Canadians will need Egypt visa ahead of October 2023 trips
Canadian travelers planning trips to Egypt from October 1, 2023, must now secure an Egyptian visa in advance, replacing the previous on-arrival or e-visa system.
Starting October 1, 2023, Canadian travelers visiting Egypt will be required to obtain an Egyptian visa in advance, the Canadian government has announced — a change confirmed by Visamundi teams.
Previously, Canadians could obtain a visa upon arrival in Egypt or apply online through the official Egyptian e-visa portal. Now, to secure this visa, Canadians must either visit the Embassy of Egypt in Ottawa or the Consulate General in Montreal in person, or use the postal service to submit their application.
How to Apply for an Egyptian Visa
According to Egyptian authorities, Canadian passport holders must complete a visa application form available through the embassy or consulate. Applicants must include the following required documents:
A signed and completed visa application form
A Canadian passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended entry date into Egypt
Two recent passport-sized photographs
A copy of a travel itinerary or tour reservation
Visa fees, payable by credit card, certified check, or money order
The Embassy of Egypt will mail the approved visa once the application is processed. Travelers are advised to apply well in advance to account for potential mail delays.
The Embassy of Egypt in Ottawa is located at 454 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa. Its jurisdiction covers: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the City of Ottawa.
The Consulate General of Egypt in Montreal is located at 1800 McGill College Avenue, Suite 900, Montreal. Its jurisdiction includes: Ontario (excluding Ottawa), Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick.
Why Egypt Changed Its Visa Policy for Canadians
Government sources indicate the policy shift aligns with heightened security measures and efforts to combat irregular migration to Europe via Egypt. It also aims to support safer, guided tourism, helping to protect foreign visitors and restrict access to restricted or hazardous areas in Egypt. Multiple Western governments — including Canada — have previously warned citizens about unstable security conditions in parts of Egypt and recommended avoiding certain areas.
Mixed Reactions from Canadian Travel Services and Visitors
Canadian travel agencies criticize the new rule, calling it disproportionate. Travelers express frustration that the change introduces added bureaucracy and may require a trip to the embassy for a visa, adding complexity to trip planning. Concerns also include the risk of delays in visa processing and delivery, potentially affecting travel bookings to Egypt — a country widely known for its world-class archaeological and historical sites.
Egypt’s Continued Push to Streamline Entry for Other Travelers
Despite the new requirement for Canadians, Egypt continues to expand visa facilitation for travelers from other nations using the e-visa system.
Additionally, travelers from African Union member countries still receive visas on arrival, as do visitors from certain countries — including the United States and Russia — under bilateral agreements with Egypt.
Egyptian authorities are also rolling out special visa procedures to support medical tourism, facilitating entry for patients seeking treatment in the country.
