What happens when you arrive in Cairo and need a visa? Watch the video below about the reality of navigating Egyptian customs, the “wrong line” struggle, and the joy of finding helpers.
Here’s the latest on getting your visa upon arrival at the Cairo Airport.
Locate the Bank Kiosks: After deplaning but before joining the immigration or passport control lines, look for bank kiosks (such as Banque Misr, Banque du Caire, or the National Bank of Egypt). These are typically located on the right or left sides of the arrival hall.
Pay the Fee: Present your passport and pay the $30 cash fee. While some banks may accept Euros or British Pounds, US Dollars in crisp, new bills are strongly preferred. Most kiosks do not accept credit cards, so having exact change is highly recommended.
Receive Your Sticker: The teller will give you a physical visa sticker. Do not stick it in your passport yourself; instead, take the loose sticker and your passport to the immigration officer, who will affix it and apply the entry stamp.
Of course, if you are traveling as part of a group tour (like Educational Opportunities or the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies), it’s even easier. Just look for the “meet and greet” person with a sign for you and/or your group when you arrive. They will take care of the paperwork for you! Easy peasy.
As Fred Rogers used to say on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, “Look for the helpers.”