Yes — most nationalities need a visa for Egypt. The two standard tourist options are an e-visa arranged online before you fly, or a visa purchased on arrival at the airport, and they differ enough in cost and process that it's worth comparing directly.
| E-visa (online, in advance) | Visa on arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | USD 30 single entry / USD 65 multiple entry | USD 30 |
| Payment | Credit or debit card, via the official portal only | Cash only |
| Validity | Up to 3 months | Up to 30 days |
| When to arrange | Before you fly | At the airport on landing |
(Fees and terms per official government sources, verified 2026-08-13; treated as high-volatility, so confirm current pricing close to your travel date.) A separate "digital visa" processed at Cairo airport itself runs USD 36 (USD 30 plus a USD 6 service fee) as of 1 August 2026 — effectively a third option alongside the two above.
Passport and eligibility requirements
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond your arrival date, plus one blank page — a standard, low-volatility requirement across Egypt's entry routes. The e-visa portal currently lists 79 eligible countries and territories; confirm your own is on the list before assuming online is available to you.
For what happens right after you land, see What Happens When You Land at Cairo Airport?