Egypt Simplifies Airport Entry with New Digital e-Visa on Arrival Starting June 2025

Exciting changes are coming for travelers to Egypt! Starting in mid-June 2025, Cairo International Airport will introduce a digital emergency visa-on-arrival system. This initiative will streamline entry, reduce wait times, and modernize the travel experience in one of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Overview: Emergency e-Visa On Arrival

The Egypt Emergency e-Visa On Arrival is a new digital system launching at Cairo International Airport. This service allows eligible travelers to obtain a visa quickly through self-service kiosks or a mobile app, ensuring a hassle-free arrival process.

Why This Matters for Travellers

This initiative, led by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in collaboration with other ministries, aims to eliminate long queues and improve visa processing. Eligible travelers will benefit from several convenient features, including:

• Self-service kiosks at arrival terminals.
• A mobile app for document uploads and fee payments.
• A QR code system to identify participating airports.

These advancements will significantly enhance the arrival experience, especially for last-minute or emergency travelers.

Key Features of Egypt e-Visa on Arrival

This pilot program will allow authorities to refine logistics and technology before expanding the service nationwide.

Egypt’s Push for Smarter Tourism

Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy emphasizes that the emergency visa system aligns with Egypt’s digital transformation goals. This initiative aims to boost the country’s competitiveness in global tourism and enhance visitor satisfaction.

The announcement follows a strategic meeting on May 15, 2025, where officials finalized the rollout plan. Minister Fathy confirmed that this project supports Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s directive to digitize entry procedures and attract more tourists.

Who Can Use the Egypt Emergency e-Visa on Arrival?

The new emergency e-Visa will initially be available to citizens from 78 countries already eligible for Egypt’s standard e-Visa. This means many travelers can take advantage of this system during its pilot phase at Cairo International Airport.

Eligible Countries Include:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• All European Union (EU) Member States
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman
• Asian Countries: Japan, South Korea
• Other eligible nations under Egypt’s current e-Visa policy

Travelers can apply for the emergency visa upon arrival using self-service kiosks or the mobile app, requiring only a passport and supporting documents.
Note: Final eligibility will be verified upon arrival. Travelers should check Egypt’s official e-Visa portal for updates before their trip.

Full Rollout Expected After Testing

The mid-June launch marks just the beginning. If the pilot is successful, authorities plan to expand the system to all major Egyptian airports. Tourists are encouraged to:

• Monitor updates on eligible countries and program expansion.
• Check Cairo Airport’s website or Egypt’s tourism portals for real-time information.
• Download the official visa-on-arrival app once it is available.

Final Thoughts

With this digital emergency visa system, Egypt is making a significant leap toward smarter, tech-driven tourism. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous Nile cruise or a last-minute business trip to Cairo, this new system promises a smoother and more efficient border experience.