Egypt Visa on Arrival

Egypt offers a visa on arrival to citizens of many countries, available at airport bank kiosks before passport control. The process is straightforward: purchase a visa stamp at the arrivals hall for approximately $25 USD (single entry), present it at immigration, and receive a 30-day stay. However, applying for an e-Visa online before departure is increasingly recommended to save time at the airport.

What Is the Egypt Visa on Arrival?

The Egypt visa on arrival is an entry permit that eligible foreign nationals can purchase upon landing at any Egyptian international airport. Rather than applying at an embassy or online in advance, travelers buy a visa sticker from bank kiosks located in the arrivals area, place it in their passport, and proceed to passport control.

This system has been in place for decades and remains one of the most popular ways for tourists to enter Egypt. The visa on arrival allows a single entry with a stay of up to 30 days.

Who Is Eligible for Visa on Arrival?

Citizens of approximately 46 countries can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt. The eligible nationalities include:

Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, and others in the EU/EEA.

Americas: United States, Canada, and most Latin American countries.

Asia-Pacific: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several Southeast Asian nations.

Other regions: Citizens of Russia, Turkey, and select African countries.

If your nationality is not on the eligible list, you must apply for a visa at an Egyptian embassy or consulate before traveling. Check our complete visa requirements guide for nationality-specific details.

How Much Does the Visa on Arrival Cost?

The Egypt visa on arrival costs $25 USD for a single-entry permit. This is a flat fee paid at the airport bank kiosk.

The visa on arrival and the e-Visa are the same price for single entry. However, if you need multiple entries, the e-Visa is the only option available online. For a full breakdown of all fees, see our Egypt visa fee guide.

Important: Payment must be made in cash – US dollars, euros, or British pounds are accepted. Credit cards are not reliably accepted at the bank kiosks. It is advisable to bring exact change.

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Visa on Arrival

Here is exactly what to expect when landing in Egypt:

Step 1 – Find the bank kiosk: After exiting the aircraft and entering the arrivals hall, look for the Banque Misr or National Bank of Egypt kiosks. They are located before the passport control counters, clearly marked with “VISA” signs.

Step 2 – Purchase the visa sticker: Hand your passport and $25 USD to the bank clerk. They will issue a self-adhesive visa sticker. The transaction takes about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3 – Apply the sticker: Place the visa sticker on a blank page in your passport. Some travelers leave this to the immigration officer.

Step 4 – Proceed to passport control: Join the passport control queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer will stamp your entry.

Step 5 – Collect luggage: After clearing immigration, collect your checked bags from the carousel and proceed through customs.

Required Documents for Visa on Arrival

To obtain a visa on arrival, you need:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration from your date of arrival
• At least 1-2 blank pages in your passport for the visa sticker and entry stamp
• Cash payment of $25 USD (or equivalent in EUR/GBP)
• Return or onward flight ticket (may be requested by immigration)
• Hotel reservation or accommodation details (occasionally checked)

No photographs, application forms, or supporting documents are required for the visa on arrival itself. The process is minimal compared to embassy applications.

Which Airports Offer Visa on Arrival?

The visa on arrival is available at all major Egyptian international airports:

• Cairo International Airport (CAI) – The busiest hub, with kiosks in all three terminals
• Hurghada International Airport (HRG) – Popular with Red Sea resort visitors
• Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) – Serves the Sinai Peninsula
• Luxor International Airport (LXR) – Gateway to ancient Egyptian monuments
• Aswan International Airport (ASW) – For southern Egypt travel
• Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) – Red Sea diving destination
• Borg El Arab Airport (HBE) – Serving Alexandria

The visa on arrival is not available at land border crossings or seaports for most nationalities. If entering by land (e.g., from Sudan or Israel), you may need to arrange a visa in advance.

Visa on Arrival vs. e-Visa: Which Should You Choose?

Both options give you the same 30-day single-entry stay for $25 USD. The key differences are:

Choose visa on arrival if:
– You decide to visit Egypt spontaneously
– You prefer not to deal with online applications
– You are confident you have the correct cash amount

Choose e-Visa if:
– You want to skip the bank kiosk queue at the airport
– You prefer to have your visa approved before departure
– You need a multiple-entry visa ($60)
– Your nationality requires pre-approval

For a detailed comparison, read our e-Visa vs visa on arrival guide.

Common Problems with Visa on Arrival

Long queues: During peak tourist season (October-April), bank kiosk queues at Cairo Airport can stretch 20-30 minutes. Arriving during multiple simultaneous flight arrivals compounds the wait.

Cash only: The kiosks do not accept credit cards consistently. Some travelers have reported card acceptance at newer kiosks, but this is not guaranteed. Always carry cash.

Currency exchange: If you arrive without USD, EUR, or GBP, there are currency exchange booths in the arrivals hall. However, exchange rates at airports are typically unfavorable. Bringing the exact amount in USD is the best approach.

Blank passport pages: If your passport lacks blank pages, you will be denied the visa. Ensure you have at least 1-2 free pages before traveling.

Overstay penalties: Egypt enforces overstay fines. If you exceed your 30-day stay, you will face a fine at the airport (approximately $30-50 USD depending on the length of overstay) and potential future entry issues.

Tips for a Smooth Visa on Arrival Experience

1. Bring crisp, undamaged US dollar bills – Egyptian bank kiosks occasionally reject torn or heavily worn notes
2. Carry exact change ($25) – While change is given, exact payment speeds up the process
3. Have your hotel address ready – Immigration officers sometimes ask for accommodation details
4. Print your return ticket – A paper copy can smooth the immigration interview
5. Apply for an e-Visa instead – If you want zero hassle, the online e-Visa eliminates the airport queue entirely
6. Check your passport expiry – The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced

For US citizens specifically, we have a dedicated guide covering all entry requirements and tips.

Entry Requirements Beyond the Visa

Having a visa on arrival does not guarantee entry. Egyptian immigration officers have the final say. Beyond the visa, ensure you meet all entry requirements:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
• Proof of return/onward travel
• Sufficient funds for your stay (rarely checked but possible)
• No Israeli stamps in your passport (this rule has relaxed in recent years but may still cause issues at some border crossings)

FAQs About Egypt Visa on Arrival