Egypt Visa Requirements – Okay To Board and Sticker visa

In this blog, I will explain how to apply for an Egypt visa and obtain a security clearance called Egypt Okay-To-Board. You can either get an Egypt sticker visa in Nigeria or obtain it on arrival, depending on your plan.

Nigerian passport holders, as well as some other nationals, require a visa to visit Egypt. This visa is issued on arrival; however, every applicant must apply for Okay-To-Board (security clearance) prior to the visa on arrival.

How Do I Apply for Egypt Okay-To-Board?

To apply for Egypt Okay-To-Board, your visa application must be processed through the Egyptian immigration system. A registered and trusted travel agent can assist with obtaining the Egyptian security clearance.

What Documents are Required for the Egypt Okay-To-Board to Obtain an Egypt Visa on Arrival?

Data Page: A copy of your international data page, which must be valid for at least six months.

Flight Reservation: You will need a flight reservation showing the departure and arrival airports in Egypt. The reservation must display your name as it appears on your passport and be either an EgyptAir or Ethiopian Airlines booking.

Payment: A fee is payable for processing the Egypt Okay-To-Board for the Egypt visa. The amount varies depending on your nationality.

What is the Processing Time for Security Clearance (Okay To Board) for Egypt Visa

Typically, it takes between 2 and 7 business days for the Egypt Okay-To-Board (security clearance) to be ready. In some cases, it may take longer.

How Does the Egypt Security Clearance (Egypt-Okay-To-Board) Work?

It appears as a list of names in batches, including applicants' full names, routes, and flight details.

What is the Next Step When the Egypt Okay to Board is Approved?

The next step is to arrive on your travel date as specified on your security clearance, the okay-to-board. Proceed to the check-in counter and present your documents, including your international passport, flight ticket, and confirmation of your security clearance.

How Do I Obtain the Egypt Visa on Arrival at any Egyptian Airport?

First, proceed to the immigration counter for check-in. The immigration officers will request your passport for documentation and processing.

They will ask you to complete a card and receive a sticker visa stamp at a small station, costing $25. Afterwards, you will return to the immigration officer for the final stamping. You are not permitted to place the stamp in your passport until you receive approval from the immigration officer, who will then affix the visa.

Which Countries Require Security Clearance (Okay To Board) for an Egypt Visa on Arrival?

Below is the list of countries whose nationals must undergo Egyptian security clearance to obtain an Okay-To-Board for the Egyptian visa.

If your nationality is listed above, you can contact us for assistance with your Egypt visa application.

How to skip the security clearance (Okay to board) to get the Egypt visa on arrival

If you have a valid U.S., UK, or Schengen visa and have used it to travel, you can buy your flight ticket, proceed to the airport, and obtain the visa on arrival in Egypt. You will have to pay USD 25 to get the sticker visa at the port of entry.

The only airline you must board is either Egypt Air or Ethiopian Airlines.

How to Apply for Egypt sticker visa from Nigeria

If you prefer to apply for the Egypt sticker visa in Nigeria before your trip, you must visit the embassy in Abuja for in-person submission. If the visa is granted, you can travel with any airline, not just Egypt Air or Ethiopian Airlines.

What documents are required for an Egypt sticker visa in Nigeria?

·       International passport: You must submit a hard copy of your passport, valid for at least 6 months.

·       Bank statement: A recent 6-month bank statement must be submitted along with your supporting documents.

·       Flight booking: Proof of return flight ticket showing the applicant's details.

·       Accommodation: Proof of a hotel reservation or other accommodation must be provided for the Egypt visa application.

·       Introduction letter: A letter from your company, addressed to the Egyptian embassy, is also required for the Egyptian sticker visa.

·       Visa fee: A 100 USD fee is paid in cash to the embassy. If you hold a diplomatic or official passport or a UN Laissez-Passer, you are exempt from paying the Egypt visa fee.

·       Passport photograph: Two passport-sized photographs are mandatory for the visa application

·       Copies of visas: If you have visas in your passport, it is recommended to make copies of all and include them with the supporting documents.

·       Yellow fever vaccination card: A copy of your yellow fever card must be included in your visa application.

If an applicant is travelling for business or medical reasons, a letter from Egypt must be included with their visa application.

What is the processing time for an Egypt visa sticker?

The time it takes to process a visa application at the embassy depends on the type of passport submitted and the applicant's nationality. Usually, it takes about 15 working days for the embassy to reach a final decision on each visa application.

Where is the Egyptian embassy in Nigeria located?

At present, you can only submit your Egypt visa application at the Egyptian embassy in Abuja. Their address is listed below:

Plot 340, Diplomatic Drive, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

What is the difference between the Egypt Tourist Visa, the Egypt Business visa and the Medical visa?

Egypt Tourist Visa: The Egypt tourist visa allows you to enter the country for tourism. Your purpose is to take a vacation and visit tourist attractions in different cities, if you wish.

Egypt Business Visa: As mentioned earlier, if you are visiting for business, you will need an invitation letter from your host in Egypt. This type of visa allows you to attend business meetings, conferences, seminars, and events, as well as short courses. It also permits you to visit tourist attractions in Egypt, shop, and see family and friends.

Egypt Medical Visa: For medical purposes, a letter from an Egyptian hospital and a referral letter from a recognised hospital in Nigeria are mandatory. The letters must detail the applicant's diagnosis and any previous treatment. The hospital’s address and phone number must be included in the letter. You can also use a medical visa to visit as a tourist.

How to apply for Egypt e-visa online without visiting the embassy

To apply for an Egypt e-visa online, you must be from one of the countries eligible for the e-visa. Applicants will receive their visas electronically after decisions have been made.

You can only apply for a tourist visa online. The applicant can choose either a single- or multiple-entry visa when applying online.

What documents are required to apply for the Egypt E-visa online?

·       Passport data page: A copy of your passport data page needs to be uploaded to the website.

·       Host details: You will need to input your accommodation or hotel details when applying on the Egypt website.

·       Visa fees: You can either pay $25 for a single-entry visa or $60 for a multiple-entry visa.

·       To apply

·       Website: You must apply through the website of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Currently, Nigerian passport holders cannot apply through this website. They need to apply either at the embassy or through the Egypt Okay To Board (Security Clearance) process, which allows them to get a visa on arrival.

Below is a list of countries eligible to apply for the Egypt e-Visa online:

Egypt Transit visa

A transit visa permits a traveler to stay in a country for a few hours or days when it is not their final destination.

If your transit or layover is under 24 hours and you stay within the airport, you don't need a transit visa.

If your layover is 24 hours or more, you must apply for an Egypt transit visa in advance before you land at any Egyptian airport.

Is it possible for a traveler to extend their Egypt visa?

Yes, travelers of any nationality, including Nigerians, can extend their visas while in Egypt. You need to visit the Egyptian Immigration office to process the extension.

Some African countries where travellers are 14 years old or younger are exempt from needing an Egypt visa. Countries such as Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia are included in this exemption for travellers aged 14 or younger.

For additional details about the Egypt visa, reach out to us here or on Instagram @visapaper.