The Border Crossings of Egpyt

Egyptian Border Crossings Operating Hours. As a result of the outbreak of the coronavirus, many changes have been made in operating processes at international.


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Border Crossings of Egpyt

Most tourists visiting Egypt need a visa to access and travel around Egypt.

Citizens of all European Union countries, the United States, and Israel (through the Taba border crossing) receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival in the Sinai Peninsula.

However, this stamp is only valid for travel to the Sharm El Sheikh, Nuweiba and Taba resorts, for up to 14 days. Please note the stamp does not grant travelers permission to visit the rest of Egypt (outside the resort premises). Those who wish to go beyond these resorts or stay in Egypt for longer must obtain the correct type of Egypt visa.

Nationals of many countries are now able to apply online for the Egypt visa. The eVisa is the quickest and easiest way to gain access to the country, with the online application process taking just a few minutes to complete.

Once approved, the visa is sent to the applicant via email, to be printed and presented at the border. The Egypt eVisa is a single-entry visa for stays of up to 30 days.

Tourists with an eVisa for Egypt save time as they are no longer required to attend the embassy or consulate in person or join long lines at the airport.

The information below provides guidance for entering Egypt through the different ports of entry.

Israel-Egypt Taba Border Crossing

The Taba border crossing allows tourists to cross the border between Egypt and Israel.

This land border is close to the Taba Red Sea resort and driving distance of other popular tourist resorts in the Sinai Peninsula including Dahab, Nuweiba, and Sharm El Sheikh.

Travelers crossing the border between Egypt and Israel must pay a fee of 106 NIS (30 USD) prior to leaving Israel.

Tourists staying within 1km of the border are not required to pay the fee but must be able to provide a printed hotel reservation from one of the following resorts:

  • The Hilton Taba Resort Hotel
  • The Mövenpick Resort
  • The Radisson Blue Resort Taba

Travelers are recommended to take cash as paying by credit card incurs an additional 5 NIS (1.45 USD) charge.

Crossing from Jordan into Egypt

Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula shares a maritime border with Jordan. Tourists can take a ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba and arrive at either the Taba or Nuweiba border crossing.

Like visitors entering Egypt from Israel through the Taba crossing, travelers crossing from Jordan can stay in the Sinai Peninsula resorts for a maximum of 14 days by requesting the permission stamp on arrival.

Foreigners with the stamp cannot leave the specified resorts, if they wish to do so a visa must be applied for.

Jordan to Egypt by Ferry: Aqaba to Taba

The Ferry service from Aqaba to Taba runs on Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays departing at 10:30 am. A round-trip costs 90 USD and lasts one hour.

Tickets are purchased from the AB Maritime office in Aqaba.

Jordan to Egypt by Ferry: Aqaba to Nuweiba

The second option is to take the ferry from Aqaba to Nuweiba. This is a daily service leaving at 1 pm and arriving at 4 pm.

A round trip from Jordan to Egypt by ferry costs in the region of 100 USD.

Traveling to Egypt by Air

The majority of foreigners arrive into Egypt by plane. International flights arrive into the country at the following airports:

  • Cairo International Airport, Cairo
  • Hurghada International Airport, Hurghada
  • St Catherine International Airport, St Catherina
  • Borg El Arab International Airport, Alexandria
  • Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
  • Luxor Airport International Airport

Only tourists arriving into Sharm El Sheikh International airport or St Catherine International Airport are eligible for the Sinai resort permission stamp, all other travelers are required to obtain a visa for Egypt.

Cairo is the main International airport in Egypt with 65 airlines offering regular flights to major European cities.

As Africa’s second-largest airport, Cairo International is very busy. Travelers can avoid long lines at the airport by applying for an eVisa in advance.

Foreign nationals can check the Egypt visa requirements online to confirm eligibility.

Practical Advice for Traveling to Egypt

Tourists visiting Egypt should ensure they have all the required documentation to enter the country, including:

  • A current passport valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of entry into Egypt
  • Single or multi-entry eVisa (or visa on arrival if prepared to wait at the border)
  • A medical certificate or official letter from your healthcare practitioner if carrying medication into the country

Tourists are also highly recommended to check to Egypt customs regulations when preparing luggage to avoid packing any prohibited items and the current travel restrictions for Egypt before you start your trip.

In addition, foreigners should be aware of the appropriate dress code for men and women in Egypt when packing clothing for the trip.


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