You are in luck in case you are going to exchange the picturesque scenes of the Balkan Mountains with the golden sands of the Red Sea or the ancient wonders of Luxor. Egypt is still the most popular tourism place among the Bulgarian citizens and their tours that combine sun, history, and adventure. However, you would have to figure out your entry paperwork before you can laze around the pools and dive in Hurghada or even visit the Great Pyramids.
Fortunately, the process has moved online. No more embassy appointments or confusing forms. This guide answers the most common questions about the Egypt E-Visa Application Process from Bulgaria, ensuring your trip preparation is as smooth as your flight from Sofia.
Do Bulgarian Citizens Need a Visa to Enter Egypt?
Yes. Holders of a Bulgarian passport are required to have a valid visa to enter Egypt. While you might hear about “Visa on Arrival,” many travelers find the queues at Egyptian airports long and chaotic, especially after a flight. The Egypt e-Visa is the recommended alternative, allowing you to secure your permission to enter before you even pack your bags.
What are the different types of visa in Egypt?
The right choice depends on your travel plans. There are two primary categories available for tourists:
Single-Entry Tourist eVisa: This is the most common choice for a standard holiday. It allows one entry into Egypt with a stay of up to 30 days.
Multiple Entry Tourist eVisa: Perfect if you plan to visit Egypt, travel to a neighboring country (like Jordan), and then return to Egypt to fly home. It is valid for 6 months and allows multiple entries, with each stay capped at 30 days.
What Are the Passport Requirements for Bulgarians?
The travel document should have certain criteria in order to use the e-Visa system. You need to carry a regular ordinary passport. The online Egypt Tourist Visa is not normally accepted by ID cards and diplomatic passports or emergency travel documents.
Important Advice: You need to have a passport that is at least six months before the day you are supposed to arrive in Egypt.
Condition: The information page (with your photo) has to be legible and readable.
Can I Convert My Tourist Visa to a Work Visa on Arrival?
No. This is a very common misconception. The tourist e-Visa is issued strictly for leisure purposes. You cannot convert it into a work visa, student visa, or residency permit once you have entered Egypt. If you wish to work in Egypt, you must leave the country and apply for the correct employment visa through an Egyptian embassy in Bulgaria.
How quickly can I get an e-visa?
We know that sometimes holidays are booked on a whim. At egypt-eta.com, we provide three processing speeds to match your urgency:
Standard Processing:5 – 7 Working Days (Great for those who plan ahead).
Rush Processing:3 – 5 Working Days.
Super Rush Processing:2 – 3 Working Days (The best safety net for last-minute trips).
Do I Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Yes when you are planning to rent a car or drive in Egypt. Although certain rental companies would take your Bulgarian license, it is legally necessary to provide an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your national one. Checkpoints by the police are the norm and possessing an IDP means that you do not pay fines or fall into trouble.
Are Ride-Hailing Apps Available for Tourists?
Yes, and they are highly recommended. In major cities like Cairo, Alexandria, and Hurghada, you can use apps like Uber and Careem. They are generally safer and more convenient than hailing street taxis because the price is fixed upfront, and you do not need to negotiate in Arabic.
Where Can I Buy a SIM Card?
Staying connected is easy. You can purchase a local SIM card (from providers like Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat, or WE) right at the airport arrival hall after you collect your luggage.
What you need: Your passport is required for registration.
Tip: Have the staff set it up and test the internet connection before you leave the counter.
What Are My Currency Exchange Options?
Egypt is still very much a cash-based society. While you can pay with cards in big hotels, you will need Egyptian Pounds (EGP) for small shops and tips.
ATMs: Widely available and usually offer the best exchange rates.
Exchange Offices: Found in city centers and better than hotel exchange desks (which often have high fees).
Airport: You can exchange money at the bank counters in the arrival hall 24/7.
What do you need for an Egypt visa?
Forget about printing, signing, and scanning dozens of pages. The e-Visa application is streamlined. You only need:
Passport Bio Page: A high-quality digital scan or photo of the information page of your passport. Ensure there is no glare from the flash and that all numbers are visible.
Why Is Using an Agent Better Than the Government Portal?
While you can apply directly, many travelers choose egypt-eta.com for peace of mind. Here is the difference:
Government Portal: There are strict automated processes where the state refuses to accept applications with the smallest mistakes (such as confusing an O with a 0) and once it has been submitted fees are not refunded. There is a lack of supportive action or it is slow.
Agent Benefits: We provide Expert Review to ensure that there is a high approval rate to correct the errors before submission. Moreover, we have 24/7 Human Support via WhatsApp, which guarantees that you do not have to go through the process alone.
Is It Legal to Work in Egypt with a Tourist E-Visa?
No, it is strictly prohibited. It is a contravention of the Egyptian immigration laws to engage in any kind of paid work or business in the country on a tourist e- Visa. Such an action may result in harsh punishment such as imposition of fines, instant deportation and denial of entry into the country.
