Is it possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt?
It has therefore been possible for many years to obtain an Egyptian visa on arrival in the country. This procedure is done by going to one of the airport's immigration counters. You will have to go there and wait in a sometimes long queue to buy the visa sticker by presenting your passport and two identity photos.
However, this visa on arrival is subject to certain conditions. It is necessary to be a resident citizen of one of the authorised countries and to have a passport valid for more than 6 months.
On site, it will be necessary to pay the application and visa fees in cash as credit cards are not accepted. If you are considering this option, be sure to budget the exact amount.
You should also be aware that the visa obtained locally is only valid for one entry into the country and for a maximum stay of 30 days.
Egypt visa on arrival: key points
- It is possible to obtain a visa for Egypt on arrival when you arrive in the country
- The visa on arrival is obtained by going to an immigration counter at the airport of arrival.
- The visa on arrival for Egypt is subject to the same conditions as the visa before departure.
- For greater convenience, we recommend that you apply for your visa for Egypt online.
→ eVisa Egypt before departure ←
Which countries are residents allowed to apply for a visa on arrival in Egypt?
The application for a visa on arrival is reserved for citizens of certain countries including :
- European Union member countries
- Australia
- Canada
- South Korea
- The United States
- Georgia
- Japan
- Macedonia
- Malaysia
- New Zealand
- Norway
- The United Kingdom
- Russia
- Serbia
- Ukraine
It is therefore necessary for your passport to have been issued by one of these countries in order to apply for a visa on arrival. If you are not a citizen of one of these countries, you can still apply for a visa before departure, thanks to the online e-visa procedure.
→ eVisa Egypt before departure ←
At which Egyptian airports is it possible to obtain a visa on arrival?
It is therefore possible to apply for an Egyptian visa on arrival at the border control. However, it is strongly advised against crossing the land border as information on checkpoints that issue visas on arrival is not always up to date.
Thus, applying for a visa on arrival in Egypt can be done mainly at the following international checkpoints:
- Cairo International Airport
- Hurghada International Airport
- St Catherine's International Airport
- Borg El Arab International Airport in Alexandria
- Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
- Luxor International Airport
How long does it take to apply for an Egypt visa on arrival?
Once the required documents have been submitted, the time taken to process them remains a relevant question. At the airport terminal, this process is often quick and efficient. The precise length of time depends largely on the number of applicants at any one time, and can fluctuate according to specific busy hours or days.
Nevertheless, in the majority of situations, a few hours or even minutes will suffice. Travellers are advised to arrive at the terminal early enough to avoid any unnecessary time pressure before their flight.
How much does a visa on arrival cost for Egypt?
The price of a visa for Egypt when applying on arrival is €25 and it is possible for travellers to pay in US dollars or euros. It is strongly recommended that you prepare a top-up and present yourself at the visa collection point with the exact amount in cash.
To have the best chance of obtaining your visa on arrival, you should ensure that you have the necessary documents and information with you. But there is no guarantee that you will get the visa even if you have prepared your application.
Remember that if you are refused a visa on arrival, you will have to find your own way home.
What is the difference between visa on arrival and e-visa for Egypt?
There are several differences between the visa obtained on arrival in Egypt and the e-visa that can be obtained online.
Firstly, the visa on arrival allows only one entry into the country whereas the e-visa can be applied for with multiple entries. Thus, for a period of 6 months, you can enter and leave Egypt as many times as you wish as long as your stay does not exceed 30 consecutive days.
The e-visa application process is also simpler and faster as it is done 100% online without having to travel. It will also make it easier for you to pass the controls on arrival.
The application only takes a few minutes via a form in which you simply have to fill in some information. You can then validate your application by paying the application fee by credit card. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive your visa by email and will only have to print it out to present it when you arrive at the border.
The Egyptian government has introduced this system precisely in order to simplify and modernise the visa application procedure.
Conclusion: should I apply for a visa on arrival in Egypt?
If you are from one of the countries eligible for the e-visa system for Egypt, it is of course preferable to go through this simplified online procedure rather than applying for an e-visa on arrival.
Indeed, there are some shortcomings to the visa-on-arrival process that you should be aware of. In particular, you should be aware that the price you will pay on arrival may be higher than expected if you come across unscrupulous border officials.
It is also possible that your application will be rejected outright, in which case you will have to return immediately to your country of origin at your own expense.
Finally, be aware that waiting times at the visa application desk can be very long and thus prevent you from fully enjoying your stay.
→ eVisa Egypt before departure ←
Adeline HARMANT
As a web writer and globetrotter with a passion for travel and tourism, I have acquired in-depth knowledge of the procedures that are essential for travellers. I help travellers to complete all the formalities required for a successful trip, particularly when it comes to obtaining a visa online. With several years' experience in this field, I'd like to offer you some valuable advice to help you discover the world with complete peace of mind.
