Egypt Visa RequirementsFor Ireland passport holders
Irish citizens can enter Egypt on a visa on arrival, making it one of the easier destinations to visit without advance paperwork. The visa costs $25 USD and grants 30 days in the country, covering the Pyramids, Red Sea resorts, and the Nile.
Ireland passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Egypt ports of entry.
No advance visa application is needed. On arrival, proceed to the visa-on-arrival counter before joining the immigration queue. Pay $25 USD (or equivalent in Egyptian pounds). You will receive a visa sticker in your passport. Then proceed to immigration. Keep your passport and visa sticker safe throughout your stay. If entering at a land border, visa facilities may be less reliable: check 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
Valid Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond stay with a blank page for the entry stamp.
Valid Irish Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay. Ensure at least 6 months validity is recommended.
USD 25 Cash or Card
Visa on arrival fee of USD 25, payable in USD, EUR, or GBP at the VoA counter.
Visa on Arrival Fee: $25 USD
Payment of $25 USD (or equivalent in EUR/GBP) at the visa on arrival counter before proceeding to immigration. Having the exact amount in USD is easiest.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Egypt within the visa validity period.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Egypt. Immigration may request this.
Accommodation Details Recommended
Hotel booking or address of accommodation in Egypt.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking confirmation or address of where you will be staying in Egypt.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Not legally required but strongly recommended for medical emergencies.
Current Travel Situation
Ireland to Egypt: What You Need to Know
Egypt offers visa on arrival to Irish passport holders at Cairo International Airport, Luxor Airport, Hurghada International Airport, Sharm el-Sheikh Airport, and other main entry points. The visa is single entry and valid for 30 days. Egyptian pounds or USD can be used for payment but USD is most reliably accepted. Having the exact fee in USD makes the process smoother.
How to Get There
Egypt borders Sudan to the south and is accessible from Jordan via the Aqaba ferry to Nuweiba (Sinai). Israel can be reached from the Taba border crossing. A combined Egypt-Jordan itinerary visiting Cairo, Luxor, Petra, and Wadi Rum is popular.
Money & Banking
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). The EGP has devalued significantly in recent years, making Egypt very affordable for holders of strong currencies. ATMs are available in cities and tourist areas. USD and EUR are accepted in major hotels and tour agencies. Cards are accepted in larger establishments but cash is essential for local markets, smaller restaurants, and entry fees to sites.
Practical Tips
Egyptian pounds can be purchased at airport exchange bureaus on arrival. Egypt is extremely affordable for Irish tourists: a budget traveler can get by on EUR 30 to 50 per day outside of tours and hotels. Dress conservatively especially in non-resort areas and near mosques. The Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx are on the outskirts of Cairo, not deep in the desert: they can be visited as a half-day trip from the city center. The White Desert and Siwa Oasis are spectacular but require careful planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Irish citizens need a visa in advance for Egypt?
No. Irish citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at major Egyptian airports and entry points. The fee is $25 USD.
How much does the Egypt visa on arrival cost?
The visa on arrival costs $25 USD (or equivalent in EUR or GBP). Payment is made at the visa counter before reaching immigration.
Can I apply for an Egypt e-Visa in advance?
Yes. An Egypt e-Visa is available online at visa2egypt.gov.eg for the same $25 USD fee. Applying in advance allows you to skip the visa counter queue on arrival.
How long can Irish citizens stay in Egypt?
The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days single entry.
What are the main entry airports in Egypt where visa on arrival is available?
Visa on arrival is available at Cairo International Airport, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Luxor, and other main international airports.
Is a yellow fever certificate required to enter Egypt from Ireland?
No. Yellow fever vaccination is only required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. There is no yellow fever risk in Ireland.
What is the Egyptian currency?
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD, EUR, and GBP are accepted in major hotels and tourist establishments. ATMs are available in cities and resort areas.
Is it safe to travel to Egypt?
Egypt is generally safe in major tourist areas including Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts. Exercise caution near the Sinai Peninsula and along the Libyan and Sudanese borders. Check the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice for current conditions.