Egypt to Launch Digital Visa-on-Arrival via QR Code at Cairo Airport

Egypt has signed two agreements to introduce a fully digital visa-on-arrival system at Cairo International Airport, with an operational launch set for August 2026. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy attended the signing ceremony alongside officials from the Central Bank of Egypt, implementing company SciShield Technology, and service providers the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr.

How the New System Works

The new process replaces the current paper-based stamp with a QR code issued after an online application and electronic payment. Travellers can apply through three channels: self-service kiosks at the airport on arrival, the system’s official website, or a dedicated mobile app. Applications will also be accepted up to 48 hours before departure, meaning visitors can clear this step from home rather than joining a queue at the visa counter.

After the Cairo rollout, the system is planned to expand gradually to all Egyptian airports.

What Changes for Visitors

Today, most travellers buy a physical visa stamp on arrival, which can mean a long wait at the counter during busy periods. The digital system is designed to eliminate that bottleneck: anyone who applies and pays in advance will move straight through passport control without stopping at a dedicated visa window.

The standard fee stays at $30 USD for a single-entry tourist visa — unchanged from the current rate. The nationalities that qualify for visa on arrival today will continue to qualify under the new system.

What to Do Before August

The digital system will not be live until August 2026, so travellers arriving before then should use the existing options. Egypt’s e-visa portal (evisa.gov.eg) is the fastest current alternative: approvals typically arrive within three to five business days and the process is entirely online.

If you are planning a visit to Cairo this summer, locking in your e-visa well before travel is the most reliable way to arrive stress-free. Our Cairo getting there guide covers what to expect at the airport from landing to exit, and our Cairo day tours page has options ready to book once you have cleared arrivals.

With Egypt targeting 30 million visitors in 2026, the digital visa-on-arrival system is a clear signal that the country is investing in making entry as smooth as possible — a welcome development for independent travellers who have long found the arrivals hall the most stressful part of an Egypt trip.