Need an Egypt Arrival Card or Egypt Visa? Entry Guide

What is the Egypt Arrival Card, e-Visa & Visa on Arrival?

Historically, the Egypt arrival card was a yellow paper disembarkation form handed out on flights, which all foreign visitors had to complete before passport control. As of 2026, this paper system has been officially phased out nationwide under Egypt’s airport digital transformation program.

Instead of filling out a paper card, immigration officers now scan your passport and pull your travel details automatically through the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS). Travelers only need a valid entry authorization—either an electronic visa (e-Visa) applied for in advance or a Visa on Arrival (VoA) purchased at the airport bank counter—along with a valid passport to complete entry.

Note: A separate paper customs declaration form still exists for travelers carrying dutiable items or large amounts of cash, but it is not required for standard tourists with personal luggage.

Egypt Visa Options: e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival

Egypt Visa Options: e-Visa vs Visa on Arrival (AIGC image, for reference only)

Egypt offers two primary tourist visa options for eligible nationalities. Both grant a 30-day stay for single-entry visits.

e-Visa (Online)

The e-Visa is applied for and issued before departure via the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.

• Fee: USD 25 for single entry; USD 60 for multiple entry
• Processing time: 3–5 business days; apply at least 7–14 days before travel
• Validity: 90 days from date of issue
• Payment: Credit or debit card online
• Benefits: No queue at the airport, confirmed status before departure, no cash required

Visa on Arrival

Available at all major international airports (Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor, Aswan) for eligible nationalities.

• Fee: USD 30 (cash only, effective March 2026); exact USD bills recommended as change may be limited
• Issued at: Dedicated bank counters before passport control
• Benefits: No advance application needed, ideal for last-minute travel
• Drawbacks: Queues during peak hours, requires exact cash, subject to on-site immigration discretion

Which is better?

For most travelers, the e-Visa is the recommended choice. It costs the same or less than visa on arrival, eliminates the need to carry exact cash, and lets you skip the visa purchase queue at the airport — a major time saver at busy terminals like Cairo. Visa on arrival remains a reliable backup for spontaneous trips or if you cannot complete the online application.

❗Disclaimer: Egyptian immigration, visa, and customs policies are subject to change. Always verify the latest official requirements from the Egyptian Ministry of Interior or the official e-Visa portal before travel.

Egypt Entry Requirements

Egypt Entry Requirements (AIGC image, for reference only)

Before traveling to Egypt, ensure you have the following ready:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry, with at least one blank visa page
• Valid entry authorization: e-Visa, visa on arrival eligibility, or visa-free status according to your nationality
• Return or onward travel ticket — may be verified at check-in or randomly by immigration officers
• Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation with full physical address
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of your stay
• Customs declaration form if you are carrying cash or goods above the official thresholds

Do You Need to Fill Out an Egypt Arrival Card?

No. As of 2026, there is no arrival card (paper or online) to complete for immigration purposes when entering Egypt.

This applies to all international visitors, regardless of nationality or visa type — tourists, business travelers, and transit passengers entering the country all benefit from the paperless system. Cabin crew no longer distribute arrival forms on board, and there are no blank cards to fill out at the immigration hall.

When you do need to complete a form

A paper customs declaration is only required if you are:

• Carrying cash, traveler’s checks, or bearer negotiable instruments totaling more than USD 10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies)
• Carrying Egyptian pounds exceeding EGP 5,000
• Bringing in goods above personal duty-free allowances
• Transporting restricted items such as commercial goods, certain medications, firearms, or drones

Customs declaration forms are available at customs counters in the arrivals hall and may also be distributed on your flight if applicable.

Is Egypt Entry Fully Digital?

Entry to Egypt is partially digital — immigration paperwork has been eliminated, but most in-person border checks remain. Here is the breakdown:

Fully digital processes

• Immigration arrival record: No paper arrival card; data is retrieved via passport scan through the APIS system
• e-Visa application and approval: Completed entirely online via the official government portal, delivered by email

Still in-person / not fully digital

• Visa on arrival: Purchased in cash at airport bank counters, with a physical sticker affixed to your passport
• Passport control: All travelers must present a physical passport for stamping, fingerprinting, and facial photo capture
• Customs inspection: Baggage X-rays and random checks are conducted on site; paper declarations are required for dutiable items
• Random document verification: Officers may ask to see physical or digital copies of return tickets, hotel bookings, or proof of funds
• Automated e-gates: Available on a limited basis at Cairo Airport for pre-registered travelers; most tourists use staffed immigration counters

Egypt Arrival Process at Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Egypt Arrival Process at Cairo International Airport (CAI) (AIGC image, for reference only)

1. Follow International Arrivals signs

After disembarking, walk along the arrival corridor and follow the clearly marked International Arrivals / Passport Control signs. The route is well signposted in English and Arabic.

2. Purchase your visa (if arriving without one)

If you are getting a visa on arrival, go first to the National Bank of Egypt counters located before the immigration hall. Pay the USD 30 fee in cash and receive your visa sticker, which will be affixed to your passport.
If you already have an e-Visa, skip this step and proceed directly to passport control.

3. Clear immigration

Join the foreign visitors passport control queue. Hand over your physical passport (with visa sticker if applicable). The officer will scan your passport to pull your records, take your fingerprints and a digital photo, and stamp your entry. No arrival card is needed.

4. Collect your baggage

After immigration, proceed to the baggage claim hall. Check the information screens for your flight number and assigned carousel. Luggage trolleys are available free of charge.

5. Pass through customs

• Use the green channel if you have no dutiable goods and are carrying less than USD 10,000 in cash.
• Use the red channel if you have goods to declare, and submit a completed customs declaration form.
  Random baggage scans and inspections may take place at either channel.

6. Exit to the public arrivals hall

Once cleared, you will enter the main arrivals area, where you will find taxi ranks, ride-hail pick-up points, SIM card counters, ATMs, and currency exchange offices.

Egypt Customs Declaration Rules

Egyptian customs enforce standard duty-free allowances for personal effects. You must declare if you are carrying:

• Cash or bearer instruments with a total value exceeding USD 10,000 (or foreign currency equivalent)
• More than EGP 5,000 in local currency
• Goods intended for commercial use or resale
• Restricted items including drones, firearms, weapons, and certain prescription medications
• Alcohol and tobacco above personal duty-free limits

Failure to declare restricted or dutiable items may result in fines, confiscation, or further legal action. When in doubt, declare the item.

🔥[Discount] Egypt Hotel Recommendations

🎁 Cheap Flights to Egypt, Best Hotels in Egypt. Book fast Egypt eSIM.