From August 2026, Egypt is modernizing its welcome for international visitors. Forget the long queues at Cairo airport to get your sticker: a brand-new system of visa on arrival 100 % digital based on QR Code.
On May 13, 2026, the Egyptian government has formalized a strategic agreement with CyShield Technology and the main national banks (National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr). The objective set by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is clear: to streamline border crossings and radically modernize the tourist experience.
Concrete changes as of August 2026
The introduction of the QR Code will not affect all international travelers arriving by air in Egypt. Initially, it will be deployed at Cairo International Airport. All terminals will be equipped with the new system. A gradual roll-out is planned for the country's other airports.
What's the difference for travellers? The traditional paper vignette purchased at the counter is replaced by a secure QR Code. Visa on arrival not waived but it has been replaced by a digital format.
This measure is a continuation of the successful tests carried out in 2025 on emergency visas, and follows on from the complete digitization of landing cards.
How will obtaining a visa by QR Code work?
For travellers eligible for a visa on arrival, The procedure has been designed to be fast, with a totally autonomous approach.
Step 1: Data entry and payment.
You have two options:
Via the official website (in advance or on site) You enter your personal information and passport details on the dedicated government platform.
Via self-service kiosks (at the airport) As soon as you step off the plane, interactive kiosks allow you to scan your travel documents and complete your file directly in the terminal.
Visa fees are paid directly via secure electronic payment channels integrated into the platform.
Step 2: QR Code reception
Once the payment has been validated, the system instantly generates a Unique QR Code. It acts as an electronic visa stamp. You can save it on your smartphone or print it out for security.
Step 3: Immigration
At passport control, the border police officer simply scans your QR Code to check its validity and the conformity of your file in an instant.
Egypt now offers visa-on-arrival to many nationalities. However, eligibility rules vary widely depending on your country of residence and the passport you hold. For travellers eligible for a visa on arrival, the new QR code system will greatly simplify your trip to Cairo. If your nationality is not eligible for e-visa or visa on arrival, you must obtain a visa before departure from the Egyptian embassy nearest to your home. Exemptions or waivers are available if you hold a valid visa for the Schengen area, the USA or the UK, or if you are a resident of a Gulf State (GCC).
💡 Our experts' recommendation: Don't take any risks on the day of your departure. Airlines systematically check entry requirements and will deny boarding if you are counting on a visa on arrival without being formally eligible. If you are eligible for an e-visa, In this case, it's best to do it before you leave. To obtain a tourist visa on arrival or a e-Visa, The price is the same: 30$ US for single entry or 60$ US for multiple entry.
Support from our agency: Secure your departure
Our agency can help you with obtaining an electronic visa (e-Visa), European nationals are eligible for this procedure. By entrusting the management of your file for Egypt, we respect the following criteria:
- Immediate eligibility check You can check from the Egypt page of our website whether you are eligible for e-Visa, visa on arrival (QR code) or consular visa.
- Anticipation = Zero waiting Why wait at the self-service kiosks in Cairo after a long flight? By using our services to obtain an e-Visa before your departure, you land with your documents already validated. You can clear immigration faster and more easily.
- Guaranteed conformity Photos, scan dimensions, passport validity... We check the conformity of each file to avoid any governmental rejection.
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