Big news for anyone planning a trip to Egypt! Beginning mid-June 2025, travelers arriving at Cairo International Airport can get an emergency visa on arrival through a new digital system. This update is designed to make entering the country faster, easier, and more convenient—giving visitors a smoother start to their adventure in one of the world’s most famous travel spots.
Summary:
Egypt is launching a new digital visa system at Cairo International Airport called the Emergency e-Visa On Arrival. Starting soon, eligible travelers can easily get their visa using self-service kiosks or a mobile app. This quick and simple process is designed to make arriving in Egypt smoother and stress-free.
Why This Is Good News for Travelers:
Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, along with other government departments, is launching this new system to make travel easier and faster. The goal is to cut down on long lines and speed up the visa process. Travelers who qualify will enjoy helpful features like:
- Easy-to-use machines available at the airport when you arrive
- A smartphone app to upload documents and pay visa fees easily.
- A QR code that shows which airports are part of the program.
These upgrades will make arriving much easier, especially for travelers with last-minute plans or urgent trips.
Main Benefits of Egypt’s On-Arrival e-Visa:
- Highlight Information
- Begin Date Test Run – June 2025 (Mid-month)
- Launch Airport Cairo International Airport
- Access Path Arrival QR Check
- Visa Booths Quick Service Booths
- Phone App Send Docs & Pay Anytime
This test run helps officials fine-tune the process and tech before rolling it out across the country.
Egypt’s Move Toward Smarter Travel
Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy highlights that the new emergency visa system supports Egypt’s shift toward digital services. The goal is to make travel smoother, attract more global visitors, and improve the overall tourist experience.
This announcement comes after a key planning meeting on May 15, 2025, where leaders approved the launch plan. Minister Fathy noted that the project backs Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s push to digitize entry processes and bring more visitors to Egypt.
Who’s Eligible for Egypt’s Emergency e-Visa?
To start, travelers from 78 countries—those already eligible for Egypt’s regular e-Visa—can use the new emergency e-Visa. It’s a quicker option being tested during the pilot phase at Cairo International Airport.
Required Countries:
- USA
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- All Countries in the EU
- GCC Countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman
- Countries in Asia: Japan and South Korea
- Other countries allowed by Egypt’s current e-Visa rules
When you land, you can apply for the emergency visa right at the airport using a kiosk or the app. All you need is your passport and some basic documents.
Complete Rollout Planned After Trial Phase:
The mid-June launch is only the first step. If the trial goes well, the system will roll out to all major airports across Egypt. Travelers are encouraged to:
- Stay updated on eligible countries and rollout plans.
- Visit Cairo Airport’s site or Egypt’s tourism pages for the latest info.
- Download the app as soon as it’s ready.
Key Takeaways:
Egypt’s new digital emergency visa system is a big step toward smarter, tech-friendly travel. Whether you’re booking a last-minute Nile cruise or heading to Cairo for business, this system is designed to make your arrival quicker and hassle-free.