Travelling to Egypt has become more convenient with the introduction of a new digital Visa on Arrival system at Cairo International Airport. From 1 August 2026, eligible international visitors can obtain their visa as a QR code instead of relying solely on the traditional paper visa sticker.
The new system is being introduced across the arrival terminals at Cairo International Airport as the first stage of a wider digital transformation programme. Egyptian authorities plan to expand it gradually to other airports across the country. The aim is to reduce congestion, shorten queues and make arrival procedures faster and more comfortable for visitors.
What Has Changed?
Previously, most eligible travellers arriving in Egypt would either purchase a physical visa sticker at the airport or apply for an Egyptian e-Visa before travelling.
The new system introduces another convenient option. Travellers eligible for a Visa on Arrival can now provide their information electronically, pay the applicable fees and receive a QR code that serves as their digital visa. At passport control, the immigration officer scans the QR code to verify the visa.
This digital Visa on Arrival is different from Egypt’s existing e-Visa. The e-Visa is a separate travel document that travellers normally apply for in advance. The new QR-code system simply digitalises the Visa on Arrival process for eligible passengers entering through Cairo International Airport.
How Can Travellers Obtain the QR-Code Visa?
Eligible travellers can obtain the digital visa in several ways:
- Apply through the official Visa on Arrival website.
- Use the official mobile application.
- Complete the process at a self-service machine in the airport’s arrivals hall.
- Arrange the procedure through an authorised tourism company.
The traveller enters the required passport and travel information, completes the payment and receives the QR code electronically. The code can be saved on a mobile device, received by email or printed before travelling.
The QR-code visa can generally be arranged shortly before arrival, allowing passengers to prepare in advance and avoid unnecessary delays at the airport.
How Much Does the Digital Visa Cost?
The new digital Visa on Arrival costs US$36 per passenger, including the visa fee and the digital service charge.
Payment must be completed by bank card through the official online platform, mobile application or the airport’s self-service machines. Cash payments are no longer accepted for purchasing the digital visa on arrival.
Travellers should remember that the new system changes how the Visa on Arrival is issued, but it does not automatically make every nationality eligible. Passengers should always confirm whether their passport qualifies for a Visa on Arrival before travelling.
Passports should also remain valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
How Our Meet & Assist Service Can Help
Although the digital system is designed to simplify the process, using a new airport machine after a long flight can still be confusing, especially for first-time visitors, families, elderly travellers or passengers who are unfamiliar with the language.
When you book our Meet & Assist Arrival Service, our airport representative can guide you through the arrival procedures and assist you while using the self-service visa machine. After obtaining the QR code, the representative will help you proceed towards passport control and continue through the airport as smoothly as possible.
Where arrangements are made in advance, our team can also help coordinate the QR-code visa process before your arrival, subject to your nationality, visa eligibility and the required travel information.
Important Information Before Travelling
The digital Visa on Arrival system is currently being introduced at Cairo International Airport.
Travellers arriving at other Egyptian airports, including Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Luxor and Marsa Alam, should not assume that the same procedure is already available there.
As this is a new system and part of an initial rollout, procedures may continue to be updated. We recommend checking the latest official requirements shortly before departure.
With advance preparation and our professional Meet & Assist support, your arrival in Egypt can be faster, easier and considerably less stressful.