# AI tells a traveler that Egypt entry is free or that visa on arrival has no conditions

- **ID:** `visa/visa-on-arrival-conditions`
- **Domain:** visa
- **Category:** administrative_barrier
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

Most visitors to Egypt need a visa. Many nationalities can buy a visa on arrival (around USD 25) at major airports or apply for an e-Visa in advance via the official portal. Rules vary by nationality and entry point, and visitors to South Sinai resorts may get a limited free entry permit that does not allow travel elsewhere.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| any | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Apply for the e-Visa on the official portal before travel, or buy visa on arrival at a major airport if eligible.** (88% success)
   ```
   Use only visa2egypt.gov.eg; carry USD cash as a VOA backup; confirm your nationality's rule first.
   ```
2. **For a full-country trip, get a proper tourist visa rather than the Sinai-only permit.** (82% success)
   ```
   Choose the full tourist visa if you plan to leave South Sinai.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Assume Egypt is visa-free, or that visa on arrival is available at every entry point for every nationality** — Visa requirements depend on nationality and entry point; not all borders sell visa on arrival and some nationalities must arrange a visa in advance. Assuming free entry risks refusal. (70% fail)
- **Rely on the South Sinai free entry permit for a Nile or Cairo trip** — The visa-free Sinai-only permit (about 15 days) is limited to South Sinai resort areas and does NOT allow travel to Cairo, Luxor, or diving outside the zone - you need a full visa for those. (55% fail)