Mediterranean Shores to Ancient Wonders: Navigating Egypt Visa for Luxembourgish Citizens and Egypt Visa for Maltese Citizens

Egypt, with its unparalleled historical grandeur, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the timeless embrace of the Nile, stands as a premier destination for travelers.1 From the awe-inspiring pyramids and the Sphinx to the vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea, it promises an unforgettable journey. For citizens hailing from the heart of Europe, specifically Luxembourg and Malta, understanding the visa requirements is the essential first step towards experiencing this magnificent country. This article will provide a detailed guide on obtaining an Egypt visa for Luxembourgish citizens and an Egypt visa for Maltese citizens, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free entry.

General Visa Options for Egypt

Before delving into the specific processes for Luxembourgish citizens and Maltese citizens, it's important to be familiar with the primary avenues through which foreign nationals can secure an Egyptian visa:

1. e-Visa (Electronic Visa): This convenient online system allows eligible travelers to apply for and receive their visa approval remotely before their journey.2 It is often the recommended and most efficient option for tourism.

2. Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available at Egypt's international airports and certain land border crossings, this option allows travelers to obtain a visa upon their physical arrival in the country.3

3. Embassy/Consulate Application: For those who prefer a traditional application process, or for specific visa types (e.g., long-term stays, work visas, or for nationalities not eligible for e-Visa/VOA), applying at an Egyptian embassy or consulate in their home country or a nearby nation is an option.

A crucial prerequisite for all visa types is a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the date of entry and at least one blank page for the visa stamp.4

Egypt Visa for Luxembourgish Citizens: Journey from the Grand Duchy

For Luxembourgish citizens planning a trip to Egypt for tourism, the visa process offers both convenient online and on-arrival options, providing flexibility for their travel plans.

1. Egypt e-Visa for Luxembourgish Citizens (Highly Recommended):

The Egyptian e-Visa system is a highly efficient and convenient option for Luxembourgish citizens.5

• Application Process: Apply online through the official Egypt e-Visa Portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg).6 The process involves accurately filling out an electronic form, uploading a scanned copy of your passport's biographical page, and making the payment online using a credit or debit card.7

• Requirements:

• A valid Luxembourgish passport with a minimum validity of six months from your intended date of entry into Egypt.8

• A scanned image of the passport's biographical page.

• A valid credit/debit card for online payment.

• While not always explicitly required for the e-Visa application, it's advisable to have a detailed travel itinerary, including confirmed accommodation and return flight details, ready for immigration upon arrival.

• Validity and Stay: A tourist e-Visa typically permits a single entry and allows for a stay of up to 30 days. It is generally valid for 90 days from the date of issue, meaning you must enter Egypt within this three-month window. Multiple-entry e-Visas are also available, offering a 30-day stay per entry within a 180-day validity period.9

• Processing Time: e-Visas are usually processed within 5 business days.10 It is highly advisable to apply at least 7 days in advance of your travel date to allow for any potential delays.

• Benefits: Obtaining an e-Visa beforehand streamlines the arrival process, helps avoid potential queues at the airport, and provides peace of mind with pre-approved travel authorization.11

2. Egypt Visa on Arrival for Luxembourgish Citizens:

Luxembourgish citizens are also eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Egypt's international airports (e.g., Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) and some land border crossings.

• Process: Upon arrival, travelers should proceed to the designated visa kiosks or bank counters before the immigration desks. Here, they can purchase the visa sticker, affix it to a blank page in their passport, fill out an arrival card (usually provided on the flight or at the counter), and then proceed to the immigration counter for stamping.

• Requirements:

• A valid Luxembourgish passport with at least six months' validity.12

• A completed arrival card.

• The visa fee (typically USD 25 for a single-entry tourist visa), payable in cash.13 US Dollars are universally preferred, though Euros or British Pounds may also be accepted at some points.14

• Validity and Stay: Similar to the e-Visa, the VOA typically grants a 30-day single-entry tourist stay.

• Considerations: While convenient for last-minute travel, VOA queues can be long, especially during peak travel times. Having the exact cash amount ready will significantly speed up the process.

3. Sinai Resorts Visa Waiver:

For Luxembourgish citizens who intend to visit only the South Sinai resorts (such as Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba) for a maximum stay of 15 days, a free entry permission stamp can be obtained upon arrival at Sharm el-Sheikh, Saint Catherine, or Taba airports. This stamp does not permit travel outside these designated resort areas. If you plan to explore other parts of Egypt, a full visa (e-Visa or VOA) is required.

Egypt Visa for Maltese Citizens: Island to Land of the Nile

For Maltese citizens contemplating a trip to Egypt, the visa process is just as straightforward and efficient, offering both the e-Visa and Visa on Arrival options for tourism.

1. Egypt e-Visa for Maltese Citizens (Recommended):

The e-Visa system is an excellent choice for Maltese citizens seeking a smooth entry into Egypt.

• Application Process: Apply online through the official Egypt e-Visa Portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg).15 The steps are identical to those for Luxembourgish citizens: complete the online form, upload a scanned passport copy, and make the payment.

• Requirements:

• A valid Maltese passport, with validity extending at least six months beyond your planned date of entry into Egypt.16

• A scanned image of the passport's biographical page.

• A valid credit/debit card for online payment.

• Validity and Stay: A tourist e-Visa typically permits a single entry for up to 30 days, valid for use within 90 days of issuance. Multiple-entry options are also available for a 30-day stay per entry within a 180-day validity period.

• Processing Time: Most e-Visa applications are approved within 5 business days, though some sources suggest it can take up to 7 business days. It's recommended to apply at least a week before your trip to ensure timely approval.

• Benefits: The e-Visa simplifies the arrival process, reducing waiting times at Egyptian airports and providing pre-travel assurance.17

2. Egypt Visa on Arrival for Maltese Citizens:

Maltese citizens are also eligible for a Visa on Arrival at Egypt's international airports and border crossings.18

• Process: Similar to Luxembourgish citizens, you will purchase a visa sticker from a designated kiosk or bank counter before proceeding to immigration.

• Requirements:

• A valid Maltese passport with at least six months' validity.19

• A completed arrival card.

• The visa fee (typically USD 25 for a single-entry tourist visa), payable in cash (USD, EUR, or GBP are generally accepted, but USD is preferred).20

• Validity and Stay: The VOA typically grants a 30-day single-entry tourist stay.

• Considerations: Be prepared for potential queues and ensure you have the exact cash amount for the visa fee.

3. Sinai Resorts Visa Waiver:

Similar to Luxembourgish citizens, Maltese citizens also qualify for the free 15-day entry permission stamp upon arrival at Sharm el-Sheikh, Saint Catherine, or Taba airports if they are staying solely within the South Sinai resorts. Again, a full visa is required for travel beyond these designated areas.

4. Embassy/Consulate Application (for specific cases):

While e-Visa and VOA are the most common methods, for long-term visas or non-tourist purposes, Maltese citizens may need to contact the Embassy of Egypt in Valletta, Malta, or the Embassy of Malta in Cairo (which processes certain visa types for Egypt-based residents).21 Always confirm directly with the respective embassy for accurate and up-to-date information on requirements, fees, and processing times.

Important General Considerations for All Travelers

• Passport Validity: A strict minimum of six months validity on your passport from your intended date of entry into Egypt is mandatory for all nationalities.22

• Blank Pages: Ensure your passport has at least one blank page for the visa stamp (if applicable).

• Visa Fees: As of July 2025, a single-entry tourist visa (e-Visa or VOA) costs USD 25.23 A multiple-entry e-Visa costs USD 60.24 These fees are subject to change, so always verify the latest information on the official e-Visa portal or with an Egyptian diplomatic mission.

• Currency: While the Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted for visa fees (for those requiring a visa) and many tourist-related expenses.25 It's advisable to have small denominations of USD for convenience.

• Onward/Return Travel: While not always explicitly required for e-Visa application, having a confirmed return or onward flight ticket is always recommended and can be requested by immigration officials.

• Accommodation: It's wise to have details of your confirmed accommodation readily available upon arrival.

• Travel Insurance: While not a visa requirement, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances is highly recommended for all travelers.26

In conclusion, both Egypt visa for Luxembourgish citizens and Egypt visa for Maltese citizens are conveniently obtainable through the efficient e-Visa system or the straightforward Visa on Arrival. By being well-prepared with the necessary documentation and understanding the application procedures, travelers from both nations can confidently embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the timeless wonders of Egypt.