Egypt, a mesmerizing destination boasting ancient wonders, captivating history, and breathtaking landscapes, draws travelers from all corners of the world.¹ For citizens of Uruguay and Venezuela eager to explore this North African gem, understanding the specific visa regulations is a crucial first step in planning their journey. This article provides a detailed overview of the Egypt visa for Uruguayan citizens and the Egypt visa for Venezuelan citizens, outlining the current requirements and application processes.

Egypt Visa for Uruguayan Citizens

As of today, Saturday, May 10, 2025, Uruguayan citizens generally require a visa to enter Egypt for tourism purposes.² However, the Egyptian government offers a convenient pathway for obtaining this necessary travel document.

Visa Options for Uruguayan Citizens:

Visa on Arrival: Uruguayan citizens have the option to obtain a tourist visa upon their arrival at various Egyptian ports of entry, including major international airports. This visa typically permits a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism. When choosing this option, it is advisable to have USD $25 in cash readily available to pay the visa fee at the immigration counter. Travelers should also be prepared to complete an arrival card upon landing.
E-Visa (Electronic Visa): A growingly popular and recommended method for Uruguayan citizens is to apply for an e-Visa online before commencing their travel. This involves visiting the official Egyptian e-Visa portal, completing the online application form with accurate details, uploading a scanned copy of their valid Uruguayan passport (which must have at least six months of validity remaining from the intended date of entry into Egypt), and a recent passport-sized digital photograph. A valid credit or debit card is necessary to pay the visa fee online. Two primary types of e-Visas are available:
- Single-entry e-Visa: This visa allows a single entry into Egypt for tourism or business purposes, with a maximum stay of 30 days within a 90-day period from the date of issue. The consular fee for a single-entry e-Visa is typically around USD $25.
- Multiple-entry e-Visa: This option is suitable for Uruguayan citizens who anticipate making multiple visits to Egypt within a 180-day period from the date of issue, with each individual stay not exceeding 30 days.³ The consular fee for a multiple-entry e-Visa is approximately USD $60.

It is strongly recommended that Uruguayan citizens apply for the e-Visa at least four business days before their scheduled travel date to allow sufficient time for processing and approval. Once the e-Visa is approved, a confirmation will be sent to the provided email address, which should be printed out and presented to the Egyptian immigration authorities upon arrival, along with the traveler's valid passport.

Special Considerations for Sinai Peninsula:

For Uruguayan citizens whose travel plans are exclusively limited to the Sinai Peninsula (encompassing popular resort areas like Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Taba, Nuweiba, Ras Sidr, St. Catherine, and El-Tur), a free "Sinai Only" entry permit can be obtained upon arrival at designated entry points within the Sinai region. This permit allows a stay of up to 15 days and is non-renewable. However, it's crucial to note that holders of this permit are not authorized to travel outside the Sinai region. If the itinerary includes exploring other parts of Egypt, a regular visa (obtained either on arrival or through the e-Visa system) is mandatory.

Required Documents for Uruguayan Citizens:

Regardless of the chosen visa application method, Uruguayan citizens should ensure they have the following documents in order:

A valid Uruguayan passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the intended date of arrival in Egypt and at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
A printed copy of the e-Visa approval (if applicable).
Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover any unforeseen medical or travel-related issues.
A copy of the traveler's flight itinerary, including arrival and departure details.
Confirmation of hotel or other accommodation bookings for the duration of the stay.
Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of the trip.

Egypt Visa for Venezuelan Citizens

As of today, Saturday, May 10, 2025, Venezuelan citizens also generally require a visa to enter Egypt for tourism purposes. Similar to Uruguayan citizens, they have options for obtaining this travel authorization.

Visa Options for Venezuelan Citizens:

Visa on Arrival: Venezuelan citizens can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at most Egyptian ports of entry, including major international airports. This visa typically grants a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days for tourism. The current visa fee is USD $25, payable in cash upon arrival. Travelers should be prepared for potential queues at immigration counters and ensure they complete the arrival card accurately.
E-Visa (Electronic Visa): Applying for an e-Visa online before traveling is also a viable and often more convenient option for Venezuelan citizens. The process involves visiting the official Egyptian e-Visa portal, filling out the online application form with the required information, uploading a scanned copy of their valid Venezuelan passport (which must have at least six months of validity beyond the intended date of entry), and a recent digital passport photograph. A valid credit or debit card is needed to pay the visa fee online. The e-Visa is available in two main types:
- Single-entry e-Visa: This visa permits a single entry into Egypt for tourism or business, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days within a 90-day period from the date of issue. The consular fee for a single-entry e-Visa is typically around USD $25.
- Multiple-entry e-Visa: This option is suitable for Venezuelan citizens who plan to visit Egypt multiple times within a 180-day period from the date of issue, with each individual stay not exceeding 30 days.⁴ The consular fee for a multiple-entry e-Visa is approximately USD $60.

It is advisable for Venezuelan citizens to submit their e-Visa application at least four business days before their intended travel date to allow sufficient time for processing and approval. Once approved, the e-Visa confirmation will be sent via email and should be printed out and presented to the Egyptian immigration authorities upon arrival, along with the traveler's valid passport.

Special Considerations for Sinai Peninsula:

Venezuelan citizens who intend to restrict their visit solely to the Sinai Peninsula (including popular destinations like Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Taba, Nuweiba, Ras Sidr, St. Catherine, and El-Tur) can This permit allows a maximum stay of 15 days and is non-renewable. Travelers holding this permit are not allowed to travel outside the Sinai region. For exploring other parts of Egypt, a standard visa (obtained on arrival or through the e-Visa system) is necessary.

Required Documents for Venezuelan Citizens:

Regardless of the visa application method chosen, Venezuelan citizens should ensure they have the following documents readily available:

A valid Venezuelan passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into Egypt and at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
A printed copy of the e-Visa approval (if applicable).
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover any unexpected medical emergencies or travel disruptions.⁵
A copy of the traveler's round-trip flight itinerary.
Confirmation of their hotel or other accommodation arrangements for the duration of their stay.
Evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover their expenses while in Egypt.

Conclusion:

For both Uruguayan citizens and Venezuelan citizens, obtaining a tourist visa for Egypt involves similar processes, with the convenient options of visa-on-arrival and the increasingly popular e-Visa system. By understanding the specific requirements and allowing adequate time for processing, particularly for e-Visa applications, travelers from both Uruguay and Venezuela can look forward to an enriching and unforgettable experience exploring the wonders of ancient and modern Egypt. It is always prudent to double-check the latest visa regulations with the official Egyptian embassy or consulate in their respective countries before finalizing travel plans, as policies can be subject to change.