Few locations on earth cause one to be as imaginative as Egypt. The mere sight of the word Cairo would make people imagine giant pyramids, silent sphinxes, and the glittering river Nile. You have made a great decision to visit this ancient miracle and to spend five golden days you have hewn--but a trip like this must be planned with a laser beam.
In addition to the choice between the Valley of the Kings and a Red Sea beach, there is one more non-negotiable step that should be taken care of in the first place, the Egypt eVisa. The most important thing to be able to pack your entry documents ahead of your flight is to save as much time as possible and reduce the amount of time spent in the airport. This is a step-by-step guide to the obligatory eVisa and it provides a high quality, do-not-miss 5-day e-tour that truly hits the high notes.
The Necessary Introduction: Online Egypt eVisa
To most nationalities, the times when you can scramble to get US dollars so as to stamp a visa at the airport are becoming a thing of the past. The Egyptian government has streamlined the entry procedure with the use of the electronic visa system or eVisa. This electronic visa gives qualified travellers the chance to apply and get their visa all online and depart.
What is the reason you should select the eVisa instead of the Egypt Visa on Arrival (VoA)? It is just a matter of saving some time and ensuring advance entry approvals. The last thing you would wish to do after a long flight is to be involved in a long queue to get a visa sticker, when your 5-day clock is already running. You sort your eVisa in advance and you come off the plane, pass through the immigration and it takes you directly to the Great Pyramids. It is the intelligent hassle-free approach to start your Egyptian adventure.
Egypt eVisa Eligibility and Documents: Preparing Your Application
The eVisa is available to citizens of over 70 countries. Before starting the application, you need to gather a few fundamental items. Getting these documents Required for Egypt Visa ensures a smooth, uninterrupted application process.
Egypt eVisa Required Documentation Checklist:
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your planned date of arrival in Egypt.
- Scanned Passport Copy: A digital copy of your passport’s bio-data page (the one with your photo). Ensure the file size is within the required limit (usually 1MB or less).
- Travel Itinerary: You should have confirmed flight details, including arrival and departure dates.
- Accommodation Details: The name and address of your hotel or host in Egypt.
- Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card for the fee payment.
It is highly recommended that you submit your application at least seven working days before your travel date, although approval often comes within 48 to 72 hours. Don’t leave this to the last minute!
How to apply for an e-visa for Egypt : Applying Online for Egypt eVisa
The Egypt Visa Application process is straightforward and designed to be completed in less than 30 minutes. Here is the exact path you need to follow:
- Start Application: Choose "Tourism" as the purpose of travel and indicate your entry type (Single or Multiple).
- Fill Details: Accurately enter your personal, passport, and travel information. Double-check that every detail—especially your passport number and dates—matches your physical passport exactly. Minor errors can lead to rejection or entry refusal.
- Upload Documents: Upload the required digital copy of your passport bio-data page.
- Review and Submit: Scrutinize your completed application using the review function. Once confirmed, proceed to the payment page.
- Payment: Pay the visa fee securely using your card.
Once approved, you will receive your eVisa document via email. Print two copies of this document and keep them with your passport—one for your luggage, one for your carry-on—as immigration officials will need to scan the printed copy upon arrival.
Egypt Single or Multiple Entry eVisa Types
When applying, you will need to choose the duration and type of visa. Your 5-day trip is easily covered by the standard single-entry visa, but if you foresee future visits or a side trip to a neighboring country, the multiple-entry option might be worthwhile.
Five Days in Egypt: Your Ultimate Itinerary at a Glance
A 5-day trip to Egypt is essentially a power tour. Since moving between cities takes up half a day, the most efficient itinerary is a Cairo-centric one with a quick, high-impact jump to Luxor.
- Day 1: Arrival in Cairo, evening Nile cruise/dinner.
- Day 2: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and the Saqqara Step Pyramid.
- Day 3: Islamic Cairo (Citadel, Muhammad Ali Mosque) and Coptic Cairo (Hanging Church), afternoon Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
- Day 4: Early morning flight to Luxor, West Bank tour (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple). Late flight back to Cairo.
- Day 5: Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) or Egyptian Museum, final souvenirs, and departure.
Day 1 & 2: Cairo and Giza—The Immortal Wonders
Your first full day must be dedicated to the Giza Plateau. The Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, guarded by the Great Sphinx, are the core of any Egyptian trip. Get there early (the gates open around 8:00 AM) to beat the worst of the heat and the largest crowds.
After Giza, dedicate the afternoon to the earlier wonders at Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in the world. Day one alone will overwhelm you with 4,500 years of history! Day two is reserved for the city's vast cultural wealth. Make sure you book tickets for the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) if it's open, as it’s the new home for the legendary Tutankhamun treasures. If not, the classic Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square remains a must-see for its breathtaking collection of ancient artifacts.
Day 3: Citadel, Souks, and the Old City Charm
Day three offers a break from the massive ancient sites and delves into Cairo’s rich medieval and religious history.
Start at the Citadel of Saladin, a medieval Islamic fortress perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of Cairo and, yes, a distant view of the Giza Pyramids (smog permitting!). Within the Citadel, you’ll find the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali (the Alabaster Mosque), a true architectural masterpiece reminiscent of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque.
In the afternoon, lose yourself in the maze of the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. This historic souk is a sensory overload of spices, leather goods, jewelry, and noisy bargaining. It’s the perfect place to grab authentic souvenirs. End the day with a visit to Coptic Cairo, where ancient Roman ruins cradle beautiful churches like the Hanging Church, offering a glimpse into the country’s early Christian history.
Day 4: Fast Track to Luxor's Pharaoh Tombs
To truly appreciate Egypt’s depth, a trip to Luxor (Ancient Thebes) is essential, but it requires a quick in-and-out strategy. This means taking an early morning flight from Cairo (CAI) to Luxor (LXR).
Luxor is often called the world's greatest open-air museum. Spend the day exploring the West Bank. Start at the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs like Tutankhamun were interred in magnificent subterranean tombs. Next, visit the towering Colossi of Memnon and the unique terraced Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. If time allows, you can squeeze in the vast Karnak Temple complex on the East Bank before heading back to LXR airport for your evening flight to Cairo. It’s an exhausting, but entirely worthwhile, day of epic sightseeing.
Day 5: Farewell Nile Cruise and Departure Prep
Your final morning is about wrapping up and taking a moment to breathe. If you didn't manage to get to the GEM or the Egyptian Museum, prioritize it now. Otherwise, the perfect goodbye to Cairo is a leisurely felucca ride on the Nile. These traditional sailboats offer a peaceful, timeless perspective of the city, especially lovely in the morning light.
Use the rest of the day for last-minute souvenir shopping or to simply enjoy a coffee overlooking the river. Ensure your eVisa printout is easily accessible, and head to the airport with plenty of time to spare, leaving at least 3 hours before your international flight.
Practical Pointers: Essential Travel and Tipping Tips
Egypt has a unique culture and economy that’s helpful to understand before you arrive. Embracing these local customs will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Conclusion: Planning is Your Passport to the Past
Five days in Egypt is a whirlwind, but with careful planning, it’s enough time to be utterly captivated by the Pyramids, charmed by Cairo's labyrinthine alleys, and humbled by Luxor’s majestic tombs.
Your adventure begins not with stepping onto the Giza Plateau, but with securing that crucial eVisa. By following these steps and getting your single-entry pass sorted well in advance, you remove the only major hurdle between you and the Pharaohs.
Now that you have your visa strategy and a complete blueprint for your 5-day itinerary, you can focus on the exciting part: packing your bags and preparing to make memories that will truly last a lifetime. Enjoy every moment of your journey to the land of the Nile!
