Cairo Day Tours
Arriving at a bustling international airport in the Middle East after a 12-hour flight can be intimidating. The first hurdle you have to cross before claiming your baggage or meeting your driver is securing your Egyptian Entry Visa.
The good news? For US citizens, getting a visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI) is an incredibly straightforward, easy process if you know exactly what to do. Here is your step-by-step guide to breezing through border control.
Option 1: The Visa on Arrival (The Easiest Method)
Most American travelers opt to get their visa right at the airport. It requires no advance paperwork.
- Step 1: Get off the plane and follow the signs. Follow the herd of passengers toward "Passport Control" and "Baggage Claim."
- Step 2: Do NOT get in the Passport Control line yet. This is the most common mistake. Before you can line up to see the immigration officer, you need the physical visa sticker.
- Step 3: Find the Bank Kiosks. Look for a series of small bank windows (like Banque Misr or National Bank of Egypt) located in the hall just before the passport control queues. They are open 24/7.
- Step 4: Purchase the Visa. Walk up to any bank window and say, "One visa, please." Hand them $25 USD. They only accept cash. They will hand you a small sticker that looks like a postage stamp.
- Step 5: Peel and Stick. Peel the backing off the visa sticker and place it on an empty page in your US passport.
- Step 6: Proceed to Passport Control. Now, get in the line for immigration. Hand the officer your passport (with the new sticker) and your completed arrival card (usually handed out on the airplane). They will stamp the sticker, and you are officially in Egypt!
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Important: Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival in Egypt, otherwise you will be denied boarding.
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Note: Bring crisp, undamaged, post-2013 US Dollar bills. Bank kiosks at CAI often reject torn, marked, or creased currency, and cards are not accepted.
Option 2: The E-Visa (For the Planners)
If you prefer to have everything sorted before you leave the US, you can apply for an e-Visa via the official Egyptian Government portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg).
- The Cost: $25 for a single entry, $60 for a multiple entry visa.
- The Timeline: Apply at least 7 days before your departure.
- The Process: Once approved, you print the e-Visa confirmation and present it directly to the passport control officer, skipping the bank kiosks entirely.
- Warning: Ensure you use the official government site, as there are many third-party sites that charge hefty unnecessary service fees.
Skip the Hassle with Kemerya Tours' Meet & Assist
After a long transatlantic flight, navigating a foreign airport can be exhausting. When you book a travel package with Kemerya Tours, we offer a VIP "Meet and Assist" service.
Our representative will be holding a sign with your name before passport control. They will already have your visa stickers in hand, help you bypass the bank lines, guide you through passport control, and assist with your luggage, leading you straight to your private, air-conditioned vehicle. It is the perfect, stress-free start to your Egyptian vacation.
Got your visa sorted? Now it’s time to plan the adventure of a lifetime! Explore our top-rated [Egypt Group Tour Packages] or discover Egypt on a budget with our affordable [Egypt Budget Tours]. Let Kemerya Tours handle the details while you enjoy the magic of Egypt!
FAQ
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Can I pay for the Egypt visa on arrival with a credit card?
No. Bank kiosks at Cairo Airport strictly accept cash ($25 USD). Bring exact change in bills.
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How long is the visa on arrival valid for?
It is a single-entry tourist visa valid for a stay of up to 30 days.
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Can US Green Card holders get a visa on arrival?
Eligibility depends on the passport of your citizenship, not your US permanent residency. Check your home country requirements before flying.
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