The two types of visas required for U.S. citizens to travel to Egypt are tourist visas and entry visas. All travel visas requires proof of a valid U.S. passport and can be obtained at Major Ports of Entry prior to reaching the airport or dock if traveling by airplane or water transportation or ahead of time from the Travel Documents, Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA) located in the United States. Most travelers will obtain their visa upon entry into Egypt; flight attendants or boat staff will hand out visa applications before landing or docking in Egypt.
Tourist visas are for a maximum period of three months and granted on a single- or multiple-entry basis. For travelers entering Egypt through the South Sinai area and staying in the South Sinai resort area, a free 15-day visa can be obtained the Port of Entry, such as airports, marine harbors and overland entry posts. For travelers entering elsewhere into Egypt, a 30-day visa can be obtained upon arrival for $15 from the designated Port of Entry from the TDINA.
When entering Egypt for purposes such as work and study, an entry visa is required for any U.S. citizen. U.S. citizens arriving to Egypt for work purposes must obtain a work permit and work visa from the Ministry of Manpower and immigration offices in their district or through the employer before arrival. If you are changing your tourist visa to a entry visa, you have three months to change the status on your visa. Your entry visa is also needed to complete the residence procedure for housing while working or studying in Egypt.
