Ancient Wonders & Red Sea Paradise
Yes. Citizens of most Western countries (US, UK, EU members, Canada, Australia, and many others) can get a visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh airports. The fee is $30 USD as of March 2026. Alternatively, apply online via the e-visa portal at visa2egypt.gov.eg at least 7 days before travel for $25 (single entry).
Egypt does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote work for a foreign employer while on a tourist visa is technically a legal grey area. For extended remote work stays, many expats use back-to-back tourist visa renewals or apply for a residency permit. Consult with an immigration lawyer familiar with Egyptian law for your specific situation.
30 days from the date of entry on a standard single-entry visa. Multiple-entry e-visas allow multiple entries within 90 days of the visa issue date. Extensions can be applied for at the Passport and Immigration Office, but this requires paperwork and a visit to the Mogamma or a local passport office.
Foreigners who purchase real estate worth at least $50,000 USD or invest a minimum qualifying amount in Egypt may apply for a residency permit through an investment pathway. This is coordinated through the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI). Speak to a local lawyer or property agency to navigate the specifics.
Cairo has a strong selection of international schools offering American, British, IB, and French curricula. Top institutions include Cairo American College (CAC), the American International School in Egypt (AISE), British International School Cairo, Lycee Francais du Caire, and the German School. Most are clustered in Maadi, Heliopolis, New Cairo, and 6th of October City.
In absolute USD terms, fees at Cairo international schools are considerably lower than comparable schools in London, Paris, or Dubai. However, due to the weakening Egyptian pound, fee structures vary — some schools charge in EGP (which can be advantageous for expats earning foreign currency) while others set fees in USD or use a mixed model. Always clarify the currency and fee escalation policy before enrolling.
Egypt's public school system is Arabic-language and follows the national Egyptian curriculum. Instruction is in Arabic and classes can be very large. Most expat families with children choose private or international schools. The American University in Cairo (AUC) is an internationally respected English-language university highly regarded across the Middle East.
Yes. The American University in Cairo (AUC) is one of the leading English-language universities in the Middle East and North Africa, offering US-accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees. Tuition is substantially lower than comparable US universities. It is a popular choice for expat children completing secondary education in Egypt and for postgraduate studies.
Maadi is the historic expat hub — leafy, walkable, with a strong English-speaking community, international schools, and Western-style restaurants. Zamalek (an island in the Nile) is upscale and central. New Cairo / 5th Settlement and Sheikh Zayed City (6th of October) offer modern gated compounds with better air quality and newer infrastructure, popular with families.
Hurghada is increasingly popular with European and Russian expats, particularly retirees and remote workers. The cost of living is significantly lower than Cairo — a comfortable lifestyle is achievable for $700-1,000/month including rent. The Red Sea climate is warm and dry year-round, the diving is world-class, and the expat community is well-established. The trade-off is fewer cultural amenities and limited job opportunities outside tourism.
Yes. Foreigners can own property in Egypt, though with some restrictions. Non-Egyptians can own up to two real estate units with a combined value not exceeding $200,000, cannot own more than 4,000 m2 of land, and cannot resell within 5 years without special approval. Purchasing property worth $50,000+ can qualify you for a residency permit. Always work with a licensed Egyptian real estate lawyer for any property purchase.
Typically not. Egyptian rental agreements usually exclude electricity, water, gas, and building maintenance fees. Electricity bills can be significant in summer due to heavy air conditioning use. Furnished apartments in tourist cities like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh often include utilities in the quoted rent — always clarify before signing.
Easier than most cultures — Egyptians are famously social. Entry points: the local ahwa (coffeehouse), language exchange (Cairo has many), Nile felucca evenings, gym/club memberships (Gezira Club, Maadi Club), Arabic classes at AUC or Kalimat, expat–local meetups in Zamalek and Maadi. One coffee invitation usually leads to a family dinner within weeks.
Cairo and tourist hubs (Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Alexandria) are generally safe for expats; petty scams and aggressive haggling are the main daily issues. Avoid North Sinai (off-limits) and remote western desert areas without guides. Police presence at landmarks is heavy. Solo women face street harassment — common across the region; most expat women adapt within months.
The EGP has lost ~70% against the USD since 2022 (now ~50 EGP/USD as of 2025–2026). Expats earning in foreign currency have huge purchasing power; locals face brutal inflation on imports. Keep savings in USD/EUR accounts (CIB, HSBC, QNB Alahli offer them) and convert as needed. Watch the parallel-rate gap and Central Bank announcements.
In Cairo expat zones (Zamalek, Maadi, New Cairo, 6th October), Alexandria, and Red Sea resorts you can survive entirely in English. To navigate downtown markets, government offices (mogamma'), microbus routes, and rural trips, basic Egyptian Arabic transforms life. Even 50 phrases earn warmth and better prices. Egyptians appreciate every attempt.