Egypt Visa RequirementsFor South Africa passport holders
South African citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt for stays up to 30 days. The visa on arrival costs $25 USD and is available at Hurghada International Airport, Sharm el-Sheikh Airport, Cairo International Airport, and other major entry points. Apply at dedicated VoA counters before reaching immigration.
South Africa passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Egypt ports of entry.
Purchase your visa on arrival at the VoA bank counter before proceeding to immigration. The fee is $25 USD per person, payable in USD cash or EUR; carry exact change as change can be inconsistent. You will receive a sticker visa in your passport. An alternative is the Egypt e-Visa available online at visa2egypt.gov.eg for a similar fee, which saves time at the airport.
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 South African Passport
Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date, with at least 1 blank page for visa sticker.
Visa on Arrival Fee: $25 USD Cash
Pay at the bank counter before immigration. Carry exact $25 USD in cash or EUR equivalent. Change can be inconsistent.
Return or Onward Ticket
Confirmed return or onward ticket out of Egypt.
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel booking or resort confirmation in Egypt.
Current Travel Situation
South Africa to Egypt: What You Need to Know
South Africa and Egypt are two of Africa's most significant nations, and their bilateral relationship carries substantial continental weight. Both are members of the African Union, G20-observer, and various regional frameworks. Egypt is a major diplomatic hub in the Arab world and the African continent, hosting the African Development Bank headquarters. The Cairo-Johannesburg corridor is one of the most traveled routes within Africa, connecting Sub-Saharan Africa to North Africa and the Middle East.
How to Get There
EgyptAir operates direct flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Cairo (CAI). FlySafair and other carriers also serve the Johannesburg to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh routes seasonally. Ethiopian Airlines connects via Addis Ababa. Johannesburg to Sharm el-Sheikh/Hurghada charter flights are also available. Flight time Johannesburg to Cairo is approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Money & Banking
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are widely available in Cairo and resort areas. USD is widely accepted in tourist zones and often preferred. Budget 500 to 1,000 EGP (approximately 15 to 30 USD) per day for mid-range travel; Egypt is excellent value. Tip guides, drivers, and hotel staff; tipping is an expected part of service culture.
Practical Tips
Egypt offers extraordinary depth for travelers: the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, Luxor's Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple, Abu Simbel, the Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab for diving), and Cairo's vibrant Islamic historic quarter. Nile River cruises between Luxor and Aswan are iconic. Egypt is one of the world's top scuba diving destinations, with the Red Sea offering exceptional visibility and reef diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do South Africans need a visa to visit Egypt?
South Africans can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) in Egypt at the airport. The VoA costs $25 USD and is available at Cairo International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, Sharm el-Sheikh Airport, and other major entry points. Alternatively, apply online in advance via the Egypt e-Visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg for the same fee.
How do South Africans get the Egypt visa on arrival?
At the airport, proceed to the dedicated VoA bank counter (before the immigration desks), pay $25 USD in cash (carry exact change) or by card at some counters, and receive a sticker visa to place in your passport. Then proceed to immigration. The e-Visa alternative can be applied for at visa2egypt.gov.eg 1 to 7 days before travel and may save time at the airport.
Are there direct flights from South Africa to Egypt?
Yes. EgyptAir operates direct flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Cairo (CAI). Ethiopian Airlines connects via Addis Ababa. Charter and seasonal flights to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are also available. Flight time Johannesburg to Cairo is approximately 7 to 8 hours.
What currency does Egypt use?
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). USD is widely accepted in tourist areas and hotels. ATMs are available in Cairo and resort areas. Egypt is excellent value for South Africans: mid-range daily budget is approximately 500 to 1,000 EGP (15 to 30 USD). Bargaining is expected in markets (souks) and for activities.
What are the top Egyptian experiences for South African travelers?
The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx (the world's most iconic ancient monuments, accessible from Cairo), the Egyptian Museum (Tutankhamun's gold mask and treasures), Luxor's Valley of the Kings (tombs of the pharaohs), Karnak Temple Complex (the world's largest ancient religious site), Abu Simbel (Ramesses II temples, accessible by overnight train or short flight from Aswan), Nile River cruises from Luxor to Aswan, and the Red Sea coast (Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh for world-class diving) are all outstanding.
Is the Red Sea diving good for South African divers?
Yes. Egypt's Red Sea coast is one of the world's premier diving destinations. Sites like Ras Mohammed National Park, the SS Thistlegorm wreck (WWII British cargo ship), Shark Reef and Yolanda Reef at Ras Mohammed, the Blue Hole at Dahab, and the coral gardens of Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada offer exceptional visibility (20 to 40 m), warm water (22 to 28 degrees), and rich marine life. Daily dive boats operate from all major Red Sea resort towns.
Is Egypt safe for South African travelers?
Egypt's main tourist areas (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, the Red Sea coast) are generally safe for international tourists. Petty theft and tourist-targeted scams (fake guides, camel rides, papyrus shops) occur near major monuments; maintain healthy skepticism of unsolicited assistance. The North Sinai region near the Israeli and Libyan borders carries elevated risk; check travel advisories. Egyptian tourist police are present at major sites.
What is the best time for South Africans to visit Egypt?
October to April is the best time for mainland Egypt: temperatures are cooler (20 to 30 degrees Celsius in Cairo and Luxor) and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer (May to September) is extremely hot inland (35 to 42 degrees in Luxor and Aswan) but fine for Red Sea beach resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, which benefit from sea breezes. Ramadan can affect opening hours and restaurants.