Egypt Visa for France Citizens

For citizens of France, Egypt is a destination that resonates deeply with history, culture, and adventure. From the French historical connection to the Rosetta Stone and the Suez Canal to the modern allure of diving in Hurghada or cruising the Nile from Luxor, the bond between the two nations is strong. With direct flights from Paris (CDG/Orly), Lyon, and Nice, the Land of the Pharaohs is a favorite holiday spot for French tourists.

However, navigating entry requirements can be complex due to special rules for French nationals. Common search queries like "Egypt visa with French ID card" and "Do French citizens need a visa for Cairo?" show the need for specific, accurate information.

This comprehensive guide covers everything regarding the Egypt eVisa for French citizens, including the specific rules for National ID cards, costs (in Euro/USD context), processing times, and expert tips to ensure your visa start without a hitch.

Do French Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt in 2025?

Yes, French citizens need a visa to enter Egypt.

Whether you are visiting for a week of sightseeing in Cairo or a relaxing stay in Sharm El Sheikh, you must have valid entry authorization. France is one of the few countries whose citizens have multiple options for entry: applying for the Egypt eVisa online, obtaining a Visa on Arrival, or entering with a National Identity Card (under strict conditions).

Can I Enter Egypt with a French National Identity Card (CNI)?

This is the most frequent question from French travelers. Yes, but only for the Egypt Visa on Arrival.

French citizens (along with Belgians, Germans, Italians, and Portuguese) are allowed to enter Egypt using a valid Carte Nationale d'Identité (CNI) instead of a passport, but you must follow these strict rules:

1. Visa on Arrival Only: You cannot apply for the online eVisa with an ID card. The eVisa system accepts Passports only.
2. Passport Photos: If entering with your CNI, you must bring two recent passport-sized photos to attach to the immigration card provided at the airport.
3. Validity: Your ID card must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.

Expert Recommendation: While the ID card option exists, traveling with a Passport and an eVisa is often faster and smoother, avoiding the need to carry loose photos or argue with airline staff who might be unfamiliar with the specific ID card rule.

Egypt eVisa vs. Visa on Arrival: Which is Best for French Travelers?

• Egypt eVisa (Recommended): You apply online from France weeks before your trip. You pay securely online (avoiding the need to carry cash) and arrive with your entry guaranteed. You can often head straight to the passport control line. Requires a Passport.
• Visa on Arrival: You must queue at a bank kiosk in the arrival hall before immigration to buy a visa sticker. You typically need to pay $25 USD in cash (or equivalent in Euros, though the exchange rate at the counter is often poor). If you land at a busy time in Hurghada or Cairo, queues can be long. Can be used with Passport OR French ID Card.

What Activities Are Permitted on the Egypt eVisa?

The Egypt eVisa is strictly for short-term visits. It is important to respect the conditions of your entry to avoid legal issues.

• Allowed Activities:
• Tourism: Visiting historical sites, museums, and beach resorts.
• Family Visits: Visiting friends or relatives living in Egypt.
• Business (Limited): Attending conferences, trade fairs, or business meetings (non-remunerated).
• Medical: Short-term medical treatment.
• Prohibited Activities:
• Employment: You cannot work or receive payment from an Egyptian source.
• Study: Long-term academic study requires a student visa.
• Journalism: Media activities require a specific press permit.

What Are the Egypt eVisa Requirements for French Citizens?

To successfully apply for Egypt Tourist Visa (which saves you time at the airport), you need:

1. Valid French Passport: Must have at least six months of validity remaining from your date of arrival. (Note: The eVisa does not accept National ID Cards).
2. Digital Copy: A high-quality scan of the passport bio page (JPG or PNG).
3. Email Address: To receive the approved visa PDF.
4. Payment Method: A credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard) to pay the fees.

What Is the Processing Time for an Egypt Visa for France?

How long does it take? It depends on the processing speed you select. Based on standard timelines:

• Normal Processing: Takes 10 - 12 Working Days. Best for travelers planning their holidays well in advance.
• Rush Processing: Takes 7 - 10 Working Days. Ideal if your trip is about two weeks away.
• Super Rush Processing: Takes 5 - 7 Working Days. Essential for last-minute bookings.

Tip: Apply at least 7 days in advance to account for weekends or public holidays.

How Do I Apply for the Egypt eVisa from France?

The process is 100% digital:

1. Fill Out the Application: Enter your personal details (Name, Passport Number, Birth Date) exactly as they appear on your passport.
2. Select Visa Type: Choose Single Entry or Multiple Entry.
3. Upload Documents: Attach the clear scan of your passport bio page.
4. Pay Securely: Use your Carte Bleue, Visa, or MasterCard.
5. Receive & Print: Once approved (sent via email), print 1-2 physical copies to carry with you.

Is It Safe to Enter My Passport Details?"

• Government Website: While generally safe, government sites can suffer from technical glitches, timeouts, or payment failures that leave you unsure if your data was saved.
• evisa-to-egypt.info: Yes. We use advanced encryption and secure servers to protect your data. We never share your details with third parties, and your information is used strictly for visa processing.

Can I Get a Refund If I Change My Mind?

• Government Website: No. The moment you pay, the fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether you travel or not.
• evisa-to-egypt.info: Yes, we offer flexibility. If you decide to cancel your request before we have submitted it to the government, we will refund our service fee—giving you a safety window that the official site does not offer.

What Guarantee Do I Have That I'll Be Approved?

• Government Website: None. If you make a mistake, you are rejected.
• evisa-to-egypt.info: We have a 99.8% success rate. Because we filter out errors before they reach the government, your chances of approval are significantly higher with us than applying alone.

Single Entry vs. Multiple Entry: Which Should I Choose?

• Single Entry: Valid for 90 days, allowing one entry for a stay of up to 30 days. Perfect for a standard vacation visiting Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan.
• Multiple Entry: Valid for 6 months, allowing unlimited entries (max 30 days per stay). Choose this if you plan to visit Egypt, travel to a neighboring country (like Jordan or Saudi Arabia), and then return to Egypt before flying back to France.

Do French Children Need a Visa for Egypt?

Yes. Every traveler, regardless of age (including infants), requires a visa.

• Passport: If the child has their own passport, submit a separate application.
• Minors on Parent's Passport: If they are registered on a parent's passport, ensure this is noted in the application form.
• French Exit Permit: Remember that French minors traveling without parents may need an Autorisation de sortie du territoire (AST) to leave France, though this is a French exit requirement, not an Egyptian entry one.

Is Providing Accommodation Details Mandatory?

Yes. The Egyptian government requires "Host Information" for all eVisa applicants.

• Hotels: Provide the Hotel Name, Address, and Phone Number. Keep your booking confirmation (Booking.com, etc.) handy.
• Friends/Family: If staying with a friend in Cairo, provide their full name, home address, and Egyptian phone number.
• Cruises: Use the contact details of the cruise operator.

Do I Need a Transit Visa for a Layover in Cairo?

If you are flying Air France or EgyptAir with a stopover in Cairo:

• Transit < 48 hours: Generally, you do not need a visa if you stay in the airport transit area.
• Leaving the Airport: If you have a long layover and want to visit the Pyramids, you must obtain a visa (eVisa or VoA).

Can I Convert My Tourist Visa to a Work or Student Visa?

No. You cannot easily convert a standard Tourist eVisa into a work or student visa while inside Egypt.

• Procedure: To obtain a work or student residency, you typically need to apply for the correct visa type at the Egyptian Embassy in Paris or the Consulate in Marseille before traveling, or follow complex procedures at the Mogamma in Cairo.

Can I Extend My Visa While in Egypt?

If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you cannot extend the eVisa online. You must visit the Passports, Emigration and Nationality Administration (Mogamma) in Cairo or equivalent immigration offices in major cities to apply for an extension in person.

Common Reasons for Egypt Visa Rejection for French Citizens

To ensure approval, avoid these common mistakes:

• Passport vs. ID: Attempting to use a National ID Card number for the eVisa application (Automatic Rejection).
• Typos: Entering the letter "O" instead of the number "0" in the passport number.
• Blurry Scans: Using a low-quality photo of the passport page.

Why Was My Payment Declined?

French banks sometimes flag international transactions to Egypt as security risks.

• Solution: Authorize the transaction via your banking app (3D Secure) or call your bank.
• Accepted Methods: Visa, MasterCard, Amex.

FAQ: People Also Ask

Can I pay for the Visa on Arrival in Euros?

Yes, the bank kiosks at Egyptian airports usually accept Euros. However, they will give you change in Egyptian Pounds (EGP), often at a slightly lower exchange rate than the market. It is better to have exact USD or pay online for the eVisa.

Can I visit Sinai resorts without a visa?

If you fly directly to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, or Taba and stay for less than 15 days, you may get a free "Sinai Only" stamp. However, this prohibits you from visiting Cairo or Luxor. If you plan to leave the resort area, get the full visa.

Conclusion: Start Your Egyptian Adventure

Applying for an Egypt eVisa for French citizens is the smartest way to start your holiday. It removes the uncertainty of airport queues and gives you peace of mind before you even leave France.

Check your passport validity, decide if you want to use your CNI (Visa on Arrival only) or Passport (eVisa recommended), and get ready to explore the wonders of the Nile!