Egypt Extends Free 96-Hour Transit Visa Until 2026

Egypt will extend its free 96-hour transit visa through April 2026, enabling travelers with layovers at international airports in the country to explore Egypt without extra fees or complicated procedures.

On April 23, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly confirmed the extension of the currently active measure during an official cabinet meeting.

The Cabinet has approved the free extension of the transit visa (96 hours) for an additional year, concluding at the end of April 2026, under the same controls currently in force.

Cabinet Meeting No. (40) chaired by Dr. Mostafa Madbouly

A boost for tourism

Introduced in June 2023 as part of a tourism drive, the measure aims to attract more visitors and position Egypt as a key air hub between Europe, Africa, and Asia. Eligible travelers may exit the airport to visit top sites like Cairo, Luxor, or the Red Sea during layovers lasting between eight and 96 hours.

Eligible travelers: who qualifies?

Check your layover length: Transit must be at least eight hours and can last up to 96 hours.

Transit through specific Egyptian international airports: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Borg El Arab.

Travel on an Egyptian airline: The free transit visa applies only if you are transiting on an Egyptian carrier (EgyptAir, Air Cairo, or Nile Air).

Eligibility for visa on arrival: Your nationality must qualify for a visa on arrival. Nationals of EU countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom are eligible for the free transit visa.

Valid passport required: Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date.

How to obtain the transit visa

Procedures are straightforward: on arrival, visit the transit-visa desk of your airline, present your passport and boarding pass, complete a short form, and receive your visa—free of charge—for up to 96 hours.

The initiative encourages layover passengers to explore Egypt, generating economic benefits and strengthening the country’s reputation as an accessible, appealing destination.

E-visa: faster entry into Egypt

Travelers who qualify for a visa on arrival may also apply online for an Egypt e-Visa up to about seven days before arrival. This pre-screening process speeds up immigration checks by delivering an electronic travel authorization ahead of time. You can obtain a single- or multiple-entry e-Visa valid for 90 days; however, stays are limited to a maximum of 30 days for tourism.