Egypt is increasingly one of the UK’s and Europe’s hottest travel destinations. Property investing is rife amongst overseas investors who also need to understand the visa rules. This article examines what Egypt visas are required for visiting, working or living in Egypt and what the visa requirements for people purchasing property in Egypt.
For those just visiting Egypt you can apply for a 3 month tourist visa upon arriving in Egypt which will cost approximately $15 or you can apply at the Egyptian embassy for single or multiple entry visas.
For those wishing to stay longer this can be extended with the permission of the Egyptian local authorities for up to 1 year, subject to status.
The 3 main kinds of Egyptian visas avialble are
1) The Toursit visa – this is the most commonly issued visa for Egypt, used mostly by tourists
2) The Entry visa – which is required for anyone staying in Egypt for anything other than a holiday i.e. research, work, university, media etc.
3) The Transit visa – is required for those arriving in Sharm El Sheikh and is only required if you will be visiting other parts of the country.
Please note: British and other EU nationals travelling to most parts of Egypt on holiday for up to 2 weeks wil not require a visa for Egypt; they shall receive a free entry stamp upon arrival.
With regards Entry visa you will have to apply for this in Egypt at a cost of 150 EGP and will usually be valid for one year. The entry visa is a pre-requisite for completing the Egyptian residence procedure and is a requirement to allow a lawyer power of attorney to register a property purchase and to represent you in an Egyptian court.
Egypt will grant valid foreign nationals temporary residence and an ordinary residence permit should be granted for 3 or 5 years.
People that have an Egyptian residence permit will not be required to obtain an Egyptian visa upon leaving the country and can return within the validity of their permit or within 6 months whichever is less.
Simply owning a property in Egypt does not qualfiy an individual for automatic resident status although it is a formality upon purchasing a property in Egypt.
