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United States Visa for Egypt Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Egyptian citizens need a US visa, applied for via the DS-160 form and a mandatory in-person interview at the US Embassy in Cairo; the B1/B2 visitor visa application fee is USD 185, with interview wait times varying widely by season.

Guide last updated October 18, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for the intended stay, ideally 6+ months beyond it
  • Completed DS-160 online application form
  • One digital photo meeting State Department specs, uploaded with the DS-160
  • Proof of funds, employment or business ties, and intent to return to Egypt
  • Biometrics: 10-fingerprint scan taken at the embassy on interview day
  • Travel/medical insurance: not mandatory, but recommended
  • For students: SEVIS fee and Form I-20 (not applicable to B1/B2)

Visa types

  • B1/B2 Visitor visa (business/tourism) - typically 1-5 years validity, multiple entries, each stay up to 6 months, application fee USD 185
  • F1 Student visa - requires an I-20 and SEVIS fee, application fee USD 185 plus SEVIS fee about USD 350
  • H1B and other work visas require an employer petition (Form I-129) before any visa interview

How to apply

  • Complete the DS-160 online, pay the USD 185 MRV fee, and create a profile on the US Embassy Cairo's appointment system to schedule the required in-person interview. Attend with the DS-160 confirmation, passport, photo, and supporting financial/employment documents; biometrics are captured at the interview. If approved, the passport with the visa sticker is returned via courier, typically within a few business days, though administrative processing can add weeks in some cases.

Fees & processing time

  • B1/B2 application fee: USD 185, non-refundable regardless of outcome
  • No separate VFS fee - the embassy processes directly
  • Total standard cost: USD 185
  • Interview wait times have varied widely, from a few weeks to several months
  • No official expedited/premium visa service for B1/B2, though emergency appointment requests can be submitted for urgent documented reasons

Tips for Egypt travelers

  • Book the interview appointment as early as possible given long wait times at the Cairo embassy, checking the appointment system regularly for earlier slots. Common rejections under section 214(b) cite insufficient evidence of strong ties to Egypt (stable job, property, family), an unclear or implausible travel purpose, or financial documentation that doesn't match the stated trip. Bring thorough, organized documentation to the interview, since oral answers are weighed heavily. There is no extension for a B1/B2 visa itself, and overstaying can bar future entry.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.