Travel to Egypt 2025: eVisa vs Visa on Arrival comparison

If you are traveling to Egypt in 2025, you need a visa. The two main options are the eVisa, applied for online before departure, or the Visa on Arrival, purchased at the airport. Both are valid, but they work very differently.

Egypt eVisa vs Visa on Arrival: key differences

What is the Egypt eVisa and how does it work?

The eVisa is Egypt’s digital visa. You fill in the form online, pay with a card, and receive approval by email. At the airport, you present the confirmation at immigration.

It requires a passport valid for at least six months. Both single-entry and multiple-entry options are available, each allowing a stay of up to 30 days. The main advantage is speed and certainty: you avoid queues and know you are approved before departure.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EGYPT EVISA

What is the Egypt Visa on Arrival?

The Visa on Arrival is issued at counters in airports such as Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. You pay the fee in cash, usually US dollars, euros, or British pounds, and receive a visa sticker for your passport.

It is valid for a single entry of up to 30 days and requires the same six-month passport validity. This option can be useful for last-minute travel, but it is slower and less predictable because of queues and the need for the right currency.

Which Egypt visa should you choose?

Most travelers prefer the eVisa. It is faster at the airport, lowers the risk of problems, and can be arranged before leaving home. The Visa on Arrival is mainly a backup option for those who cannot apply in advance.

How to apply for the Egypt eVisa online

Egypt FAQs

1. What health or vaccination requirements are needed to enter Egypt in 2025?

Travelers to Egypt in 2025 are not required to show routine vaccination certificates unless coming from or transiting through countries with yellow fever risk. In that case, proof of yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for adults and children over nine months. Other recommended vaccines for safe travel include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid.

2. What customs rules should tourists know before entering Egypt?

Tourists entering Egypt may bring personal belongings, limited tobacco products, alcohol, and perfumes duty-free. Items intended for commercial use, drones, and certain electronics can require permits or are restricted. Always declare high-value goods and follow currency declaration rules when carrying more than the allowed limit.

3. How much currency can I legally bring into Egypt without declaring?

Travelers can enter or leave Egypt with up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds without declaration. Foreign currency equivalent to US$10,000 or less does not need to be declared. Any amount above that must be declared on arrival or departure.

4. Are there items prohibited or restricted when entering Egypt?

Yes. Prohibited items include narcotics, weapons, counterfeit currency, and politically sensitive materials. Restricted items such as professional video equipment, certain medicines, and drones may require prior approval. Attempting to bring in prohibited goods can result in confiscation or fines.

5. Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate when travelling to Egypt from risky countries?

Yes. Travelers arriving from or transiting through countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This rule applies to adults and children over nine months of age. Travelers without proof may be denied entry. **