Egypt Introduces e-Visa on Arrival for 78 Countries: Everything Travellers Need to Know

Egypt is revolutionizing tourist entry by launching a new emergency e-Visa on arrival system, starting at Cairo International Airport. Designed for speed, convenience, and accessibility, this new visa option is part of Egypt’s broader plan to double tourist arrivals by 2028.

Here’s everything you need to know about this smart visa system, who qualifies, and how to make the most of Egypt’s updated entry policies.

✈️ What Is Egypt’s Emergency e-Visa on Arrival?

Egypt's emergency e-Visa on arrival allows eligible travelers to get their visa instantly at the airport using self-service kiosks, a mobile app, or an upgraded e-visa portal. No paperwork, no long queues—just a fast, digital visa process completed in minutes.

This system is perfect for:

• Last-minute travellers without prior visa approvals

• Tourists eligible for Egypt’s standard e-Visa program

• Passengers missing some paperwork but still meeting travel requirements

The service debuts at Cairo International Airport and will gradually expand to all 14 international airports across Egypt.

🌍 Who Can Use the New e-Visa on Arrival?

The e-Visa on arrival is available to citizens from 78 countries already part of Egypt’s e-Visa scheme. This includes:

• United States

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• All EU Member States

• Australia

• Japan & South Korea

• GCC countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc.)

• More nations eligible through Egypt’s eVisa platform

⚠️ Final eligibility may vary. Always check the official Egypt e-Visa portal or consult your airline before travel.

🛃 How Does the e-Visa on Arrival Process Work?

If you're arriving in Egypt without a prior visa, here's how you can get one on the spot:

• Head to a kiosk or use the app on arrival at the airport.

• Enter your travel details, scan your passport, and upload any required documents.

• Pay the visa fee online or at the kiosk.

• Receive your e-Visa confirmation digitally within minutes.

It’s seamless, fast, and removes the stress of pre-trip approvals.

⏳ Egypt’s 96-Hour Free Transit Visa Extended to 2026

Great news for stopover travelers! Egypt’s free 96-hour transit visa has been extended until April 2026. It lets you explore the country for up to four days if you're connecting via:

• EgyptAir

• Air Cairo

• Nile Air

Perfect for:

• Tourists with long layovers

• Visitors looking to see iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza or take a short cruise on the Nile River

🎯 Egypt’s Goal: 30 Million Tourists by 2028

After recording 15.7 million visitors in 2024, Egypt is pushing toward 30 million tourists annually by 2028. The e-Visa initiative is part of Egypt’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030, which includes:

• Airport modernization and faster border control

• Improved tourist services

• Marketing Egypt as a tech-enabled travel destination

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly recently chaired meetings focused on expanding infrastructure and simplifying entry procedures for global tourists.

🌐 Why This Matters to Travellers

Whether you’re planning a spontaneous vacation, short business trip, or a layover adventure, Egypt’s digital-first visa process makes travel smoother than ever.

Benefits for Travellers:

• Instant visa on arrival

• Extended stopover exploration

• Minimal paperwork

• Digital convenience at major airports

Egypt is embracing digital travel—and so should you. With these smart new visa tools, your trip to the Land of the Pharaohs just got easier, faster, and more traveler-friendly.