Egypt E-Visa Application Process for Finnish Citizens

Citizens of Finland contemplating a journey to Egypt should know that obtaining a visa might be necessary before their travels. Over recent years, Egypt has modernised its visa application process, introducing an electronic visa system. This eVisa initiative is a notable advancement, enabling travellers to apply for their visas conveniently through an online platform. This article aims to offer an in-depth guide to the Egypt eVisa process, tailored specifically for Finnish citizens.

What are Finnish citizens required to apply for Egypt's E-Visa?

For Finnish citizens planning a trip to Egypt, here's a simplified guide to getting an eVisa:

• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned arrival in Egypt.
• Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, nationality (Finnish), and gender precisely as they appear on your passport.
• Contact Details: Give your current address, a working email, and a phone number for any necessary communication during and after the eVisa application.
• Passport Bio-data Page: Submit a clear scan of the bio-data page of your passport. It should include your photo and personal details and must be easily readable.
• Payment Method: Have a valid debit or credit card ready for the online payment of the eVisa fee. Ensure the card has enough funds for a hassle-free process.

How can Finnish Citizens Apply for an Egypt E-Visa?

For Finnish citizens applying for an eVisa to Egypt, here's a simplified guide:

The online Egypt E-Visa application form is straightforward and requires the following information:

Step 1 - Registration

• Provide Detailed Personal Details: Ensure you enter your complete name, email address, phone number, and country of residence with accuracy and care.
• Finalise the Identity Confirmation: Complete the captcha accurately to verify that you are a natural person.

Step 2 - Applicant Details

• Introduction: Begin by introducing yourself and stating your complete name. Share the country of your birth and the date you were born, and identify your gender. Indicate the type of visa you're applying for.
• Passport Information: In this part, detail the specifics of your passport. Include when your passport was issued, when it will expire, and its unique identification number.
• Further Identification Details: If you possess more than one passport, such as dual citizenship, mention this. Additionally, it's crucial to provide details about your current job status, your marital situation, and the country from which you will commence your travels.
• Travel Start Date: Explain when you plan to begin your journey.

Adding Other Applicants: If travelling with others, add their details too.

Step 3 - Add Documents and Submit

• Importance of Legible Passport Reproductions: It's crucial to ensure that the copy of your passport you provide is legible and clear.
• Choosing a Suitable Visa Processing Speed: Depending on your requirements, select from standard, fast-track, or immediate visa processing options.
• Thorough Verification of Submitted Details: Carefully check the correctness of every piece of information in your application before submitting it.
• Prioritise Correcting Discrepancies: Pay special attention to amending inaccuracies, especially in personal names and date entries.
• Keep Track of Your Application Reference Number: After submitting your application, record its reference number for subsequent tracking.

Step 4 - Payment

• Complete Your Transaction: Proceed with the selected payment option to finalise your purchase.
• Track Your Application Status: Keep your temporary identification number handy to monitor the advancement of your application.

Application Fee for Finnish Citizens Applying for an Egypt E-Visa

Finnish citizens applying for an Egypt e-Visa must pay a government fee (mandatory as Finland isn't exempt) and a service fee.

Service Fee Options:

• Standard Service: Most budget-friendly choice. Get the visa in 3 to 7 business days.
• Urgent Service: Faster processing; receive the e-Visa in 2 to 5 business days.
• Super Urgent Service: For immediate needs, contact for a 1 to 3 day processing option.

How Can Finnish Citizens Apply for an Urgent Egypt E-Visa?

When you rush to finalise your travel arrangements, consider choosing the 'Urgent' or 'Super Urgent' processing options for your e-visa application. While this does entail a higher fee, the benefit is significant: your application receives priority handling, propelling it to the forefront of the queue. As a result, your e-visa is processed swiftly, ensuring that this essential part of your travel preparations is completed promptly, sparing you the typical delays. This efficient approach helps streamline your travel planning, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your journey with greater peace of mind.

How Can Finnish Citizens Extend Their Egypt E-Visa?

Tourists in Egypt who wish to prolong their adventure have two straightforward options to extend their stay. Understanding these options ensures a hassle-free continuation of your journey in the land of the Pharaohs.

1. Opting for a New e-Visa from Outside Egypt

For those who choose to momentarily step outside Egypt, applying for a new e-Visa offers a convenient solution. This process involves:

• Exiting Egypt and initiating a fresh e-Visa application.
• The e-Visa, known for its quick processing, typically gets approved within 1-2 days, though allocating up to a week is wise.
• Remarkably, there's no cap on the number of e-Visas one can obtain as long as each application meets the set criteria.

2. Visa Extension Within Egypt: A Personal Approach

Alternatively, extending your visa while still in Egypt is a viable option. It requires a bit more legwork:

• Visa renewals necessitate a personal visit; online renewals are not available.
• Head to the Ministry of the Interior’s office in Abbasiya, Cairo.
• Note the office timings: 8 am to 5 pm, but it's closed on Fridays and Saturdays for pickups.

Essential Documents for In-Person Visa Extension

Before visiting, ensure you have:

• A valid passport.
• Your current e-Visa.
• Extension fees, payable in cash.
• The address of your stay in Egypt.
• A passport-sized photograph.

The In-Person Application Procedure

This process involves two visits:

• On your first visit, complete the necessary forms, submit your documents, photos, and fingerprints, and pay the initial fee.
• Your second visit entails paying any remaining fees and collecting your visa extension.

Details of the Visa Extension

The visa extension is not just a stamp or a paper insert in your passport. It comes as:

• An extension for up to 3 months.
• Issued as a Foreign Residence Card, a convenient plastic ID.

Can Finnish Citizens Apply for a Visa on Arrival in Egypt?

Finnish tourists can secure their Egyptian visa directly upon arrival in Egypt. This visa grants a stay of up to 30 days in the country. Finnish visitors need to note that the visa's validity extends for 30 days starting from the date it is issued. Moreover, individuals from Finland need to apply for this visa in person immediately after they arrive in Egypt.

What must Finnish citizens do after arriving in Egypt?

• Choosing to utilise well-known ridesharing apps such as Uber or Careem in Egypt is an intelligent decision. These services offer a convenient and efficient mode of transportation, which starkly contrasts the traditional methods of flagging down taxis or arranging for private car hires on the streets.
• In Egypt, having access to various payment methods is advantageous. Solely depending on credit cards might only sometimes be the most feasible choice.
• For your safety, it's crucial to steer clear of certain areas, particularly those adjacent to the borders with Libya, Israel, and the Gaza Strip. These areas are under intense surveillance by the military and can pose risks to travellers.
• When you arrive in Egypt, it is obligatory to register with the local police or relevant authorities within the first seven days. If you are staying in a hotel, this process is often more streamlined, as hotel personnel typically take care of it using your passport details. However, if your accommodation is private, you must ensure this registration is completed.

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