Egypt Visa RequirementsFor New Zealand passport holders
New Zealand citizens need an eVisa to visit Egypt, available online for USD 25 with a 30-day stay. Egypt is home to the ancient wonders of the Nile: pyramids, temples, and the world's greatest open-air museum.
New Zealand passport holders must apply for an electronic visa (eVisa) online before traveling to Egypt.
NZ citizens must apply for an Egypt eVisa at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travel. Cost: USD 25. Processing takes 3-5 business days. The eVisa allows a single entry of up to 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Print the eVisa confirmation to present at immigration. Cairo International (CAI) is the main international entry point; Hurghada (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) also receive direct international flights for resort-focused visitors.
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 New Zealand Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from Egypt.
Egypt eVisa
Apply online at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travel. Cost: USD 25. Single entry, valid 30 days. Processing: 3-5 business days. Print the eVisa approval letter.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Egypt. Required by Egyptian immigration.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmation for your first night in Egypt.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Strongly recommended. Medical facilities outside Cairo and resort areas are limited.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate Recommended
Required only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Not required for NZ travellers arriving directly.
Current Travel Situation
New Zealand to Egypt: What You Need to Know
Egypt is a bucket-list destination for New Zealand travellers drawn to ancient history. The Pyramids of Giza (the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World), the Sphinx, Luxor's Valley of the Kings, the temples of Karnak and Abu Simbel, Cairo's Egyptian Museum, and the vibrant Red Sea diving at Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab are all extraordinary experiences. Egypt also sits at the crossroads of the Middle East and Africa, making it a natural add-on to a broader trip. NZ citizens are required to obtain an eVisa before arrival.
How to Get There
Egypt is well-connected from European hubs and the Gulf. Most NZ travellers route via Dubai, Singapore, or London connections to Cairo. Flight time Auckland-Cairo is approximately 22-26 hours. EgyptAir, Emirates, and Qatar Airways are common carriers. From Cairo, domestic flights reach Luxor (1h), Aswan (1.5h), Hurghada (1h), and Sharm el-Sheikh (1h). A classic Egypt itinerary: 2 nights Cairo (pyramids, museum), fly to Luxor, 4-night Nile cruise to Aswan, fly back to Cairo.
Money & Banking
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Currently around 20-25 EGP per NZD. Egypt is very affordable. A falafel (ta'amiya) sandwich from a street vendor costs EGP 5-15. A mid-range restaurant meal in Cairo costs EGP 100-200. Nile cruise packages are all-inclusive and very affordable by international standards. ATMs are available in major cities and tourist areas. USD is widely accepted at tourist sites and major hotels. Carry EGP cash for markets and street food.
Practical Tips
Book tours of the pyramids and Egyptian Museum in Cairo in advance through reputable operators to avoid hassle from unlicensed vendors. Hire a licensed guide for the Luxor archaeological sites as they add enormous context to the ruins. Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan (4-7 nights) are a classic Egypt experience with temple access. Drink only bottled water throughout Egypt. Egyptian SIM cards (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat) are cheap and available at airports. Dress modestly outside beach resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do NZ citizens need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. NZ citizens must obtain an Egypt eVisa before arriving. Apply online at visa2egypt.gov.eg at least a week before travel. Cost: USD 25. Single entry, valid 30 days. Processing: 3-5 business days. Print the eVisa approval to show at immigration.
How do I apply for an Egypt eVisa as a NZ citizen?
Go to visa2egypt.gov.eg (official Egyptian government portal). Register an account, fill in your details, upload your passport biodata page and photo, enter your travel information, and pay USD 25 by credit card. Receive your eVisa by email. Print it and present at Egyptian immigration alongside your passport.
What are the must-see sights in Egypt?
The Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx (Cairo's western suburbs), the Egyptian Museum (Cairo's Khan el-Khalili bazaar area), Khan el-Khalili market, the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple (Luxor), Abu Simbel (UNESCO temples, near Aswan), Philae Temple (Aswan), Red Sea diving and snorkeling (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab), and the Sinai Peninsula (St. Catherine's Monastery).
Is a Nile cruise worth it for NZ travellers?
Yes, highly recommended. Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan (typically 4-7 nights) visit major temple complexes along the route (Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae) with guided excursions included. All-inclusive packages are very affordable by international standards. Cruise cabins are comfortable. Book through a reputable operator: avoid street touts and book with established cruise companies.
Is Egypt safe for NZ travellers?
Egypt's major tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts) are generally safe for tourists with a significant police and security presence at tourist sites. Check NZ MFAT travel advisories for current conditions, particularly regarding the Sinai Peninsula. Keep aware of your surroundings, avoid political demonstrations, and book tours through reputable operators.
What is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April is ideal: temperatures are pleasant (15-25 Celsius in most areas). May-September is extremely hot (35-45 Celsius in Luxor and Aswan), though Red Sea resorts are manageable. The pyramids area is dusty and hot in summer. Ramadan travel in Egypt requires sensitivity at local restaurants during daylight hours.
How much should NZ travellers budget for Egypt?
Egypt is very affordable. Budget travellers can manage on NZD 60-80 per day. Mid-range travellers (3-star hotels, Nile cruise, guided tours) budget NZD 150-200 per day. USD is widely accepted at tourist sites and major hotels. Carry USD or EUR for exchange as NZ dollars are not commonly exchanged in Egypt.
What is Red Sea diving in Egypt like compared to other destinations?
Egypt's Red Sea (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab) offers world-class diving with excellent visibility (30-40m), warm water year-round (22-28 Celsius), colorful coral reefs, diverse marine life (reef sharks, rays, whale sharks seasonally), and famous sites like the Blue Hole (Dahab), the SS Thistlegorm wreck (WWII supply ship, one of the world's top wreck dives), and the Ras Mohammed National Park marine reserve.