I might be wrong, but don’t you just buy an entry visa at a kiosk at the CAI airport before the customs counter and stick it in your passport yourself? That seems straight forward enough.
Are they eliminating the above method by switching to the e-visa? I fear getting a visa online might somehow not get recognized by the agent on the ground.
I don't think they are eliminating the on-arrival services but the website linked above says this below. Please note the passport validity is for 8 months instead of the most-often requested 6 months. The cost for the e-visa is no more, no less than what it is on arrival. $25. It looks convenient if it's legitimate! I have been warned by others who have been there (Facebook dive groups) that there are also middle men who hold signs with your name on it in the arrival area where you get your visa and try to get you to do it through them and they charge you a bit more all while looking very official. They have somehow accessed manifests or passenger lists.
You also need exact change to get it from the official avenue on arrival.
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Entry requirements (on arrival)
- Passport valid for at least eight months
- e-Visa printout
- Travel itinerary
- Supporting letter e.g. letter from company or invitation letter for business/family visits.
- Hotel bookings/details about places to visit if going as tourist.
An e-Visa is an official document permitting entry into and travel within Egypt.
The e-Visa is an alternative to visas issued at the ports of entry.
Applicants obtain their visas electronically after entering required information and making payments by a credit or debit card.
The link to download your e-Visa will be emailed to you. Passport control officers at ports of entry can verify your e-Visa on their system.
As in the case of other visas, respective Egyptian officials at the ports of entry reserve the right to deny entry into Egypt to a holder of an e-Visa without any explanation.
You are advised to create an e-Visa application at least 7 days before your departure.
