Visa Matters
Before Your Departure
Visa Application Steps
- For the entry visa application at Egyptian consulates before arrival in Cairo, make sure to state studying as your purpose of stay in the country, as this is important at the immigration office during the application process
- Obtain a 90-day visa application from the Egyptian consulate in your home country and apply well in advance
- North American, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens may obtain a visa upon arrival for $25, valid for one month
- Citizens of Poland, Portugal and Finland must apply for a 90-day visa before arrival through the Egyptian embassy, in accordance with Egyptian authorities’ requirements
- Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Renew it, if necessary, at least three months before departure
- Visa regulations: Check for any updates to visa requirements with the Egyptian consulate or embassy in your country
- For inquiries, contact the Business Support Office at students.residency@aucegypt.edu
Steps after Arrival in Egypt
- Citizens of the following countries must register their passports within seven days of arrival to avoid fines. Registration is completed at the Business Support Office:
Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), Libya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, the Philippines, Rwanda, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Trinidad-Tobago, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Yemen - Students from the above-mentioned countries must submit their original passports and pay a registration fee of EGP 110
- Citizens of certain countries are not permitted to extend tourist visas. If security approval is delayed, the student will receive a letter from the Business Support Office confirming enrollment at AUC and that the visa is under processing, for presentation at security checkpoints
Required Procedures for All International Students
- Complete the Business Support Form.
- Consult the Business Support for details of the procedures.
- The Business Support Office will email you the exact details of your appointment and the required procedures at the Immigration Office.
Important Note:
Students must either:
- Remain in Egypt or
- Travel with a guarantee to obtain an entry visa from the nearest Egyptian consulate.
This is essential to ensure re-entry to Egypt without missing semester classes.
Governmental Residency Visa Fees
All visa fees are based on official government receipts:
- Tourist visa renewal (residency extension): EGP 7,100
- Re-entry visa: EGP 850
- Residency visa: EGP 7,100
- Fine for late residency visa application: EGP 1,685
- If a student does not obtain the required approval and cannot extend residency based on nationality, an approximate fee of EGP 1,685 will be charged upon departure at Cairo International Airport (for stays of less than six months)
Payment of Residency Visa Application Fees
New International Students
Use the online payment link to pay the required government fee for your residency visa extension as soon as you arrive in Egypt. Notify the Business Support Office at students.residency@aucegypt.edu after completing the payment.
Continuing International Students
To confirm the nearest available date at the Immigration Office for Spring 2026 residency visa renewal, contact the Business Support Office at Room G022, Administration Building. Bring your original passport and residency card for review before making the payment.
Important Information
- Validity periods
- Governmental approvals are valid for four years.
- Residency cards are renewed annually.
- Student responsibilities
- Students must visit the Business Support Office to initiate the residency process.
- Contact information
- Direct all inquiries to students.residency@aucegypt.edu.
- Visa regulations
- If your entry visa expires before security approval for your student visa is issued, the office will provide an official letter confirming that your residency visa is in process.
- For temporary visa extensions, apply for a re-entry visa at least one week before traveling outside Egypt.
- Guidance
- Students are advised to be accompanied by Business Support Office staff, when applicable, to ensure a smooth process.
- Individual files
- Each student maintains a personal file documenting the status of their residency visa application.
If you have any travel plans near the Taba border, Sharm El Sheikh or in Sinai, make sure to have your residency card ready and confirm your visa validity to avoid any problems with the authorities.
You will also need to communicate with us in advance about your travel plan, including land borders or airports, to confirm all related details beforehand.
Be mindful of your communication with our staff and/or the Immigration Office staff and maintain a diligent approach to ensure that the process goes smoothly and to avoid any unnecessary complications.