Egypt Visa On Arrival VS E-Visa

Egypt has two popular visa options: the Egypt e-visa and the visa-on-arrival. The e-visa provides a convenient online application process, eliminating the need to visit an embassy or consulate and saving valuable time. Conversely, the visa-on-arrival is specifically available for nationals from selected countries. Eligible travelers do not need a visa before traveling to Egypt; they can apply for it upon arrival at various Egyptian airports.

Visa on arrival in Egypt is primarily available 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

There are various distinctions between the visa acquired upon arrival in Egypt and the e-visa attainable online.

Feature	Visa on Arrival	E-Visa
Entry Requirements	Allows single entry into Egypt.	Permits multiple entries.
Application Process	Requires in-person application at the border.	Conducted entirely online, eliminating the need for travel.
Application Procedure	Fill out a simple online form and make payments electronically.	Filling out a simple online form and making payments electronically.
Processing Time	Processing time can vary, potentially leading to wait times longer.	Four-day processing days.
Convenience	This may lead to longer queues and wait times at the airport.	Simplifies passage through immigration controls, as the visa is obtained before travel.

If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, it’s important to understand the different methods to obtain a visa to determine the best way to acquire one. Visas for Future processing service can help you with this process. All you need to do is fill out the order and intake form with accurate information, and we will assess your application and manage its submission to make the process easier and more efficient.

---

What We’re Offering

We offer a visa processing service for your Egypt E-Visa. Our service will deliver your Uganda visa directly to your mailbox within four business days.

• 90-day validity for both multiple and single entries.¹
• 30 days duration for single entry and 30 days per entry/visit for multiple entries.
• Single Entry – $84.75.
• Multiple Entry – $119.75

---

---

What Countries are Eligible for Egypt Electronic Visa?

Residents of these countries are eligible to apply for an e-Visa to Egypt:

What Countries are Eligible for Egypt Visa-On-Arrival?

There are a total of 46 countries whose citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival for Egypt, including:

• All European Union member states
• Australia
• Canada
• Georgia
• Japan
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia
• Malaysia
• Norway
• Russia
• Serbia
• South Korea
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom
• United States

Additionally, citizens from other countries may qualify for an Egyptian visa on arrival if they meet certain criteria:

• Sudanese citizens holding a residence permit from Australia, the USA, Canada, or a member state of the EU.
• Foreign citizens with a residence permit from a member state of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
• It’s important to note that the residence permit must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

Pros and cons between Egypt visa on arrival and e-visa

Advantages and Disadvantages of Egypt Visa on Arrival and E-Visa:

Egypt Visa on Arrival

Pros:

• Convenience: No need for pre-application or online processing; you can obtain it upon arrival at designated airports.
• Immediate Availability: This can be acquired swiftly upon arrival, reducing pre-travel preparation time.
• Flexibility: Allows travelers to make last-minute decisions without needing pre-arranged visas.

Cons:

• Limited Entry Points: VOA availability might be limited to specific Egyptian airports.
• Uncertainty: Approval is not guaranteed, and entry is subject to immigration discretion and documentation.
• Waiting Time: Long queues and processing times at immigration counters can lead to delays and inconvenience.

Egypt E-Visa

Pros:

• Online Application: Convenient and accessible application process from anywhere with an internet connection.
• Predictability: Offers guaranteed approval upon meeting application requirements, providing peace of mind.
• Faster and Easier: Apply online from the comfort of your home, avoiding airport queues and saving time upon arrival.

Cons:

• Processing Time: Requires advance application and processing time, which may not be suitable for last-minute travelers.
• Internet Dependency: Reliance on Internet connectivity for application submission and communication.
• Application Fees: Typically incurs processing fees, which add to the overall cost of travel planning.

Cost and processing time between the two

Feature	Egypt E-Visa	Egypt Visa on Arrival
Cost	Single entry: $84.75 Multiple entries: $119.75	The cost for an Egypt Visa on Arrival varies depending on nationality and length of stay, typically ranging from $25 to $60.
Processing Time	Processing time for Egypt E-Visa takes four (4) business days.	No processing time is required, as you obtain the visa upon arrival. However, you might face waiting lines at the airport, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on how busy it is.

Requirements associated with each type of visa

Egypt Visa on Arrival (VOA):

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Egypt.
• Passport-sized Photo: One recent passport-sized photo is usually required.
• Onward or Return Flight Ticket: Proof of your departure from Egypt, such as a confirmed return flight ticket.
• Sufficient Funds: You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Egypt. This could be cash, credit cards, or traveler’s cheques.

Egypt e-Visa:

• Documents Required Upon Application:²
  • Passport Bio-page: Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months from your intended arrival date in Egypt.
• Upon Arrival:
  • Printed e-Visa: Have a copy of your approved e-Visa ready to present to immigration officials upon arrival at the airport.
  • Valid Passport: Use the same passport you used for your e-visa application, valid for at least six (6) months from your arrival date in Egypt and with at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
  • Onward or Return Ticket: Provide proof of departure from Egypt, such as a printed flight ticket or itinerary detailing your onward travel plans.
  • Accommodation Booking Confirmation: While not always required, having confirmation of your accommodation booking in Egypt can be beneficial, particularly if questions arise about your purpose of visit.
  • Invitation Letter:
    • For Visiting Friends or Family: Obtain an invitation letter from your host in Egypt, demonstrating the purpose of your visit and providing their contact information for support during your stay.
    • For Business Travel: Obtain a letter from your company or the Egyptian company you plan to visit outlining the purpose and nature of your trip to strengthen your business travel claim.
• Additional Recommended Documents:
  • Travel Insurance: While not obligatory, possessing travel insurance covering medical expenses, repatriation, and other potential risks is highly recommended.

Number of entries allowed

The number of entries allowed differs between Egypt’s visa on arrival (VOA) and e-visa:

• Egypt Visa on Arrival (VOA): The visa-on-arrival grants are for single-entry only. 
• Egypt e-Visa: Egypt offers both single-entry and multiple-entry e-visas.
  • Single-Entry e-Visa: Allows for a single entry into Egypt during the visa’s validity period.
  • Multiple-Entry e-Visa: This visa grants multiple entries within its validity period. This is ideal if you plan multiple exits and re-entries to Egypt during your trip.

Which one should you get?

Consider your requirements and preferences when deciding which visa to get for your trip to Egypt. Consider your travel plans and how often you will enter and exit Egypt during your trip. This will help you determine which visa option suits you best.

If you want an approved visa that is easy to obtain and may cost less, then the e-visa is a good option. However, if you need more flexibility and the ability to change your plans at the last minute, you may need to choose a Visa on Arrival (VOA). Remember that if you opt for the VOA option, you may have to wait a bit at the airport.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

1. Travel State. (2024). Egypt. State.gov. Retrieved March 16, 2024.<https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Egypt.html> [↩]
2. Travel State. (2024). Egypt International Travel Information. State.gov. Retrieved March 16, 2024. <https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Egypt.html> [↩]

Ask a question

If you still have a question about this topic after reading the article, let us know and we'll update the article. Include your email if you want us to reply to you.

Send fan mail

We love to hear from you! If our article helped you in anyway, let us know and we'll share it with the team on our Friday meetings.

Cite this article

MLA Style

Santos, Rosalie. "Egypt Visa On Arrival VS E-Visa." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/egypt-visa-on-arrival-vs-e-visa/. Accessed on 16 March 2024.

Chicago Style

Santos, Rosalie. "Egypt Visa On Arrival VS E-Visa." Visas For Future. March 16, 2024. https://www.visasforfuture.com/egypt-visa-on-arrival-vs-e-visa/.