Travelling to Egypt? Here’s how the new QR code visa on arrival works
Digital process begins from August 1 at Cairo International Airport before wider rollout
DUBAI – International travellers heading to Egypt will soon see a major change at the border as the country introduces a digital visa-on-arrival system using QR codes.
The new process will begin at Cairo International Airport on August 1, 2026, marking the first phase of Egypt's move away from traditional paper visa stickers. The pilot programme is designed to speed up immigration procedures, reduce waiting times and modernise the arrival experience for visitors. If successful, the system will be expanded to other international airports across the country.
اعتبارًا من 1 أغسطس 2026، يبدأ التشغيل التجريبي للمنظومة الرقمية الجديدة لإصدار تأشيرات الدخول عند الوصول بمطار القاهرة الدولي، في خطوة تهدف إلى تسهيل وتسريع إجراءات الدخول والارتقاء بتجربة الزائرين. pic.twitter.com/10ltUfFxD2
— Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (@TourismandAntiq) July 30, 2026
The digital visa initiative forms part of Egypt's broader tourism digitisation strategy, with authorities aiming to create a fully paperless entry process over time while making the country more attractive to international visitors.
Where to apply
Under the new system, eligible travellers will receive a QR code linked to their visa instead of the familiar sticker placed inside their passport.
Visitors will have three ways to obtain the digital visa. They can apply through an official online portal, use a dedicated mobile application, or complete the process at self-service kiosks located in Cairo International Airport's arrival halls.
Applications can be submitted up to 48 hours before departure, during the flight, or even after landing in Egypt. The QR code can either be generated directly by travellers or arranged through travel agencies. Once issued, it remains valid for 48 hours and can be presented on a smartphone or as a printed copy during immigration checks, where it will be scanned together with the traveller's passport.
Fees explained
The new digital visa-on-arrival is priced at $36, which includes the standard $30 visa fee and an additional $6 digital processing charge.
Egypt currently offers visas on arrival to travellers from 118 nationalities. While the new QR code system is being introduced, authorities will continue offering the existing paper-based visa-on-arrival alongside the digital option to ensure a smooth transition.
Information released with the new system also notes that a multiple-entry visa will remain priced at $60.
What changes
During the pilot phase beginning on August 1, both the traditional visa sticker and the QR code visa will be accepted, allowing travellers to choose either option. The dual system is intended to help visitors adjust while authorities monitor the performance of the new digital platform.
If the trial proves successful, Egypt plans to gradually phase out the paper sticker visa altogether and extend the QR code visa-on-arrival system to additional international airports across the country.
By shifting visa processing to digital platforms before travellers reach immigration counters, authorities expect arrivals to become quicker and more efficient, particularly during busy travel periods.