Egypt Visa RequirementsFor Portugal passport holders
Portuguese passport holders obtain a Visa on Arrival in Egypt at major international airports for USD 25, allowing a 30-day stay. Egypt is one of the world great historical destinations.
Portugal passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Egypt ports of entry.
Obtain the Visa on Arrival sticker at the bank booth (typically before immigration queues) in the arrivals hall. Pay USD 25 (or EUR equivalent at the posted rate) per person; have cash ready as card availability at VoA counters varies. Affix the sticker to a blank passport page and proceed to immigration. Required: valid Portuguese passport (at least 6 months validity), accommodation details or hotel voucher, and return ticket. For the Red Sea resorts only (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab, Nuweiba), a free 14-day Sinai-only entry is available if you plan to stay only in the Sinai Peninsula.
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 Portuguese Passport
Must have at least 6 months validity beyond arrival date. Requires at least one blank page for the VoA sticker.
USD 25 Cash
Visa on Arrival sticker costs USD 25 per person, paid at the bank booth before the immigration queue. Carry USD cash.
Completed Arrival Card
Arrival card distributed on the aircraft or available in the arrivals hall. Fill in before reaching immigration.
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from Egypt. May be verified at immigration.
Accommodation Details Recommended
Hotel voucher or address of accommodation in Egypt.
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended. Medical treatment costs in Egypt can be significant for uninsured travelers.
Current Travel Situation
Portugal to Egypt: What You Need to Know
Egypt offers Visa on Arrival to Portuguese citizens at Cairo International, Hurghada International, Sharm el-Sheikh, Luxor, and other major airports for USD 25 per person. The VoA is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Egypt is home to some of the world greatest ancient monuments: the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx (the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World), the Karnak and Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Abu Simbel temples, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. The Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh offer world-class scuba diving and snorkeling in warm, clear waters with rich marine life. Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan are a classic way to experience Upper Egypt. Flights from Lisbon to Cairo connect through European hubs; direct charter flights to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh operate from Lisbon seasonally.
How to Get There
From Cairo, Luxor is accessible by overnight train (comfortable sleeper with Wataniya or Abela) or 1-hour flight. Aswan is further south and connects to Abu Simbel by 45-minute flight or an early-morning excursion. Jordan (Petra, Wadi Rum) is a short flight from Cairo. The Greek islands are reachable by seasonal ferry from Alexandria or by flight. Israel is accessible by land crossing at Taba (Sinai) or Rafah (check current border status).
Money & Banking
Egypt uses the pound (EGP). Cash is widely used; ATMs in Cairo and tourist areas accept foreign cards but sometimes run out of money; withdraw at airport ATMs on arrival. Cards accepted in hotels and tourist-oriented restaurants. Egypt is very affordable: a street koshary meal costs EGP 15-30, a mid-range restaurant meal EGP 150-400. Museum and site entry fees have increased significantly in recent years; budget USD 10-30 per major site.
Practical Tips
Cairo traffic is intense; use Uber or Careem for reliable transport. Never accept unsolicited guide services without agreeing on a price in advance. At the Pyramids, touts and camel ride operators are persistent; be firm and polite. Dress modestly in Cairo and historical sites; women should cover hair when entering mosques. The Cairo Metro is inexpensive and efficient for city travel (women-only carriages available). Drink only bottled water throughout Egypt. Emergency number is 122 (police) or 123 (ambulance).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Portuguese citizens need a visa for Egypt?
Portuguese citizens can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) in Egypt at major international airports including Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh. The VoA costs USD 25 per person.
How much does the Egypt Visa on Arrival cost for Portuguese citizens?
The Egyptian Visa on Arrival costs USD 25 per person. Carry USD cash as card readers at VoA bank booths are not always reliable. Euros may also be accepted at the posted exchange rate.
How long can I stay in Egypt on the Visa on Arrival?
The Visa on Arrival allows a stay of 30 days from the date of issue. Extensions can be obtained at a Passport and Immigration Office inside Egypt before the VoA expires.
Where do I get the Visa on Arrival sticker in Egypt?
At Egyptian airports, go to the bank booth (typically Banque Misr or Bank of Egypt counter) before joining the immigration queue. Pay the fee, receive a sticker, and affix it to a blank passport page before presenting to the immigration officer.
Is there an alternative to the Visa on Arrival for Egypt?
Yes. Egyptian visas can also be obtained in advance at the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in Lisbon. Additionally, Egypt offers an e-Visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg for select nationalities. Check current availability for Portuguese passport holders before travel.
What is the Sinai-only entry and how does it work?
If you are visiting only the Sinai Peninsula (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, Taba), you may receive a free 14-day entry stamp on arrival at Sinai border posts. This does not allow travel to the rest of Egypt. For Hurghada, Luxor, Cairo, or anywhere outside Sinai, the USD 25 VoA is required.
Do I need travel insurance for Egypt?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Medical treatment in Egypt for uninsured travelers can be expensive, and evacuation coverage is valuable. Some travel insurance policies exclude Egypt; verify your policy covers the region before departure.