Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the start of the trial operation of the first phase of the new automated system for issuing visas on arrival, to be applied in all arrival halls at Cairo International Airport from today, Saturday 1 August 2026.
The new system aims to simplify and speed up the process of obtaining an entry visa and reduce waiting times and congestion, providing visitors with an easier, smoother and more efficient arrival experience.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said the launch of the system is part of the state's vision to develop the tourist experience in an integrated way, from the moment of arrival in Egypt until departure, noting that simplifying entry procedures is one of the main pillars for raising the quality of services offered to visitors and enhancing the competitiveness of Egypt as a destination.
He added that the trial phase will allow the efficiency of the new system to be evaluated and its effectiveness measured in practice, ahead of its expansion to Egypt's various airports and ports of entry, in line with the state's drive toward digital transformation and reflecting its commitment to offering a faster and easier travel experience in line with global best practices.
Dr. Ahmed Nabil, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Aviation and Follow-up, explained that the new system gives travelers 3 ways to obtain the visa QR code, which replaces the paper sticker currently in use, giving them flexibility to choose the most suitable method:
A mobile app that can be used from anywhere in the world.
Self-service machines inside Cairo International Airport.
The dedicated official online portal.
He added that the QR code is valid for 7 days from the date and time of issue, allowing tourists to obtain it before arriving in Egypt, with an additional feature for accredited travel companies enabling them to issue codes for tour groups, making it easier to receive tourist delegations.
Dr. Mohamed Shaaban, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Digital Services, noted that travelers can obtain the QR code before travelling, during the flight or on arrival at Cairo International Airport, and complete the visa issuance process without having to buy the paper sticker, allowing them to head straight to passport control to complete entry procedures. The new automated service is subject to an issuance fee in addition to the set entry visa fee.
He noted that during the trial phase, the new automated system will operate in parallel with the current paper visa system for a limited transitional period, ensuring gradual implementation and a smooth and secure transition to the digital system.
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Automated Tourist Visa System to Be Applied at Cairo Airport From 1 August
