Can Kazakhstan citizens get a visa on arrival in Sharm el-Sheikh without buying through a tour operator?
Based on 2 discussions with 4 participants · Last activity: 27 days ago
TL;DR
Kazakhstan citizens need a guarantee letter from a local tour company to get an Egyptian visa — this can be purchased at the arrival hall for around $30, plus $30 for the visa itself. Buying everything through your home tour operator is not required.
What the community said
Tour operators from Kazakhstan often insist that their clients must buy the visa and Cairo excursion through them, claiming Kazakhstan citizens cannot get a visa independently on arrival. However, many travelers report doing it themselves. The operator is likely just marking up the price 3–5 times.
27 days ago Tour operator markup: 3–5x
Kazakhstan citizens face different visa conditions compared to some other nationalities: in addition to the standard $30 visa fee, they must provide a guarantee letter from a local Egyptian tour company. Without this letter, the visa will not be issued.
27 days ago Visa: $30 + guarantee letter required
One Kazakhstan traveler managed to buy the required guarantee letter directly at the Sharm el-Sheikh arrival hall — reportedly from local tour operator representatives — for $30, then paid the $30 visa fee separately. Total cost was $60, far less than buying through a home tour operator.
27 days ago Total on arrival: ~$60 ($30 letter + $30 visa)
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