What Is Changing for Egypt’s Visa on Arrival?
The main change is the introduction of an automated Digital Visa on Arrival process during the Phase 1 pilot at Cairo International Airport.
Eligible travelers can access the system through three official channels:
- the official Visa on Arrival online portal;
- the mobile application;
- self-service machines installed inside Cairo International Airport.
The process supports electronic payment and generates a Visa on Arrival QR code. Under the digital route, the QR code acts as the alternative to the paper visa sticker used in the conventional Visa on Arrival process.
The pilot currently applies to Cairo International Airport. It does not represent a nationwide replacement of Egypt’s existing Visa on Arrival procedures.
Egypt begins digital visa on arrival pilot at Cairo Airport in August 2026
How Does the Digital Visa on Arrival System Work?
Egypt’s official Visa on Arrival platform outlines four main steps:
- Access the platform: Use the official website, mobile application, or self-service machine.
- Complete payment: Submit the request and complete the required secured electronic payment.
- Generate the QR code: Provide the necessary personal and travel information to obtain the Visa on Arrival QR code.
- Present the QR code: Show the QR code to the relevant officer to complete the arrival procedures.
Travelers can obtain the QR code before departure, during the flight, or immediately upon arrival at Cairo International Airport.
The QR code remains valid for seven days from its date and time of issuance.
The automated service is also subject to an issuance fee in addition to the applicable Visa on Arrival fee.
Pilot Launch at Cairo International Airport
The first phase officially began on August 1, 2026, with the automated system introduced across all arrival halls at Cairo International Airport.
Cairo is the initial testing location for the system. Egyptian authorities will use the pilot to evaluate its efficiency and operational performance before expanding the system to other airports and points of entry.
Travelers using the digital process can proceed with the QR-based arrival procedure instead of purchasing the conventional paper visa sticker.
What Happens to the Existing Visa on Arrival Process?
The Digital Visa on Arrival pilot is being introduced as part of a transitional phase.
During this period, the new digital system operates alongside the existing paper-based Visa on Arrival process. The launch therefore should not be interpreted as confirmation that Egypt has already replaced its conventional Visa on Arrival procedure nationwide.
The parallel operation allows authorities to test the automated process under real airport conditions while maintaining the existing system during the transition.
What Should Travelers Check Before Departure?
Travelers should confirm that their nationality and travel circumstances qualify for Egypt’s Visa on Arrival rules before using the digital system.
Those planning to use the new process should access official channels, complete the required payment, and keep the issued QR code available for immigration inspection.
Travelers entering Egypt through another airport or border crossing should also check the latest entry instructions, as the current Phase 1 pilot is specifically confirmed for Cairo International Airport.
Travelers should also save a copy of the issued QR code, which can be received by email, downloaded to a device, or printed for presentation during immigration processing.
Is Egypt’s Digital Visa on Arrival the Same as an e-Visa?
No. Egypt’s e-Visa is a separate pre-travel visa that must be applied for online in advance.
The Digital Visa on Arrival instead digitizes the existing Visa on Arrival process. Eligible travelers can obtain a QR code before departure, during the flight, or upon arrival at Cairo International Airport and present it for immigration processing.
Travelers generally use either the e-Visa route or the Visa on Arrival route, depending on their eligibility and travel plans — they do not need to apply for both.
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