Egypt’s Cairo Airport Launches Groundbreaking Digital Visa-on-Arrival Pilot for Seamless Travel

Published on November 21, 2025

Cairo, Egypt — In an exciting development for global travelers, Egypt is set to roll out a groundbreaking pilot program aimed at simplifying the visa-on-arrival process at Cairo International Airport. Announced by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, this initiative is designed to leverage digital technology to dramatically enhance the comfort and convenience of international visitors upon arrival.

Modernizing Travel in Egypt’s Capital

The pilot phase, which is scheduled to launch in mid-June 2025, introduces a state-of-the-art digital system that enables travelers to obtain their visas upon arrival quickly and effortlessly. Visitors will have access to self-service kiosks across the airport terminals and a dedicated mobile application that allows them to apply for a visa using quick response (QR) codes and secure digital payments. This integration of technology aims to streamline the traditionally time-consuming paperwork and cash transaction processes, significantly reducing congestion and wait times.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has coordinated an extensive meeting involving key stakeholders, including government agencies and the private sector company responsible for implementing this technology. The system is expected to become a major pillar supporting Egypt’s broader Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030, which envisions welcoming 30 million international tourists annually by 2028.

Digital Convenience at Your Fingertips

Travelers arriving at Cairo International Airport will be able to choose multiple options to secure their visas:

• Utilize self-service kiosks present in key airport locations to complete visa applications and payments.
• Use the new, simple-to-navigate mobile app to apply for visas remotely or at the airport itself.
• Receive a QR code instantly, enabling smooth processing and swift clearance through immigration.

This technical leap forward not only promises to expedite the entry of global visitors but also aligns with the Egyptian government’s vision of creating digitized, traveler-friendly services that meet the expectations of today’s fast-paced world.

Impact on Indian and Other Visitors

Although many tourists currently require a pre-issued visa to visit Egypt, Indian travelers, among others, typically apply either through the VFS Global visa service or the official Egyptian eVisa portal before departure. This pilot program aims to create an additional layer of convenience as it could potentially allow emergency or last-minute travelers to obtain visas quickly upon arrival, enhancing flexibility.

Currently, Indian nationals and tourists from over 100 countries can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt by standing in the immigration queue, paying visa fees in cash, and filling out required forms. However, long wait times and paperwork have been common complaints. This new digital system promises to solve these issues by modernizing the traveler’s first impression of Egypt.

Strategic Benefits for Egypt’s Tourism Sector

This visa-on-arrival pilot underscores Egypt’s proactive stance in meeting the evolving needs of the travel industry. The initiative complements other government efforts such as extending the free 96-hour transit visa and expanding eVisa platforms. The digitized visa processing system is expected to stimulate tourism growth, improve Egypt’s global competitiveness as a destination, and boost traveler satisfaction.

Egypt’s tourism sector, vital to the nation’s economy, is poised for expansion with this forward-thinking approach. The use of technology not only facilitates smoother entry for millions of tourists but also helps the government effectively manage arrival operations during peak seasons and emergencies.

Looking Ahead: Nationwide Expansion and Traveler Advice

Following the monitoring and evaluation of the pilot stage at Cairo International Airport, authorities plan to extend the program to other major airports across the country. Tourists and travel agents are encouraged to stay updated through official channels and prepare by downloading the new mobile application once it becomes publicly available.

To prepare for seamless travel to Egypt, visitors should:

• Keep their passports ready and ensure they meet the minimum validity requirements.
• Have digital or printed copies of travel and accommodation bookings.
• Familiarize themselves with the new visa-on-arrival system and download the official visa app when released to expedite arrival procedures.
• Stay informed about any changes via Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and official embassy pages.

A New Era in Egyptian Travel

Egypt’s leap into digital visa services represents a significant shift in how this ancient land welcomes the world. For travelers, this promises a faster, more efficient start to their Egyptian adventure. For the nation, it signals a strategic move to reaffirm Egypt’s position as a top global destination enriched with history, culture, and an increasingly savvy travel infrastructure.

This technological advancement, backed by the Egyptian government’s commitment to innovation and visitor experience, ensures that tourists can focus less on paperwork and more on the rich stories carved into Egypt’s timeless monuments and vibrant cities.