For Japanese travelers, Egypt has always held a special allure. From the ancient wonders of the Pyramids of Giza—often featured in Japanese documentaries—to the luxury resorts of the Red Sea, Egypt is a bucket-list destination.

However, leaving the order and efficiency of Tokyo or Osaka for the bustling energy of Cairo requires preparation. The most critical step is securing your entry paperwork. Do Japanese citizens need a visa for Egypt? Can you get it at the airport? What about the “Sinai Only” stamp? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Egypt eVisa application for Japan citizens, ensuring your journey from Narita or Haneda is smooth, stress-free, and fully compliant with 2025 regulations.

Do Japanese Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?

Yes, Japanese citizens require a valid visa to enter the Arab Republic of Egypt. Unlike traveling to many countries where the Japanese passport grants visa-free access, Egypt requires an entry permit for tourism and business visits. However, the process is simple. You do not need to visit the Egyptian Embassy in Meguro-ku, Tokyo, for a standard tourist visa. Japanese nationals are fully eligible for the Egypt Electronic Visa (eVisa) system, which allows you to obtain your travel authorization online before you even pack your suitcase.

Egypt Visa on Arrival vs. eVisa: Which is Best for Japanese Travelers?

Japanese passport holders are privileged to be eligible for both the Visa on Arrival (VoA) and the eVisa. Choosing the right one depends on your preference for security versus flexibility.

Option 1: Visa on Arrival (VoA)

• How it works: You land in Egypt, go to a bank kiosk before passport control, pay the fee in cash, and receive a sticker.
• The Risk: You must pay in cash (US Dollars are preferred). Japanese Yen (JPY) is generally not accepted at these kiosks. If you forget to exchange money at Narita/Haneda, you might face difficulties.
• Wait Times: Queues can be long if multiple flights arrive at once.

Option 2: The eVisa (Recommended)

• How it works: You apply online 7 days before your trip from your computer or smartphone in Japan.
• The Benefit: You pay securely online with your credit card. You arrive with pre-approval, allowing you to proceed directly to the immigration counters (often using dedicated lanes).
• Verdict: For peace of mind, we strongly recommend the eVisa. It eliminates the need to carry large amounts of USD cash and speeds up your airport experience.

The “Sinai Only” Exemption: Free Entry for Japanese Tourists?

If your trip is strictly for relaxation at a Red Sea resort, you might not need to pay for a visa. Japanese citizens are eligible for a free “Sinai Only” entry stamp (valid for 14 days) if:

1. You arrive directly at Sharm El Sheikh, Taba, or St. Catherine airports.
2. You stay strictly within the South Sinai resorts.
3. Your trip is shorter than 15 days.

Crucial Warning: This stamp prohibits you from visiting Cairo (the Pyramids), Luxor, or taking the ferry to Hurghada. If you plan any sightseeing outside the resort zone, you must obtain a full tourist visa.

Why Choose Us? The Real Difference Between the Government Site and evisa-to-egypt.info

Applying for a visa shouldn’t be a gamble. While the government portal offers a basic self-service platform, evisa-to-egypt.info provides a premium, full-service experience designed to secure your approval.

Here is the stark difference between applying alone and applying with experts:

1. Will a Simple Mistake Cost Me My Visa?

Government Portal: High Risk of Rejection

• Unforgiving Automation: The official system is fully automated. It accepts whatever you type—even typos. If you enter the wrong passport number or upload a blurry photo, the system won’t warn you. It will simply process your payment and then reject your visa days later.
• No Second Chances: You are 100% responsible for knowing the complex requirements. One small error means a denied visa.

evisa-to-egypt.info: 99.8% Approval Guarantee

• Expert Human Review: Real visa specialists manually check every line of your form and every pixel of your documents.
• We Catch Errors First: If your photo has a shadow or a number doesn’t match, we pause the process and help you fix it before it goes to the government. We don’t just submit your application; we protect it.

2. Who Do I Call If I Have a Problem?

Government Portal: You Are On Your Own

• Zero Support: There is no customer service hotline or live chat. If the website crashes, if you are confused by a question, or if you don’t receive your email, there is no one to help you.
• Confusing Terminology: Government forms often use strict legal language that can be difficult to understand, leading to guesswork.

evisa-to-egypt.info: We Are Always Here

• 24/7 Live Support: Talk to a real person anytime via WhatsApp, Live Chat, or Phone. We are here to answer questions day or night.
• Clear Guidance: We speak your language. We explain the requirements in simple terms so you can apply with total confidence.

Egypt eVisa Requirements for Japanese Passport Holders

To apply online, you must meet these standard Egypt eVisa requirements:

1. Valid Passport: Your Japanese passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of arrival in Egypt.
2. Travel Itinerary: You usually need to provide the name and address of your hotel or host.
3. Email Address: To receive the PDF visa.
4. Payment Method: A valid credit or debit card.

Payment Methods: Can I Pay with JCB or Yen?

The Egypt eVisa fee charged in US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR).

• Currency: You cannot pay directly in Japanese Yen (JPY). Your credit card provider will handle the currency conversion automatically.
• Card Types: Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. JCB cards are sometimes accepted, but acceptance can be inconsistent on foreign government portals. We recommend having a Visa or Mastercard as a backup just in case.

How to Apply for an Egypt eVisa from Japan?

1. Fill the Form: Enter your personal details.
   • Note on Name Order: The form asks for “First Name” and “Surname” separately. Ensure you do not reverse them (standard Japanese order is Surname-FirstName, but the form requires the Western order).
2. Upload Documents: Upload a clear, color scan of your passport’s photo page (JPG/PNG, <500KB).
3. Pay the Fee: Complete the secure payment.
4. Receive & Print: Once approved, print two copies of the visa on A4 paper. Keep one in your carry-on bag.

What are the Passport Photo Requirements for Egypt visa?

Japanese passports have a glossy page that can cause glare, which often leads to rejection by the automated system. When scanning or photographing your passport:

• Avoid Glare: Ensure the flash does not obscure your face or the text. Take the photo in natural light.
• MRZ Code: The two lines of code at the bottom of the page (Machine Readable Zone) must be crystal clear. This is what the system reads to verify your data.
• Format: JPG or PNG file type.

How long does an Egypt tourist visa take?

Japanese travelers are known for planning ahead. Here is the timeline:

• Standard Processing: 5–7 business days.
• Urgent Options: Some agencies offer 48-hour processing for urgent trips.
• Recommendation: Apply at least 7 days before your flight departing Japan to account for any corrections.

Why was my Egyptian visa declined?

1. Name Order: Confusing Surname (Family Name) and Given Name fields. Always double-check the labels.
2. Kanji vs. Romaji: You must fill out the form in English/Romaji exactly as it appears on your passport. Do not use Kanji or Katakana characters.
3. Date Format: The form uses Day/Month/Year (DD/MM/YYYY), which is different from the Japanese standard (YYYY/MM/DD). Be careful when entering your birthdate.
4. Place of Issue: Japanese passports list “Ministry of Foreign Affairs” as the issuing authority. You can write “Japan” or “Ministry of Foreign Affairs” in this field.

Do I Need a Visa for a Layover in Cairo?

If you are flying EgyptAir from Tokyo (Narita) to Europe or Africa via Cairo:

• Short Layover (<48 hours): If you stay in the airport transit area, you generally do not need a visa.
• Leaving the Airport: If you have a long layover and want to visit the Pyramids, you must obtain a visa (eVisa or VoA) to leave the airport.
• Transit Hotel: If you plan to stay at the airport hotel (Le Méridien), you technically leave the transit area and enter Egypt, so a visa is required.

Can I Extend My Visa if I Want to Stay Longer?

If you fall in love with Egypt and want to stay beyond 30 days, you cannot extend your visa online.

• Where to go: You must visit the Passport and Immigration Administration (Mogamma) in Abbasiya, Cairo, or regional offices in Sharm El Sheikh/Hurghada.
• Penalty: Overstaying without extension results in a fine at the airport upon departure (approx. 1,500+ EGP).

Is it Safe for Japanese Tourists? (Safety & Scams)

Egypt is generally safe for tourists, especially in major hubs. However, Japanese tourists are often targeted by touts due to their polite nature.

• Saying “No”: Learn to say “La, Shukran” (No, thank you) firmly.
• Taxis: Use Uber or Careem in Cairo to avoid negotiating fares.
• Water: Do not drink tap water. It is safe to brush your teeth with it, but stick to bottled water for drinking to avoid stomach issues.

Which mobile network is best for tourists in Egypt?

Japanese travelers often rely on pocket Wi-Fi. In Egypt:

• SIM Cards: Buying a local SIM (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, WE) at the airport is the cheapest option. You will need your passport.
• Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels, but speeds may be slower than in Japan.
• eSIM: Highly recommended for convenience if your phone supports it.

Cultural Tips for Japanese Tourists in Egypt

• Tipping (Baksheesh): Unlike Japan, tipping is expected for almost every service in Egypt. Keep small bills (Egyptian Pounds) handy for restroom attendants, drivers, and porters.
• Haggling: In markets (Souqs), prices are negotiable. It is part of the culture, so do not be afraid to bargain politely.
• Modesty: When visiting mosques or local areas, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees).

Conclusion

The Egypt eVisa for Japanese citizens is the modern, efficient way to unlock the mysteries of the Pharaohs. By choosing the online option, you avoid the need to carry USD cash and skip the queues at Cairo airport, ensuring your holiday starts the moment you land. Whether you are cruising the Nile or exploring the Valley of the Kings, proper preparation is key. Check your passport validity, apply online a week in advance, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!