The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, together with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has initiated a fundamental change to entry formalities.
Since August 1st, Cairo International Airport has been conducting a pilot phase to replace the existing physical visa stamps with a digital system using QR codes. The pilot project covers Terminals 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Seasonal Terminal. Passengers eligible for a visa on arrival are now required to obtain this digital proof of visa before passport control.
The QR code can be applied for in advance via an online portal, an official mobile app, or directly after landing at newly installed self-service kiosks in the arrivals halls. The issued code must be presented to border authorities digitally on a mobile device or as a printout. The fee is US$30 for the visa plus a US$6 processing fee. The issued QR code is valid for seven days from the date of issue; refunds are not available for unused codes. To avoid bottlenecks during the introductory phase, QR codes can still be purchased at bank counters in the airport for the time being, and previously purchased traditional visa stamps will remain valid temporarily.
For tour operators and group travel agencies, the new regulations require technical adjustments to their billing procedures. The bulk purchase of QR codes for tour groups is only possible using special payment cards issued by the National Bank of Egypt or Banque Misr. The Egyptian technology company CYshield will provide on-site technical support for the system. Following the completion of the test phase in Cairo, the duration of which is yet to be determined, the plan is to gradually roll out the system at all other international airports in the country, including Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Luxor.
Industry observers and tour operators generally view the move as an attempt to shorten the sometimes lengthy waiting times at border crossings. At the same time, they point out that the introduction of additional service fees will increase ancillary costs for tourists. Furthermore, a smooth process and the avoidance of delays at border controls depend significantly on the stability of the digital infrastructure and the user-friendliness of the on-site kiosks.