A clearance before you travel
For citizens of certain countries, Egypt requires that the authorities approve the traveller in advance. This approval is separate from a flight ticket and is checked by the airline and at the border. Without it, the trip usually ends at the check-in desk.
Who usually needs one?
The requirement depends mainly on nationality. It is commonly applied to travellers from several countries in Africa and the Middle East. It can also depend on the type of document – an ordinary passport or a travel document – and on residence permits for other countries.
There is no single list that stays valid for long. The only reliable answer is one given for your own document at the time you plan to travel.
How the request works
- You send a photo of your passport or travel document and of your flight ticket
- The request is submitted to the authorities in Egypt
- The authorities review it; this takes from a few days to several weeks
- If it is granted, you receive the approval and travel within its validity
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a ticket that cannot be changed or refunded while the decision is still open
- Sending unclear or cropped photos of your passport
- Paying someone who promises a "100% guaranteed" approval – nobody outside the authorities can guarantee the decision
- Travelling with a passport that expires soon
- Letting the approval expire before you fly
How to recognise a serious agency
A serious agency tells you the price before you pay, explains what happens if the request is refused, gives you a real contact and does not pressure you. Ask these questions before you send money to anyone.
Security approvals and visas are issued by the Egyptian authorities. Al Amir prepares and submits your request; the decision and the processing time are theirs.