Egypt Visa RequirementsFor Israel passport holders
Israeli citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt valid for 30 days. Egypt and Israel have maintained a peace treaty since 1979, the first between Israel and an Arab nation, creating a significant tourism corridor.
Israel passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Egypt ports of entry.
A visa on arrival is available at Egyptian international airports and at the Taba land border crossing for stays up to 30 days. The fee is approximately USD 25, payable in cash (USD accepted). At Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Hurghada airports, visas are issued at dedicated visa-on-arrival windows before passport control. Note: a Sinai-only visa (Sinai-only entry at Taba) is free but restricts travel to the Sinai Peninsula. A full Egyptian visa (paid) is needed to visit Cairo and the rest of Egypt.
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 Israeli Passport
Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Egypt. Minimum 6 months validity is strongly recommended.
Visa on Arrival Fee (USD 25)
Approximately USD 25 in cash, payable in US dollars, euros, or Egyptian pounds at the visa-on-arrival counter before passport control at Egyptian airports. Keep exact change if possible.
Proof of Onward Travel
A return flight booking or confirmed onward travel ticket demonstrating you will leave Egypt within the authorized stay period.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter from a host in Egypt. Required by immigration officers particularly at Cairo Airport.
Sufficient Funds Recommended
Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay, such as a credit card or cash. Officers may ask about your financial means for the duration of the visit.
Current Travel Situation
Israel to Egypt: What You Need to Know
Egypt and Israel have maintained a peace treaty since 1979, the first between Israel and an Arab nation. Egyptian and Israeli authorities cooperate on border management at the Taba crossing (connecting Eilat to the Sinai) and at Rafah. Israeli tourists are among the top visitors to Sinai Peninsula resorts, particularly Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab. Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor's temples, and the Nile cruise circuit are major long-trip draws for Israeli tourists. The Taba land crossing allows Israelis to cross into Sinai on Israeli passports; note that Egypt's Sinai visa may be restricted to the Sinai only and not valid for Cairo and the rest of Egypt depending on the crossing used.
Money & Banking
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). USD and euro are widely accepted in tourist areas. Cards are accepted at major hotels and tourist sites; carry cash for markets, taxis, and smaller restaurants. ATMs are available in Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Hurghada. The EGP has devalued significantly in recent years, making Egypt very affordable for Israeli travelers.
Practical Tips
The Taba land crossing connects Eilat with the Sinai; Israeli rental cars cannot cross. Shared taxis and buses are available from the Taba crossing to Sharm el-Sheikh and other Sinai destinations. Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab are world-renowned dive destinations. Cairo requires a full visa; budget 5-7 days to cover the pyramids, Egyptian Museum, and Islamic Cairo. Standard food safety precautions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Israeli passport holders get a visa on arrival in Egypt?
Yes. Israeli passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt at Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Hurghada airports, and at the Taba land border crossing. The fee is approximately USD 25, payable in cash.
What is the difference between a Sinai-only visa and a full Egyptian visa?
At the Taba land border crossing (connecting Eilat to the Sinai), a Sinai-only stamp is issued free of charge but restricts travel to the Sinai Peninsula (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, St. Catherine's Monastery). To visit Cairo, the pyramids, Luxor, or other parts of Egypt, a full Egyptian tourist visa (USD 25) is required, available at airports or at the Taba crossing with a paid visa.
How long can Israeli tourists stay in Egypt with a visa on arrival?
The visa on arrival is typically issued for 30 days. Extensions can be arranged at Egyptian immigration offices (Mugamma building in Cairo or local offices) for a fee.
How do Israeli tourists cross the land border from Eilat to Egypt?
The Taba border crossing connects Israeli Eilat with Egyptian Taba. The crossing is open 24 hours for Israeli citizens. Exit taxes apply on the Israeli side. From Taba, shared taxis (service taxis) run to Sharm el-Sheikh (approximately 2.5 hours) and Dahab (approximately 3 hours). Public buses also connect Taba to Sharm el-Sheikh.
Is Egypt safe for Israeli tourists?
The Sinai resort areas (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba) are generally considered safe tourist destinations. Cairo has a different security profile; the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues updated advisories for Egypt and specific regions. The Sinai interior and areas near the Libyan border are advised against. Always check current advisories before booking.
What are the top attractions in Egypt for Israeli tourists?
Sinai (Sharm el-Sheikh diving, Dahab diving and backpacker culture, St. Catherine's Monastery and Mount Sinai), Cairo (Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo), Luxor (Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple), Abu Simbel, and a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan.
What currency does Egypt use?
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). The EGP has devalued significantly in recent years, making Egypt very affordable for Israeli tourists. USD and euro are widely accepted in tourist areas. Cards are accepted at major hotels and tourist sites; carry cash for local transport, markets, and smaller restaurants. ATMs are available in Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Hurghada.
Do Israeli tourists need travel insurance for Egypt?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and in some cases required for diving activities in the Red Sea. Some Israeli health insurance plans provide partial coverage abroad; verify coverage before departure. Emergency medical care is available in Sharm el-Sheikh and Cairo but quality varies; evacuation insurance is advisable.