Egypt Launches Digital Visa-on-Arrival System – QR Code Replaces Paper Stickers from August 1, 2026

Egypt launches digital visa-on-arrival system from August 1, 2026

CAIRO — July 23, 2026 — The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities has announced a new Digital Visa-on-Arrival System, a key step forward in modernizing entry procedures for international travelers. The pilot phase of the new system will begin on August 1, 2026, at Cairo International Airport (all arrival terminals), marking the first stage of a nationwide rollout to other airports .

The system substitutes the conventional paper visa sticker with a Visa QR Code, providing a quicker, more seamless arrival experience that demonstrates Egypt's dedication to smart, traveler-friendly solutions.

Quick Facts: Egypt Digital Visa-on-Arrival System 2026

Feature	Details
Launch Date (Pilot)	August 1, 2026
Pilot Location	Cairo International Airport (all arrival terminals)
System Type	Digital Visa-on-Arrival (QR Code)
Total Cost	USD 36 (USD 30 visa fee + USD 6 issuing fee)
QR Code Validity	48 hours from issuance
Access Channels	Online portal, mobile app, self-service kiosks at airport
Phase-Out Plan	Paper stickers phased out after pilot completion
Future Rollout	Other Egyptian airports in stages

How the Digital Visa-on-Arrival System Works

Getting Your QR Code

Travelers can get their Visa QR Code via three channels :

Channel	Details
Official Online Portal	Live 48 hours before the pilot
Official Mobile Application	Dedicated mobile app for visa applications
Self-Service Kiosks	Located in Cairo Airport's arrival halls

Generation and Validity

• The QR code can be generated before departure, mid-flight, or after landing

• Travel agencies can generate codes on behalf of clients

• Each QR code remains valid for 48 hours from issuance

• Officers scan the QR code alongside the traveler's passport at the border

• The code can be presented electronically (email) or printed

Pricing

The total cost is set at USD 36: USD 30 current visa fee plus a USD 6 issuing fee .

Transition from Paper to Digital

During the pilot phase, the digital system will run alongside the existing paper visa process. Once the pilot is concluded, the traditional paper visa sticker will be phased out entirely, and the QR code will become the sole entry method .

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy noted that the visa system is being comprehensively upgraded, with the aim of reducing queues and congestion at Egyptian airports . Egypt currently provides simplified visa arrangements to citizens of as many as 180 countries through its different schemes .

Who Can Use the Digital Visa-on-Arrival?

118 nationalities are eligible to obtain visas on arrival at Egyptian airports . The nationalities eligible are selected according to several criteria, including security and tourism considerations and the principle of reciprocity .

Existing Visa-Free Rules for Sinai

For travelers arriving directly at Sharm El-Sheikh who do not leave the Sinai Peninsula, the existing rule remains in effect: a free entry stamp in the passport for up to 15 days

Official Visa Portals

• Egypt e-Visa Portal: The official government portal for applying for an Egyptian e‑visa before travel. This system remains operational and is a separate option from the new digital visa-on-arrival .

• Egyptian Tourism Authority: Official tourism board for Egypt. The source of the press release announcing the new Digital Visa-on-Arrival System

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