In short
- Go with a plan: by now you should know your preferred entry route and one or two regimes (Stage 2), so the visit can focus on the zones and partners that fit them.
- Meet four groups: the investment authority, the zone you are considering, the industry bodies, and possible partners or factories.
- Business visitors should confirm the right visa with the nearest Egyptian embassy before booking.
What this stage involves
Build the agenda around your Stage 2 choices. If you are looking at a free zone, visit it and meet the GAFI team that manages it. If SCZone is on your list, its one-stop shop can show you sites such as Qantara West, which is being developed for textiles and garments. If the US is your main market, include factories in the QIZ regions: Greater Cairo, Alexandria, the Suez Canal, the Central Delta, Beni Suef and Minya.
Meet the people who will matter later. GAFI explains incentives, procedures and the Golden License. The Apparel Export Council of Egypt and the industry chambers know the exporters, the buyers and the real problems on the ground. A local lawyer and a bank can start Stage 4 conversations early.
Test partners and suppliers. Use the Egytex Directory to list manufacturers, mills and finishers in the regions you will visit, and book factory tours in advance. Ask to see production, compliance records and current customers.
Time it well. A trade fair in Egypt lets you meet many companies in one trip — see the Egytex Events calendar.
Your checklist
Tick as you goWho you deal with
| Organisation | What they help with | Official site |
|---|---|---|
| General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) | Investor meetings, free zone visits, procedures | gafi.gov.eg |
| General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone | Site visits and the one-stop shop in SCZone | sczone.eg |
| Chamber of Textile Industries, Federation of Egyptian Industries | Textile manufacturers and industry issues | fei.org.eg/en/chambers/15 |
| Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country | Business visa | — |
How long it takes
Typical, not guaranteedCommon questions
Can I use the online e-Visa for a business trip?
Check before you book. The official e-Visa portal is visa2egypt.gov.eg, but business visas may have to be obtained through an Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Which cities should I base myself in?
Usually Cairo, with day trips. Alexandria and the Canal zones need their own days.
Can Egytex organise the visit for me?
Yes. The Scouting Visit package plans the program, books the meetings and factory tours, and can accompany you.