Egypt Embraces Digitalization: QR Code Visas to Debut at Cairo Airport on August 1
Starting August 1, 2026, travelers heading to Egypt can look forward to a streamlined arrival experience. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt is set to launch a pilot Digital Visa-on-Arrival system at Cairo International Airport. This innovative system replaces the traditional paper visa stickers with easily scannable QR codes, marking a significant modernization of the country’s entry process.
The new system, which will be operational across all arrival terminals at Cairo Airport, permits eligible travelers from approximately 46 nationalities to generate a visa QR code. This can be done before departure, during their flight, or even after landing — via an official online portal, a dedicated mobile app, or self-service kiosks located in the airport’s arrival halls. The digital visa comes at a total cost of $36 USD, which includes the existing $30 visa fee and a new $6 digital issuance charge. It’s important to note that each QR code will expire 48 hours after generation, so travelers are advised to generate theirs close to their travel date.
During the pilot phase, the traditional paper visa sticker will still be available as an alternative. However, once the trial concludes, the QR code is expected to become the sole method for visa-on-arrival entry. The Egyptian government has plans to gradually roll out the digital system to other airports across the country, including Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor, following the success of the Cairo pilot. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the tech firm Cy Shield Technology and banking partners, the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr.
Source: Travel Market Report – Egypt to Pilot Digital Visa-on-Arrival System at Cairo Airport