Quick answer: Most visitors need a visa for Egypt. A single-entry visa on arrival now costs US$30 (up from US$25 since 1 March 2026), paid in US dollars at the bank counters before passport control at Cairo Airport. Or apply in advance for an e-visa on the official portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg. Check the current e-visa fee there, and avoid unofficial lookalike sites.
Getting a visa for Egypt is straightforward for most tourists. Here’s how it works in 2026.
Egypt visa options (2026)
| Option | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry) | US$30 | Pay in USD cash at the airport counters (since 1 March 2026) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry) | ~US$60 | Reported. Confirm on arrival |
| E-visa | Check the official portal | Apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg before travel |
Fees are from VisasNews (March 2026). Eligibility for a visa on arrival depends on nationality. Many Western passports qualify, but always check with your nearest Egyptian embassy.
Visa on arrival at Cairo Airport
- Follow the “Visa” signs to the bank counters in arrivals, before passport control.
- Pay in US dollars cash (bring clean, small notes) and receive the visa sticker.
- Go to passport control, where the visa is stuck in and stamped.
E-visa tips
- Use only the official visa2egypt.gov.eg portal.
- Apply at least a week before travel.
- Print your approval and carry it with your passport.
Other entry tips
- Your passport usually needs at least 6 months’ validity.
- Visitors to Sharm el-Sheikh and some Red Sea resorts may get special short-stay rules. Check before you travel.
- Get an Egypt eSIM and travel insurance.
- Plan your arrival with Cairo Airport to the city.
More Cairo guides
- Cairo travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Cairo
- Cairo itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Cairo
- Giza Pyramids tickets and tips
- Grand Egyptian Museum tickets
- Cairo Airport to the city
FAQ: Egypt visa
How much is the Egypt visa on arrival in 2026?
US$30 for a single-entry visa, since 1 March 2026.
Is it better to get an e-visa or a visa on arrival?
An e-visa saves time in the queue. A visa on arrival is quick for eligible nationalities if you carry exact USD cash.
Can I pay for the Egypt visa on arrival by card?
Plan on US dollars cash. Card acceptance isn’t guaranteed at the bank counters.
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