In a phone interview with Extra News, Minister Fathy said the previous process, under which travellers purchased a visa sticker and paid the visa fee upon arrival, has been replaced by a QR code-based system.
“The new system allows travellers to purchase the visa up to 48 hours before arrival,” he said, adding that tour operators may complete the procedures on behalf of their clients.
Egypt also operates an e-visa system that enables eligible travellers to apply and complete the required procedures online before travelling, the minister said.
Fathy noted that the visa system is being comprehensively upgraded but that authorities have yet to decide whether the updated platform will be introduced in early or mid-August.
“The two systems will operate in parallel,” he said, explaining that the measure is intended to reduce queues and congestion at Egyptian airports.
The nationalities eligible for visas on arrival are selected according to several criteria, including security and tourism considerations and the principle of reciprocity, Fathy added.
He added that a multi-agency government working group determines which nationalities qualify for the different visa facilitation schemes.
Egypt currently provides simplified visa arrangements to citizens of as many as 180 countries through its different schemes, according to Fathy.
“The current number is very good,” he said, adding that the government aims to extend further visa facilitations to more nationalities.
The announcement follows Egypt’s preparations to launch a digital visa-on-arrival platform, initially at Cairo International Airport before expanding gradually to other airports.
Under agreements signed in May, eligible travellers will be able to submit their details through self-service airport kiosks, a website, or a mobile application, pay visa and service fees electronically, and receive a QR code to be scanned by passport officers upon arrival.
The system is intended to shorten processing times, reduce airport congestion, and improve visitors’ arrival experience.
Egypt has steadily expanded entry facilitations since 2022. Previous arrangements allowed citizens of more than 180 countries to obtain visas under various conditions, including holding a valid, previously used visa from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, or a Schengen state.
Egypt also introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa in 2023, while offering special facilities to selected nationalities and travellers arriving at destinations including Sharm El-Sheikh and Taba.
The digital upgrade forms part of Egypt's strategy to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2031 through improved airport services, expanded accommodation capacity, and easier travel procedures.
Egypt received a record 15.7 million tourists in 2024, while arrivals reached 8.7 million in the first half of 2025, up 23–24 percent year-on-year.
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