Egypt Visa RequirementsFor Poland passport holders
Polish citizens obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt for 30 days at a cost of USD 25. No pre-application is required; pay at the bank counter before immigration and receive a visa sticker in your passport.
Poland passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Egypt ports of entry.
Polish citizens receive a visa on arrival valid for 30 days single-entry. Before reaching the immigration counter, visit the bank counter in the arrivals hall and pay USD 25 (US dollars cash strongly preferred; Egyptian pounds also accepted). The bank stamps your receipt; take this to the immigration officer who affixes the visa sticker to your passport. If entering at Sharm el-Sheikh only for Sinai Peninsula tourism (not going to mainland Egypt), a free Sinai-only permit is available at Sharm airport , but this restricts you to the Sinai region only. Multiple-entry visas are available in advance from the Egyptian consulate in Warsaw.
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 Polish Passport
Must have at least 6 months validity from the date of entry into Egypt and at least 2 blank pages for stamps.
Valid Polish Passport
Passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Egypt. No minimum validity beyond stay is required for VOA, but 6 months is recommended.
USD 25 Visa Fee (Cash)
Pay at the bank counter in the arrivals hall before reaching immigration; US dollars cash strongly preferred. Receive a receipt which the immigration officer exchanges for a visa sticker in your passport.
USD 25 Cash (Visa Fee)
Exact amount in US dollars preferred. Some counters accept EUR. Used to pay the visa on arrival fee at the designated desk before passport control.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Egypt, either as a printed booking or on your phone.
Return or Onward Flight Ticket
Proof of onward or return travel may be requested by immigration officers.
Hotel Booking or Accommodation Proof Recommended
Confirmed hotel reservation or resort voucher (for package tourists). Immigration may ask.
Accommodation Booking Recommended
Hotel reservation or address of stay in Egypt. May be requested at immigration.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Not strictly required but strongly recommended for medical coverage in Egypt.
Passport Photo Recommended
Some visa-on-arrival desks request a passport-sized photo. Bring one or two just in case.
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Bank card or cash to show financial means for your stay. No specific minimum is published but USD 50 per day is a reasonable benchmark.
Current Travel Situation
Poland to Egypt: What You Need to Know
Egypt is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for Polish tourists, offering a unique combination of ancient world wonders and Red Sea resort tourism at very affordable prices. The Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx (the only surviving wonder of the ancient world), the Valley of the Kings in Luxor (Tutankhamun's tomb, Karnak Temple), the Nile cruise experience, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo draw history-focused visitors. The Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh dominate Polish package tourism with all-inclusive beach holidays, world-class diving and snorkeling, and warm winter sun. Egypt is geographically very close (4h flight from Warsaw) and extremely affordable given the Egyptian pound's weakness. Dozens of Polish charter operators run direct flights to Hurghada and Sharm weekly.
How to Get There
Egypt borders Israel (Gaza crossing currently closed due to conflict; Taba crossing for Sinai is sometimes possible), Libya (not recommended), Sudan (specialized travel), and Jordan (Aqaba to Taba ferry). Petra (Jordan) was accessible by ferry from Sharm el-Sheikh and then bus to Aqaba; check current border crossing status. A combined Egypt-Jordan trip is popular pre-conflict. Note: entry stamps in your passport from Israel may cause difficulties at some Arab borders.
Money & Banking
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). Egypt is very affordable after significant devaluations: a restaurant meal costs EGP 150-400 (about PLN 15-40), a local beer EGP 80-150 in licensed venues. Resort all-inclusives offer outstanding value by European standards. USD is the preferred currency for tipping guides and for visa payment; carry small bills. Cards accepted in hotels and tourist restaurants; bazaars and smaller establishments prefer cash. ATMs available at airports and major cities. Bargaining is expected in bazaars (Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, Luxor souk); start at 20-30% of the asking price. Tipping (baksheesh) is integral to Egyptian culture; carry small change.
Practical Tips
Hurghada International Airport (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) receive dozens of direct Polish charter flights weekly from Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Katowice, and other cities (4h-4h30m). Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the main gateway for cultural tourism with LOT Polish Airlines connections via partner carriers. Within Egypt, EasyJet and Egyptian carriers fly between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada cheaply. Nile cruises (Luxor to Aswan, 3-4 days) are best booked in advance. Taxis in Cairo require negotiating; Uber operates in Cairo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Polish citizens need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. Polish citizens require a visa for Egypt, but it is available on arrival at all major international airports. The fee is USD 25 for a 30-day single-entry visa.
How do Polish citizens get a visa for Egypt?
Polish citizens receive a visa on arrival in Egypt at major international airports including Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh. Before reaching the immigration counter, visit the bank counter in the arrivals hall and pay USD 25 in cash. You receive a receipt which the immigration officer exchanges for a visa sticker in your passport. No advance application is needed.
How do I get a visa on arrival in Egypt?
At Cairo, Hurghada, or Sharm el-Sheikh airports, proceed to the visa-on-arrival counter before passport control. Pay USD 25 in cash (exact amount preferred; EUR may be accepted). Collect a visa sticker to paste in your passport. Processing takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Is Egypt safe for Polish tourists in 2025-2026?
The Red Sea resort areas (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) are generally safe and have been receiving millions of European tourists annually. Cairo requires standard urban precautions: avoid unlit areas at night, use registered taxis or Uber, secure valuables. The Sinai Peninsula outside the resort area has had security issues historically; check current Polish Foreign Ministry advisories. Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan) is generally safe for tourists. Avoid the Libyan and Sudanese borders and North Sinai.
Can I apply for an Egyptian e-Visa instead of getting one on arrival?
Yes. Apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travel. The e-Visa costs USD 25 for a single entry or USD 60 for multiple entry and avoids queues at the airport. Allow 3-7 business days for processing.
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April is the ideal time: temperatures are moderate (20-28 degrees C) and bearable for archaeological site visits. May to September is extremely hot (35-45 degrees C in Cairo and Luxor), though the Red Sea coast benefits from sea breezes and is manageable. Ramadan (month varies each year) brings some restaurant and service disruptions during daylight hours; respectful behavior is expected from visitors.
Are Polish tourists able to visit the Egyptian Red Sea resorts without going to Cairo?
Yes. Charter flights from Warsaw, Krakow, and other Polish airports fly directly to Hurghada (HRG) and Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH). Visas on arrival are issued at both airports. Many Poles visit Egypt purely for Red Sea beaches and diving.
What is a Nile cruise and how do I book one?
A Nile cruise typically runs between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa) over 3-4 nights, stopping at key temples: Karnak and Luxor temples, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Ships range from modest felucca sailboats to 5-star floating hotels. Book through reputable Egyptian or Polish tour operators; river cruise prices vary from USD 300-1,500 per person all-inclusive depending on ship quality. The Nile Valley between Luxor and Aswan contains the world's highest concentration of ancient monuments.
Is it safe to visit Egypt?
The tourist zones (Red Sea resorts, Luxor, Aswan, Cairo) are generally safe and well-patrolled. The Sinai Peninsula outside resort zones has security risks. Check Polish Foreign Ministry advisories.
What are the must-see archaeological sites in Egypt beyond the Pyramids?
The Valley of the Kings in Luxor (60+ royal tombs carved into cliffs, including Tutankhamun's), Karnak Temple (the largest ancient religious complex in the world), Luxor Temple (illuminated at night, with remarkable sanctuaries and colonnades), Abu Simbel (Ramesses II's colossal rock-carved temple, relocated in the 1960s to save it from Nile flooding), and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo (the world's greatest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the Tutankhamun treasures).
What currency is used in Egypt?
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD and EUR are widely accepted in tourist areas and resorts. Exchange at official bureaux; the airport rate is usually fair. Cards accepted at hotels and major establishments.
What should I know about haggling at Egyptian markets?
Haggling is deeply embedded in Egyptian market culture. At tourist bazaars (Khan el-Khalili in Cairo, the Luxor bazaar), sellers quote 3-5 times the price they will accept. Effective tactics: show interest without enthusiasm, start at 20-25% of the asking price, be willing to walk away (the seller will often call you back), and always smile. Agree on a price before entering a taxi. Papyrus, alabaster statues, spices, shishas (hookahs), silver jewelry, and cotton scarves are popular purchases.
What are the top historical sites in Egypt?
The Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, Luxor's Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple, Abu Simbel, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and the temples along the Nile cruise route are the main ancient sites.
Can I scuba dive in Egypt with a Polish PADI certification?
Yes. Padi and CMAS certifications are accepted at all Red Sea dive centers. The Red Sea (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab) offers world-class diving and snorkeling.