Egypt offers a free 96-hour transit visa for travelers with layovers at Egyptian airports. This guide explains who needs an Egypt transit visa, how to get one, and how it differs from the standard Egypt eVisa.
Egypt Transit Visa Overview
Egypt provides two options for travelers transiting through Egyptian airports:
| Option | Duration | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free transit visa | Up to 96 hours | Free | Confirmed onward ticket |
| Standard eVisa | Up to 30 days | $30-$65 | Full application |
The free transit visa (also called a transit pass) allows travelers to leave the airport and explore Egypt during a layover of up to 96 hours without paying for a full visa. This is ideal for travelers with long layovers at Cairo International Airport who want to see the pyramids or explore Cairo.
Who Needs an Egypt Transit Visa
Whether you need a transit visa depends on your nationality and whether you leave the airport transit area:
You do NOT need a transit visa if:
- You remain in the airport transit area
- Your connecting flight is within a few hours
- You do not pass through Egyptian immigration
You DO need a visa if:
- You want to leave the airport during your layover
- Your layover is longer than 6 hours and you want to explore
- You need to collect and re-check your luggage
- You are flying with different airlines on separate tickets
Egypt Free 96-Hour Transit Visa
Egypt extended its free transit visa program, allowing eligible travelers to stay in Egypt for up to 96 hours without paying a visa fee. Key conditions:
- You must have a confirmed onward flight ticket departing within 96 hours
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months
- You must be from an eligible nationality (same list as eVisa eligible countries)
- The transit visa is issued at the airport immigration counter
To obtain the free transit visa:
1. Proceed to the immigration counter at the Egyptian airport
2. Present your passport and confirmed onward boarding pass
3. The immigration officer will stamp your passport with a 96-hour transit entry
4. No fee is charged
This option is available at Cairo International Airport, which is the main transit hub for EgyptAir and other carriers.
Egypt Transit Visa vs eVisa
| Feature | Transit Visa (Free) | eVisa ($30) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 96 hours | Up to 30 days |
| Cost | Free | $30 single / $65 multiple |
| Application | At airport | Online before travel |
| Extendable | No | Yes |
| Leave airport | Yes | Yes |
| Eligible nationalities | Same as eVisa | 70+ countries |
If your layover is longer than 96 hours or you want to spend more time in Egypt, apply for a standard eVisa before traveling. The transit visa cannot be extended beyond 96 hours.
Common Egypt Transit Scenarios
Cairo Airport Layover (Under 6 Hours)
If your layover at Cairo International Airport is under 6 hours, stay in the transit area. No visa is needed. The airport has lounges, restaurants, and shops in the transit zone.
Cairo Airport Layover (6-96 Hours)
For layovers between 6 and 96 hours, you can use the free transit visa to leave the airport. This gives you enough time to:
- Visit the Pyramids of Giza (30-40 minutes from the airport)
- Explore Islamic Cairo and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar
- Visit the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square
- See the Citadel of Saladin
Different Airlines, Separate Tickets
If your flights are on separate tickets with different airlines, you will need to collect your luggage and re-check in. This requires passing through immigration, which means you need a visa. Use the free transit visa or apply for an eVisa in advance.
EgyptAir Transit Program
EgyptAir offers a free transit hotel program for passengers with long layovers in Cairo. If your layover is 8-24 hours, EgyptAir may provide a free hotel room. Contact EgyptAir to confirm eligibility. This program operates alongside the free transit visa.
Egypt Transit Visa for Different Nationalities
The free 96-hour transit visa is available to citizens of all eVisa-eligible countries, including:
| Region | Countries Eligible for Free Transit |
|---|---|
| Europe | All EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway, etc. |
| Americas | USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, etc. |
| Asia-Pacific | Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, China, etc. |
| Middle East | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, etc. |
Nationals of countries not on the eVisa eligible list may still be able to transit without a visa if they remain in the airport transit area. Check with your airline before traveling.
Egypt Transit Visa Requirements
To obtain a transit visa at the Egyptian airport, you need:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | At least 6 months validity from arrival |
| Onward ticket | Confirmed booking departing within 96 hours |
| Passport photo | May be requested at immigration |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking if staying overnight |
| Cash | Small amount of USD or EGP for emergencies |
The onward ticket requirement is strictly enforced. If your onward flight is more than 96 hours away, you will need a standard visa. If your onward ticket is on a different airline or a separate booking, have the confirmation printed and ready to show.
EgyptAir Free Transit Hotel
EgyptAir offers complimentary hotel accommodation for transit passengers with layovers of 8 hours or more in Cairo. This service includes:
- Free hotel room near Cairo airport
- Airport transfers
- Meals at the hotel
To qualify:
- You must be flying EgyptAir for both legs of your journey
- Your layover must be between 8 and 24 hours
- There must be no shorter connecting flight available
- Request the service at the EgyptAir transit desk upon arrival
This service combines well with the free transit visa – you get a free hotel and can explore Cairo during your layover.
Egypt Transit for Umrah and Hajj Travelers
Many travelers transit through Cairo on their way to Saudi Arabia for Umrah or Hajj. If you are transiting through Egypt on Umrah or Hajj travel:
- The free transit visa covers stays up to 96 hours
- If your transit is less than 6 hours, stay in the airport transit area
- EgyptAir is a popular carrier for Umrah transit through Cairo
- Plan your transit time carefully – Cairo airport can be busy during Hajj season
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave Cairo airport during a transit without a visa?
You need a visa to leave the airport transit area. The free 96-hour transit visa allows you to leave the airport at no cost. You must have a confirmed onward ticket.
Is the Egypt transit visa really free?
Yes, the 96-hour transit visa is free for eligible nationalities. No payment is required at the immigration counter. You just need a valid passport and confirmed onward flight.
Can I extend the 96-hour transit visa?
No, the 96-hour transit visa cannot be extended. If you need more time in Egypt, apply for a standard eVisa ($30) before your trip, which allows up to 30 days.
What if my connecting flight is cancelled and I exceed 96 hours?
If your flight is cancelled and you exceed the 96-hour limit, contact the nearest immigration office immediately. Bring proof of the cancellation (airline notification). Overstaying a transit visa can result in fines.
Do I need a transit visa if I am not leaving the airport?
If you remain in the international transit area of the airport and do not pass through immigration, you generally do not need a transit visa. This applies to most nationalities for layovers of any duration.
Can I get a transit visa at Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh airports?
The free transit visa program is primarily available at Cairo International Airport. At other Egyptian airports (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor), standard visa rules apply. Check with your airline for specific airport policies.
*Last updated: June 2026. The evisaegypt.info editorial team provides current Egypt transit visa information. Verify requirements at visa2egypt.gov.eg or with your airline before traveling.*
