Egypt has introduced an emergency electronic visa on arrival system at Cairo International Airport, allowing eligible travellers to receive a tourist visa within minutes.
The move is part of a broader strategy to double the country’s tourist arrivals by 2028.
According to TravelBiz, this digital initiative is the first phase of a plan to expand the new visa system to all 14 of the country’s international airports. The emergency e-Visa aims to simplify border control procedures and assist travellers who were unable to obtain a visa before travelling.
Digital Visa Access at Airports
The new visa can be obtained through automated kiosks, a mobile app, or an online portal. It is designed to support travellers who are eligible under Egypt’s existing e-Visa program.
The system is intended to serve:
- Travellers who did not apply for a visa in advance
- Eligible tourists under the e-Visa program
- Visitors with valid travel plans but incomplete documentation
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, travellers can access the self-service visa system and complete their application digitally. The visa is issued within minutes, avoiding traditional paperwork and queues.
Extended Transit Visa Program
Alongside the e-Visa rollout, the country has extended its 96-hour free transit visa program through April 2026. This program allows passengers travelling with EgyptAir, Air Cairo, or Nile Air to leave the airport for up to four days without applying for a visa beforehand.
The transit visa aims to attract passengers with long layovers and those seeking short visits to sites in the country, such as the Pyramids or the Nile River. This is also expected to increase local tourism spending during brief stays.
Plans for Wider Airport Implementation
Following its introduction in Cairo, the emergency e-Visa system is scheduled to launch at seven more airports before being extended to all of Egypt’s 14 international airports. Final eligibility for travellers may be confirmed upon arrival or updated through Egypt’s official visa platforms.
Egypt’s Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, recently led a cabinet session focused on advancing digital visa solutions and enhancing airport infrastructure. The government’s goal is to present Egypt as a convenient and modern travel hub, with a particular focus on expanding tourism access
Tourism Growth Strategy
Egypt recorded 15.7 million international visitors in 2024. The emergency visa system is part of the country’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030, which includes measures to increase accessibility, improve visitor experience, and promote Egypt’s image as a digitally integrated destination.
Government efforts include:
- Upgrading visa systems and airport technology
- Enhancing services for tourists
- Facilitating smoother entry for both short-term and long-stay visitors
By 2028, Egypt aims to welcome 30 million tourists annually.
Simplified Entry for Travellers
The introduction of the emergency e-Visa and the extended transit visa gives travellers more flexibility when entering Egypt. With digital systems now in place at Cairo International Airport and more locations to follow, Egypt is seeking to reduce delays and offer efficient border processing.
For those planning last-minute trips or layovers, these visa updates offer quicker, more direct access to the country’s travel opportunities.
