Egypt to Launch Digital Visa on Arrival With QR Code at Cairo Airport in August 2026

Egypt is preparing to change how tourists get a visa-on-arrival at the airport. Instead of receiving a paper visa sticker in their passport, eligible travellers will soon get a digital visa with a QR code.

The Egyptian government confirmed on May 13, 2026, that the new system will officially launch at all terminals of Cairo International Airport in August 2026.

The move is part of Egypt’s wider plan to modernise airport procedures and reduce long queues for arriving passengers.

Egypt’s Visa on Arrival Is Going Digital

The new system does not remove Egypt’s visa-on-arrival program. Instead, it changes the way travellers receive it.

Right now, eligible visitors arriving in Egypt usually buy a visa sticker at the airport and place it inside their passport. Under the new digital system, travellers will receive a QR code after completing the process electronically. Immigration officers will scan the QR code at passport control to verify the visa.

Egypt says this should help speed up airport arrivals and make the process easier for tourists.

How the New QR Code Visa System Will Work

Travellers eligible for Egypt’s visa on arrival will be able to apply using different digital channels before or after landing. According to the government, applications can be completed through:

• Self-service kiosks at airports
• The official visa website
• A mobile app
• Approved travel agencies

Travellers will need to enter their details, pay the visa fee electronically, and then receive a QR code linked to their visa.

Authorities also said travellers may be able to get the digital visa up to 48 hours before arrival.

Cairo Airport First, More Airports Later

The system will first go live at all terminals of Cairo International Airport in August 2026 before expanding gradually to other airports across Egypt.

Egypt had already tested parts of the project at Terminal 2 in late 2025. The latest announcement confirms the country is now moving toward a full public rollout.

Important: This Is Not Egypt’s e-Visa

Travellers should not confuse the new digital visa-on-arrival with Egypt’s existing e-Visa system.

Egypt’s e-Visa allows eligible travellers to apply online before departure through the official government portal. The new QR code system only changes the visa-on-arrival process for passengers who are already eligible to get a visa after landing in Egypt.

What Travellers Should Know

Here are the key points travellers need to remember:

• Egypt will launch the new digital visa-on-arrival system in August 2026
• The first rollout will happen at Cairo International Airport
• Eligible travellers will receive a QR code instead of a paper visa sticker
• Applications can be completed online, through kiosks, or via a mobile app
• The system does not change visa eligibility rules
• More Egyptian airports are expected to join the system later

For frequent travellers to Egypt, this could make airport arrivals faster and much less stressful, especially during busy travel seasons.