Egypt Enhances Arrival Visa System to Streamline Tourism Entry
Egypt is upgrading its electronic visa process with QR code-based arrivals and online payments to cut immigration wait times, aiming for full airport readiness by 2026 as part of broader tourism growth strategy.
Egypt has expanded its entry-facilitation measures for tourists by upgrading its electronic visa (e-visa) system available directly upon arrival in the country. Discussions led by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism since May 2025 aim to reduce queuing and processing times at immigration counters in major international airports.
The Egyptian Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, chaired a meeting on Monday 20 November 2025 at the Cabinet’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, reviewing progress on expanded entry facilitations. Attendees included ministers and senior officials from relevant authorities and ministries.
2026 Goal: Full Airport Readiness
The new arrival process will be built around opening the visa via a QR code with online payment required in advance. Prime Minister Madbouly has directed that every airport in Egypt must be fully equipped by 2026, capable of serving visitors through both the e-visa system and an emergency-visa service to guarantee flexibility and smoother entry for all travellers.
The Cabinet’s spokesperson, Mohamed El-Homsany, said the session reviewed recent advances toward an integrated e-visa rollout, alongside modernisation of airport and border infrastructure. These upgrades are designed specifically to widen e-visa availability, simplify tourist procedures and accelerate entry and exit processes across Egypt’s points of entry and departure.
Driving Tourism Growth
Image: NadineDoerle, Pixabay
Tourism, Madbouly stressed, remains one of Egypt’s most vital economic pillars and a key engine of development, providing among the country’s fastest and most efficient sources of foreign currency. For this reason, the government is prioritising measures to elevate visitor experience and deliver smoother entry and exit procedures throughout all airports and border crossings.
The Prime Minister underscored the state’s commitment to supporting the tourism sector, noting ongoing efforts to roll out further incentives and facilitations across every segment of the industry.
He highlighted the urgency of these preparations ahead of the imminent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, expected to significantly boost tourist arrivals. Ensuring all entry points are fully geared up will be critical to providing streamlined, enhanced entry procedures—especially for large organised tourist groups.
