Introduction
Planning a trip to Egypt? You may have heard that you can get a visa on arrival or apply for an e-Visa online. Both options are convenient, but which one is better for you?
In this post, we compare the Egypt Visa on Arrival and Egypt e-Visa systems — looking at eligibility, application process, pros, cons, and recommendations to help you choose the right one.
Overview of the Two Options
| Feature | Egypt Visa on Arrival | Egypt e-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | At Egyptian airport | Online before departure |
| Processing time | Immediate | 3–5 business days |
| Payment | Cash only (USD) | Online payment |
| Required documents | Passport + hotel booking | Passport, photo, form |
| Cost | $25 USD | $25 USD |
| Validity | 30 days (single entry) | 30 or 90 days (single or multiple) |
Who Can Use These Visa Options?
Both the Visa on Arrival and e-Visa are available to citizens of over 70 countries, including:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Most EU countries
- South Korea, Japan, Norway, and more
Nationals of countries not eligible for these options must apply in advance through an Egyptian embassy.
Option 1: Visa on Arrival – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast and simple — no online application needed
- Ideal for last-minute travellers
- No waiting for processing approval
Cons:
- Available only at certain airports
- Must carry exact USD cash
- Long queues possible
- Not ideal if you’re denied — no fallback plan
Option 2: Egypt e-Visa – Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Apply from anywhere in advance
- Pay securely online
- Avoid queues at the airport
- Receive approval via email
Cons:
- Must apply a few days before travel
- Website occasionally experiences downtime
- Rejections may delay your travel
Recommendation: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose e-Visa if you prefer to plan ahead, want to avoid airport delays, or are travelling with family
- Choose Visa on Arrival if you are booking a last-minute trip and meet all entry requirements
Best practice: Even if you qualify for VOA, applying for an e-Visa in advance gives peace of mind and helps avoid any airport surprises.
Conclusion
Egypt offers flexible visa options to make travel easier — and choosing the right one depends on your travel style. For most travellers, the e-Visa offers more convenience, but the Visa on Arrival remains a useful backup. Whichever you choose, Egypt awaits with open arms and centuries of stories to explore.
For full visa instructions, FAQs, and embassy contacts, check our Egypt Visa Resources section.
