive Visa: If approved, get a free entry stamp valid for up to 96 hours.
- Explore Egypt: Leave the airport to visit Cairo, Luxor, or other sites.
Processing takes 15–30 minutes. Contact your airline before travel to confirm desk locations.
Key Details Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Duration | 8 to 96 hours (4 days) |
| Cost | Free (no $25 fee) |
| Eligible Airlines | EgyptAir, Air Cairo, Nile Air |
| Application Deadline | Apply on arrival at transit desk |
| Extended Until | April 30, 2026 |
What to Do During Your 96-Hour Stay
With 96 hours, you can enjoy Egypt highlights:
- Cairo: Visit the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, or Egyptian Museum (1-hour drive from Cairo Airport).
- Luxor: See the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple (1-hour flight from Cairo).
- Red Sea: Relax at Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh resorts (1-hour flight).
- Aswan: Explore Philae Temple or cruise the Nile (1.5-hour flight).
EgyptAir subsidiary, Karnak, offers tour programs for transit passengers. Book at the transit desk or egyptair.com. For a 19-hour layover, an Uber to Giza and back works well, as shared by online travelers.
Tips for a Great Transit Visit
To maximize your Egypt transit visa 2025, follow these tips:
- Book Right Flights: Choose EgyptAir, Air Cairo, or Nile Air with 8–96-hour layovers. Check schedules at egyptair.com.
- Confirm Eligibility: Verify your country qualifies for visa-on-arrival at gov.uk. India and US citizens qualify, but some need pre-arranged visas.
- Pack Light: Bring a small bag for quick trips to Cairo or Luxor.
- Carry USD: Use US dollars for better exchange rates for tours or taxis.
- Book Tours: Use Karnak’s guided tours to save time. Check egyptair.com for options.
- Get Insurance: Buy travel insurance for medical emergencies, as Egypt healthcare is costly. Visit cdc.gov for health alerts.
- Watch Time: Return to the airport 3 hours before your flight to avoid missing it.
- Contact Airline: Call EgyptAir to confirm transit desk hours, especially for late flights.
Benefits and Challenges
Benefits
- No Cost: Save $25 compared to a standard visa-on-arrival.
- Fast Process: Get your visa in 15–30 minutes at the airport.
- Tourism Growth: Supports Egypt goal of 30 million visitors by 2028.
- Easy Access: See major sites like the Pyramids during short layovers.
Challenges
- Airline Restriction: Only EgyptAir, Air Cairo, or Nile Air qualify.
- Nationality Limits: Some countries (e.g., Pakistan) cannot use it.
- Short Stay: 96 hours limits visits to nearby sites for short layovers.
- Busy Airports: Cairo Airport can be crowded, so arrive early.
Why This Program Matters
The Egypt transit visa 2025 makes Egypt a top transit hub for flights between Africa, Asia, and Europe. It boosts short-stay tourism, helping hotels and local shops. The program supports Egypt Vision 2030 for sustainable tourism, with 15.7 million visitors in 2024. Travelers online praise the chance to see the Pyramids during a 19-hour Cairo layover.
What’s Next?
Egypt extended the program to April 2026, giving travelers time to plan layovers. Egypt may add more airlines or airports, as it included Air Cairo and Nile Air in 2024. Digital visa applications could come later, but no date is set. Check egyptair.com or gov.uk for updates.
Conclusion
Egypt free 96-hour transit visa, available until April 30, 2026, lets travelers visit Cairo, Luxor, or the Red Sea for free. Fly EgyptAir, Air Cairo, or Nile Air and apply at the airport transit desk. The table above lists key details. Plan your layover, book tours via egyptair.com, and enjoy Egypt wonders during your 8–96-hour stop. Visit gov.uk or egyptair.com for updates.
