E-visa or visa on arrival?
| E-visa (online) | Visa on arrival | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg, before departure | Airport counter at Hurghada, before passport control |
| Price | Shown on the portal when you apply | 30 dollars, cash (read on 29 October 2026) |
| Documents | Passport scan, recent photo on a white background | Passport, sometimes a queue |
| For whom | Those who want to avoid the queue | Last minute or the nationalities concerned |
Only one guide requires a passport valid for at least six months at entry: plan for it in any case.
Our choice
- You leave in more than a week: the e-visa, to avoid the queue and fake counters. Keep the approval printed or saved.
- Last minute: the visa on arrival, with cash in reserve; check the accepted payment methods.
- A stay that covers several regions: the Sinai-only stamp does not cover Hurghada; you need a full visa.
Traps to avoid
- Fake sites: only the official portal is reliable (visa2egypt.gov.eg). Agency sites often charge extra fees. See also scams in Hurghada.
- The price changes: the figures above date from October 2026 and have already moved in 2026; compare before paying.
- For the rest of the file: laws, drones, alcohol, medicines: Before leaving for Hurghada.
To plan besides the visa
- Internet on arrival: an Egypt eSIM installed before departure saves you the shop queue: see Egypt eSIM.
- Health insurance: see travel insurance for Egypt.
- From the airport to the hotel: Hurghada airport, town centre and hotels.
FAQ
Which visa for Hurghada? A standard tourist visa (e-visa or on arrival); the Sinai-only visa does not cover Hurghada.
How much does the visa cost? The visa on arrival costs 30 US dollars, cash; the e-visa price is shown on the official portal when you apply.
Where to apply? Online at visa2egypt.gov.eg, or on arrival at the airport.
What passport validity? Plan for six months from the date of entry.
The Hurghada Authority editorial team, 26 October 2026.
