Egypt is set to enter the modern era by enabling travelers to request a visa upon arrival digitally. From August, tourists can expect to receive a QR code vis instead of a paper sticker visa. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities unveiled the plan to "modernize entry procedures and improve the overall experience for international visitors." The new system is yet another step in Egypt's digitization drive to promote the country as a tourist destination.
Pilot Phase and Rollout
The QR code visa will become available starting August 1 at the airport of Cairo. Other airports will follow soon after the initial testing phase.
Moreover, there are several ways to obtain the new visa: through an official online portal, via a dedicated mobile application, at self-service kiosks in airport arrival halls.
Importantly, the QR code visa can be requested 48 hours before departure, during the flight, and upon arrival at the Egyptian airport. A digital visa must be shown to the immigration officers at the border.
Validity and Pricing
The visa granted through a QR code will be valid for 48 hours after issuance. The cost of the new e-visa is set at $36 USD, consisting of the standard $30 visa plus a $6 payment for the service.
Smooth Transition Period
To ease the transition, both paper and QR code visas will be available at first. Thus, visitors will have the option to choose between the electronic and traditional visa processing. Furthermore, if the e-visa is selected, it can be obtained in different ways.
In the future, authorities want to switch to a fully digital visa-free entry. Authorities have promised to gradually eliminate the sticker visa in favor of the paperless alternative.
For now, the goal is to make the entry process as seamless as possible with less waiting time at the border.
The changes are part of Egypt’s larger tourism promotion plan, which aims to make the country even more attractive to international visitors. By digitizing the entry process, Egypt hopes to meet its goals of becoming one of the world’s most visited countries.
