Egypt prepares to issue electronic visas on arrival

As part of its goal to welcome 30 million annual visitors by 2028, Egypt is streamlining airport entry procedures with the gradual rollout of a new emergency electronic visa system available upon arrival.

A national strategy to boost tourism in Egypt

On May 5, 2025, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly led a high-level government meeting to review ongoing reforms aimed at easing international tourists’ entry into the country.

Joined by several ministers, Madbouly reiterated the government’s commitment to simplifying border procedures in alignment with Egypt’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030.

He emphasized that the state is working on a plan to double tourist arrivals, taking concrete steps “to enhance the services provided to visitors coming from various countries, particularly by simplifying entry and exit processes at all airports and ports, upgrading the e-Visa platform, modernizing airport infrastructure, and improving the overall tourist experience.”

Emergency e-Visa: a new on-arrival option for travelers

The main new development is the introduction of an emergency electronic visa, which will be available upon arrival in Egypt. Travelers will be able to obtain the visa in just a few minutes through automated kiosks at airports, an online platform, or a dedicated mobile app.

This system is designed for passengers who weren’t able to secure a visa in advance, drastically reducing wait times and paperwork.

The pilot phase will begin at Cairo International Airport, with gradual expansion to seven additional airports, and full implementation across all 14 international airports in the country.

Since December 2017, Egypt has offered an e-Visa service to nationals from 78 countries, allowing tourists to secure their travel authorization online without visiting an embassy or consulate.

96-hour free transit visa extended

Another key measure is the extension until April 2026 of the 96-hour free transit visa program. Initially introduced in 2023, the program allows travelers transiting via EgyptAir, its subsidiary Air Cairo, or Nile Air to leave the airport and explore the country for up to four days, free of charge and without a prior visa application.

This initiative is a powerful tool to encourage short stays and increase local tourist spending.

On track for a new tourism record?

With 15.7 million visitors in 2024, Egypt is already approaching record-breaking numbers. The country now has its sights set on 30 million annual tourists by 2028, an ambitious, yet realistic target given the progress made so far.

The government is betting on a modernized welcome, smoother procedures, and simplified access to position Egypt as a destination committed to openness and innovation.

Source: visasnews.com