The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced that the pilot phase of the automated ‘Visa on Arrival’ system, aimed at improving the experience of tourists and visitors, was launched at Cairo International Airport on August 1, 2026.
The new system is designed to simplify visa procedures, reduce waiting times, and ease congestion. As part of the system, travelers will receive a QR code instead of the traditional visa sticker. The QR code can be obtained through a mobile application, self-service kiosks at the airport, or an official online portal.
With a validity of seven days, the QR code allows travelers to complete the process before arrival, during their journey, or upon landing. Additionally, authorized tourism companies will be able to issue QR codes for group travelers, enabling faster and more seamless processing for tour groups.
Officials stated that the pilot phase will play a key role in evaluating the system’s performance before expanding it to other airports and entry points across Egypt. During the transition period, the new digital system will operate alongside the existing paper visa process to ensure a smooth and secure shift to the new platform.
