Home Arrow FAQs Arrow As an Indian with an active Schengen visa, can I get a visa on arrival in Egypt?

As an Indian with an active Schengen visa, can I get a visa on arrival in Egypt?

Eligibility requirements for Indian citizens

Indian passport holders may be eligible for a visa on arrival if they hold a valid visa from Schengen, the UK, the US, or similar countries, and joining an authorized tour group is optional in such cases.

If you hold a valid Schengen visa, it may facilitate your entry, but in practice, many airlines and immigration officers expect the visa to be multiple-entry, previously used at least once, and the passport to have at least six months of validity remaining, even if this is not always explicitly stated.

There is no official requirement to have previously used your Schengen visa; holding a valid visa may be sufficient.

Application process at Egyptian airports

For Indian citizens traveling on group tours with prior approval, the visa on arrival is issued at major airports in Egypt such as Cairo International Airport, Hurghada Airport, and Sharm El Sheikh Airport.

Required documents include:

  • A valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity
  • A guarantee letter from a licensed Egyptian travel agency (only required if you are entering as part of an organized group without a valid visa from Schengen/US/UK/Japan, etc.)
  • Return flight tickets
  • Hotel reservation confirmation or accommodation confirmation.
  • Passport-sized photographs (usually 2)
  • Note: Visa application form is submitted at the airport once the visa is approved.

The processing time can vary depending on airport traffic and immigration workload; it is recommended to allow extra time, depending on the number of people in line and the workload of immigration officers.

Visa fees and payment methods

The visa on arrival fee for Indian citizens is approximately $25 USD (subject to change). The visa fee is usually paid in cash (preferably in US Dollars or Egyptian Pounds) at the airport counter; credit card payments are generally not available.

It's advisable to carry exact change in USD to avoid any complications or unfavorable exchange rates at the airport.

Duration and validity

The visa on arrival for Egypt typically grants:

  • 30 days stay from the date of entry
  • Single-entry permission
  • Tourist purposes only (business activities require different visa types)

Extensions are generally not available for visas on arrival; travelers who need a longer stay should apply for an appropriate visa in advance, but this requires additional paperwork and fees.

Alternative: E-visa option

For most Indian citizens, the practical option is to apply for an Egyptian e-Visa online before travel, since the visa on arrival facility is restricted to organized tour groups. The e-visa offers several advantages:

  • Avoid airport queues and potential delays
  • Better planning and preparation
  • Same validity period as visa on arrival
  • Online application process taking 3-7 business days

The e-visa costs approximately $25-60 USD depending on your nationality and visa type.

Important considerations and tips

Before traveling, verify:

  • Your Schengen visa hasn't expired
  • You have proof of previous Schengen Area entry
  • Your passport has blank pages for visa stamps
  • You have sufficient funds for your Egyptian stay

Travel tips:

  • Arrive with extra time for visa processing
  • Keep all documents organized and easily accessible
  • Have accommodation bookings ready to show immigration officers
  • Carry contact information for your Egyptian destination

Restrictions and limitations

Keep in mind that a visa on arrival is exclusively used on a touristic basis. When traveling on business, work or study, you will be required to apply proper visas in Egyptian consulates before traveling.

The visa does not assure one's entry to Egypt. In case of doubts regarding your intentions of travel, or your documentation, the immigration officers have the right to refuse entry.

Conclusion

As an Indian citizen, your Egypt travel plans will be simplified by applying for an e-Visa in advance. The visa on arrival service is not available for individual travelers, except for those joining organized group tours with official authorization. Make sure you have all your documents set and you will be walking around the land of pharaohs in a flash. Always review the most up to date requirements with the Egyptian immigration services or consulates since policies on visas may change without prior notice.

Related Articles

View more Arrow
COOKIE SETTINGS