Egypt launches digital visa-on-arrival system at Cairo International Airport

How to get an Egyptian visa

Ahmed Nabil, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Aviation Affairs, said that instead of the traditional paper visa sticker, travellers will receive a digital QR code.

The code can be obtained through the following services:

• a dedicated mobile application available to users worldwide;
• self-service kiosks at Cairo International Airport;
• the official online portal.

The issued QR code is valid for seven days from the date and time of issuance. This allows tourists to complete the visa process before arriving in Egypt. The system also allows accredited travel companies to obtain QR codes for organised tourist groups, simplifying entry procedures for group tours.

Mohamed Shaaban, Deputy Minister for Digital Services, explained that travellers can obtain the QR code before departure, during the flight, or immediately after arriving at Cairo International Airport. After that, they can proceed directly to passport control.

Transition period

The pilot project will be launched across all arrival halls at Cairo International Airport. During the initial stages, the digital platform will operate alongside the existing paper visa system. Travellers will be able to choose either option. Authorities expect this approach to ensure a smooth transition to the new technology without disrupting passenger flows.

The automated service will include an additional processing fee on top of the standard visa-on-arrival charge. The total cost of obtaining a digital Egyptian visa will be $36.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism has called on airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, and online travel platforms to inform customers about the new system ahead of its nationwide rollout.

Reaction from Egypt’s tourism industry experts

Hossam Al-Shaer, Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Federation, described the launch of the digital visa as a major milestone that the tourism industry had been seeking for the past 15 years. He believes the new system will make entry procedures faster and more convenient for visitors and expressed hope that the programme will eventually be extended to citizens of all countries.

Al-Shaer also said that the visa fee could eventually be reduced to the 2014 level of $15. He noted that many of Egypt’s key competitors in the tourism market, including Turkey, the UAE, Tunisia, and Morocco, either offer visa-free entry or waive visa fees for visitors from their main source markets. This provides these destinations with a significant competitive advantage.

The expert stressed that the introduction of the digital system itself is already a major achievement, but the competitiveness of a tourism destination depends not only on visa costs but also on continuous improvements in the quality of services provided to visitors.

Egypt plans to expand the list of eligible countries

Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the initiative is part of the government’s strategy to improve the quality of services provided to travellers from the moment they arrive in the country until their departure. He stressed that simplifying entry procedures remains one of the key priorities for improving services and strengthening Egypt’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

Citizens of more than 180 countries that are already eligible for visas on arrival in Egypt will be able to use the new service. Nader Al-Biblawi, Chairman of the Chamber of Travel and Tourism Companies and Agencies, said that expanding the list of eligible countries should become an important next step.

He added that the government’s strategy also includes measures to expand air connectivity, increase hotel capacity, and diversify target tourism markets. According to Al-Biblawi, this comprehensive approach should support the long-term growth of the sector.

Prospects for Egypt’s tourism sector

Analysts at International Investment note that the launch of the digital visa-on-arrival system reflects a broader trend in the global tourism market. Countries are increasingly moving entry procedures online, aiming to reduce border waiting times and make travel more convenient from the first moments of arrival. For Egypt, this is also part of the competition for international tourist flows.

At the same time, the sector continues to face external and internal challenges. Geopolitical instability in the Middle East remains a factor affecting tourism, as some travellers postpone trips to the region or choose alternative destinations. In addition, Egypt continues to face criticism over uneven service quality.

Digitalising entry procedures is only one element of improving the country’s competitiveness. Long-term growth will depend on the government’s ability to address security concerns, raise service standards, and further develop tourism infrastructure.