However, not all nationalities are eligible for an Egypt visa on arrival or an online e-Visa, in which case they will need to apply for their visa at an Egyptian embassy.
1. Applying for a Visa-on-Arrival
The citizens of around 70 different countries and territories can get a valid visitor visa on arrival at any of Egypt’s international airports. Theoretically, you should be able to get an entry visa on arrival at any international port or border crossing, but in reality, this simply isn’t the case.
To obtain your visa on arrival at the airport, join the queue at a bank kiosk before you reach the immigration desks. You will need to show your passport with at least two blank pages, and complete a visa application form. You may also be asked to show one or two other travel documents, such as proof of onward travel.
Once your application has been approved you will be given a sticker which you then hand to an officer at one of the immigration desks. The sticker will be stuck to one of the blank pages in your passport and you will then be free to enter Egypt.
It should be noted that a visa on arrival is a single-entry tourist visa that allows you to remain in the country for up to 30 days. The visa fee must be paid in cash. Credit card and debit card payments are not accepted. As of the time of writing, a visa-on-arrival cost $25.
Be warned, the queues at the bank kiosks can be very long, especially during the peak tourist season from December to February. Also note that if for some reason you are denied a visa, you will not be allowed into the country, and you will either need to have your return flight date amended or you will need to purchase a new flight ticket.
2. Applying for an Online E-Visa
Citizens who are eligible for a visa-on-arrival are also eligible for an Egypt online e-Visa. If you are going to be traveling to Egypt for tourism purposes, this is the most convenient way to obtain your visa.
Simply visit the official Egypt e-Visa Portal and set up an account. Once done, log into your account apply for your visa following the on-screen instructions. It really is that easy. Once you have submitted your application and you have paid the visa fee, your application will typically be processed in less than 7 days, and sometimes even on the same day.
If your application is successful you will then be able to download and print your visa. When you land in Egypt, just head directly to the immigration desks and you hand your printed visa to one of the officers. Single-Entry and Multi-Entry tourist visas are available, and cost $25 and $60 respectively.