Egypt Visa-on-Arrival Update – QR Code Visa System Effective 1 August

Nile Cruisen Team | July 17, 2026

Egypt tourist entry visa sticker showing $30 fee for travelers visiting Egypt

Launch of the new tourist entry visa system for arrivals

It has been reported by agencies and companies through an urgent circular that the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is preparing to implement and launch a new tourist entry visa system for arrival in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The new system is designed to simplify the visa application process and will replace the traditional paper visa stamps with a modern digital QR code, and it is expected to come into effect in August.

Simplify the entry process to Egypt

According to the reports, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has made final preparations for the new system, in cooperation with all relevant bodies and authorities. This decision is made for continuous efforts to upgrade the services offered to tourists and simplify their entry process to Egypt.

A tourist visa will cost $30 with a $6 issuance fee

The system enables tourists to get a QR code through multiple options, including their own dedicated website, a mobile application, and machines that will be installed within the arrival terminals of airports. In the document, it has been stated that the tourist visa will cost $30 with a $6 issuance fee, which includes taxes, while tourists or their travel agencies can buy the QR code up to 48 hours in advance of arrival in Egypt.

Cancellation of the current visa entry sticker

Once this system becomes effective, the previous system for stamp paper or visa entry sticker will be cancelled. This system will be implemented as an initial pilot in the arrivals at Cairo International Airport starting on 1 August 2026, followed by a phased introduction to all other Egyptian airports after the initial phase is complete.

Tourism Chamber Coordinates with Authorities on QR Code Purchase Mechanism

The Chamber of Tourism Companies indicated that it is currently coordinating with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities about the feasibility of a mechanism for licensed tourism companies to buy the QR codes using prepaid USD cards issued by Banque Misr and the National Bank of Egypt, in relation to all the required procedures.

Furthermore, the chamber also confirmed that ongoing negotiations are underway with related parties to identify and determine several operational matters related to the system, such as how companies can compensate for unused pre-existing visa stickers that they hold. Despite this, it is also being discussed whether to extend the 48-hour limit to allow the pre-purchasing of QR codes and to ease the issuance of USD prepaid cards. The Chamber expects the receipt of final details and formal regulations once the aforementioned deliberations have been finalized and the official procedure for system implementation is endorsed.

How will the new QR Code system work?

Under the new system, expatriates who will be applying for a visa on arrival need to enter their information electronically through self-service machines at airports and entry points, the system’s official website, or its mobile application. Applicants can pay the visa fee and service charges online using the available payment channels. The visa will then be issued as a QR code, which passport control officers will scan to check its validity. Travelers can also obtain the QR code before arrival within 48 hours or through authorized travel companies.

Advantages of the New Digital Visa-on-Arrival System

The two agreements establish cooperation between CyShield Technology, the company implementing the digital visa system, and the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr, which will provide electronic payment services to support the new visa-on-arrival process

These two agreements mark the launch of the new system, which will be implemented across all halls of Cairo International Airport starting next August and will then gradually expand to the rest of the country’s airports. The system seeks to decrease airport overcrowding, expedite procedures upon arrival, and facilitate the entry experience of tourists visiting Egypt through the introduction of a safe and digital entry process for those obtaining an on-arrival visa instead of paper visa stickers that require procedures for their stamping, and are replaced with e-visas bearing QR codes.

Conclusion:

The implementation of Egypt’s new QR code-based visa-on-arrival system shows a significant step toward digitalizing tourist entry procedures to improve the overall visitor experience. By replacing traditional paper visa stickers with digital visas, the system is expected to make arrival procedures more efficient, faster, and more convenient for travel companies and tourists. Following its first implementation at Cairo International Airport, a phased introduction of the digital visa system at various airports will boost other efforts aimed at revamping tourism services, reinforcing the Egypt brand through enhanced digital services, and attracting tourists in large numbers.

Nile Cruisen Team

sales@nilecruisen.com – Web

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