Restrictive Entry Measures for Canadian Nationals Postponed to October

The scheduled cessation of the e-visa and visa-on-arrival program for Canadian nationals entering Egypt has been postponed to October 1, 2023 (as opposed to the original scheduled date of September 3, 2023). Once the cessation goes into effect, Canadian nationals will need to obtain a pre-arranged visit visa from an Egyptian consular post prior to traveling to Egypt, which can take up to five business days to process.

However, dual nationals of Canada and Egypt traveling to Egypt will have the following two additional options for entry to Egypt. First, they can obtain a free visa from an Egyptian consular post prior to entry. Applicants will need to submit proof of Egyptian nationality ­– such as a birth certificate, Egyptian national identification document or Egyptian passport (these documents can be expired). Alternatively, they can obtain a visa-on-arrival, which will cost USD 25. Prior to traveling to Egypt, applicants opting for the second method must obtain a certificate from an Egyptian consular post that proves their Egyptian nationality. Government details remain unclear about the exact process or timeframes for obtaining this certificate.

Note that after October 1, 2023, Canadians traveling to Egypt for business or short-term work purposes must follow the new requirements for entry to Egypt listed above, but they must also obtain a short-term work authorization from the Ministry of Manpower as is current practice.