Egypt Visa on Arrival: Eligibility, Cost & Application Tips

The Egypt visa on arrival is available to citizens of certain eligible countries and is issued at major international airports in Egypt, such as Cairo, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. This is a convenient choice, which will provide visitors with the opportunity to have a tourism stay of 30 days. In order to apply, show a valid passport, return ticket and visa fee in cash. This is because knowledge of Egypt visa on arrival requirements will facilitate a hassle-free and easy entrance into Egypt.

Get complete guidance on the Egypt visa on arrival

What is the Egypt visa on arrival?

An Egypt visa on arrival is a tourist visa sticker that eligible foreign nationals can obtain upon arrival at major international airports in Egypt, without applying in advance. It enables the tourists to spend a maximum of 30 days in Egypt primarily to do tourism. 1 pays the visa fee as cash and normally USD or euros at the immigration counters before getting into the country. The alternative makes traveling to Egypt short-term easier.

Who is eligible for an Egypt visa on arrival?

The Egypt visa on arrival is available to travelers of a number of countries as long as they satisfy Egypt entry and passport requirements. The Egypt visa on arrival is open to many nationalities with the exception of certain entry requirements like the possession of a valid passport of 6 or above months of validity, or in some instances, previous visa or residence permit of some countries. Eligible travelers must:

• The possession of a valid passport that has a minimum duration of six months to its validity.
• Tourism or short term visits.
• Land on one of the major ports of entry into Egypt like Cairo International Airport, Hurghada, or Sharm El Sheikh.
• Visa fee to be paid in accepted currencies (USD or euros).
• Be in possession of a confirmed return or onward ticket.
• Be a citizen of a country eligible for Egypt’s visa on arrival program, as determined by Egyptian immigration authorities

The nationals of the countries that do not receive a visa on arrival should apply in advance either online to obtain an Egyptian eVisa or with an Egyptian embassy.

Documents required for Egypt visa on arrival

In the case of Egypt visa on arrival, visitors are required to provide certain documents at the immigration to enable them to pass through the immigration without any problems. Required documents include:

• A valid passport with a minimum of six months time to expiry.
• A finished arrival card, which will be given at the airport.
• Cash payment of the visa fee (typically approximated to be 25 USD or equivalent).
• A forward or a back ticket as evidence of impending departure.
• Hotel reservation or hotel information regarding the accommodation in Egypt.
• Evidence of having enough money to use in traveling.

Having these documents ready helps travelers save time and avoid issues at Egyptian border control.

Essential documents to apply for Egypt visa on arrival

Step-by-step process to get Egypt visa on arrival

Follow these steps to obtain your Egypt visa on arrival smoothly at the airport:

• Arrive at an eligible entry point — such as Cairo, Hurghada, or Sharm El Sheikh International Airport.
• Proceed to the visa on arrival counter before passport control.
• Fill out the arrival card provided by airport staff.
• Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or euros are accepted).
• Receive the visa sticker and place it in your passport.
• Submit your documents (passport, arrival card, and visa) to the immigration officer.
• Get your passport stamped and proceed through customs.

This process usually takes about 15–30 minutes if all documents and payment are ready.

Egypt visa on arrival cost

The cost of an Egypt visa on arrival depends on the type of visa and number of entries. Payments are made in cash only, typically in US dollars or euros, at the visa counter upon arrival.

Type of Visa	Fee (Approx.)	Duration of stay	Notes
Single-entry tourist visa	USD 25	Up to 30 days	Most common option for tourists

At present, Egypt visa on arrival is generally issued as a single-entry tourist visa valid for up to 30 days. Multiple-entry visas must be applied for in advance through the Egypt eVisa system or an embassy. Fees are non-refundable and subject to change without prior notice. Travelers should carry small denomination notes to avoid issues with change at the airport.

Validity and extension of the Egypt visa on arrival

Understanding the validity and extension rules for the Egypt visa on arrival helps travelers plan their stay legally:

• The single-entry visa is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival.
• The visa on arrival cannot be extended at the airport or border. Travelers wishing to stay longer must apply for an extension at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Administration before the visa expires.
• Travelers wishing to extend their stay must visit the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Administration Office in Cairo before the visa expires.
• The visa on arrival is generally valid for 30 days and cannot be renewed at the airport. Travellers wishing longer stay or re-entry should consider a multiple-entry e-Visa or apply via the embassy in advance.
• Overstaying the visa period may result in fines or entry bans for future visits.
• Travelers planning multiple visits within a few months should consider applying for a multiple-entry visa or an Egypt eVisa in advance.

Proper planning ensures compliance with Egypt’s immigration regulations and avoids penalties.

Egypt visa on arrival duration and renewal guide

Tips for applying for an Egypt visa on arrival successfully

To make the process of getting your visa on arrival to Egypt in a glitch free manner, consider this following tips:

• Bring hard currency USD or euros to cover the visa fee within a short time.
• Always have all the documents with you such as passport, return ticket and accommodation information.
• Be carrying a valid passport of not less than six months.
• Avoid rush hours: it will reduce the time spent in queues at the visa counter.
• Complete the arrival card without any mistakes to avoid delays in processing.
• Before traveling, ensure that you confirm that you are eligible to be denied entry.
• Be courteous and understanding of the immigration officers when they are verifying.
• Carry a copy of your documents just in case someone checks on them when you are staying.

A good preparation will ensure that travelers go through the visa process hassle free and even get into Egypt without any hassles.

FAQs about Egypt visa on arrival

Here are some common questions travelers ask about the Egypt visa on arrival process and entry conditions.

Is the visa on arrival available for all airports in Egypt?

No. The Egypt visa on arrival is issued at selected major international airports. Availability may vary by nationality and port of entry, so travelers should confirm eligibility before departure, such as Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor. This service is not offered at smaller airports or land borders and thus you need to check your point of entry prior to traveling.

Can I get a visa on arrival for business purposes?

The visa on demand is mostly related to tourism. The business travelers to the Egyptian country to hold business meetings or trade should seek an Egypt business visa or an eVisa prior to taking off through the proper channels.

How does a visa on arrival differ from visa-free entry for certain countries?

A visa on arrival also has qualified visitors receiving a visa and paying a fee on entering. Conversely, visa-free entry enables the citizens of certain nations to visit Egypt without a visa, but with the limitation of time with mutual agreements.

In conclusion

Egypt visa on arrival is a convenient method by which the eligible travelers enter Egypt without having to apply to an embassy. It is applicable to guests who visit the country in the short run and who are above the entry requirements and have necessary documents. But those who want pre-approval in a shorter time or have to enter more than once can use the Egypt e-Visa which enables one to apply online and be approved within a short time before going on a vacation. This is because you need to always ensure that you are eligible to plan your trip.