Travellers can queue and pay for a visa on arrival in Egypt. Visa on arrival facilities have been available at Egyptian ports of entry for many years.
The alternative to the visa on arrival is the Egypt e-Visa. The modern online system was introduced in 2017 to streamline the visa application process.
If you’re unsure whether to apply for an Egyptian visa online or on arrival, you can use the information on this page to make an informed decision.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Egypt?
Eligible travellers can obtain an Egyptian tourist visa on arrival at immigration kiosks at any of the airport terminals.
If you have not applied for a visa in advance need to:
- Wait in line at the visa on arrival window
- Fill out the visa application form and provide documents
- Pay the visa on arrival fee in cash
- Attach the Egypt visa sticker to the passport
The visa on arrival must be paid for in one of the 3 accepted currencies (USD, EUR, or GBP). Card payment is not accepted. You should aim to have the exact amount ready to pay for the Egypt visa.
If you wish to pay for your visa by card, you need to apply online. All major credit and debit cards are accepted.
You can stay in the country for up to 30 days with an Egyptian visa on arrival.
Which countries can get a visa on arrival in Egypt?
Nationals of several countries are eligible to request a visa on arrival in Egypt.
Citizens of some countries are only eligible if they already have a valid visa issued by one of the following countries:
- Japan
- New Zealand
- The UK
- The USA
- Any Schengen Area country
If you can apply for the Egyptian e-Visa, then you are also eligible for a visa on arrival. However, you can save time on arrival at the airport by arranging the visa in advance.
Where can you get an Egypt visa on arrival?
You can apply for an Egyptian visa on arrival at border control when arriving in Egypt.
It is currently not advised that travelers cross land borders or checkpoints, as there is not always up-to-date information concerning which checkpoints and border crossings are open or issue a visa on arrival.
International checkpoints where you can get a visa on arrival for Egypt:
- Cairo International Airport, Cairo
- Hurghada International Airport, Hurghada
- St Catherine International Airport, St Catherina
- Borg El Arab International Airport, Alexandria
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
- Luxor Airport International Airport
Israeli citizens can now obtain a visa on arrival for South Sinai if they arrange their trip through approved travel agencies.
While visas on arrival are generally only issued at the above airports, the e-Visa for Egypt is accepted at air, land, and sea borders. Passengers with an e-Visa can head straight to border control at the airport.
Can I get a visa on arrival at any Egyptian border?
The visa on arrival is only available at the international airports in Egypt listed above. If you plan to enter Egypt by land, you will need to obtain a visa before traveling.
It's important to check the specific visa requirements for your country of origin and make sure you have all the necessary documents before traveling to Egypt by land. Note that not all border crossings allow entry for foreign tourists, so it's important to check the regulations and restrictions at land borders before traveling.
How much does a visa on arrival in Egypt cost?
You have to pay the visa on arrival fee in cash—British pounds, US dollars, and Euros are accepted. To avoid delays, you should have the exact amount on arrival at the border.
Following the visa requirements and providing the right information will help you to obtain your visa on arrival. However, presenting a valid passport and paying the visa fee is no guarantee of entry.
Difference between Egypt e-Visa and Visa On Arrival
The main difference between the tourist visa on arrival and the electronic visa is that e-Visa applicants obtain the permit online, in advance. If you opt for the visa on arrival, you have to wait until you arrive in Egypt to apply.
For greater peace of mind, many tourists prefer to arrange their visa before travelling. You are not guaranteed a visa on arrival at the border.
The e-Visa is also a convenient choice given that you can complete and submit the application from home, rather than at the airport.
Both the e-Visa and the visa on arrival allow you to stay in Egypt for up to 30 days. Single and multiple-entry online visas are available.
One other difference is that, as mentioned above, you must pay the visa on arrival fee in cash. Electronic visa applicants pay securely online by card.
Egypt e-Visa, the convenient tourism alternative to the visa on arrival
There a few basic visa requirements that you must meet to obtain an Egypt e-Visa. Firstly, you must be from one of the eligible countries, such as United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, the United States, and many European nations.
Secondly, it is necessary to have the following:
- A passport with 6 months remaining from the date of entry
- A credit or debit card to pay the e-Visa fee
- An up-to-date email address to receive the electronic visa
The application form involves entering some basic personal information (such as your name, address, date of birth, and passport details), and answering some simple security-related questions. The process is safe and information is encrypted and secure.
It only takes a few minutes to complete the application form. After the application has been processed,the visa is sent to you by email. You should print a copy of the visa to present at Egyptian border control.
