Egypt launches digital visa on arrival system at Cairo airport

Egypt signed two agreements to manage and operate a newly developed digital visa on arrival system at Cairo International Airport. The move aims to reduce congestion, speed up arrival procedures, and improve the experience of incoming tourists ahead of a wider rollout across Egyptian airports.

The agreements establish the executive contracts between the entities involved in operating the system, including the implementing company Cyshield Technology and service providers, the National Bank of Egypt, and Banque Misr.

Under the new system, visa on arrival stamps will be issued electronically through simplified procedures instead of the current paper-based process.

Travellers seeking to obtain a visa on arrival electronically will be able to enter their data through self-service kiosks at airports and arrival halls, the system’s official website, or its mobile application. Travellers will pay visa and service fees electronically through the available channels before receiving a QR code in place of the traditional paper visa stamp.

Passport control officers will scan the QR code to verify its validity and matching details. Travellers will also be able to obtain the visa up to 48 hours before arrival or through tourism companies.

The system is scheduled to begin operating across all terminals at Cairo International Airport in August, ahead of a gradual expansion to all Egyptian airports.

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, who attended the signing ceremony, said the system supports Egypt’s efforts to improve the tourist experience from the moment of arrival and facilitate procedures at airports, in line with the state’s strategy to advance digital transformation and enhance tourism services.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English