by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 8:35 AM ET, Thu July 23, 2026
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities has launched a more modern entry process for international visitors, called the Digital Visa-on-Arrival System, which launches on August 1, 2026.
The August 1 launch is for the pilot phase of the program at Cairo International Airport. Despite being a pilot, all international visitors heading to Cairo via airplane will have the option to use the process, which replaces a paper visa sticker with a Visa QR code.
Paper visas will remain valid during this time, until the official rollout of the digital visa system begins. Other airports across Egypt will also begin trialing the system in a phased rollout.
How Does Egypt’s Digital Visa-on-Arrival System Work?
Travelers can obtain their Visa QR codes via the official online portal, which opens 48 hours before the pilot testing begins at Cairo airport, the official app, or self-service machines at Cairo airport upon arrival.
Each QR code is valid for 48 hours from issuance, which means that travelers can get their codes before they even enter Egypt, or even mid-flight. Once a traveler obtains their Visa QR code, they’ll show it to an officer at the border along with their passport. Travelers are allowed to show the Visa QR code by email or printed paper copy.
While the system should reduce queues at the airport, it won’t be free to use: it’ll cost travelers a total of USD$36, $30 for the visa fee, plus a $6 issuing fee.
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