For citizens of Taiwan, the allure of Egypt is timeless. From the bustling streets of Cairo to the serene temples of Luxor and the diving paradises of the Red Sea, Egypt offers a journey like no other. With flights connecting Taipei (TPE) to the Middle East and beyond, visiting the land of the Pharaohs has never been more accessible.

However, navigating the visa policy can be confusing due to diplomatic naming conventions and the specific status of the Taiwanese passport. Do Taiwan citizens need a visa for Egypt? Yes. Unlike some visa-free destinations, Taiwan passport holders generally require a valid entry permit. The good news is that the process has been modernized, allowing for a fully digital application.

This guide provides a complete, step-by-step walkthrough of the Egypt e-Visa for Taiwan citizens, including how to find your country on the application list, the "Sinai Exemption," and critical entry tips for 2025.

Do Taiwan Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?

Yes. All travelers holding a passport from the Republic of China (Taiwan) must have a valid visa to enter Egypt. You generally have three main options:

1. e-Visa (Recommended): Applied for online before departure. This secures your entry in advance and is widely considered the safest option for Taiwanese travelers to avoid delays at the border.

2. Visa on Arrival: Available at major airports, but requires queuing and exact cash payment.

3. Sinai Only Permit: A free 15-day stamp valid only for Red Sea resorts (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Taba) which strictly prohibits visiting Cairo.

"Taiwan" or "China"? How to Select Your Country for Egypt e-Visa?

This is the single most confusing step for Taiwanese applicants. Due to complex diplomatic naming conventions, you might not find "Taiwan" listed simply under "T" in the country dropdown menu on the official website:-

Search Intent Tip: If you cannot find "Taiwan," check for these variations:

1. "China - Taiwan"

2. "Taiwan, Province of China"

3. "ROC"

Critical Warning: You must NEVER select just "China" (People's Republic of China). If you select "China" (Mainland), the system will expect a Chinese passport number format. When you arrive at the border with a Taiwan passport, the mismatch will flag your visa as invalid, and you may be denied entry. Always ensure the option you select specifically mentions "Taiwan."

Passport Identification for Egypt e-Visa: How to Use the MRZ Code

To ensure you are applying correctly, do not just look at the cover of your passport; look at the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). This is the two lines of code at the very bottom of your passport's biodata page.

1. Taiwan Passports: The code will read TWN. (Example: P<TWNCHANG<<...)

2. China Passports: The code reads CHN.

3. The Rule: When applying for your e-Visa, ensure that the "Issuing Country" or "Nationality" field you select correlates to the TWN code. If the e-Visa system asks for your "Nationality Code," verify that it matches what is printed on your document. This small check prevents 90% of visa rejections.

What Activities Are Allowed on an Egypt e-Visa?

The Egypt e-Visa is versatile, but it has strict limitations. It is crucial to understand what you can and cannot do to avoid legal trouble.

1. Permitted Activities:

   1. Tourism: Visiting monuments, museums, Nile cruises, and beach holidays.

   2. Visiting Friends/Family: Staying with hosts in private homes.

   3. Casual Business: Attending specific business meetings, unpaid conferences, or trade fairs. (It is recommended to carry an invitation letter).

2. Prohibited Activities:

   1. Employment: You strictly cannot take up paid work, even for a short duration.

   2. Journalism: Media professionals often require special permits to bring camera equipment.

   3. Long-Term Study: Enrolling in university requires a student visa, not an e-Visa.

What Egypt e-Visa Types Are Available?

Depending on your itinerary, you can choose between Egypt Tourist Visa:

1. Single Entry Visa: Valid for 90 days from the issue date. It allows a single stay of up to 30 days. This is ideal for a standard holiday where you enter Egypt once and fly home.

2. Multiple Entry Visa: Valid for 180 days (6 months). It permits multiple entries, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit. This is perfect if you plan to combine Egypt with a trip to Jordan, Israel, or Turkey, allowing you to exit and re-enter Egypt freely.

What Documents Are Required for Egypt e-Visa Application?

To apply successfully, you will need to prepare digital files in advance:

1. Passport Scan: A high-quality, color scan of the biographical page. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

2. Email Address: To receive the e-Visa PDF.

3. Payment Method: A credit or debit card (Visa/Mastercard) to pay the fee.

4. Host Information: The name and address of your hotel or tour operator in Egypt. If staying at multiple hotels, list the first one.

What if I make an error in my Egypt e-Visa application?

The Government Site offers a direct submission process where application errors are detected too late (after submission), resulting in denial and lost fees. In contrast, the third-party service, evisa-to-egypt.info, provides a proactive error-checking layer and offers comprehensive, continuous customer support to prevent application failures.

How to Apply for the Egypt e-Visa from Taiwan

The Egypt Visa Application process is straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Fill the Form: Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport. (Ensure your name order—Surname vs. Given Name—is correct).

2. Upload Documents: Upload the clear JPG/PNG scan of your passport.

3. Pay Fees: Complete the secure payment.

4. Wait for Approval: Processing usually takes 3-7 days.

5. Print It: Always print a physical copy of the e-Visa. Egyptian border agents often prefer paper over mobile screens.

Can I Get a Visa on Arrival Instead?

Yes. Taiwan citizens are currently eligible for a Visa on Arrival at major entry points (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh).

1. The Process: You must line up at a bank kiosk before passport control, pay $25 USD in cash, and receive a sticker to put in your passport.

2. The Risk: You must carry exact change in USD or Euros. Credit cards are often not accepted at these kiosks. If the system changes or your passport is flagged, you risk being sent back to Taiwan. The e-Visa is safer.

Is the "Sinai Only" Visa Exemption Available for Taiwanese?

Yes. If you fly directly to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, or Taba, you can get a free 15-day entry stamp upon arrival.

1. Condition: You must fill out a card stating "Sinai Only."

2. Restriction: You strictly cannot leave the Sinai Peninsula. You cannot visit the Pyramids, Cairo, or Luxor. To leave Sinai, you would need to go to the airport and buy a full visa, which is complicated.

3. Recommendation: Unless you are 100% sure you won't leave your resort, buy the full $25 visa.

Do Children and Infants Need a Egypt e-Visa?

Yes.

1. Individual Rule: Every traveler, regardless of age, must have their own visa.

2. Application: You must submit a separate application for your child. Do not just "add" them to your passport notes.

Can I Extend My Visa in Egypt?

Yes, but it cannot be done online.

1. Where: Visit the Passports, Emigration and Nationality Administration (Abbassia, Cairo) or local offices in major cities.

2. New Rule (2025): You must present a bank exchange receipt proving you officially exchanged foreign currency (USD/Euro) into Egyptian Pounds to pay the extension fees.

What If I Make a Mistake on the Egypt e-Visa Application?

A typo in your passport number or name can lead to rejection.

1. Before Submission: Double-check everything.

2. After Rejection: The government fee is non-refundable. You will have to apply and pay again. This is why using a professional review service is often recommended.

Do I Need an Egypt Transit Visa for a Layover?

1. < 48 Hours: If you stay in the airport transit area, you do not need a visa.

2. Leaving Airport: If you have a long layover (6-48 hours) and want to see the Pyramids, you need a visa (e-Visa or VOA).

3. EgyptAir Special: Passengers flying EgyptAir with a layover of 8-96 hours might be eligible for a free transit visa (check with the airline desk upon arrival).

Is It Safe for Taiwan Citizens to Visit Egypt?

Egypt is generally safe for tourists.

1. Respect: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

2. Scams: Be firm but polite ("La, Shukran" - No, thank you) with street vendors.

3. Diplomatic Help: Taiwan does not have a formal embassy in Egypt but maintains the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Cairo. Keep their contact details handy for emergencies.

How Long Does Processing Take?

1. Standard: 5-7 Business Days.

2. Rush: 3-5 Business Days.

3. Super Rush: 2-3 Business Days.

4. Tip: Apply at least 7 days before your flight to account for any "country name" clarifications or system delays.

Conclusion

Visiting Egypt is a bucket-list experience, and the Egypt e-Visa for Taiwan citizens makes the journey smoother. By choosing the right country name on the portal (watching out for the "China" confusion), checking your MRZ code, and ensuring your passport validity, you can focus on the ancient wonders rather than airport bureaucracy.