Egypt: do South Africans need a visa?

Visa on arrival is for tourism only. The e-Visa covers tourism (single or multiple entry); the portal asks for a business letter or invitation where relevant. Business, work and study need a consular visa.15

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

At least 6 months from the arrival date (Egypt e-Visa portal). FCDO and The GSA add at least one blank page (GSA says two).135

Confirmed on an official government source

Route 1, visa on arrival: buy at the airport visa/bank counter before immigration. The standard fee for most nationalities rose from USD 25 to USD 30 on 1 March 2026 (cash). Egypt's embassy in South Africa told SA trade press in March 2026 that South African passport holders are EXEMPT from the visa-on-arrival fee (no tier 1 document found; confirm before travel). At Cairo airport, a digital visa on arrival (QR code, card payment, USD 30 + USD 6 issuance fee) has been piloted since 1 August 2026. Route 2, e-Visa: apply on the official Ministry of Interior portal https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg at least 7 days before departure. Fees: USD 30 single entry and USD 65 multiple entry (tourism), card payment. Print the approval.1235789

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

No application is needed for visa on arrival. For the e-Visa, apply online at visa2egypt.gov.eg. For consular visas: Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, 270 Bourke St, Muckleneuk, Pretoria (by appointment only; tel +27 12 343 1590/1).25

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Not published by official sources

The e-Visa portal tells applicants to present a travel itinerary on arrival.1

Confirmed on an official government source

Not published by official sources

e-Visa holders should carry hotel bookings or travel plans (tourism), or a business letter or invitation.1

Confirmed on an official government source

EGYPT: yellow fever certificate needed only if arriving from a yellow fever transmission-risk country (including transit). Note: South Africans flying via Addis Ababa (Ethiopia is a risk country) on a long layover, or routing from another risk country, may be asked for a certificate. RETURN TO SOUTH AFRICA: Egypt is not on South Africa's yellow fever risk-country list, so no certificate is needed on return unless you transited a risk country (or a risk-country airport for more than 12 hours) on the way.314155

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

No general arrival card reported. Customs: maximum EGP 5,000 cash in or out; foreign currency over USD 10,000 must be declared; declare high-value electronics and recording equipment.3

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Not published by official sources

Sinai stamp: travellers arriving by air at Sharm El-Sheikh (and per Wikipedia also Taba and St Catherine) who stay under 15 days only in the Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts can get a free entry permission stamp instead of a visa. FCDO states this for all nationalities it covers; Wikipedia lists nationality exceptions, and South Africa is not among them. If you leave those resorts you need a full visa. Airside transit without entering Egypt needs no visa.312

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Not published by official sources