Tourist Visa

In addition to a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months, for a cash fee of 20 US dollars, a 30 day tourist visa may be obtained at any international airport within Egypt. For an additional fee, extensions may be obtained for up to one year. If you don't plan to work here, be sure to request the more expensive multiple entry visa. Otherwise, each time you travel outside the country (bara), you'll need to pay 20 US dollars upon reentry.

Residency visa, work permit and driver's license

The paperwork necessary for obtaining a residency visa, work permit and driver's license, is best handled by a facilitator hired by you or your company to cope with constantly changing requirements.

In addition to your passport and that of the members of your family, you will need to provide copies of your educational degrees, birth and marriage certificates, and a valid driver's license. You may also be required to have documents certified by your embassy and have them translated into Arabic.

Once in Egypt, before a work permit can be issued, you must take a blood test for HIV. Note: if you leave the country before the bloodwork is complete, you will need to start the process all over again.

In addition to being able to work in Egypt, obtaining a work permit and residency status will enable you to travel by air and stay in hotels within Egypt at a far lower rate than that paid by tourists, a big plus.