In a significant effort to attract more foreign visitors, Egypt has formally extended its 96-hour free transit visa scheme until April 30, 2026. Formerly introduced in June 2023, the program enables travelers with long layovers to leave the airport and explore the country without incurring visa charges or dealing with lengthy paperwork.
This travel-friendly program, supervised by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, aims to enhance short-stay tourism, hotel accommodations, and Egypt’s global air transit hub appeal.
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Egypt’s 96-Hour Free Transit Visa
The 96-hour free transit visa is a temporary, expense-free access permit awarded to qualified foreign passengers traveling through Egypt.
It permits travelers with a layover of 8 to 96 hours to exit the airport and explore historic locations such as Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and the Red Sea resorts. This visa is free, contrary to the standard tourist visa, which often charges $25.
Who Can Be Eligible For The Free Transit Visa
To be eligible for the 96-hour free transit visa, travelers are required to satisfy the following qualification measures:
- Transit Stop
You must travel via one of Egypt’s main foreign airports, which include Cairo International Airport and Aswan International Airport.
- Qualified Airlines
This is an important aspect. The free transit visa is primarily available to passengers flying with Egyptian carriers, such as EgyptAir and its subsidiaries Air Cairo and Nile Air. Your landing and departure flights must be with one of these airlines to be eligible.
- Layover Period
Your layover must last at least 8 hours and a maximum of 96 hours. This allows you to explore without being rushed.
- Passport Authenticity
As with all foreign trips, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Egypt.
- Qualified Nations
This provision is only available to travelers from countries qualified for a visa on arrival or an emergency access visa in Egypt. Currently, nationals of approximately 106 countries are eligible for a visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports. These have to do with the following:
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- United Kingdom
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Note: Travelers from countries not eligible for a visa-on-arrival or those requiring a pre-arranged visa are not eligible for this free transit visa.
Conditions For The 96-hour Transit Visa
Before making plans for your layover experience in Egypt, ensure you satisfy these major requirements:
| Conditions | Information |
| Authentic passport | This is required to be authentic for a minimum of six months from the entry date. |
| Flight ticket | You are required to ijdicate evidence of your onward ticket within the 96-hour portal |
| Same airline usage | Both landing and departure are required to be through EgyptAir, Nile Air, and Air Cairo. |
| No advance request | This visa is provided on landing at the airport. |
How To Qualify For Egypt’s Free Transit Visa: Step By Step
Below is the way qualified travelers can obtain their 96-hour transit visa upon landing:
- Do not leave the airport immediately upon arrival. Instead, visit your airline’s transit visa desk or seek an airline representative.
- Please present the following documents: Your passport and flight ticket or boarding permit. Complete a simple form with your travel information.
- Confirmation and authorization: The airline official will confirm your country and layover period. If you are eligible, they will provide a free 96-hour visa for immediate access.
- Explore Egypt: Once your visa is authorized, you can explore Egypt for 4 days before continuing your flight.
Why This Is Important For International Travelers
This visa program presents a golden opportunity for travelers between Asia, Europe, and Africa to make the most of their layover in Egypt. You can stay for several days, visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza, exploring the Ancient Temples of Luxor, or enjoying the Red Sea without incurring any visa charges.
Egypt’s 96-hour free transit visa extension until April 2026 is a success for tourists and the nation’s tourism sector. If you have an upcoming layover in Egypt, don’t miss the chance to explore its rich history, culture, and beautiful settings without paying a visa fee.
