You have your passport, your ticket and your hotel. Then the check-in agent asks: "Do you have your OK-to-Board?" For many African travelers flying to Egypt, that one question decides whether the trip starts or ends at the airport.

What is OK-to-Board?

OK-to-Board (often written OKTB) is a clearance an airline records on your booking before letting you fly to certain destinations. For Egypt it is commonly requested for passengers of specific nationalities who will obtain their visa on arrival. It confirms that the passenger's travel details have been checked and that the airline can carry them.

Who needs OK-to-Board for Egypt?

Requirements depend on your nationality, airline and route, and they change. Travelers from several West, Central and East African countries are regularly asked for it. The simplest way to know is to ask us with your passport nationality and ticket — we will tell you before you spend anything.

Why we recommend EgyptAir and Ethiopian Airlines

In our daily work with travelers, two airlines consistently deliver the fastest OK-to-Board confirmations:

  • EgyptAir — Egypt's national carrier, flying directly into its Cairo hub. Coordination is direct and quick.
  • Ethiopian Airlines — Africa's largest network, connecting cities like Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Nairobi, Kinshasa and N'Djamena to Cairo through Addis Ababa.

With either airline, MISR VISA typically secures OK-to-Board within 24 to 48 hours of receiving a clear passport copy and a confirmed ticket. Other carriers can take longer and are less predictable, so our recommendation is simple: book EgyptAir or Ethiopian first, then apply.

How long does OK-to-Board take?

  • EgyptAir or Ethiopian Airlines: usually 24–48 hours
  • Other airlines: varies — allow extra days
  • Our advice: apply at least 3 days before departure

How much does OK-to-Board cost?

There is no fixed price. The OK-to-Board fee changes day by day and depends on your nationality and airline, so we never publish a price that could be out of date tomorrow. Send us your nationality, passport and ticket, and we tell you today's price before you pay anything. The USD 36 visa on arrival is a separate fee paid at Cairo Airport.

What you need to apply

  1. A clear colour scan or photo of your passport data page
  2. Your confirmed ticket (PNR / booking reference)
  3. Your WhatsApp number and email for updates

After approval

Once your airline confirms the required boarding clearance, you can proceed with your travel preparations. The entry and visa process at Cairo Airport depends on your nationality, passport, airline and the requirements applicable to your trip. MISR VISA can assist with the process and explain what to expect before you travel. See the full Egypt visa on arrival guide.

Travelling on a Nigerian passport? Our Egypt OK-to-Board guide for Nigerians covers the Lagos and Abuja routes in detail, and OK-to-Board support explains how we handle the airline step for you.

Apply for OK-to-Board now — and track every step with your private MISR VISA tracking number.