Egypt Visa RequirementsFor Austria passport holders
Austrian passport holders can visit Egypt by obtaining a visa on arrival for 30 days at the cost of $25 USD. No advance application is required.
Austria passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Egypt ports of entry.
Obtain the visa on arrival at any major Egyptian international airport (Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor). Pay $25 USD (or EUR equivalent; exact change appreciated) at the visa counter before immigration. Receive a sticker in your passport valid for 30 days from entry. The visa can be extended at a local Mugamma office in Cairo. Alternatively, an Egyptian e-visa (egyvisa.com) can be applied for in advance.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
For Your Visa Application
Visa on Arrival Fee ($25 USD)
Pay $25 USD (or EUR equivalent) at the visa counter before immigration. Exact change or small bills preferred. Card payment sometimes available.
Required at Entry
Valid Austrian Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Egypt.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Egypt within the 30-day validity period.
Sufficient Funds Recommended
Evidence of funds for your stay; credit card or cash equivalent is typically adequate.
Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter Recommended
Confirmed accommodation details for Egypt; may be requested by immigration.
Current Travel Situation
Austria to Egypt: What You Need to Know
Egypt is one of the most historically rich destinations in the world: the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Luxor's Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo draw visitors from across Europe. For Austrians, Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada on the Red Sea are popular package holiday and diving destinations, offering world-class coral reefs. The Red Sea resort scene is highly developed with all-inclusive resorts oriented toward European visitors.
How to Get There
Austrian Airlines and EgyptAir fly Vienna (VIE) to Cairo (CAI) directly in about 4 hours. Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) and Hurghada (HRG) are served by charter and low-cost flights seasonally, often with TUI and SunExpress.
Money & Banking
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD and Euro are widely accepted in tourist areas. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants; cash is needed in markets and small shops. Egypt is very affordable: excellent meals cost EUR 3-7 equivalent. Tipping (baksheesh) is expected for many services; carry small denomination bills.
Practical Tips
Cairo is large and chaotic; use licensed taxis (white cabs with meters) or Uber/Careem. The Giza Pyramids are best visited early morning with a licensed guide. Avoid the camel and horse touts. Drink only bottled water. Dress modestly outside of resorts: cover shoulders and knees in cities and mosques. Ramadan periods see altered opening hours and a different atmosphere. Luxor is 1 hour by domestic flight from Cairo; the overnight sleeper train is also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrians need a visa to visit Egypt?
Austrian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for $25 USD. No prior application is required. The visa is valid for 30 days.
Can I apply for an Egypt visa in advance online?
Yes. An Egyptian e-Visa is available at visa2egypt.gov.eg. It costs the same ($25 USD) and can be applied for before departure, which speeds up the arrival process. The e-Visa is particularly convenient for avoiding queues at busy airports.
How do I pay for the visa on arrival in Egypt?
Pay $25 USD (or EUR equivalent) at the visa on arrival counter before the immigration queue. USD cash is preferred. Some airports accept card payment but reliability varies; carry USD cash to be safe.
Is it safe to visit Egypt as an Austrian tourist?
The main tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts) are generally safe and heavily patrolled. Exercise standard precautions. The Sinai Peninsula (except Sharm el-Sheikh) and remote desert areas have elevated security risks; check the Austrian BMEIA advisories before travel.
What should Austrian tourists know about Ramadan in Egypt?
Ramadan is a major Muslim holy month (dates shift annually). During Ramadan, many restaurants close during daylight hours, alcohol service is restricted, and public eating in non-tourist areas is impolite. Evenings during Ramadan are lively with Iftar celebrations. Some see Ramadan as a fascinating time to visit.
How do I get from Vienna to Egypt?
EgyptAir and Austrian Airlines fly Vienna (VIE) to Cairo (CAI) in approximately 4 hours. Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) and Hurghada (HRG) are served by charter and budget airlines, particularly TUI, SunExpress, and Wizz Air. Travel time is 3.5-4 hours.
What is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April is the best period: temperatures are comfortable (20-28C in Cairo). July-August is extremely hot (40C+ in Luxor and Aswan). The Red Sea resorts are warm year-round. Avoid public holidays if possible as domestic tourism surges.