Egypt is set to launch the pilot phase of its digital visa-on-arrival system in mid-June at Cairo International Airport, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to modernize immigration processes and boost tourism as part of its National Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030.
The new system will employ self-service kiosks and a dedicated mobile app, enabling international travelers to obtain emergency visas within minutes through a fully digital process featuring QR codes and electronic payments. This innovation aims to reduce wait times, eliminate paperwork, and expedite border clearance.
Cairo Airport, Egypt’s main entry point, will serve as the initial testing ground, with plans to potentially expand the service to other key hubs like Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Luxor based on the pilot’s success.
The initiative supports Egypt’s goal to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2028, enhancing the traveler experience and aligning Egypt with global destinations embracing digital transformation to grow their tourism sectors. The government also expects the program to increase foreign currency inflows and bolster tourism’s contribution, which currently accounts for about 12% of the national GDP.
Initially, the system will serve travelers from countries eligible for Egypt’s e-visa program, focusing on visitors from Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
