Egypt eVisa for Switzerland Citizens

Egypt has always been a top destination for Swiss travelers, offering a perfect blend of ancient history and modern luxury. From the breathtaking Pyramids of Giza to the pristine diving spots in the Red Sea, the Land of the Pharaohs promises an unforgettable adventure. For citizens of Switzerland, visiting this historic nation has never been easier, thanks to the Egypt electronic visa (eVisa) system.

If you hold a Swiss passport, you might have questions about the entry requirements, costs, and the best way to secure your travel authorization.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Egypt eVisa for Switzerland citizens, including document requirements, processing times, fees, and essential travel tips for a smooth journey.

Do Swiss Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?

Yes, citizens of Switzerland require a valid visa to enter Egypt.

While Switzerland is part of the Schengen Area and EFTA, it does not have a visa-free agreement for general tourism with Egypt. Whether you are traveling for a relaxing beach holiday in Hurghada, a cultural tour of Luxor, or a business meeting in Cairo, you must obtain a valid entry permit.

The most convenient and recommended option is the Egypt eVisa. This digital travel authorization allows Swiss nationals to apply online from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or queue for a Visa on Arrival.

Can I Use My Swiss ID Card Instead of a Passport?

This is a common question for Swiss travelers.

• For the eVisa: No. You must use a valid Swiss Passport to apply for the Egypt eVisa online. The system requires a passport number and expiration date. You cannot use your Swiss Identity Card (Identitätskarte / Carte d'identité) for the online application.
• For Visa on Arrival: In some specific cases, Egyptian authorities allow Swiss citizens to enter with a valid National ID card if they bring two passport-sized photos to attach to a special immigration card upon arrival. However, we strongly advise against this. Using a passport is standard and avoids potential confusion or delays at the border.

Recommendation: Always travel with your valid Swiss Passport to ensure a smooth entry process.

What Documents Are Required for a Swiss Citizen to Apply?

The online Egypt Visa application is straightforward, but you need to have the right documents ready.

The core requirements for Swiss applicants include:

1. Valid Swiss Passport:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from your intended date of arrival in Egypt.
• It must have at least one blank page for the immigration stamp.

1. Digital Copy of Passport Bio Page:

• A clear, high-quality scan or photo of the information page of your passport (the page with your photo and personal details).
• Ensure there is no glare from the flash and that the MRZ code (the two lines of code at the bottom) is fully visible.

1. Accommodation Details:

• You may need to provide the name and address of your hotel or resort (e.g., "Mövenpick Resort El Quseir").

What Are the Allowed Reasons for Travel?

The Egypt eVisa is designed for short-term stays. As a Swiss citizen, you can use this visa if your purpose of travel is:

• Tourism: Holidays, sightseeing, Nile cruises, and diving trips.
• Visiting Friends or Family: Social visits to relatives residing in Egypt.
• Medical Treatment: Short-term medical procedures.
• Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.

Important: This visa does not permit you to work or study long-term in Egypt. For employment or academic purposes, you must contact the Egyptian Embassy in Bern.

What Is the Minor Age Limit for the Visa Application?

In the context of the Egypt eVisa, anyone under the age of 16 is typically considered a minor for application purposes, though they still require their own visa.

• Passports: Even infants must have their own individual passport to apply for an eVisa.
• Parental Details: The application form for a minor may ask for parent or guardian details.
• Traveling Alone: Minors traveling without parents may require additional documentation (like a consent letter) at the border, though this is not uploaded during the eVisa application itself.

Is a Transit Visa Allowed with the eVisa System?

No, the standard tourist eVisa is not a transit visa.

• Short Layovers (<48 hours): If you are transiting through Cairo for less than 48 hours and staying within the airport, you generally do not need a visa. If you wish to leave the airport for a quick tour during a layover of 6-48 hours, you may need a specific Transit Visa, which is different from the tourist eVisa.
• Using eVisa for Transit: You can use a valid Tourist eVisa to enter Egypt for a layover if you plan to leave the airport, but it is often more than what is required for a simple flight connection.

Can I Change My Arrival Date After Approval?

Yes, within limits.

The Egypt eVisa is typically issued with a validity period of 90 days from the date of issue.

• Flexibility: You can enter Egypt on any date within that 90-day validity window.
• Different Date: If your actual arrival date is a few days or weeks later than what you initially put on the application, it is usually fine as long as it is still within the visa's validity period.
• Expired Validity: If you delay your trip past the expiry date printed on your visa, you must apply for a new one.

How Can Swiss Citizens Apply for an Egypt eVisa Online?

The application process is quick and user-friendly. Here is the step-by-step guide:

1. Complete the Form: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your Swiss passport:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Nationality (Switzerland)
• Passport Number
• Issue and Expiry Dates

1. Upload Documents: Attach the clear digital copy of your passport bio page.
2. Pay the Fee: Use your credit or debit card to securely pay the processing fee.
3. Receive Your Visa: Once approved, the eVisa will be sent to your email.
4. Print It: Crucial Step. You must print at least one physical copy to present to immigration upon arrival.

Why Do Agents Charge a Service Fee?

You might wonder why you should pay a service fee when applying through an agency like evisa-to-egypt.info. The fee covers critical value-added services that government portals do not provide:

1. Expert Review: We manually check every application for typos and passport photo compliance to prevent rejection.
2. 24/7 Support: Government sites often have no customer service. We provide round-the-clock support via chat and email.
3. Refund Guarantee: If your visa is denied for any reason, we refund your fees—something the government will never do.
4. Simplified Forms: Our application forms are designed to be easier to understand and quicker to fill out than complex official portals.

How Long Does the Egypt eVisa Processing Take?

We offer three processing tiers to suit your schedule:

• Normal Processing: Best for early planners. Receive your visa in 5 - 7 Working Days.
• Rush Processing: Faster turnaround for upcoming trips. Receive your visa in 3 - 5 Working Days.
• Super Rush Processing: The best choice for urgent or last-minute travel. Get your eVisa in just 2 - 3 Working Days.

Recommendation: We advise Swiss travelers to apply at least 7 days before their flight to allow for any government delays.

Why Choose evisa-to-egypt.info for Your Application?

While you can apply via the government portal, many Swiss travelers choose our service for security and peace of mind:

• Full Refund on Visa Refusals: If your visa is denied, we offer a complete refund—a guarantee not offered by the government portal.
• Guaranteed Approval Assistance: Our experts manually review every application to catch typos or blurry photos before submission, significantly reducing rejection risks.
• 24/7 Exceptional Assistance: Our support team is available around the clock via chat, email, or WhatsApp to answer your questions in English, German, or French.
• Data Security: We use top-tier encryption to ensure your personal and financial data is 100% secure.

Is Egypt Safe for Swiss Tourists?

Generally, yes. Egypt is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists, particularly in major hubs like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts.

• Common Sense: As with any destination, watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and markets.
• Water: Drink bottled water only. Avoid tap water to prevent stomach issues.
• Travel Advice: Stick to established tourist areas and follow local advice.

Practical Tips for Swiss Travelers: Power and Internet

• Power Plugs: Good news! Egypt uses Type C and F plugs (2-pin round), which are compatible with standard Swiss 2-pin plugs (Type C). However, for 3-pin Swiss plugs (Type J), you will need an adapter.
• Currency: The currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While Euros and CHF are sometimes accepted in big resorts, it is best to use local currency for small shops and tips ("baksheesh").
• Internet: Roaming charges for Swiss SIM cards can be very high outside Europe. It is cheaper to buy a local SIM card (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat) at the airport upon arrival.

Conclusion

For Swiss citizens, the Egypt Online eVisa application is the smartest way to start your holiday. It saves time, offers security, and lets you breeze through the airport to start your vacation sooner.

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