Have you ever assumed a short trip only needs a passport and a smile? This guide gives clear, current information so you can plan safe travel from the United States. The consulate in Washington, D.C. serves residents of Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
Applications must be complete. Missing copies or wrong details will be dismissed or returned at your expense. Your passport must be valid at least six months on arrival and include an empty visa page. You also need a pickup slip to retrieve your passport with the visa.
Normal processing takes about 10 business days, but some nationalities need pre-approval that can take 6–8 weeks. We’ll show you what to prepare: the application form, photo, fees, and how to avoid common mistakes so your visa application goes smoothly.
Key Takeaways
- Know which consulate serves your state before you start an application form.
- Make sure your passport has six months validity and an empty page.
- Complete applications with copies or they may be rejected or returned.
- Standard processing is ~10 business days; some cases need 6–8 weeks.
- Bring a pickup slip to collect your passport with the visa.
Plan your trip now: Present-time guidance for U.S. travelers
Before you buy tickets, confirm the Washington, D.C. consulate covers your state (DE, FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, VA, DC, WV) and gather proof of residency. This small step can prevent delays and extra costs when you finalize travel plans.
Normal processing for standard applications is about 10 business days. If your nationality requires pre-approval, build a larger buffer and do not finalize nonrefundable purchases until you have confirmation.
Decide whether you’ll apply in person, by mail, or via the official e-visa portal. The e-visa portal issues tourist documents only and is the sole official online channel affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Make sure your passport remains valid six months after arrival and has at least one empty page. Align your trip dates with pickup or return delivery windows to avoid last-minute itinerary changes.
Collect hotel bookings and round-trip tickets early, and ensure any multi-entry travel is clearly reflected on your ticket. Keep copies of all forms and your pickup slip; you’ll need them to retrieve your passport with the approval.
Who can apply: Jurisdiction, residency, and passport holders
Start by checking that your home state falls under the Washington, D.C. consulate’s service area. Only residents of Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia may apply there. Submitting from outside this area may cause your application to be returned at your expense.
States served
Confirm you live in one of the listed states before submitting. Use a driver’s license or non-driver ID from the same state as proof, and keep the same address on every document to avoid delays.
Non-American passport holders
If you are not a U.S. national, bring two clear copies of your green card (front and back) valid for more than six months, or a valid U.S. work or student permit plus verification letters. Tourist U.S. visas and general travel documents are not accepted to show residency.
Provide legible copies, a working phone number, and a consistent email so the consulate can contact you. If you will stay with family abroad, list the host’s name, relationship, address, and contact details on the Details of Visit section.
Egypt visa requirements
Make a quick document checklist now so you don’t miss vital passport and form items. Follow these steps to avoid delays and extra costs when you submit your application.
Passport validity, empty visa page, and copies
Your passport must be valid at least six months from your date of entry and include one empty page for stamping. Always submit the original passport plus two copies of the passport information page.
Application form and photo standards
Complete and sign the official application form in black ink. Staple one recent 2×2 photo (white background, taken within six months) to the original form.
Also include one clear copy of the completed application form with the photo attached. Low-quality copies or missing fields can cause dismissal without processing.
Driver’s license and address consistency
Provide a driver’s license or state non-driver ID from the served state as proof of residency. Make sure the same address appears on your application, ID, and supporting documents to prevent mismatches.
Tourist visa for American passport holders
Strong, follow this checklist so your application is complete and accepted on first review.
For U.S. passport holders planning a tourist trip, clear steps make the application quick.
Apply in person: documents, ticket, hotel, fees
Bring a completed and signed application form with one stapled 2×2 photo and a copy of the form with photo. Carry your actual passport plus two copies of the information page; the passport must be valid at least 6 months on arrival and include an empty visa page.
Include a copy of your round-trip ticket and a booking confirmation or host details. Add a copy of your driver’s license to confirm your address. Pay exact cash: $27 for single entry or $62 for multiple entry (your ticket must show multiple entries).
Apply by mail: express return, cashier’s check, mailing address
If you mail the packet, include the same documents and a pre-addressed, pre-stamped Express or Certified Mail envelope for return. Use a Cashier’s Check from a U.S. bank payable to the Consulate of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Confirm the mailing address exactly: Consulate of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Visa Section), 3521 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008. Keep personal copies and track your shipment; the consulate is not responsible for loss during mail transit. Plan your travel dates around processing windows so your trip stays on schedule.
Tourist visa for non-American passport holders
Non-American passport holders need a clear packet of documents to avoid delays. Prepare your file so the consulate can review it quickly and return your passport on schedule.
Green card, work or student status, and two copies rule
Complete and sign the application form and staple one recent 2×2 photo. Include one copy of the entire application with the photo attached.
Bring your actual passport plus two copies of the information page; your passport must be valid at least six months from arrival and include an empty visa page.
Provide two copies of U.S. status: green card front/back, or a valid U.S. work visa with an employment verification letter, or a student visa with a school enrollment letter.
Tickets, accommodation, and exact-change fees
Add two photocopies of your round-trip ticket or confirmed itinerary and one copy of your hotel reservation. If you stay with family, list the host’s name, relationship, phone, and address on the Details of Visit section.
Bring your driver’s license and a copy to confirm residency in the consulate’s service area. Pay exact cash for fees: $27 single entry or $62 multiple entry. Note some nationalities follow a separate fee schedule; check exceptions before you pay.
Important: Uzbekistan passport holders aged 21 and under must be accompanied by a parent for travel and clearance. Ensure all copies are clear; low-quality prints can cause your application to be dismissed.
Business/Entry/Visit visa for American passport holders
When you travel on company time, your packet must include employer and host letters. Prepare these items early so the consulate can verify your purpose and financial backing.
Company letter and invitation details
Ask your U.S. company for a signed letter stating your trip purpose, exact dates, and that the company guarantees financial responsibility. Bring two copies of that company letter.
Also carry two copies of an invitation letter from the Egyptian organization that will host or meet you. If you are a contractor with the U.S. government, include the official supporting letter as well.
Single vs. multiple entry, tickets, and accommodation
Provide a completed and signed application form with one recent 2×2 photo stapled and one full copy of the application with photo for processing.
Include your actual passport plus two copies of the information page, ensuring at least six months’ validity on arrival and one empty visa page. Add one copy of your round-trip ticket and one copy of your hotel reservation.
Bring your driver’s license and a copy to confirm residency. Pay exact cash: $62 for single-entry or $87 for multiple-entry. A ticket showing multiple entries is required for a multiple-entry permit.
Tip: Make sure the company letter, invitation, tickets, and dates all match. Keep your pickup slip to retrieve your passport once the approval is issued.
Business/Entry/Visit visa for non-American passport holders
If you travel for business from the U.S., prepare a clear packet that links your employer, host, and travel dates.
U.S. status documents and company letters
Submit a completed and signed application with one recent 2×2 photo and one copy of the form. Include your actual passport plus two copies of the passport information page; confirm at least six months’ validity on arrival and an empty visa page.
Bring two copies of your green card (front and back) or a valid U.S. work or student visa with the employment or school verification letter. Also include two copies of a U.S. company letter that states your role, purpose, local counterpart, exact dates, and financial guarantee.
Obtain a matching invitation from the host company abroad and provide two copies. Add two copies of your round-trip ticket or itinerary and one copy of your hotel reservation so processing staff can see travel details clearly.
Carry your driver’s license and one photocopy to confirm residency in the consulate’s service area. Pay exact cash for on-site fees: $62 for single-entry or $87 for multiple-entry, noting some countries follow a separate fee schedule.
Tip: Double-check that company and invitation letters match names, dates, and purpose. Keep copies neat and legible; unclear prints can lead to dismissal. Retain your pickup slip to collect your passport once the approval is ready.
Pre-approval nationalities and timelines
Certain countries require formal pre-approval, which adds extra processing time. If you are listed below, expect a longer clearance window and follow email submission rules exactly.
Pre-approval applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bosnia (of Egyptian origin), Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, China, Comoros Islands, Congo, Cyprus, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, India (with exceptions), Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kosovo, Laos, Lebanon (ages 16-50), Liberia, Libya (men 18-45), Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Moldova (female 15-35), Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine (male 18-40), Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan (if using a U.S. Travel Document), Syria, Thailand, Tunis, Turkey (18-45).
Minimum clearance time is at least 6–8 weeks. Do not book nonrefundable travel; wait until the embassy consulate notifies you. Walk-ins are not accepted and may occur only after formal clearance.
When asked to submit documents, combine them into a single PDF at 300 DPI and keep the file under 10 MB. Include your completed application form with photo, passport copies, proof of U.S. status, and any invitation or employer letters. Travel documents are not accepted—use a valid passport.
Keep your contact details current. Expect notification by email after a decision is returned from Cairo, and plan extra days into your itinerary to accommodate this processing time.
Official, Diplomatic, and United Nations Laissez Passer travelers
When you hold an official passport, your submission needs extra diplomatic paperwork. Prepare a completed and signed application form and include one clear copy for processing.
Attach two recent 2×2 photos on a white background taken within six months. Staple one to the original form and include a copy of the photo with your application.
Bring your actual travel document and two copies of the information page. Ensure your passports are valid at least six months on arrival and have an empty page for stamping.
Include two copies of diplomatic or official notes (a formal letter) that state your mission, purpose, and exact travel dates. Keep names, titles, and dates consistent across all documents.
Tip: Keep copies clear and legible to avoid slowdowns. Confirm any extra steps with your organization’s travel office and the local embassy consulate before submission. Hold onto your pickup slip and original documents until your passport and any official travel visa are returned.
Applying channels: In person, by mail, and e-visa
Choosing the right submission method can save time and reduce costly errors. You may apply in person for immediate cash payment and direct hand-off. This is fastest if you need exact change or want to ask staff questions face to face.
Mailing rules and liability note
If you mail the packet, include a pre-addressed, pre-stamped Express or Certified Mail return envelope. Only Express or Certified return envelopes are accepted for passport return.
Send payment by Cashier’s Check only; personal checks and money orders are rejected. Use the exact mailing address every time: Consulate of the Arab Republic of Egypt (Visa Section), 3521 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008.
Note: The embassy consulate does not accept responsibility for loss during transit. Keep tracking and proof of postage in order to confirm delivery and return timing.
E-visa portal and eligibility check
For tourist travel, use the official e-visa portal at www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. It is the only site affiliated with the egyptian ministry.
Verify your eligibility via the portal’s Q&A and send technical or status questions through its help page. Do not assume eligibility—check the portal before you start an online visa application or submit an application form by mail.
Fees, payments, and processing time
Know the exact payment rules before you arrive so your window visit goes smoothly. Read the options first, then gather the correct funds or a bank check to avoid delays and returned packets.
Cash vs. Cashier’s check and exact change on site
In person, the consulate accepts cash only. Bring exact change: Tourist (American) — $27 single entry, $62 multiple. Business (American) — $62 single, $87 multiple.
By mail, send a Cashier’s Check from a U.S. bank payable to the Consulate of Egypt. Personal checks and money orders are not accepted. Include a pre-addressed Express or Certified return envelope to speed the order of return shipping.
Standard processing time and common delay factors
Typical processing time is about 10 business days. If your nationality needs pre-approval, expect at least 6–8 weeks before a decision.
Delays may occur when packets are incomplete, copies are poor quality, addresses or residency do not match, or letters conflict. Make sure your passport and U.S. status documents remain valid for the full processing months and planned stay.
Keep tracking receipts and payment proof. That simple step helps resolve questions quickly and saves time so your travel stays on schedule.
Safety and entry compliance for traveling Egypt
Before you travel, save key emergency numbers and review local rules. Having quick access to contacts and a simple plan will help if you face a problem abroad.
Emergency numbers and important contacts
Save these: 123 for general emergencies, 122 for local police, +20-2-2797-3300 for the U.S. Embassy Cairo, 16000 for child emergencies, 15115 for women’s support (WhatsApp 01007525600), and 126 for Tourist Police complaints.
Areas to avoid and border travel permissions
Avoid Northern and Middle Sinai, parts of the Western Desert, and border zones with Libya and Sudan unless you have special clearance. To approach borders with Libya, Sudan, or Israel you must arrange permission and a travel route from Egyptian Military Intelligence and Tourist Police in advance.
Health, vaccination, and technology restrictions
Travelers from polio-affected countries must get the Salk polio vaccine at least 4 weeks before arrival; the shot is valid for 12 months. Do not bring drones or satellite phones—authorities will confiscate them and they will not be returned.
Stay alert for demonstrations, terrorism risks, and scams. Update devices, avoid unknown Wi‑Fi, use reputable VPN/VoIP apps, and carry copies of your passport and visa so you can reach help fast and keep your trip on track.
Conclusion
Strong, finish strong: confirm your documents, timing, and payment method before you submit. The Consulate of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Washington, D.C. sets clear lists by visa type, residency, and nationality. Your passport must be valid six months on arrival and have an empty visa page.
Allow about 10 business days for standard processing; if you need pre-approval, expect 6–8 weeks. Follow mail rules and payment instructions exactly, use the official e-visa portal if eligible, and keep emergency contacts handy for entry egypt safety. With complete information and consistent details, your trip and visa outcome will run smoother in the Arab Republic Egypt.