Digital Nomad GG

Egypt Launches Digital QR Visa on Arrival at Cairo, Fee Rises to $36

Egypt has switched from paper visa-on-arrival stickers to a digital QR-code system at Cairo International Airport, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The change, which took effect on Aug. 1, also raises the fee and limits payment to cards. For remote workers passing through Cairo, it means no more queuing at airport bank counters for a passport sticker.

What changed

Arriving travelers can now obtain their entry visa through self-service kiosks in the terminal, an official web portal, or the "Visa On Arrival" mobile app. Instead of a physical sticker, you receive a QR code that passport officers scan directly from your phone screen or a printout.

The digital visa costs $36, up from the $30 legacy sticker price. The increase includes a mandatory $6 issuance fee. Payments at Cairo terminals are card-only, with Visa and Mastercard accepted through the app, portal, and kiosks. Kiosks do not take cash, so you'll need an active payment card on hand.

The underlying entry terms are unchanged. The permit grants a single-entry stay of up to 30 days for eligible nationalities. Your passport needs at least six months of validity beyond your entry date and at least one blank page. Each QR code is valid for seven days from issuance.

What it means for nomads

The practical upside is speed. You can complete the application and payment online within a week of your departure and skip the airport kiosk lines entirely on arrival. That's a meaningful time saver if you're landing in Cairo after a long flight.

A few things to plan around:

  • Bring a working card. Since payment is card-only, carry a Visa or Mastercard you know works internationally. Cash won't help you at the kiosks.
  • Mind the seven-day window. If you apply online, do so within a week of travel so the QR code is still valid when you land.
  • The change is Cairo-only for now. Paper stickers remain available in parallel during the Cairo pilot. If you're flying directly into Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, or Luxor, expect the standard sticker process until the digital platform expands to other airports.

For nomads eyeing Egypt for its low cost of living and history, the visa on arrival remains a straightforward option for short stays. The digital upgrade mostly smooths the entry experience at the country's busiest gateway, at a modestly higher price.

Originally reported by Stamped Nomad.