Egypt will launch an upgraded electronic visa system in August, replacing traditional visa stickers with dynamic QR codes as part of efforts to streamline entry procedures and support the country’s target of welcoming 30mn tourists by 2030, Egypt Independentreported on July 31.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy said the new framework had completed its final technical preparations ahead of launch. Travellers from 118 nationalities can currently obtain visas on arrival, and the revamped system will allow tourists to generate digital entry passes up to 48 hours before departure, either through Egypt’s official online platform, foreign travel agencies, or local host operators.
On arrival, passengers will be able to complete entry using electronic payment methods or self-service kiosks at Egyptian airports, distinguishing between visa-on-arrival and pre-issued e-visas to reduce waiting times at ports of entry, according to Egypt Independent.
Fathy said any expansion of eligible nationalities involves careful evaluation of security, tourism data and diplomatic reciprocity in coordination with relevant state authorities, noting that between 170 and 180 nationalities currently benefit from some form of entry accommodation into Egypt.
The digital rollout comes as Egypt expands its hospitality capacity to accommodate anticipated tourism growth. The country’s hotel inventory currently stands at around 235,000 rooms, with tens of thousands more under development. Industry estimates suggest Egypt will need to reach 500,000 rooms to comfortably support its 2030 visitor target.
The e-visa upgrade forms part of a wider government push to strengthen tourism, one of Egypt’s principal sources of foreign currency earnings and a key driver of economic growth.