Yes — U.S. citizens need a visa for Egypt, and the eVisa is the recommended route. Apply online before you travel through the official government portal. A visa-on-arrival is also available for cash at the airport, and a newer digital-visa option now runs at Cairo Airport as well. Whichever you choose, your passport needs at least six months of validity left plus a blank page.
Key takeaways
- The tourist eVisa costs $30 for a single entry or $65 for multiple entries, paid by card on the official portal.
- Visa on arrival costs $30, paid in cash only.
- A newer "digital visa" issued at Cairo Airport costs $36 (the $30 fee plus a $6 service fee) as of August 2026.
- The visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days; the eVisa is valid for up to 3 months.
- Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your arrival date, plus one blank page.
The three ways in
| Option | Fee | Payment | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry) | $30 | Card, online | Apply before you fly |
| eVisa (multiple entry) | $65 | Card, online | Apply before you fly |
| Visa on arrival | $30 | Cash only | Bank counter, arrivals hall |
| Digital visa at Cairo Airport | $36 | Card, at the airport | Cairo International Airport only |
Fees are set by the Egyptian government and can change — confirm the current amount on the official portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg, before you pay.
Which one should a U.S. citizen pick?
The eVisa is the safer default: you know before you fly that your paperwork is in order, and it works at every entry point, not just Cairo. For a full breakdown of when visa on arrival still makes sense, see eVisa vs visa on arrival. For the application steps themselves, see Egypt visa requirements and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an Egypt visa on landing without applying first?
Yes, via visa on arrival or the newer digital-visa desk at Cairo Airport, both paid at the airport. Applying for the eVisa in advance simply removes that step.
Does the U.S. have a visa-free agreement with Egypt?
No — a visa (in one of the forms above) is required for U.S. passport holders visiting for tourism.
How far ahead should I apply for the eVisa?
It is an application, not an instant purchase, so apply at least several days before departure. Our how to book page covers where this fits in your overall trip planning.
Reviewed September 2026.