Obtaining a Cairo airport visa on arrival is one of the most popular ways for eligible international tourists to enter Egypt. Available 24/7 across all terminals at Cairo International Airport (CAI), the on-arrival process allows visitors to obtain their entry authorization immediately after landing and before reaching main passport control.
Whether you are arriving in Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or Terminal 3, here is a complete step-by-step guide covering eligibility, costs, required documents, and airport navigation tips.
Eligibility and Basic Requirements
Before flying, ensure your nationality qualifies for a visa on arrival:
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Eligible Nationalities: Citizens from over 45 countries—including the United States, United Kingdom, European Union member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea—are eligible to obtain a tourist visa on arrival.
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Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry into Egypt.
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Blank Passport Pages: Ensure you have at least one blank page for the entry sticker and official immigration stamps.
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Supporting Documents: Keep a printed copy of your return flight ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds easily accessible in your carry-on bag.
Options and Current Fees
Egypt offers two primary methods for securing your visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport:
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Traditional Paper Visa Sticker: Costs $30 USD per single-entry tourist visa. This is paid via cash (exact USD, EUR, or GBP banknotes) at authorized bank counters before reaching passport control.
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Digital QR Visa on Arrival: Costs $36 USD in total ($30 visa fee plus a $6 issuance charge). This digital option is payable exclusively by credit or debit card through the official online portal, mobile app, or airport self-service kiosks.
Payment Tip: Bank counters issuing traditional paper stickers operate primarily in cash. Bring crisp, undamaged US Dollar notes ($30 USD exact change per passenger) to avoid delays or receiving change in local currency. If using the Digital QR kiosk option, have a major credit card ready.
Step-by-Step Airport Arrival Guide
Step 1: Disembark and Proceed to Arrivals
Follow the airport signage toward Passport Control / Immigration. Before reaching the main passport control counters, you will enter the central arrival bank hall.
Step 2: Fill Out Your Landing Card
Collect a small, rectangular Arrival Card (distributed on the flight or available at tables in the hall). Fill out your personal details, passport number, flight number, and hotel address in Cairo.
Step 3: Purchase Your Visa (Before Passport Control)
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For Paper Sticker ($30 USD): Queue at one of the official bank windows (such as National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr, or Banque du Caire) located before passport control. Hand over your passport, the $30 USD cash fee, and receive your physical visa sticker. Do not apply the sticker yourself; hand it directly to the immigration officer.
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For Digital QR Visa ($36 USD): If using the digital system, scan your passport at an automated self-service kiosk, complete the on-screen prompts, pay by card, and receive your generated QR code receipt.
Step 4: Pass Through Passport Control
Join the main passport control line. Present your passport, the unattached visa sticker (or QR code printout/phone display), and your completed Arrival Card to the immigration officer. The officer will affix the visa sticker onto your passport page and stamp it with your official entry date.
Step 5: Baggage Claim and Customs
Once stamped, proceed through to the baggage claim area to collect your checked luggage, then clear customs before exiting into the public arrival hall.
Key Tips for a Smooth Arrival
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Visa on Arrival vs. Pre-Applied e-Visa: If you prefer to bypass airport counters entirely, you can apply for an official Egypt e-Visa online prior to departure. Both grant a standard 30-day, single-entry tourist stay.
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Avoid Unofficial "Agents": Ignore independent individuals in the arrival hall offering to "speed up" your visa for extra fees. Always purchase your visa directly from official bank windows or designated digital kiosks.
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ATMs are Located After Passport Control: ATMs and currency exchange booths are positioned primarily after passing through immigration. Carry your visa payment cash in your pocket before boarding your flight.
Securing a Cairo airport visa on arrival is a straightforward, routine process. By carrying exact cash or using self-service kiosks, having your passport ready, and filling out your landing card in advance, you can clear airport immigration and start your Egyptian adventure in minutes.
