Beyond the Layover: Understanding Transit Visa for Egypt and Comprehensive Egypt Visa for Canadians

sidrabano

Jul 5, 2025 - 14:58

Beyond the Layover: Understanding Transit Visa for Egypt and Comprehensive Egypt Visa for Canadians

Egypt, a country synonymous with ancient wonders and vibrant cultural experiences, is a popular destination for Canadian travelers. Whether planning an immersive exploration of its historical sites or simply transiting through its bustling airports, understanding the visa requirements is paramount. This article will delve into the nuances of obtaining a transit visa for Egypt and provide a comprehensive guide to securing an overall Egypt visa for Canadians, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Navigating the Transit Visa for Egypt

For Canadians flying through Egypt with a connecting flight, the need for a transit visa for Egypt depends entirely on the duration of your layover and whether you intend to leave the international transit area of the airport.

Layovers Under 6 Hours (Staying within International Transit Area): Generally, if your layover in an Egyptian airport (like Cairo International Airport) is less than 6 hours and you remain within the international transit zone, you will not need a transit visa. You will not pass through immigration and customs, and your luggage will typically be checked through to your final destination.
Layovers Over 6 Hours or Intention to Leave the Airport: If your layover exceeds 6 hours, or if you plan to leave the airport's international transit area (e.g., to stay at a nearby hotel, take a short tour, or access your checked luggage), then a transit visa for Egypt is mandatory.

Duration: This specific transit visa allows for a stay of up to 48 hours.
Application: Crucially, a transit visa cannot be obtained on arrival at Egyptian airports. It must be applied for in advance through an Egyptian embassy or consulate in Canada. This involves submitting a completed application form, your passport, recent passport-sized photos, flight tickets (proof of onward journey), contact details, and paying the applicable fee. The processing time for a transit visa can take up to 7 business days, so plan accordingly.
Important Note: If your layover is longer than 48 hours, a standard tourist visa (eVisa or visa on arrival) is required instead of a transit visa.

It's always recommended to confirm the latest transit visa regulations with your airline and the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in Canada before your trip, as policies can sometimes change.

Comprehensive Egypt Visa for Canadians

For Canadian citizens planning to visit Egypt for tourism or other purposes beyond a brief transit, there are three primary ways to obtain an Egypt visa for Canadians: the electronic visa (eVisa), visa on arrival (VoA), or a traditional visa from an embassy/consulate.

1. Electronic Visa (eVisa)

The eVisa system is the most convenient and highly recommended option for most Canadian tourists.

Process: Apply online through the official Egyptian e-Visa portal (www.visa2egypt.gov.eg). You'll need to create an account, fill out a digital application form with personal and passport details, upload a scanned copy of your passport's biographical page, and pay the visa fee securely online using a credit or debit card.
Cost: As of December 1, 2024 (a recent update in Egyptian visa policy, reverting previous changes), the cost for a single-entry eVisa is $25 USD, and a multiple-entry eVisa is $60 USD. (Note: Prior to Dec 1, 2024, Canadians may have needed an embassy visa for tourism).
Validity: A single-entry eVisa is typically valid for 90 days from the date of issue, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days. A multiple-entry eVisa is generally valid for 180 days, allowing multiple entries, each for up to 30 days.
Processing Time: Standard processing usually takes 3-7 business days. It is strongly advised to apply at least 7-10 business days before your travel date to account for any potential delays.
Benefits: Convenience of applying from home, avoiding airport queues upon arrival, and pre-approval for peace of mind.

2. Visa on Arrival (VoA)

As of December 1, 2024, Egypt visa on arrival for Canadians has been re-instated for tourism purposes.

Process: Upon arrival at major Egyptian international airports (e.g., Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada), head to the designated visa kiosks or bank counters before immigration. Purchase a visa sticker, typically for $25 USD (cash only – USD, EUR, or GBP are generally accepted, with USD being preferred). Affix the sticker to a blank page in your passport, complete an arrival card, and then proceed to immigration for stamping.
Validity: Allows for a single stay of up to 30 days.
Pros: Suitable for spontaneous trips or if you didn't have time to apply for an eVisa in advance.
Cons: Can involve potentially long queues, especially during peak travel times. Requires cash payment. No pre-approval, though entry for Canadian tourists is highly likely.

3. Traditional Visa through Embassy/Consulate

For non-tourism purposes (e.g., work, study, long-term stays) or if you prefer a physical visa stamp in your passport before travel, applying through the Embassy of Egypt in Ottawa or the Consulate General of Egypt in Montreal remains an option.

Process: This method involves submitting a completed visa application form, your passport, passport-sized photos, and specific supporting documents (e.g., invitation letters, proof of enrolment, employment letters). This may require an in-person visit or mail application, depending on your Canadian residency.
Processing Time: This is typically the longest processing method, often ranging from 15 business days to several weeks or more.
Cost: Fees can vary and are often paid via cash or money order.

Key Takeaways for Canadian Travelers

For Transit: If your layover is short (under 6 hours) and you stay airside, no visa is needed. If it's longer or you plan to leave the airport, a pre-arranged transit visa for Egypt (up to 48 hours) is mandatory and cannot be obtained on arrival.
For Tourism: The eVisa is the most convenient option for an Egypt visa for Canadians. Apply online in advance for peace of mind. The visa on arrival is also available from December 1, 2024, but be prepared for potential queues and cash payment.
Always Check: Before any travel, consult the official website of the Embassy of Egypt in Canada, the Canadian government's travel advisories for Egypt (travel.gc.ca), and your airline for the most up-to-date requirements, as policies can change.

By understanding these options and planning accordingly, Canadian travelers can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, whether simply transiting or embarking on a full exploration of Egypt's timeless wonders.