Electronic visas in Egypt: how entry with a QR code will work
From August 1, Cairo International Airport will launch an electronic visa system with QR codes, replacing paper stamps. You can apply online, via an app, or at kiosks on arrival, and the system will later expand to resort airports.
What has changed in the visa regime?
From August 1 Egypt introduces a digital visa – instead of the usual paper sticker in the passport a QR code will be used. The new scheme will be tested at Cairo International Airport, and after a successful trial it will be rolled out to the other major gateways, including Hurghada and Sharm el‑Sheikh.
How to get an electronic visa?
You can obtain an entry permit in three ways:
- Through the official online portal – fill out the form, pay the fee and receive the QR code by e‑mail.
- Via the mobile app – the process is the same, but everything happens on your smartphone, which is handy for travelers on the move.
- At the airport – self‑service kiosks are installed in the arrivals hall; after entering your data and paying, a QR code is printed or displayed on the screen for you to show.
Once you have the code, just present it at passport control. No extra documents, cash transactions or queues at exchange counters are needed.
Cost and processing time
The total price of the electronic permit is about $36: roughly $30 for the visa fee plus a small service surcharge. For group tours operators can issue QR codes up to 48 hours before departure, allowing the visa issue to be settled before boarding.
What’s different for Russian tourists?
For Russians the procedure is almost identical to the familiar “visa on arrival”, only the paper stamp is replaced by a digital code. That means you can sort everything out before you leave, without standing in line at a cash desk. If you fly to Hurghada in August, the old system will probably still be in place, but a switch to the electronic format is expected by the winter season.
Sinai stamp in Sharm el‑Sheikh
If you plan a short stay (up to 15 days) in Sharm el‑Sheikh, you can still obtain a free Sinai stamp. The new electronic visa does not cancel this option, as it belongs to a separate border regime.
Why does it matter?
Egypt has been pushing the tourism sector hard in recent years, aiming to increase visitor numbers. At the same time the country lagged behind neighbours in digitising entry procedures: Turkey, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been using e‑visas for a while. QR‑code visas speed up control, ease the load on cash desks and cut the amount of cash that was normally needed for paper stickers.
Outlook for expansion
The pilot launch in Cairo is treated as a test project. After it ends, the plan is to connect the rest of the international airports, including those that handle the bulk of Russian tourists – Hurghada and Sharm el‑Sheikh. Exact dates haven’t been announced yet, but the expectation is that the system will be fully in place by the high season.
How to prepare for the trip?
- Check the current visa regime for your arrival airport. If you’re flying to Cairo, the electronic visa is already available; other airports may still require the traditional method.
- Apply for the visa early through the official portal or app to avoid any surprises at the airport.
- Save the QR code in a convenient form – on your phone screen and printed out as a backup.
- Ask your tour operator whether they can issue the code in advance if you’re traveling in a group.
Bottom line
Introducing electronic visas with QR codes is a logical step for Egypt, aimed at simplifying entry and improving service for the millions of tourists who choose the country each year. For most travelers, including Russians, it means less paperwork and a smoother start to the holiday. If the system works well in Cairo, a fully digital process can be expected soon at all major entry points.
Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.
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