Egypt launches digital QR‑code visa‑on‑arrival system

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism announced that a digital visa‑on‑arrival system using secure QR codes will replace paper visa stamps beginning in August 2026. The pilot will start at Cairo International Airport and later expand to all regional airports. Travelers can generate QR codes up to 48 hours before departure via an online portal, mobile app or self‑service kiosks, and the service costs $36 per visa.

The reform is part of a broader effort to modernise border processing, reduce queues and support the government’s target of attracting 30 million visitors a year by 2030. A new departure fee of 100 Egyptian pounds was also introduced, replacing a 5‑pound charge that had been in place since 1984. The changes are expected to make Egypt more competitive as a digital tourism destination.