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Egypt Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

South African citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for Egypt at major airports for USD 25, valid for a single entry stay of up to 30 days.

Guide last updated September 18, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry
  • At least 1 blank passport page
  • Return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking)
  • Proof of sufficient funds may be requested, though rarely checked
  • No photos required for the visa on arrival stamp
  • No biometrics collected on arrival beyond standard passport control
  • Travel health insurance recommended

Visa types

  • Tourist visa on arrival: single entry, valid 30 days, USD 25
  • An e-Visa alternative is also available in advance via visa2egypt.gov.eg for USD 25 (single entry) or USD 60 (multiple entry, valid 90 days), which some travelers prefer to skip the airport queue
  • Business visas require advance application through the Egyptian Embassy rather than the on-arrival or e-Visa route

Visa on arrival

  • Available at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and other major international airports
  • Purchase a visa stamp/sticker at the bank kiosk in the arrivals hall before joining the immigration queue
  • Fee is USD 25 for a single-entry 30-day stay, payable in USD, EUR, or GBP cash
  • Processing takes 5-15 minutes, including the kiosk purchase and immigration stamp
  • Land border crossings (e.g., from Israel or Jordan) may have different procedures, so airport entry is the most straightforward for South Africans

Fees & processing time

  • Visa on arrival fee: USD 25 (about ZAR 460)
  • No separate service fee at the airport kiosk
  • Total cost is the visa fee only, payable in cash
  • Processing time: 5-15 minutes at the airport bank kiosk and immigration counter
  • No express/priority lane; the e-Visa option (processed in 3-7 days online before travel) can be used instead to skip the on-arrival queue

Tips for South African travelers

  • Carry small denomination USD or EUR notes for the visa stamp, as change is not always available
  • Consider applying for the e-Visa in advance if you want to avoid airport queues, especially during peak tourist season
  • The most common issue is travelers not realizing they must buy the stamp at the bank kiosk before joining the immigration line
  • Confirm your hotel booking is accessible on your phone or printed, as it may be requested
  • To extend beyond 30 days, visit the Mogamma government complex in Cairo or a regional passport office before the visa expires

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.