The Land of Pharaohs beckons! From the towering majesty of the Pyramids of Giza to the tranquil turquoise waters of the Red Sea, Egypt offers an unparalleled journey through history and vibrant culture. For citizens of Belarus planning this adventure, securing the right travel authorization is the essential first step. Fortunately, the Egyptian government's electronic visa (eVisa) system has streamlined this process, making your entry into this fascinating country simpler than ever.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything travelers need to know about the Egypt eVisa for Belarus Citizens, ensuring a smooth transition from your travel planning phase to walking the ancient streets of Cairo.
Do Citizens of Belarus Need a Visa to Enter Egypt?
Yes, citizens holding a Belarusian passport must obtain a visa to enter the Arab Republic of Egypt for tourism or business purposes.
While a traditional embassy visa is an option, Belarusian citizens are eligible for two convenient alternatives:
The Egypt Electronic Visa (eVisa): The fastest and most recommended option for a smooth pre-departure process.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available at designated Egyptian ports of entry, though it may involve waiting in queues.
Is the Egypt eVisa the Best Option for Belarusian Travelers?
The Egypt eVisa is highly recommended. Applying online before your trip offers significant advantages:
Convenience: Complete the application from the comfort of your home, 24/7.
Security: Receive confirmation and your travel document electronically before you even leave Belarus.
Speed: The online process is quick to complete (usually around 15 minutes).
Avoid Airport Hassle: Bypass the potentially long queues for the Visa on Arrival desk upon landing.
Egypt eVisa Requirements for Belarusian Passport Holders
The requirements for a Belarusian citizen to apply for Egypt eVisa are straightforward and primarily digital:
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you intend to arrive in Egypt.
Digital Copy of Passport: A clear scan of the passport's bio-data page (personal section).
Accommodation Details: Information regarding your hotel reservations or planned lodging in Egypt.
⚠️ Important Passport Note: The approved eVisa is electronically linked to the passport number used during the application. If you obtain a new passport after your eVisa is approved, the eVisa will become invalid, and you must reapply with the new document.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Egypt eVisa Approval from Belarus?
Getting your Egypt eVisa approval involves different processing speeds, depending on your urgency. Here’s a breakdown:
Normal Processing: This is the standard processing time for eVisa applications. The average processing time is usually around 5 - 7 Working Days. It is recommended to apply well in advance to allow for any unforeseen delays or complications.
Rush Processing: If you require a faster processing time, you can opt for the Rush Processing option. This prioritizes your application and reduces the processing time. The average processing time for Rush Processing is usually around 3 - 5 Working Days.
Super Rush Processing: For the most urgent cases, the Super Rush Processing option is available. This ensures the quickest processing time for your eVisa application. The average processing time for Super Rush Processing is usually around 2 - 3 Working Days.
When should I submit my eVisa application?
It is always recommended that you submit your application well in advance of your intended travel dates, regardless of the processing option chosen, to account for any potential administrative delays or public holidays.
How Do Belarusian Citizens Apply for the Egypt eVisa?
The application process is simple and can be completed in a few steps:
Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required personal details, contact information, passport data, and travel plans.
Upload Documents: Upload the digital copy of your passport and any other supporting documents requested.
Pay the Fee: Use a valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) to pay the required government visa fee.
Submit and Wait: Submit the application and await the approval email.
What is the Egypt eVisa Cost for Citizens of Belarus?
Understanding the Egypt eVisa fee is crucial for your budgeting. The total price is typically broken down into two parts, especially if you use a visa agency for a stress-free experience. Here's what those fees mean:
Visa Cost / Government Fee: This is the non-refundable fee paid directly to the Egyptian Immigration Authority for reviewing and issuing your visa. These fees are:
Single-Entry Tourist Visa
Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa
Service Fee: This is an additional fee charged by a visa agency. This fee covers their professional service, which includes detailed review of your application, document verification, secure payment processing, and 24/7 customer support.
What is the Validity Period of the Egypt eVisa for Tourists from Belarus?
The eVisa grants a maximum stay of 30 days in Egypt. The overall validity period of the visa itself depends on whether you select a single-entry or multiple-entry option:
Single-Entry Visa Validity: Allows one entry into Egypt and is valid for a total period of 90 days (3 months) from the date of issuance.
Multiple-Entry Visa Validity: Allows multiple entries into Egypt and is valid for a total period of 180 days (6 months) from the date of issuance, with each stay not exceeding 30 days.
Can Belarusian Citizens Still Get a Visa on Arrival in Egypt?
Yes, travelers from Belarus are currently eligible for the Visa on Arrival (VOA) at major Egyptian international airports, such as Cairo (CAI) or Hurghada (HRG).
How does the Visa on Arrival process work?
Upon arrival, proceed to the bank kiosks or designated VOA counters before immigration control.
Purchase the required visa sticker (typically $25 USD – ensure you have US Dollars cash, as credit card facilities may be limited).
Affix the sticker to a blank page in your passport.
Proceed to the immigration officer for processing and entry stamp.
Is the VOA a riskier option than the eVisa?
While the VOA is a viable option, it is generally considered less convenient than the eVisa. Long queues, especially during peak tourist season, can significantly delay your airport exit. The eVisa is the safest and quickest way to secure your entry permit.
Egypt eVisa Application Comparison: Government Site vs. Travel Agent
Here is a detailed comparison highlighting the differences between applying for your Egypt eVisa directly through the official government portal and using the private assistance agency:
Application Assistance and Support
Government Website
Self-Service Only: The process is purely self-service. You are responsible for completing the form and uploading documents without any personalized help.
No 24/7 Support: Personal help or customer support is generally unavailable for application issues, delays, or general questions.
evisa-to-egypt.info
Dedicated 24/7 Support: Offers continuous help via email, chat, and WhatsApp/calls until your visa is delivered.
Continuous Tracking: Provides real-time status updates and priority follow-up in case of processing delays.
Document and Error Review
Government Website
No Pre-Checking: There is no mechanism for checking your documents or application data before submission.
High Risk of Rejection/Delay: If any document is blurry, incomplete, or contains incorrect entries, the application may be delayed or rejected without warning or guidance. Mistakes can lead to lost government fees.
evisa-to-egypt.info
Expert Pre-Review: A team of experts reviews all details, photos, and documents before secure submission to the government portal.
Guidance for Corrections: If the team notices any error, unclear document, or missing detail, they will contact and guide you immediately to fix the issue. This dramatically increases the chance of approval.
99% Success Rate: Claims a 99% success rate with approved applications due to the thorough pre-checking process.
Cost and Fees
Government Website
Lower Fee: Only the standard government visa fee is charged.
evisa-to-egypt.info
Higher Fee: Charges a service fee in addition to the government visa fee.
Fee Justification: This extra fee covers the application review, document verification, correction guidance, secure submission, continuous tracking, and customer support.
Post-Submission Changes and Refunds
Government Website
No Changes Possible: Once submitted, changes cannot be made to the application.
Non-Refundable Fee: If the application is rejected due to applicant error, the government fee is generally non-refundable.
evisa-to-egypt.info
Pre-Submission Corrections: Can help update or correct details if the application has not yet been processed and submitted to the Egypt authorities.
Service Fee Refund: Can cancel and refund the service fee (excluding transaction charges) if the application has not yet been submitted to the authorities.
Eligibility and Complex Cases
Government Website
Standard Process: The site assumes a standard application scenario and does not offer specialized guidance for complex situations.
evisa-to-egypt.info
Support for Complex Cases: Agents are equipped to handle special cases like dual nationality, expired documents, or previous visa rejections, helping to navigate these effectively.
Simplified Form: Offers a simple, user-friendly form that takes only a few minutes to fill out, simplifying the official process.
Do I Need to Print Out My Approved Egypt eVisa?
Yes, absolutely. Upon receiving your approved eVisa via email, you must download and print a hard copy. You will need to present this printout, along with your valid Belarusian passport, to the airline staff before boarding and to the immigration officer upon arrival in Egypt.
Can the Egypt e-Visa Be Extended While I Am in the Country?
The eVisa grants a stay of 30 days. If you wish to extend your stay in Egypt beyond this period, you cannot do so online. You must visit the Immigration Center (typically located in Cairo) before your current visa expires to submit an application for an extension in person. Extensions are often granted for an additional three months.
What Happens if There is an Error on My eVisa Application?
It is crucial to double-check all information, especially your passport number and personal details, before submitting your application. If an error is detected after submission:
Contact the eVisa Authority Immediately: Reach out to the official Egypt eVisa support team as soon as possible.
Re-application Might Be Necessary: Depending on the severity of the error (e.g., a wrong passport number), you may be required to submit and pay for a completely new application. An error could lead to your visa being rejected by the immigration officials, so accuracy is vital.
What are the Entry Requirements at the Egyptian Border?
When you arrive at an Egyptian port of entry, ensure you have the following ready to present:
Valid Belarusian Passport (Valid for $6$ months from arrival).
Printed Copy of the Approved Egypt eVisa (or VOA sticker if applicable).
Proof of Travel (Return or onward ticket).
Proof of Accommodation (Hotel booking confirmation).
Preparing for Your Trip from Minsk to the Pyramids
Securing your Egypt eVisa from Belarus is a simple, quick, and stress-free process that eliminates the uncertainty of the Visa on Arrival system. By gathering the necessary documents and applying online in advance, you guarantee a smooth start to your unforgettable Egyptian journey. Whether you are seeking the history of Luxor, the bustle of Alexandria, or the quiet beauty of the Sahara, the eVisa is your gateway to exploration.
