Home Arrow FAQs Arrow Can Indians get a visa on arrival in Egypt if they have an active Schengen visa?

Can Indians get a visa on arrival in Egypt if they have an active Schengen visa?

Schengen visa requirements for Egypt visa on arrival

Although some countries may allow Schengen visa holders to obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt, this policy does not generally apply to Indian citizens. Indian travelers are instead advised to apply for an Egyptian e-Visa in advance.

Mandatory requirements:

  • Valid for at least 6 months from travel date
  • Some travelers suggest that having a used Schengen visa may improve the chances of being granted a visa on arrival, but this is not an officially stated requirement. There is no confirmed rule that the visa must be multiple-entry or previously used.

Although having a previously used Schengen visa may strengthen your travel profile, Egypt's immigration authorities do not officially require prior usage as a condition for visa on arrival.

Eligible entry points in Egypt

Visa on arrival facilities exist at major international airports in Egypt, such as Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Alexandria, and Luxor. However, Indian nationals are rarely granted visas on arrival unless they clearly meet the eligibility criteria set by Egyptian authorities.

Land borders and seaports may have different visa policies, so air travel remains the most reliable option for visa on arrival.

Required documentation and process

Prepare these essential documents before arrival:

Essential documents:

  • Valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months validity)
  • Active Schengen visa meeting eligibility criteria
  • Confirmed return or onward flight tickets
  • Hotel reservations or accommodation proof
  • Two recent passport-size photographs
  • Completed visa application form (available at airport)

Processing steps:

  1. Locate the visa on arrival counter after disembarking
  2. Submit required documents and photographs
  3. Pay visa fees in acceptable currency
  4. Processing times for visa on arrival can vary widely and are not guaranteed. Travelers should be prepared for possible delays.
  5. Receive visa stamp and proceed to immigration

Visa fees and payment options

The visa on arrival fee is approximately $25 USD, but this applies only to travelers from eligible categories. Indian citizens should expect to pay the same fee when applying for an e-Visa online. Accepted payment methods include:

  • US Dollars (most preferred)
  • Euros (widely accepted)
  • Egyptian Pounds
  • Credit cards (at select airports)

Carrying exact change in USD helps avoid exchange rate issues and speeds up the process.

Visa validity and limitations

The Egypt visa on arrival provides:

Standard terms:

  • 30-day stay from entry date
  • Single-entry permission only
  • Tourism purposes exclusively
  • Non-extendable at airports (extensions require immigration office visits)

For longer stays or multiple entries, consider applying for a regular tourist visa through Egyptian consulates in India.

Pre-travel preparation tips

Before departure, ensure:

  • Your Schengen visa shows clear usage stamps
  • Passport has adequate blank pages for stamps
  • Hotel bookings are confirmed and printable
  • Travel insurance covers Egypt (recommended)
  • Sufficient funds for your stay (bank statements helpful)

Smart travel strategies:

  • Apply for e-visa online to avoid airport delays
  • Arrive with extra processing time for visa procedures
  • Keep digital and physical copies of all documents
  • Research Egyptian customs regulations beforehand

Common issues and solutions

Potential problems:

  • Unused Schengen visas may be rejected
  • Single-entry Schengen visas often don't qualify
  • Expired or near-expiry visas cause complications

Prevention measures:

  • Verify Schengen visa type and validity dates
  • Ensure clear entry stamps in passport
  • Consider e-visa applications for guaranteed approval

Alternative: Egyptian e-visa system

While visa on arrival is convenient, the Egyptian e-visa offers advantages:

  • Online application from India
  • Guaranteed processing within 7 business days
  • No airport queues or potential delays
  • Same cost as visa on arrival
  • Better planning capability

Final recommendations

Since Egypt does not officially offer visa on arrival for Indian nationals, the only practical and reliable option is to apply for an Egyptian e-Visa in advance. Nevertheless, never overlook existing requirements with the Egyptian authorities, the immigration regulations may vary. Think of e-visa applications in the high travel seasons to prevent possible delays at the airports. Indian travelers will be welcomed with the rich history of Egypt, breathtaking landscapes and cultural riches. In a well documented and prepared form, your Egyptian adventure can commence without any hitches upon arrival.

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