Egypt Visa RequirementsFor Iceland passport holders
Icelandic passport holders can visit Egypt by obtaining a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports. The visa is valid for 30 days and costs approximately $25 USD. No advance visa application is required, making Egypt straightforward to visit for Icelandic travelers.
Iceland passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Egypt ports of entry.
No advance visa is required. On arrival at Cairo, Luxor, Sharm el-Sheikh, or Hurghada international airports, proceed to the visa on arrival windows before immigration. Pay the $25 fee in USD or euros (some counters also accept GBP). You will receive a visa sticker in your passport. The visa is valid for 30 days from the date of entry. Sinai-only entry to resorts like Sharm el-Sheikh and Taba may be granted for free as a special entry stamp, but this restricts you to the Sinai Peninsula only.
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
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond stay. Must have a blank page for the entry stamp.
Valid Icelandic Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Egypt.
USD 25 Cash or Card
Visa on arrival fee of USD 25, payable in USD, EUR, or GBP at the VoA counter. Some counters accept cards.
Visa on Arrival Fee Payment
Approximately $25 USD (or equivalent in euros) payable at the visa on arrival counter at Egyptian airports before reaching immigration. USD and euros are widely accepted.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Egypt within the visa validity period.
Return or Onward Flight Ticket
Egyptian immigration may ask to see proof of your departure plans.
Accommodation Details Recommended
Hotel booking or address of accommodation in Egypt.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking or address where you will be staying in Egypt.
Current Travel Situation
Iceland to Egypt: What You Need to Know
Egypt is one of the world's great historical destinations, home to the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the Nile River. For Icelanders, it offers a dramatic contrast: desert landscapes, ancient monuments, and warm winters. Most connections from Keflavik go via Amsterdam, London, or Istanbul to Cairo International Airport. Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada also receive direct charters from Europe during the winter season.
Practical Tips
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). USD and euros are widely accepted in tourist areas and for services like guided tours and hotels. Bargaining is expected in markets and for transport. Drink only bottled water. Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended. Tourist police are present at major sites. Dress conservatively when visiting mosques and religious sites. Cairo traffic is chaotic; taxis and Uber are available. Book Nile cruise trips in advance for the best rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Icelandic citizens need a visa to visit Egypt?
No advance visa is needed. Icelandic citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports. The fee is approximately $25 USD and the visa is valid for 30 days.
How does the Egypt visa on arrival process work for Icelanders?
On arrival at Cairo International Airport, Luxor, Sharm el-Sheikh, or Hurghada, proceed to the visa on arrival windows before the immigration counters. Pay the $25 fee (USD or euros generally accepted). Receive a visa sticker in your passport. Then proceed to immigration. The process typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on queue length.
What is the Sinai-only entry option for Egypt?
Icelanders visiting only the Sinai Peninsula resorts (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Taba) can receive a free Sinai-only entry stamp instead of the standard visa. This restricts you to the Sinai area and does not allow travel to the rest of Egypt including Cairo. The stamp is issued at the Sinai airport or Taba border crossing.
What are the top Egyptian destinations for Icelandic visitors?
Cairo (Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili bazaar), Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, the Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, Aswan (Abu Simbel temples), the Red Sea resorts (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab for diving), and Siwa Oasis.
What currency does Egypt use?
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). USD and euros are widely accepted in tourist areas. ATMs are available in major cities and resorts. Bargaining is expected in markets and for unofficial transport. Tipping (baksheesh) is a standard part of Egyptian service culture.
What health precautions are needed for Egypt?
Drink only bottled water (tap water is not safe). Be cautious about raw salads and uncooked food from street vendors. Travel insurance is recommended. The sun in Egypt is intense; high-SPF sunscreen and hydration are essential, particularly when visiting desert sites. For scuba diving in the Red Sea, dive insurance is advisable.
Is Egypt safe for Icelandic tourists?
Major tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada) have tourist police presence and are considered reasonably safe for visitors. Standard urban vigilance applies (watch for pickpockets and avoid displaying valuables). Icelanders should check their government's current travel advisory before visiting, as conditions can change in the region.