Entry to Egypt is expected to be fast-tracked for Australian tourists through the introduction of an online visa application that has been launched. The new method provides an alternative to applications on arrival or pre-approval through an Egyptian Consulate.
Australian residents are among a list of 46 countries that now have access to the web-based channel that has been rolled out by the Egyptian Government. Other countries include New Zealand, the USA, UK, Japan and multiple European nations (see the full list of countries below).
Once an account has been created online by the applicant, the Egypt e-Visa Portal will provide an official document permitting entry into and travel within the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The government recommends applying for the Egypt e-Visa at least seven days before departing for the nation.
Egyptian Tourist Authority’s Amr El Ezabi said, “We want travel to Egypt to be as seamless as possible and in the digital age this new e-visa system is an important step towards simplifying the process.
“Latest tourism figures have shown a significant rise in arrivals and we hope that this trend continues as more people are encouraged to visit our diverse nation.”
Applicants obtain their visas electronically after submitting the required information and making payments by a credit or debit card. Once submitted, the applicant will be sent a link to download their e-Visa, which will be verified by a passport control officer on entry to Egypt. Officials do however have the right to deny entry to the e-Visa applicant without an explanation.
There are two types of tourist e-Visas available – a single entry visa for $25 and a multiple entry visa for $60. Both are valid for up to three months entry.
Unlike most countries which require a six-month validity on the passports of travellers, Egypt requires an eight-month validity. On entry to the country, tourists will also need to supply a print out of their e-Visa, a travel itinerary and hotel booking details of the locations they are travelling.
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