U.S. citizens who would like to accept Egyptian jobs should generally obtain work permits before arriving in Egypt. The individual should cooperate with her Egyptian employer to apply for a work permit through the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration. The ministry operates an office in each Egyptian district, and the employer will apply for the worker's permit at the ministry office serving the employer's district. If the ministry grants the work permit, the approval includes permission to reside in Egypt. To obtain a work/business visa for entry into Egypt, an American must first get a work permit through her employer. The individual's employer should provide guidance regarding the necessary paperwork and Egyptian forms.
Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides online consular services for applicants who need to renew existing work permits. Holders of Egyptian work permits should work with their employers to obtain permit renewals. The ministry may also provide further guidance regarding the procedures and requirements.
While travelers may apply for tourist visas upon arrival at Egyptian airports, individuals who plan to work should obtain work/business visas in advance of travel. U.S. citizens may apply for visas at Egyptian consulates located in the U.S. or other countries abroad. An applicant for a work/business visa must show an American passport with validity for at least the next six months and two personal photos. In addition, the applicant must complete the Egyptian consulate's visa application form, pay the Egyptian consulate's visa fees and provide proof of the approved work permit. Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides country-specific guidelines and online services for visa applicants on its website for consular services.
U.S. citizens who plan to enter Egypt using work/business visas and stay for a period of longer than 30 days must comply with the country's medical requirements for foreign visa-holders. The medical requirements include HIV testing. Additionally, workers arriving from areas infected by yellow fever must show proof of immunization.
If an American enters Egypt using a tourist visa, he cannot legally work unless he later changes his visa status. Egypt issues three-month tourist visas to visitors who would like to seek employment after arrival in the country. Visitors on tourist visas may change from nonworking status by obtaining work permits through their Egyptian employers and following all Egyptian procedures to get work/business visas. American tourists who need guidance regarding their legal rights or obligations in Egypt may wish to contact the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
