Africa: visit, move, invest
Egypt guide 2026: visas, pyramids, residency and owning property
Egypt in 2026: visa on arrival and e-visa costs, Giza tickets, safety advice, residency by property or deposit, taxes and the rules for foreigners buying homes.
Many visitors get a visa on arrival for US$30 (US$36 digital at Cairo Airport since August 2026) or an e-visa. Giza Plateau entry for foreign adults is EGP 700. Foreigners can own up to two homes, and residency is available through property or a bank deposit.
Egypt at a glance
| Egypt | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Cairo |
| Population | 118.4 million |
| GDP per person (2025) | US$3,086 |
| Growth (2025) | 4.4% |
| Currency | Egyptian pound (EGP) |
| Languages | Arabic |
| Time zone | UTC+2 |
| Drives on the | Right |
World Bank data (2025) and official references. Compare all 54 countries in the Africa comparison tool.
Urban inflation was 14.5% in August 2026, and the central bank kept its deposit rate at 19%. The pound was about EGP 52.4 per US dollar in October 2026. GDP grew 5.1% in the year to June 2026.
Visiting
- Visa: e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg, or visa on arrival for eligible nationalities (US$30 cash). At Cairo Airport, a digital visa on arrival costs US$36 by card from August 2026.
- Sinai: Sharm El-Sheikh arrivals staying under 15 days can get a free entry stamp.
- Passport: must be valid for six months after arrival.
- Tickets: Giza Plateau costs EGP 700 for foreign adults (students EGP 350); entering the Great Pyramid costs extra.
- Safety: the US rates Egypt Level 2 overall but advises against all travel to North and Central Sinai and border areas. The UK advises against all travel to North Sinai and near the Libyan border; Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel are not affected.
Living and residency
- Residence: you enter on a visa, then apply inside Egypt for a temporary residence, work or study permit. Egypt doesn't offer permanent residency to foreigners.
- Residence through investment (reported 2023 rules): buying registered property worth US$50,000, US$100,000 or US$200,000 can give 1, 3 or 5 years' residency, and similar options exist for bank deposits. Confirm current amounts with the passports authority.
- Tax: tax residency starts at more than 183 days in 12 months. The top personal rate is 27.5% above EGP 1.2 million.
Business and property
- Companies register through GAFI, the investment authority. Corporate tax is 22.5% and VAT 14%.
- Foreigners can own up to two homes for their family, each up to 4,000 m², and generally can't resell for five years without approval.
- Foreigners can't buy agricultural or desert land, and in Sinai only long-term use rights are available.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Egypt visa on arrival?
US$30 cash for eligible nationalities, or US$36 for the digital visa on arrival at Cairo Airport (from August 2026).
How much does it cost to visit the pyramids?
Entry to the Giza Plateau is EGP 700 for foreign adults; going inside the Great Pyramid costs extra.
Can foreigners buy property in Egypt?
Yes, up to two homes per family, each up to 4,000 m², with limits on reselling and on agricultural, desert and Sinai land.
Can I get residency in Egypt by buying property?
Yes, reported rules link residency of 1 to 5 years to registered property purchases from US$50,000. Confirm current amounts with the authorities.
Sources
- UK FCDO — Egypt entry requirements
- Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities — Giza Plateau
- PwC Tax Summaries — Egypt
- Invest in Egypt (GAFI) — Ownership of real property by foreigners
- UK Government — Living in Egypt
- US State Department — Travel advisories
- World Bank Open Data — indicators API
Links are for reference only. METRIKA is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Last reviewed 1 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.