For New Zealanders, a trip to Egypt is the ultimate “OE” (Overseas Experience) adventure. Whether you are swapping the green hills of the Shire for the golden sands of Giza or the geysers of Rotorua for the Nile Delta, Egypt offers a history and culture unlike anywhere else on earth.
However, the journey from Aotearoa to North Africa is long, and the last thing you want after a 25+ hour flight is to be stuck at border control sorting out paperwork.
If you hold a New Zealand passport, you likely have questions: Do I need a visa? Can I apply online before I leave? Is the Visa on Arrival safer?
This comprehensive guide answers every question about the Egypt eVisa for New Zealand passport holders.
Do New Zealand Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?
The short answer is yes. New Zealand citizens do not have visa-free access to Egypt for general tourism.
Whether you are planning a luxury cruise from Luxor to Aswan or a backpacking trip through Dahab, you must hold a valid travel authorization to enter the country. Fortunately, the Egyptian government has modernized the process, allowing Kiwis to secure their visas entirely online, saving a trip to the embassy in Wellington.
What Visa Options Are Available for Kiwi Travelers?
As a traveler from New Zealand, you generally have three options to enter Egypt. Choosing the right one depends on your itinerary and how much you value peace of mind.
- Egypt eVisa (Electronic Visa): The most recommended option. It is a digital permit that you apply for and receive via email before you leave New Zealand.
- Visa on Arrival: A physical sticker you buy at the airport in Egypt (Cairo, Hurghada, etc.) upon landing.
- Sinai Resort Visa (Sinai Only): A free entry stamp valid only for specific coastal towns in the South Sinai Peninsula (like Sharm El Sheikh).
How to Prevent Visa Rejection & Loss of Fees”
“common reasons for egypt evisa rejection” & “photo requirements “
Rejection is usually caused by simple user errors (blurry photos, typos).
| Prevention Method | Government Portal | evisa-to-egypt.info |
| Document Check | Automated/None. The system may accept a bad photo, only for an officer to reject it days later. | Manual Expert Review. A real person checks your passport and photo validity before sending it to the government. |
| Correction Policy | Zero. Once submitted, you cannot fix typos (e.g., wrong passport number). | Proactive. If the team spots an error, they contact you to fix it immediately, preventing a guaranteed rejection. |
How Can New Zealanders Apply for the Egypt eVisa Online?
The Egypt Visa application process is fully digital and designed to be user-friendly. You do not need to visit the Egyptian Embassy in Wellington.
- Select Nationality: Choose “New Zealand” from the dropdown menu.
- Enter Details: Fill in your name, passport number, and travel dates exactly as they appear on your NZ passport.
- Choose Processing Speed: Select Standard, Rush, or Super Rush (details below).
- Make Payment: Pay securely using a Credit Card or PayPal.
- Print Your Visa: Once approved, the visa is sent to your email. You must print a physical copy to present at immigration in Egypt.
What Documents Are Required for the Application?
To ensure a smooth approval, have these digital items ready before you start:
- Valid Passport: Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in Egypt.
- Passport Scan: A clear, color scan of the biographical page (the page with your photo).
- Travel Information: Flight details and the name of your hotel or host in Egypt.
- Payment Method: A valid credit/debit card (Visa/MasterCard/Amex) or PayPal.
How Much Does an Egypt Visa Cost for New Zealand Citizens?
Understanding the cost helps you budget. The total Egypt Visa cost is calculated as follows:
Final Amount = Government Fee + Service Fee + (Rush or Super Rush Fee, if chosen)
Payment Methods
You can pay online without visiting a bank. Accepted methods include:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
- PayPal: A secure option for quick transactions.
Group Discount
Traveling with the whānau or a tour group from NZ? You can save 40% on Rush & Super Rush Processing fees when applying for multiple applicants at once.
What Is the Processing Time for the Egypt eVisa?
Since flights from New Zealand are booked well in advance, you should plan your visa accordingly. We offer three processing tiers:
| Service Type | Estimated Processing Time | Best For |
| Standard | 10 – 12 Working Days | Travelers planning a month ahead. |
| Rush | 7 – 10 Working Days | Trips booked 2 weeks out. |
| Super Rush / Express | 5 – 7 Working Days | Last-minute bookings. |
Pro Tip: We recommend applying at least 3 weeks before your flight to account for any public holidays in Egypt or New Zealand.
Is the “Sinai Only” Visa Free for NZ Tourists?
If you are flying directly to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, or Taba for a beach holiday, you might not need to pay for a visa.
- The Perk: A free entry stamp valid for 14-15 days.
- The Catch: You are restricted to the South Sinai coast. You cannot visit Cairo (Pyramids), Luxor, or even take the ferry to Hurghada.
- How to Get It: Write “Sinai Only” on your immigration card at the airport.
Warning: If you plan to take a day trip to Cairo to see the Pyramids, you must buy the full $25 visa upon arrival. You cannot “upgrade” the free stamp later without going back to the airport.
Are There Direct Flights from New Zealand to Egypt?
No, there are currently no direct non-stop flights from Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), or Christchurch (CHC) to Cairo (CAI).
- Common Routes: Most Kiwis fly via Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), or through major European hubs like London or Frankfurt.
- Transit Visa: If your layover in a third country is long, check if you need a transit visa for that specific country. You do not need a transit visa for Egypt if you are just passing through Cairo airport to another destination in less than 12 hours (and not leaving the terminal).
Should I Get an eSIM for Egypt?
Staying connected is essential for maps, Uber, and staying in touch with family back in NZ. Roaming charges from NZ providers can be exorbitant (often $10+ per day).
- eSIM (Recommended): If your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM, this is the easiest option. You can purchase a plan (e.g., Airalo, Holafly) before you leave NZ and activate it upon landing.
- Local SIM: You can buy a physical SIM card at Cairo Airport kiosks (Orange, Vodafone, Etisalat, WE) for a fraction of the cost (approx. $10-15 USD for 10GB+). You will need your passport to register it.
Currency Exchange: EGP vs. NZD
Egypt’s currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
- NZD Acceptance: New Zealand Dollars are not widely accepted or easily exchanged in Egypt. Do not bring large amounts of NZD cash.
- Best Strategy: Bring some US Dollars or Euros for backup cash. Use your NZ bank card (Visa/Mastercard) to withdraw EGP from ATMs, which are widely available in cities.
- Tipping (Baksheesh): Carry small EGP notes for tipping drivers, porters, and bathroom attendants, as card payments are not always possible for small transactions.
Is Egypt Safe for New Zealand Travelers?
Egypt is generally a safe and welcoming destination for tourists, and Kiwis are often well-received.
- Tourist Police: Highly visible at all major sites to ensure safety.
- Scams: The main annoyance is aggressive vendors selling souvenirs at Giza or Luxor. A firm but polite “No, thank you” works well.
- Health: Stick to bottled water. Egyptian tap water can be harsh on the stomach for visitors used to NZ water standards.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Egypt from New Zealand?
To escape the NZ winter, pick the right season:
- October to April: The best time. The weather is warm and sunny (20°C – 30°C), perfect for sightseeing.
- May to September: Very hot (35°C+). Only recommended if you are staying strictly at a beach resort in Hurghada or Sharm.
- Ramadan: Be aware that during Ramadan, opening hours for sites may change, and alcohol may be harder to find outside of hotels.
Can I Convert a Tourist Visa to a Work Permit?
No. It is strictly illegal to work in Egypt on a tourist visa (eVisa or Visa on Arrival).
- Work Permit: If you intend to work (e.g., teaching English), you must apply for a work permit through your employer. Entering on a tourist visa with the intent to work can lead to deportation.
Can I Pay for the Visa on Arrival with NZ Dollars?
No.
- Accepted Currency: The visa fee is pegged to the US Dollar ($25).
- Currency to Avoid: NZD is not generally accepted at the airport bank kiosks for visa payments.
- Recommendation: Bring exactly $25 USD per person in cash to ensure a smooth transaction.
Conclusion
For citizens of New Zealand, the Egypt eVisa is the key to a smooth and sophisticated travel experience. By applying online, choosing the right processing speed, and paying securely, you avoid the stress of airport queues and currency exchange issues.
From the bustling streets of Cairo to the serene banks of the Nile, Egypt awaits. Kia ora and safe travels!