Egypt rolls out new digital visa options for travelers from 118 countries, including Russia

Travelers from 118 countries, including Russia, can now obtain an electronic entry visa for Egypt through three methods, according to the head of the airport's IT sector, Haitham Abdelhamid Salam. Options include applying in advance via the official website or mobile app, using self-service terminals at Cairo airport, or visiting authorized banks in the arrival zone.

Cairo airport has installed 21 visa terminals in arrival areas serving international flights. After paying at a terminal, tourists can proceed directly to passport control. The digital visa is valid for one week. Accredited travel companies at the airport can also pre-arrange visas for tourists, allowing them to skip straight to passport checks.

The new system is currently in a pilot phase, which began on August 1, 2026, and operates experimentally at Cairo's international airport. Airport board chairman Magdi Iskhak said the system is running at full capacity in all arrival halls, aiming to reduce passenger congestion and simplify entry procedures. A backup QR code is sent by email, replacing the paper visa and can be shown on a phone or printed with an ID. Previously, tourists had to buy paper visas only at authorized bank branches in the airport. The system is expected to expand to other Egyptian airports gradually. Cairo airport, the largest in Africa, handles over 30 million passengers annually.

Officials note the system is still in trial mode, and no timeline has been given for full implementation across the country.