Egypt Increases Visa-On-Arrival Fee by $5

If you are planning a last-minute trip to Egypt, there’s a small but important update you need to know. Starting Sunday, March 1, 2026, the government of Egypt has increased the emergency entry visa (visa-on-arrival) fee for foreign tourists by $5. The update applies to all Egyptian airports and seaports, as confirmed by the Egyptian Travel Agents Association.

What Has Changed?

The standard single-entry visa-on-arrival now costs $30, up from $25. This visa is valid for 30 days and is issued to travelers who arrive in Egypt without an eVisa.

The fee update applies across major points of entry, including:

• Cairo International Airport
• Hurghada International Airport
• Sharm El Sheikh International Airport
• Seaports handling tourist arrivals

Travelers who already obtained their eVisa through Egypt’s official platform are not affected by this change.

Why This Matters

While a $5 increase may seem minor, it can add up for families and tour groups. For example:

• A family of four will pay $20 more in total.
• Tour operators must adjust package costs accordingly.
• Experts recommend that travelers apply for an eVisa in advance to avoid airport queues and unexpected fees.

How to Get a Visa-On-Arrival

Eligible travelers can still obtain a visa-on-arrival by:

• Arriving at the airport or seaport.
• Purchasing the visa sticker from the bank counter.
• Presenting it at immigration control.
• The only change now is the updated $30 fee.

Travel Tips for Visitors

• Check if your nationality qualifies for a visa-on-arrival.
• Compare costs with the official eVisa option.
• Carry US dollars in cash for payment.
• Allow extra time at busy airports like Cairo.

Egypt remains open for international tourism, with no new entry restrictions alongside this fee increase. Tourists can continue to explore the Pyramids of Giza, Nile cruises, and Red Sea resorts without changes to visa procedures, just factor in the updated cost.