The visa costs $36, including issuance fees and taxes
Obtaining a QR code is a prerequisite for starting the visa issuance procedures
The Chamber of Travel and Tourism Companies and Agencies said the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the completion of a new system for obtaining a visa on arrival, based on automating tourist visa issuance procedures and replacing the paper visa stamp with an automated one. Trial operation is set to begin at the arrival halls of Cairo International Airport from 1 August.
The chamber explained that the tourist visa can be obtained through a number of means to facilitate obtaining a visa on arrival, with the main details of the system as follows:
Obtaining the Quick Response (QR) code through several channels: the dedicated website, a mobile app or self-service machines to be made available in the arrival halls of various airports.
A fee of $30 per visa is paid through these channels, plus $6 in issuance costs including taxes.
The tourist, or a travel company on their behalf, can obtain the QR code up to 48 hours before arrival.
The chamber noted that, with the launch of the new system, the paper sticker (stamp) system currently in use will be cancelled.
It added that after the initial operating period at Cairo Airport, the system will be rolled out at the rest of Egypt's airports. This is part of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' efforts, in coordination with all relevant national authorities, to develop the services offered to tourists and facilitate entry procedures into Egypt.
The chamber stressed that coordination is under way with the ministry to study a mechanism allowing travel companies licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to buy QR codes using prepaid cards that allow payment in US dollars, issued by Banque Misr and the National Bank of Egypt in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures.
It noted that discussions are currently under way with the relevant authorities on the details and operating mechanisms of the new system and its implementation procedures, such as how to refund the value of paper visa stamps held by companies, extending the window for obtaining the QR code beyond 48 hours, and facilitating procedures and shortening the time needed to issue prepaid US dollar cards.
