Egypt Visa RequirementsFor Latvia passport holders
Latvian citizens get visa on arrival in Egypt for $25, valid 30 days. Sinai resort zone has a separate exemption.
Latvia passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Egypt ports of entry.
Pay $25 USD cash at the visa on arrival bank counter before passport control. For Sinai-only entry, no fee applies for up to 15 days.
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
Must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry. At least one blank page for the visa sticker.
USD Cash ($25)
$25 USD in cash (small bills) for the visa on arrival fee, paid at the bank counter inside the airport.
Return or Onward Ticket Recommended
Proof of departure from Egypt. May be requested at immigration.
Accommodation Details Recommended
Hotel booking or contact details for your stay in Egypt.
Current Travel Situation
Latvia to Egypt: What You Need to Know
Latvian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt for $25 USD, valid for 30 days.
Sinai exemption: For the Sinai resort zone only (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Taba, Nuweiba), entry is free of charge for up to 15 days. This does not permit travel beyond the Sinai resort zone.
Payment: US dollars cash at the visa on arrival bank counter before passport control. Have $25 in small bills ready.
Entry airports: Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, and Aswan.
How to Get There
Charter flights from Riga (RIX) to Hurghada (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) are seasonally available from Latvian tour operators. Otherwise connect via Cairo (CAI) through Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) or Vienna. Total travel time 5 to 8 hours.
Money & Banking
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD widely accepted at tourist sites. Cards at major hotels. Carry local cash for markets, local restaurants, and entry fees.
Practical Tips
Cairo (Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili bazaar), Luxor (Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple), Aswan (Abu Simbel, Philae, Nubian villages), and the Red Sea (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab) are the major draws.
Nile cruise: The Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise is one of the most popular and memorable tourism experiences in Egypt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Latvian citizens need a visa to visit Egypt?
Not a pre-arranged visa. Latvian citizens obtain a visa on arrival at Egyptian airports for $25 USD, valid for 30 days.
What is the Sinai exemption for Latvian citizens?
Latvian citizens can enter the Sinai resort zone only (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Taba, Nuweiba) free of charge for up to 15 days without purchasing a full visa on arrival. This exemption does not allow travel beyond the Sinai zone to the rest of Egypt.
Are charter flights available from Riga to Egypt?
Yes. Latvian tour operators offer seasonal charter packages to Hurghada (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) in autumn and winter. This is one of the most affordable ways for Latvians to visit Egypt. Regular scheduled connections go via Istanbul, Vienna, or Riga through charter.
Is diving in the Red Sea good from Hurghada or Sharm?
Excellent. The Egyptian Red Sea is one of the world's premier diving destinations. Sharm el-Sheikh offers world-class dive sites including Ras Mohammed National Park and the SS Thistlegorm (a famous WWII wreck). Dahab (nearby) is famous for the Blue Hole (a legendary deep dive site). Hurghada has more accessible sites for beginner and intermediate divers.
What is the best way to see the Pyramids of Giza?
The Pyramids of Giza (including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World) are on the western edge of Cairo. A private tour from Cairo is recommended to avoid aggressive touts. Arrive early morning for fewer crowds. The Solar Boat Museum (recently renovated) and the Sphinx are at the same site.
Is it hot in Egypt all year round?
Most of Egypt is desert and warm year-round. Cairo and Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan) are most comfortable October to April (20 to 28Ā°C). The Red Sea coast has a milder desert climate year-round, though summer (June to August) is very hot at 40Ā°C+.