Egypt, the timeless land connecting Africa and the Middle East, holds a magnetic draw for travelers worldwide. For citizens of Uruguay looking to trade the Río de la Plata for the River Nile, securing the correct travel authorization is the first step towards experiencing the wonders of the pharaohs.
The Egyptian government’s Electronic Visa (eVisa) system has made the process simpler and more accessible than ever for Uruguayan passport holders. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything travelers need to know about the Egypt eVisa for Uruguay Citizens , including passport requirements and critical border regulations, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
Do Citizens of Uruguay Need a Visa to Enter Egypt?
Yes, holders of an Uruguayan passport must obtain a visa to enter the Arab Republic of Egypt for tourism purposes.
Citizens of Uruguay are currently eligible for two primary options for obtaining a tourist visa:
The Egypt Electronic Visa (eVisa): Applied for and approved entirely online before traveling. This is the highly recommended choice.
Visa on Arrival (VOA): Purchased directly at designated entry points in Egypt upon landing.
Are Uruguayan Service or Diplomatic Passports Allowed on the eVisa?
The official Egypt eVisa system is specifically designed for holders of ordinary (regular) Uruguayan passports traveling for tourism or short-term business.
Holders of Uruguayan Service Passports or Diplomatic Passports are generally required to obtain their visa in advance through the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate. These types of travel documents, used for official or government business, are typically not eligible for the tourist eVisa or the Visa on Arrival. Always confirm specific requirements with the Egyptian Embassy before booking travel.
What Are the Passport Requirements for Uruguayan eVisa Applicants?
The valid Uruguayan passport is the cornerstone of your application. Ensure it meets the following Egypt Visa Requirements:
Six Months Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of arrival in Egypt.
Digital Copy: A clear, high-quality digital scan of the passport's biographical data page is required for the online application upload.
Crucial Check: The eVisa is electronically linked to the passport number you use to apply. If you receive a new passport after your eVisa is approved, the original visa becomes invalid, and you must reapply.
How Do the Costs and Fees Compare?
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.
Can I Make Changes or Get a Refund After Submission?
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.
What is the Processing Time for the Egypt eVisa?
The time it takes to receive your approved eVisa depends on the processing speed you select (or the default speed if applying directly).
Do Children from Uruguay Need a Separate Visa?
Yes, every traveler, regardless of age, must have their own valid visa and passport.
Can a Minor Travel on a Dependent Visa if They Have No Passport?
No. The Egyptian eVisa system strictly requires that every individual, including infants and minors, must possess their own valid passport in order to apply for and receive an eVisa. There is no provision within the eVisa system for a minor to travel on a dependent status without their own travel document.
Application Process for Minors: Parents or guardians must complete a separate eVisa application for each child, submitting the child’s personal passport details and paying the individual visa fee.
What is the Validity Period of the Egypt eVisa?
The eVisa grants a maximum stay of 30 consecutive days in Egypt. The overall period during which you can use the visa is:
How Do Uruguay Citizens Apply for the Egypt eVisa?
The online Egypt Visa application process is designed to be simple and user-friendly:
Complete the Form: Fill in the application with your personal details, passport data, and travel itinerary.
Upload Documents: Upload the digital copy of your Uruguayan passport's information page.
Pay the Fee: Securely pay the required government fee.
Submit and Wait: Submit the application and await the approval email.
How Does the eVisa Work Upon Arrival and Departure?
Using a pre-approved eVisa ensures a swift process upon landing at an Egyptian airport:
Process Upon Arrival
Proceed to Immigration: Bypass the VOA bank kiosks. Go directly to the Immigration Control desks.
Present Documents: Hand the immigration officer your valid Uruguayan passport and your printed copy of the approved Egypt eVisa.
Entry Stamp: The officer will verify the eVisa and affix the entry stamp, officially starting your 30-day stay.
Process Upon Departure
Exit Check: At the Departure Immigration desk, the officer will check your passport and visa.
Exit Stamp: If your stay was within the legal limit, you receive an exit stamp, clearing you for your flight.
Can the Tourist eVisa Be Converted to a Long-Term Visa?
No, the tourist eVisa cannot be officially converted or changed into a long-term residence or work visa.
The eVisa is strictly a short-term entry permit (maximum 30 days). If you believe you will need to stay in Egypt longer than the 30-day limit or for a purpose other than tourism (such as study or employment), you must:
Apply for the appropriate long-stay visa category before traveling, via an Egyptian Embassy or Consulate.
If you wish to extend your tourism stay, you must visit the local Immigration Center in Cairo before your 30-day eVisa expires to apply for a tourist extension (often an additional 90 days).
What Happens if I Choose the Visa on Arrival (VOA)?
Uruguayan citizens are eligible for the Visa on Arrival, which costs $25 USD (Single Entry only). This option requires you to purchase a visa sticker upon arrival, which necessitates queuing and having US Dollars cash ready. The VOA does not offer the multiple-entry option.
Is a Visa Always Needed for the Sinai Peninsula (Sharm El Sheikh)?
If you fly directly into the South Sinai resort region (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba) and your stay is 15 days or less, you may be eligible for a free Sinai-Only stamp. However, if you plan to travel anywhere else in Egypt (e.g., Cairo or Luxor) or stay longer than 15 days, you must obtain a full visa (eVisa or VOA).
Can the Egypt eVisa Be Extended While I Am in the Country?
The maximum stay granted by the eVisa is 30 days. If you wish to extend your stay in Egypt beyond this period, you cannot do so online. You must visit the local Immigration Center (typically located in Cairo) before your current visa expires to submit an application for an extension in person.
What Documents Should Uruguayan Travelers Carry to the Border?
While the application is online, certain documents must be presented at the border check:
Valid Uruguayan Passport (Valid for $6$ months from arrival).
Printed Copy of the Approved Egypt eVisa.
Proof of Travel (Return or onward flight ticket).
Proof of Accommodation (Hotel booking confirmation or host address).
