The Government of Egypt has recently unveiled an innovative digital platform, the Egypt Tourist e-Visa, tailored explicitly for international citizens. This strategic initiative is pivotal in revitalising Egypt's tourism sector, offering foreign travellers a streamlined and efficient visa application process.

The Egypt Tourist e-Visa, accessible entirely online, significantly shifts from traditional visa application methods. It eliminates the need to visit a consulate or embassy before the journey, simplifying travel arrangements.

Can Kosovo Citizens Apply for an Egypt e-Visa Online? 

No, the official Egypt e-Visa website no longer lists Kosovo as an eligible country for the e-Visa program. We apologise for any confusion this may have caused. As of the current update, citizens of Kosovo need to apply for a traditional visa through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.

How Can Kosovars Apply for a Visa to Egypt?

Kosovo passport holders who want to visit Egypt must read the following guidelines carefully, which will help them during the Egypt visa application process:

• Individuals holding a Kosovo passport must follow the traditional procedure when applying for an Egyptian visa. It entails submitting their visa applications through the Egyptian consulate in Tirana, Albania, as Kosovo does not currently host an Egyptian consulate.
• Upon the consulate's receipt of your application documents, they will facilitate submitting your application to Egypt for the necessary approval. The processing of this approval typically takes approximately two months.
• It's essential to be aware that there may be unforeseen delays. Therefore, you should only make flight or hotel reservations once you have received confirmation of your approval.
• If your visa application is approved, the consulate will promptly notify you to proceed with submitting your original passport or travel document and fulfilling the required visa issuance fees.

Documents Required by Kosovars to Apply for Egypt Visa

Listed below are the documents that Kosovars must produce while applying for a traditional visa to Egypt:

• Duly Filled Visa Application Form: Ensure the visa application form is filled out and signed.
• Passport or Travel Document: Your passport or travel document should be valid for at least six months from your intended entry into Egypt. Make sure it meets this requirement to avoid any travel complications.
• Visa Validation: Provide proof of your Kosovo visa details to demonstrate your legal status in Kosovo.
• Latest Bank Statement: Include your most recent bank statement. Ensure it shows a consistent financial history, which is typical of genuine applicants.
• Employment Verification (if applicable): If you are employed, submit relevant proof of work, such as an employment letter or contract. Ensure that it aligns with your stated purpose of travel.
• Proof of Enrollment (if applicable): If you are a student, furnish evidence of your enrollment in a Kosovar educational institution. It should correspond with your travel intentions.
• Previous Egyptian Visa Records (if applicable): If you have previously obtained visas for Egypt, provide documentation for these visas. It helps establish a history of legitimate travel.

Please ensure that all the provided documents are accurate, coherent, and consistent with your travel plans. It will facilitate a smooth visa application process.

Step-by-Step Egypt Visa Application Process for Kosovars

To obtain an Egyptian visa, Kosovars have to mainly navigate through the following three stages of the Egypt visa application process:

1. Pre-Approval Stage

In this stage, the Kosovar applicants must lodge a pre-approval Egypt visa request with the Egyptian consulate in Tirana, Albania. During this stage, the applicants must furnish the following details:

• Completed Visa Application Form
• A valid Passport or Travel Document with a minimum validity of six months from the planned entry date into Egypt
• Documentation confirming your Kosovar Visa status
• The latest bank statement reflecting your financial status
• Evidence of employment (if applicable)
• Documentation indicating your educational pursuits (if applicable)
• Records of any prior Egyptian Visa applications (if applicable)

2. Consideration of the Visa Application by the Egyptian Government

Upon receiving your documentation from the Consulate, the application will be forwarded to Egypt for the necessary approval. The timeline for the decision-making process in Egypt is estimated to be around two months.

We advise the applicants that unforeseen delays may arise during this period. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and only make reservations for flights or accommodations once the applicants receive official approval. Patience during this process is greatly appreciated.

3. Notification to the Applicants

Upon approval of the application, the Consulate will inform the applicant to provide their authentic passport or travel document in its original form, along with the requisite visa issuance fees.

If the application is rejected, the applicants are advised to visit the Egyptian consulate and find the reason behind it. If the situation allows, they can re-apply for an Egyptian visa by following the steps mentioned above in the same order.

Egypt Visa Application Fee for Kosovo Citizens

Listed below are the different types of visas that Kosovo citizens can apply for through an Egyptian consulate nearby and the Egypt visa application fee for each of those categories:

How Can Kosovars Apply for an Urgent Egypt Visa?

Since Kosovars are not eligible for an Egypt E-Visa, they do not qualify for an urgent visa to Egypt. As mentioned above, any response to Kosovar’s Egypt visa application request might take more or less than two months. Given the visa approval/rejection timeframe, Kosovo passport holders are advised to plan their travel accordingly. 

What is the Egypt Visa Extension Process for Kosovo Citizens?

Kosovo citizens can extend their Egypt visas only through an offline mode. It is because Kosovo passport holders are not eligible for an Egypt e-visa, which would have deemed them suitable for an online application for a new Egypt e-visa. 

To renew your visa, they need to follow these steps in person: 

1. Location: Head to the Ministry of the Interior's office in Abbasiya, Cairo.
2. Operating Hours: The office serves from 8 am to 5 pm. Please note that it remains closed for pickups on Fridays and Saturdays.
3. Preparing Your Documentation for an In-Person Visa Extension
4. Ensure readiness by having the following documents with you:

Passport: Make sure your passport is valid.

Current Visa: Have it on hand for reference.

Extension Fees: Be prepared to pay the necessary fees in cash.

Local Address: Provide your current address in Egypt.

Photograph: You'll need a passport-sized photo.

Visa Renewal Process in Egypt

The process involves two visits:

• First Visit: During your initial visit, complete the required forms, submit your documents, including photos and fingerprints, and pay the initial fee.
• Second Visit: On your second visit, settle any outstanding payments and collect your visa extension.

Details Regarding the Visa Extension

Here are the specifics of the extension you'll receive:

• Duration: The extension is valid for three months.
• Format: It will be issued as a Foreign Residence Card, a physical plastic ID card.

Can Kosovars Obtain a Visa on Arrival in Egypt

No, Kosovars are not eligible for an Egyptian visa on arrival, and so are 52 other nations listed below: (AddList of countries who require pre-approval to visit Egypt) (countries list link: https://egyptconsulatesydney.com/visa-category-c/)

Things Kosovo Citizens Must Do After Arriving in Egypt

• Consider installing well-established transportation applications like Uber or Careem to enhance your mobility when travelling in Egypt. These apps are convenient and contemporary alternatives to traditional taxi services and car rentals.
• When exploring Egypt, having multiple payment methods at your disposal is advisable. Relying solely on credit cards may only sometimes be the most practical option.
• For your safety, it is essential to avoid visiting areas that are known for security concerns, such as the border regions adjacent to Libya, Israel, and the Gaza Strip. The military closely monitors these areas and may pose risks to tourists.
• Upon your arrival in Egypt, it is a mandatory requirement to register with the local authorities within the first week of your stay. This registration process is typically streamlined if you are staying in a hotel. You can provide your passport to the hotel staff, who will handle the necessary police registration. However, if you are not staying in a hotel, taking care of this critical registration yourself is essential.

FAQs

Do Kosovo citizens require a visa to visit Egypt? Does Egypt acknowledge the independence of Kosovo?