For those navigating visa renewals and immigration processes in Cairo, the VIP immigration service at the Abbasiya Jawazaat Office offers a streamlined, efficient experience, promising reduced wait times and added convenience. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of this service, including all the updated steps and practical tips for a smooth visit.

Service Overview

  • VIP Processing: Offers a quick, approximately one-hour service for visa renewals and issuance.
  • Location: 5th Floor of the Jawazaat Office in Abbasiya, Cairo, or alternatively, Window 26 on the 2nd Floor if the 5th floor service is unavailable.
  • Cost: $65 per person for the VIP service, plus additional visa fees of around $150.
  • Delivery: Residency cards (Iqama) are delivered to your residence within 3-10 days, depending on nationality, through a system similar to local delivery services.
  • Website: Tarabot Express (https://tarabotexpress.com/)  
  • Currency Required: Payments are accepted only in U.S. dollars.

Documentation Needed

For a 6-Month Visa:

  • Passport with the visa stamp.
  • USD cash for fees (approximately $150 total).
  • No rental contract is required, and all necessary document copies can be made on-site.

For a 1-Year Education Visa:

  • Passport with the visa stamp.
  • USD cash.
  • Child’s birth certificate (translated to Arabic if applicable).
  • A document verifying student enrollment from the school (no additional stamps required).

Updated Process Steps

Step 1: VIP Processing and Initial Payment

  • Primary Option: Visit the VIP section on the 5th Floor of the Jawazaat Office for expedited service.
  • Alternative Option: If the 5th-floor service is unavailable, go to Window 26 on the 2nd Floor, Tarabot Express’s dedicated window.

Step 2: Application and Service Fee

Complete the delivery application and pay the $65 service fee at the chosen window (5th Floor VIP or Window 26 on the 2nd Floor).

Step 3: Make Necessary Document Copies

Make copies of the following documents if you haven’t already:

  •  Passport’s visa stamp
  •  Passport’s first page
  •  Existing residency card (if applicable)
  •  Cost for copies: Approximately 20 EGP

Step 4: Currency Exchange and Payment of Visa Fees

  • Location: Bank Misr, located within the immigration office.
  • Conversion and Payment: Convert your USD to Egyptian pounds and pay the visa fee, which is currently set at $150 per person.

Step 5: Submit Paperwork for Approval

Head to Window 42 to turn in all necessary documents for initial approval.

Step 6: Final Step - Photo Submission

Proceed to Window 43 to have your photo taken for the residency card.

Practical Tips and Key Insights

  • No Appointment Needed: The VIP service does not require an appointment, making it convenient for those with limited schedules.
  • Quick Turnaround: The whole process typically takes about one hour, and many report receiving their residency card within three days.
  • Bring USD: The immigration office only accepts cash payments in USD, so come prepared.
  • Support on Site: Staff on the 5th Floor, and particularly at Window 26 on the 2nd Floor, are known for being helpful, with some English-speaking assistants available to aid foreigners.
  • Delivery Service: Once processed, your residency card will be delivered directly to your residence within 3-10 days.

Additional Considerations

  • Rental Contracts Not Required: There is no need to bring a rental contract, as it is not part of the required documents. Those with basic rental agreements (e.g., blue paper from landlords) will not need to present them.
  • Education-Specific Requirements: For those on student visas, a birth certificate in Arabic and a simple letter from the school are typically sufficient for documentation.
  • Fee Consistency: The VIP service fee remains at $65 per person, but the residency renewal fee has increased to $150 per individual.

This up-to-date guide provides clear and actionable steps for using the VIP immigration service in Cairo, which helps alleviate much of the stress typically associated with immigration processes. With this service, securing or renewing your visa in Egypt can be a far simpler, faster experience. Please bare in mind that things change frequently. Use this information as a general guideline.