Visas to stay in Luxor long-term

[SoCalledEgyptologist]

Sorry to be a bit thick here, but did I get it right that you need the 1-year visa AND the 6 months re-entry visa? What if you get it and are out of the country for more than the 6 months?

[Connie Tindale]

Yes you do. If you do not get the re-entry visa then the one-year visa ends immediately you leave the country even if it is only one week old.

[S]

My wife is Belgian (hey, things happen !) and when we travel to Egypt she only needs her ID card and gets a visa on a separate card at the airport. However, since during our next visit we will be looking at flats, we will also be looking to get residents visas. I understand what is involved for me with my British passport, but will she be able to get one with her ID card ? TIA

[Connie Tindale]

I am not certain on this point but my first reaction would be that it is not possible.

The visa is actually a quite large blue stamp that takes up half a page, the re-entry visa is a red one that takes up half a page too. Photocopies of these visas are needed for just about everything - including opening bank accounts etc. I think that it is absolutely vital that she has her passport with her.

It might be the case that there is an exemption for all things Belgian but I doubt it and I also doubt that many people would be aware of it, so better to be safe than sorry.

[concheman]

Hi all,

Just like to use your experience for a question we have.

If we arrive by air at Cairo from Australia and get the 1 month entry visa.When we extend it at the Passport Office in Luxor after 1 month---------

Can we then easily get a multiple entry visa as we may be going to Jordan,Libya and Sudan ...how much for 3 months............................

or is it safer (though a bit of a nuisance as the consul is 1600 miles away from us) to get it in Sydney.

Regards

Bob and Dale

[Glyphdoctor]

It is always easier to get visas in Egypt itself if citizens of your country are allowed to do so than to deal with a consulate abroad.

[Connie Tindale]

It only takes a couple of hours at the passport office to get a temporary residency visa and a six month re-entry visa. State that you want 'several' entries and exits and then they are not limited. The cost is around 120 le for both.

[LivinginLuxor]

You get your annual visa at the passport office after you have been there a month. It lasts for one year. If you leave the country during that year, you will need a re-entry visa - also obtainable from the passport office. When applying, you state the number of re-entries you need - usually multiple, and then you are OK. Last year, the price for the annual visa was 91LE, and the re-entry visa 60LE. But, note, that the re-entry visa is only good for 6 months.

[S]

What happens if the re-entry visa expires while you're away ? I understand that the one year visa then automatically expires, but is there no way of preventing this or paying a fine and then getting it sorted ?

TIA

[jewel]

I had a visa arranged by my (UK) employer but as I understand it, and I stand to be corrected, lots of "Baksheesk" always works with regard to visas?

[Jane Akshar]

I had a visa arranged by my (UK) employer but as I understand it, and I stand to be corrected, lots of "Baksheesk" always works with regard to visas?

that may be true with work visas but for the ordinary tourist one it isn't necessary

[LivinginLuxor]

It's not necessary, as Jane says. BUT - the visa costs 91.50LE, and the sweet lady who helps you through the process never has change. So you say, "No problem, Madam - a cadeau!" You will get your visa within 15 minutes. If however you argue, as a friend does, as he considers that people should do the job they are paid for without any baksheesh - it took him 3 days to get his. But, I think that was more to his offensive attitude rather than the lack of baksheesh.

[Distant Sun]

Can one only apply for a 12month visa and re-entry visa once a four week visa has expired? If I come to Luxor for a week only, but plan to come again soon after, can I get the 12month and re-entry visas during that week?

Thank you

[BBLUX]

You can apply for the 12 month visa during your 1 week stay. It will start from the date of application. However, be aware that the reentry visa is only valid for 6 months and if you intend to make more than one return visit you need to get a multi reentry visa.
This must also be done before you leave the country once you have obtained the 12 month visa otherwise that 12 month visa is cancelled as soon as you leave the country.

[chiddy]

another thing to remember is that you need additional photos plus photocopies of your passport main page plus a photocopy of the current tourist visa page - didn't have the last one but the magic of baksheesh and a smile certainly helps

the lady is very nice though

[Ghadis]

What are the opening times off the visa office?

[BBLUX]

I believe it opens around 9am and closes at 3pm

[Ghadis]

Thanks BBLUX.

[chiddy]

don't forget to add half an hour or so to get it sorted

[banjer]

hi all,

i have heard that,if you have Egyptian children,you can get a 5 year visa,is that correct?My daughter has the Dutch and the Egyptian nationality,can i do that here in Luxor or do i have to go to the Mogamma in Cairo?
thanx