Egypt Visa RequirementsFor Qatar passport holders
Qatari nationals are eligible for a visa on arrival in Egypt for stays up to 30 days, costing approximately $25 USD. The VoA is available at major Egyptian international airports including Cairo (CAI), Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH), Hurghada (HRG), and Luxor (LXR). Egypt is a highly popular destination for Qatari tourists.
Qatar passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Egypt ports of entry.
Arrive at a major Egyptian international airport. Proceed to the visa on arrival counter (before immigration). Pay $25 USD (or equivalent) in cash at the bank counter, collect a receipt, and attach to the VoA form. Fill in the VoA form. Proceed to immigration and receive a 30-day entry stamp. A return/onward ticket may be requested.
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 Qatari Passport
Must have at least 6 months validity and at least one blank visa page.
Completed VoA Form
Visa on arrival application form available at Egyptian airport VoA counters.
Passport Photo
One recent color passport photo (4x6 cm), white background.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed booking showing departure from Egypt within the authorized stay.
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel booking confirmation or host invitation letter.
VoA Fee
USD 25 paid at the airport arrival counter. Cash only (USD preferred).
Current Travel Situation
Qatar to Egypt: What You Need to Know
Egypt offers a visa on arrival to Qatari nationals for up to 30 days, costing $25 USD. This is notable compared to Saudi and Kuwaiti nationals who enjoy full visa-free access to Egypt; Qataris pay the VoA fee under a slightly different bilateral arrangement.
Despite this, Egypt remains an extremely popular destination for Qatari tourists. Cairo is the natural hub, offering the Pyramids of Giza (the world's oldest and most iconic ancient monument), the Egyptian Museum (over 120,000 artefacts), Khan el-Khalili bazaar, and the vibrant street food scene. The Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada offer beach holidays with excellent snorkeling and diving.
Qatar and Egypt restored diplomatic relations in 2021 after the Qatar blockade (during which Egypt was one of the blockading countries). Travel flows have now normalized.
How to Get There
Qatar Airways operates multiple weekly flights from Doha (DOH) to Cairo (CAI). Sharm el-Sheikh (SSH) and Hurghada (HRG) may be reached via Cairo or via charter flights during peak season. Flight time Doha to Cairo is approximately 3 hours.
Money & Banking
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). The EGP was significantly devalued in 2022-2024; as of 2024, approximately 48-50 EGP per USD. Egypt is now very affordable for Qatari travelers. Upscale hotels in Cairo run $100 to $300 per night. Red Sea resorts often quote in USD. Carry USD for the VoA fee and initial expenses. ATMs widely available in tourist areas.
Practical Tips
For stays longer than 30 days, an extension can be obtained at the Cairo Mogamma (the main Egyptian bureaucratic building on Tahrir Square) or at the Passport and Immigration office in other cities. Extensions typically add 3 months for a small fee.
Cairo highlights: The Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza (arrive at 7am to beat crowds and heat), the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square (new Grand Egyptian Museum near the Pyramids opened 2023), Khan el-Khalili bazaar for shopping, and a Nile felucca boat at sunset.
Sharm el-Sheikh: Directly accessible with flights from Doha. The Naama Bay area has beach clubs, snorkeling in the Straits of Tiran, and diving at Ras Mohamed National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Qatari nationals need a visa for Egypt?
Qatari nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt for up to 30 days, costing approximately $25 USD. This is different from Saudi and Kuwaiti nationals who have full visa-free access; Qataris pay a VoA fee under a slightly different arrangement.
How do I pay for the Egypt VoA as a Qatari national?
Pay $25 USD (or equivalent) in cash at the bank counter before the immigration desk at Cairo, Hurghada, or Sharm el-Sheikh airports. Collect the bank receipt, then proceed to the immigration counter with the completed arrival form. The stamp is placed in your passport.
Is it possible to apply for an Egyptian visa in advance from Qatar?
Yes. Egyptian visas can be applied for in advance through the Egyptian Embassy in Doha. For a 30-day tourist visa, advance application is not necessary given the VoA availability, but it may save time at the airport.
What are the best Nile cruise options for Qatari tourists?
Luxury Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan (4 to 7 nights) are highly recommended for heritage tourists. Ships pass the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo, and dock at Aswan for the Abu Simbel excursion. Operators include Oberoi, Sonesta, and Viking River Cruises. Book 3 to 6 months in advance for premium cabins.
When is the best time for Qatari tourists to visit Egypt?
October through April is the best time: moderate temperatures in Cairo (20-25Ā°C), cool in Luxor and Aswan. July and August are extremely hot in Upper Egypt (40-45Ā°C). Red Sea resorts are comfortable year-round due to sea breezes.
What is the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Giza Pyramids is the world's largest archaeological museum, opened in phases from 2022 to 2023. It houses over 100,000 artefacts including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun (previously split between the old Egyptian Museum and storage). Entry costs approximately $25. Advance booking is recommended.