Travellers from most countries can queue and pay for a visa on arrival in Egypt, but in recent years, new digital visa and entry systems have bee introduced to speed up border processes.
Alternatives to the traditional visa on arrival include the Egypt e-Visa and, for eligible travellers arriving at Cairo International Airport, the digital visa on arrival.
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 request an Egyptian tourist visa on arrival at immigration kiosks at the country’s major international airports.
Alternatively, you can apply online before travelling for either an Egypt e-Visa or, if arriving at Cairo International Airport, the digital visa on arrival.
If you have not applied for a visa in advance, you 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 visa, as change is often not available.
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?
Passport holders from EU member states, the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea, amongst other nations, can request a visa on arrival in Egypt.
You might also be eligible if you hold a valid visa or residence permit from:
- Japan
- New Zealand
- The UK
- The USA
- Any Schengen Area country
To get a visa on arrival, you may need to show proof of funds to cover your stay, a return travel booking, and a confirmed accommodation reservation. To avoid confusion, most travelers prefer to request a visa online before travelling.
If you apply for a visa online through VisasEgypt.com, we check your passport nationality and arrival airport to make sure you’re getting the right visa.
Where can you get an Egypt visa on arrival?
Traditional visas on arrival are available at certain international airports in Egypt. The digital visa on arrival is a separate option currently available at Cairo International Airport only, while the standard Egypt e-Visa can be used at air, land, and sea entry points.
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 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 traditional visa on arrival is only available at the international airports in Egypt listed above. The digital visa on arrival (requested in advance) is currently available only at Cairo International Airport.
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, and only British pounds, US dollars, and Euros are accepted. To avoid delays, you should have the exact amount on arrival at the border.
A visa on arrival is charged at US$30 visa fee. This varies vased on current exchange rate, so be sure to carry plenty of money to allow for slight increases.
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.
For the digital visa on arrival, payment is made online as part of the application process before travelling.
Difference between Egypt’s e-Visa and visas on arrival
There are now 3 ways to obtain a tourist visa for most travellers visiting Egypt:
- Traditional visa on arrival
- Digital visa on arrival
- Egypt e-Visa
All 3 types of visas usually grant a 30-day stay. The main differences are where and when you apply and how the visa is issued. The e-Visa also has both single and multiple entry options.
Egypt e-Visa: apply online before you travel
There are 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 Australia, Canada, the United States, or most European nations.
Secondly, you need:
- Passport with 6 months of validity remaining from the date of entry
- Credit or debit card to pay the e-Visa fee
- Email address to receive the electronic visa
The application form involves entering some basic personal information (name, address, date of birth, and passport details), and answering some security-related questions. With VisasEgypt.com, the process is simple and your information is encrypted and secure.
It only takes a few minutes to complete the application form. We review all your details to eliminate errors pre-processing. Once approved, your visa is sent to you by email. You should print a copy of the visa to present at Egyptian border control.
Egypt digital visa: now available for eligible travellers
Egypt launched its new digital visa on arrival system at Cairo International Airport on 1 August 2026. Instead of purchasing a traditional visa sticker when you land, qualifying passport holders can obtain a visa linked to a QR code.
The new system is designed to speed up the arrival process and reduce queues at the airport. If you qualify for the digital visa on arrival and are travelling through Cairo International Airport, you can:
- Apply online before travelling
- Pay the visa fee electronically
- Receive a QR code linked to your visa
- Present the QR code on arrival
Check your information carefully before paying, as it cannot be changed afterwards. The QR code is valid for 7 days from approval, so you should apply shortly before your travel date.
Do I need an e-Visa or a digital VOA?
The Egypt e-Visa is still available alongside the digital visa on arrival. If you apply through VisasEgypt.com, we’ll direct you to the right online visa based on your nationality and arrival airport.
If you qualify for both options and are arriving at Cairo International Airport, you can use the digital visa on arrival route. If you are arriving at another airport, you’ll continue through the standard e-Visa process.
