Welcome aboard! If you’re reading this, you’re planning a trip to the mesmerising land of the Pharaohs – Egypt. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of obtaining an Egypt-on-arrival visa. Egypt is an irresistible destination for many travellers, known for its ancient civilisation and some of the world’s most famous monuments. However, one crucial step stands in your way before stepping foot into the land of pyramids and hieroglyphics: obtaining an Egypt on-arrival visa.
As the name suggests, You can get this visa upon arriving in Egypt without going through an intermediary. It’s a sticker placed on your passport at immigration, and it’s one of the easiest ways to enter the country legally. But while it might sound simple, several factors remain to consider. Only some people are eligible, and there are certain requirements and fees you’ll need to be aware of.
This guide aims to demystify obtaining your Egypt-on-arrival visa, offering tips and tricks to ensure a smooth application experience and highlighting common mistakes to avoid. It’s your ultimate tool for unlocking the gateway to Egypt, so let’s dive right in!
Check if your country supports Egypt Evisa or Visa or Visa on Arrival
| Afghanistan | visa required |
| Albania | visa required |
| Algeria | visa required |
| Angola | visa on arrival |
| Antigua and Barbuda | e-visa |
| Armenia | visa required |
| Australia | e-visa |
| Bahamas | visa required |
| Bahrain | e-visa |
| Barbados | visa required |
| Belarus | visa required |
| Belize | visa required |
| Bhutan | visa required |
| Bolivia | visa on arrival |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa required |
| Botswana | visa required |
| Brazil | visa required |
| Burkina Faso | visa on arrival |
| Burundi | visa required |
| Cambodia | visa on arrival |
| Cape Verde | visa on arrival |
| Central African Republic | visa required |
| Chad | visa required |
| China | visa required |
| Colombia | e-visa |
| Comoros | visa on arrival |
| Congo | visa required |
| Costa Rica | visa required |
| Croatia | visa required |
| Cuba | visa required |
| Djibouti | e-visa |
| Dominican Republic | visa required |
| DR Congo | visa required |
| Ecuador | visa required |
| El Salvador | visa required |
| Equatorial Guinea | visa required |
| Eritrea | visa required |
| Ethiopia | visa on arrival |
| Gabon | e-visa |
| Georgia | e-visa |
| Ghana | visa on arrival |
| Grenada | visa required |
| Guatemala | visa required |
| Guinea | visa free |
| Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
| Guyana | visa required |
| Honduras | visa required |
| India | visa required |
| Iraq | visa required |
| Ireland | visa required |
| Ivory Coast | e-visa |
| Jamaica | visa required |
| Kenya | visa on arrival |
| Kiribati | visa required |
| Kosovo | visa required |
| Kuwait | visa required |
| Kyrgyzstan | e-visa |
| Lebanon | visa on arrival |
| Lesotho | e-visa |
| Liberia | visa required |
| Libya | visa required |
| Madagascar | visa on arrival |
| Malawi | e-visa |
| Maldives | visa on arrival |
| Mali | visa required |
| Mauritania | visa on arrival |
| Mexico | visa required |
| Moldova | e-visa |
| Morocco | visa required |
| Mozambique | visa required |
| Myanmar | e-visa |
| Namibia | visa required |
| Nauru | visa required |
| Nepal | visa on arrival |
| Nicaragua | visa on arrival |
| Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | visa on arrival |
| North Korea | visa required |
| North Macedonia | visa required |
| Pakistan | e-visa |
| Palau | visa on arrival |
| Palestine | visa free |
| Panama | visa required |
| Paraguay | visa required |
| Peru | visa required |
| Qatar | e-visa |
| Rwanda | visa on arrival |
| Saint Lucia | visa required |
| Samoa | visa on arrival |
| Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
| Saudi Arabia | visa required |
| Senegal | visa on arrival |
| Serbia | visa required |
| Sierra Leone | visa required |
| Singapore | e-visa |
| Slovakia | visa required |
| Slovenia | visa required |
| Somalia | visa on arrival |
| South Africa | visa required |
| South Sudan | e-visa |
| Sudan | visa required |
| Suriname | e-visa |
| Swaziland | visa required |
| Syria | visa required |
| Tajikistan | visa on arrival |
| Tanzania | visa on arrival |
| Togo | visa on arrival |
| Tonga | visa required |
| Trinidad and Tobago | visa required |
| Tunisia | visa required |
| Turkey | visa required |
| Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
| Uganda | visa on arrival |
| Ukraine | visa required |
| United Arab Emirates | e-visa |
| United Kingdom | visa required |
| Uzbekistan | e-visa |
| Vanuatu | visa required |
| Venezuela | visa required |
| Yemen | visa on arrival |
| Zambia | e-visa |
| Zimbabwe | visa on arrival |
Who is Eligible for Egypt on Arrival Visa?
Before planning your trip to Egypt, the first thing to ascertain is whether you’re eligible for an Egypt-on-arrival visa. This visa is only available to some nationalities. As of the time of writing, only citizens of the European Union countries, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Macedonia, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States, can obtain this visa.
It’s important to note that the list of eligible countries can change, so it’s always best to check the most recent information from the Egyptian Consulate or Embassy in your home country. If your country isn’t listed, don’t despair. You may still be able to visit Egypt, but you’ll need to apply for a visa in advance through your nearest Egyptian Consulate or Embassy or consider an e-Visa.
Remember, being eligible for an Egypt-on-arrival visa doesn’t automatically grant entry into the country. The final decision is always in the hands of the immigration officer.
Requirements for Egypt on Arrival Visa
If you want to obtain a visa upon arrival in Egypt, there are certain requirements you must meet. First, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to leave Egypt. It is a common requirement for visas worldwide, as it helps countries ensure that you stay within your visa.
Next, you’ll need at least one blank page in your passport for the visa sticker. It’s also a good idea to have some extra blank pages for any entry or exit stamps. Additionally, you’ll need to provide proof of your travel plans, such as your return or onward flight ticket.
Lastly, you’ll need to have the visa fee ready in cash. The exact amount will depend on your nationality, but it’s generally around $25. Make sure to have the same change in US dollars, as change is often not given, and other currencies may not be accepted.
Read: How to apply for Egypt eVisa
Application Process for Egypt on Arrival Visa
The application process for an Egypt-on-arrival visa is straightforward. Upon arrival at the airport in Egypt, look for signs directing you to the visa-on-arrival counter. You must fill out a short form with your personal information and travel plans here.
After filling out the form, you’ll present it along with your passport and the visa fee to the immigration officer. The officer will place a visa sticker on your passport and stamp it. It’s important to check that the visa has been stamped, as this officially validates it.
Once your visa has been issued, you can proceed to passport control. Here, an immigration officer will check your passport and visa and may ask you a few questions about your trip. After this, you can collect your luggage and explore Egypt!
Tips for a Smooth Application Experience
Applying for an Egypt-on-arrival visa is generally straightforward, but a few tips can make your experience smoother. First, ensure all your documents are ready and in order before you get to the visa-on-arrival counter. It includes your passport, completed form, proof of onward travel, and visa fee.
Second, try to have an exact change for the visa fee. It will speed up the process and avoid potential issues with receiving change. Third, be patient. Depending on your arrival time and the number of fellow travellers, there may be a queue at the visa-on-arrival counter.
Finally, check that your visa has been stamped before leaving the counter. It is crucial, as an unstamped visa is invalid and could cause issues when you try to leave the country.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Egypt on-Arrival Visa
While applying for an Egypt-on-arrival visa is usually straightforward, it’s easy to make mistakes if you don’t prepare. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid. First, don’t assume you’re automatically eligible for an Egypt-on-arrival visa. Always check the latest information from the Egyptian authorities or your local Egyptian consulate.
Second, keep your passport from expiring within six months of your planned departure from Egypt. It is a key requirement for the visa, and overlooking it could complicate your travel plans. Third, prepare your visa fee in cash and the correct currency. The visa-on-arrival counter typically doesn’t accept credit cards or other currencies.
Lastly, remember to check that your visa has been stamped before you leave the visa-on-arrival counter. Without a stamp, your visa isn’t valid, which could cause issues when you try to leave Egypt.
Fees and Payment Options for Egypt on Arrival Visa
The fee for an Egypt-on-arrival visa is typically $25, but this can vary slightly depending on your nationality. Make sure to check the latest information before your trip. Payment of the fee must be made in cash using US dollars. The visa-on-arrival counter only sometimes accepts credit cards, checks or other currencies.
Remember to have the exact change, as the counter often needs to give change. In some cases, if you don’t have a clear change, you may be asked to pay more than the actual visa fee. Obtaining precise currency before your arrival in Egypt is advisable to avoid any inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Egypt on Arrival Visa
When applying for an Egypt-on-arrival visa, there are often many questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.
Q. Can I extend my Egypt-on-arrival visa?
You can apply for an extension at the Egyptian Passport and Immigration Administration in Cairo. However, it’s generally easier to leave the country and re-enter if you need more time.
Q. Can I work in Egypt with an on-arrival visa?
No, this visa is strictly for tourism. If you plan to work in Egypt, you must apply for a different type of visa.
Q. Can I leave Egypt and come back with the same visa?
No, the Egypt-on-arrival visa is single-entry. If you leave the country and wish to return, you must obtain a new visa.
Q. Is the Egypt-on-arrival visa available at all airports in Egypt?
No, it’s only available at certain airports, including Cairo International Airport, Luxor International Airport, and Hurghada International Airport. Always check in advance to confirm.
Additional Resources for Traveling to Egypt
Travelling to a new country can be daunting, but many resources are available to help you plan your trip to Egypt. The Egyptian Tourism Authority’s website is a great starting point, offering information on attractions, accommodations, and local customs.
Check your home country’s foreign affairs website for travel advisories and safety information. For health advice, the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide information on vaccinations and other health precautions for travel to Egypt.
Consider joining online travel forums or social media groups for travellers to Egypt. Here, you can ask questions, share experiences, and get tips from fellow travellers.
Read: How to apply and get Guinea-Bissau Visa on Arrival
Applying for an Egypt-on-arrival visa may seem daunting initially, but it can be a smooth and straightforward process with the right preparation and understanding. Remember to check your eligibility, meet all the requirements, and avoid common mistakes. With your visa in hand, you’ll be ready to explore the enchanting land of Egypt, from its ancient pyramids to its bustling bazaars. Safe travels!