Coming to Hurghada to kitesurf? Unless your passport is from one of the few countries that do not need one, you will need a visa to enter Egypt – and the simplest way to sort it out before you fly is the Egypt e-visa. In this guide we walk you through the official application, explain the current Egypt visa cost, tell you which card to pay with and list what to print before you leave. All fees and steps below were checked on the official Egypt e-Visa Portal on 25 October 2026.
Egypt e-visa at a glance
- Official website: visa2egypt.gov.eg, run by Egypt’s Ministry of Interior.
- Cost: US$30 for a single-entry tourist visa, US$65 for multiple entries.
- Payment: Visa card, Mastercard or another debit card, paid online.
- When to apply: at least 7 days before your departure.
- Passport: valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
- At the airport: show a printed copy of your e-visa at passport control.
Who can apply for an Egypt e-visa?
The e-visa is open to citizens of the countries listed on the official portal. The list includes the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and almost every EU country, along with many others, so most of our riders can apply online. If your country is not on the list, or you travel on a diplomatic, service or refugee passport, you will need to apply through your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate instead.
Some nationalities can also get a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports. Its fee and conditions are not published on the e-visa portal and can change, so if you plan to rely on it, check your own government’s travel advice first – British travellers can use the UK government’s Egypt entry requirements page. Applying online before you travel means one less queue after your flight.
Egypt visa cost in 2026
The official Egypt visa cost for tourists depends on how many times you want to enter the country:
| Tourist e-visa | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single entry | US$30 |
| Multiple entries | US$65 |
For a kitesurfing holiday or a Red Sea kite safari, the single-entry visa is all you need. Choose multiple entries only if you plan to leave Egypt during your trip and come back, for example on a side trip to a neighbouring country.
A few things to know about the fee:
- It is charged in US dollars, so your bank may add a currency conversion or foreign transaction fee.
- It is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected – incomplete applications are rejected, so take your time with the form.
- Only the official portal charges the government fee. Many look-alike websites offer to apply for you and add their own service charge on top, so always check the address is visa2egypt.gov.eg before you enter any details.
How to apply for an Egypt e-visa, step by step
Have your passport, travel dates and the address where you will stay in Hurghada to hand, then follow these steps on the official portal:
- Create an account on the Egypt e-Visa Portal with your email address.
- Confirm your registration using the email the portal sends you.
- Sign in and select Apply Now.
- Choose the visa type – single or multiple entry tourism visa – and read the instructions carefully.
- Fill in the application form. Copy your passport details exactly as they appear in your passport, including any middle names.
- Pay the fee online by card (see below).
- Wait for the email telling you the status of your application.
- Download and print your e-visa from your account once it is approved.
- Show the printout to the immigration officer when you land in Egypt.
Every traveller needs their own application, submitted from their own account. Parents can apply for their children from the parent’s account, which makes family trips easier to organise.
Which card should you use to pay?
The portal accepts Visa cards, Mastercard and other debit cards. A standard Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card from your own bank is the safest choice. To avoid a declined payment:
- Make sure online and international payments are switched on for your card – many banking apps let you check this in a few seconds.
- Keep your phone nearby, as your bank may ask you to approve the payment in its app or with a code.
- If the payment still fails, try a different Visa or Mastercard card rather than starting a new application.
- If you have a card with low or no foreign transaction fees, use it – the fee is charged in US dollars.
When should you apply?
The official portal asks you to create your e-visa application at least 7 days before departure. We suggest applying as soon as your flights are booked: it costs the same, it gives you time to fix any problem with the payment or the form, and you can stop thinking about paperwork and start thinking about wind.
What to bring when you land in Hurghada
- Your passport, valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
- A printed copy of your Egypt e-visa.
- Your travel itinerary and return flight details.
- Your hotel booking or the address where you are staying.
Keep in mind that an e-visa does not guarantee entry: the final decision is always made by the passport officer at the airport. Working or doing business in Egypt also needs the right permit – a tourist e-visa covers your holiday, lessons and riding.
Quick answers
How much is the Egypt e-visa?
US$30 for a single-entry tourist visa and US$65 for multiple entries, paid online on the official portal.
Can I pay for my Egypt e-visa with a debit card?
Yes. The portal accepts Visa cards, Mastercard and other debit cards.
Do I need to print my e-visa?
Yes. The e-visa printout must be presented at your port of entry, so bring a paper copy and keep a copy on your phone as a backup.
Ready for the lagoon
With your visa sorted, the rest is easy. Read our kitesurfing in Hurghada guide to plan your trip, pack with our kite safari packing list, and contact us to book your kitesurfing lessons in Hurghada. See you on the water!
