Changes in the entrance gates to the land of the pharaohs; Egypt abandoned the paper visa

According to Passport Index; In a strategic move to modernize the airport infrastructure and support the growing tourism sector, the Egyptian government launched the trial operation of the new “Digital Visa on Arrival” system. This project, designed with the aim of reducing waiting time and eliminating traditional bureaucracies, is part of the national grand plan to digitize all entry points of the country by 2026. Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, in his recent meeting in the new administrative capital, emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of this system to improve the experience of travelers and conform to global standards.

The main focus of this new system is to replace paper documents with a quick response code (QR Code). Upon arrival at the airport, passengers pay for their visa digitally and immediately receive a QR code that border control officers scan and verify.

Photographer: Unknown / Depositphotos

This system is fully integrated with banking networks, immigration systems and the infrastructure of the Ministry of Tourism to minimize the need for manual checks and speed up the flow of travelers.

The first phase of this project has been implemented in Terminal 2 of Cairo International Airport, as one of the busiest entry gates in the country. The Egyptian government plans to extend the system to other airports and ports in the country after stabilizing the system at this stage. This infrastructure renovation coincides with preparations for the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is expected to bring a big jump in international visitor numbers. In addition to digital visas, equipping airports with biometric routes and automatic passport control gates is also on the agenda to establish Egypt as a leading and modern tourist destination in the region.