Egypt is preparing to launch a digital visa-on-arrival system at Cairo International Airport in August 2026, replacing the paper sticker with a QR code that will serve as the entry permit. The platform will start in cairo and then expand to other Egyptian airports in phases, giving travelers a new way to get through arrival formalities without lining up at cash-only bank counters.

Under the new system, eligible visitors will be able to enter their passport and personal details at self-service kiosks in arrival halls, through a dedicated mobile app or via an official online portal. After the visa and service fees are paid electronically, the system will generate a QR code that passport control officers can scan and match against the traveler’s passport data.

The change is designed to ease congestion at peak times and speed the flow of passengers through Cairo’s terminals. It also lets travelers complete the process before departure, with applications processed within roughly 48 hours of arrival or handled directly by tour operators and travel agencies. For now, Egypt’s current visa on arrival and e-visa systems will remain in place alongside the new platform.

That makes the rollout an addition to, rather than an immediate replacement for, the country’s existing border entry options. Many nationalities can still obtain a traditional visa on arrival at major airports, while the separate e-visa portal remains available for people who prefer to sort paperwork in advance. Eligibility is expected to mirror current schemes, though African and regional travelers may still face different rules depending on bilateral agreements.

Travelers will still need to check whether they qualify for visa on arrival, need an e-visa or must apply for a consular visa before booking flights. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond entry, and border officers may still ask for onward or return tickets, accommodation details and a basic itinerary. The QR system should make arrival faster in Cairo, but only for travelers who are already eligible to use it.