News

Egypt Modernizes Tourism with New Digital Visa-on-Arrival System at Cairo Airport

Mohamed Imam

24 Jul 2026 — 2 min read

In a major move toward digital transformation, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities has officially announced the rollout of a new Digital Visa-on-Arrival System designed to eliminate paper stickers and streamline airport processing times for international travelers.

The pilot phase officially launches on August 1, 2026, across all terminals at Cairo International Airport (CAI), marking the first step in a nationwide transition toward a paperless border experience.

How the New QR-Code Visa Works

Under the new system, eligible international visitors will no longer receive a physical paper sticker inserted into their passport upon landing. Instead, immigration officers will simply scan a dynamic Visa QR Code alongside the traveler's passport.

Travelers can generate their official QR code through three primary options:

Official Online Portal: Set to go live 48 hours prior to the August 1 launch.
Dedicated Mobile App: Available on iOS and Android platforms.
Self-Service Kiosks (SSMs): Located directly in the arrival halls at Cairo Airport.

Eligibility, Fees, and Key Details

The system launches as a pilot on August 1, 2026, exclusively across all arrival terminals at Cairo International Airport (CAI). It covers approximately 46 nationalities that currently qualify for a Visa-on-Arrival.

The total cost is $36 USD, which breaks down to the standard $30 visa fee plus a $6 digital issuing charge. During the pilot period, traditional paper stickers will remain available as a backup option to ensure a smooth transition.

Key Distinction: VOA vs. Advance e-Visa

It is important to note that this digital visa-on-arrival update is distinct from Egypt’s existing advance electronic visa. Travelers from over 75 nationalities who prefer to secure entry authorization well before their trip can continue applying through the official Egypt e-Visa Portal.

For live travel alerts and entry regulation updates, international visitors can consult the IATA Travel Centre prior to departure.

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