The Egyptian government has officially launched The new electronic Visa on Arrival system, in a move aimed at facilitating visitor entry procedures and speeding up the flow of transit inside Egyptian airports, as part of the state's plan for digital transformation and the development of services provided to travellers.
The pilot phase of the system begins in Cairo International Airport, with these to be rolled out gradually across various Egyptian airports in the coming period.
With the announcement of the new system, numerous questions spread among travellers, particularly regarding whether the electronic visa has become available to all nationalities, and whether it includes Yemeni and Sudanese citizens and nationalities that require security approvals before travelling to Egypt.
In this report, we clarify the truth about the new system, the categories benefiting from it, and the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What is the new electronic visa on arrival?
The new electronic visa It is not a new type of visa, and it is merely Digital development of the visa on arrival system which had been in force at Egyptian airports.
Previously, travellers eligible for a visa on arrival would purchase their visa sticker from the bank inside the airport before proceeding to the immigration officer.
But now, it can extract Quick Response (QR) Code Before travelling, via the online platform, the official app or through travel agencies, so that it can be presented on arrival, thereby helping to reduce waiting times and speed up entry procedures.
The relevant authorities have confirmed that the paper-based system will remain in place during the transitional period and will only be phased out once the new system has been fully implemented at all airports.
How do I apply?
Eligible travellers can obtain a code QR Code Via one of the following methods:
- The official website.
- The official app.
- Accredited travel agencies.
- During the trial phase, it can also be collected from self-service machines or bank branches within Cairo International Airport.
Official application link:
https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa
How much are the fees?
Under the new system, the fees are as follows:
- US$30 The cost of the entry visa.
- 6 US dollars QR code issuance fees.
Total fees: US$36.
Which nationalities will benefit from the new system?
And this is the most important point that needs to be clarified.
The new e-visa does not add any new nationalities to the list of those eligible for a visa on arrival.
The new system is intended solely for passengers who They were originally eligible to obtain a visa on arrival, but it shifts procedures from a paper-based system to a faster and more convenient electronic system.
This includes citizens of 118 countries, including:
- The United States of America.
- Canada.
- The United Kingdom.
- Most European Union countries.
- Australia.
- New Zealand.
- Japan.
- South Korea.
- and a number of Arab and Gulf states whose citizens are permitted to obtain a visa upon arrival in accordance with Egyptian regulations.
In other words:
If you were able to get your Egyptian visa on arrival before the launch of the system, you can now benefit from the new electronic system.
Does the electronic visa include Yemenis, Sudanese, Syrians, and nationalities who require security permits?
The answer is no.
And this is the point that was most misunderstood after the announcement of the new system.
the launch of the electronic system Changing the conditions for entering Egypt does not mean, and merely changes the way of issuing Visa on arrival for previously eligible nationalities.
What about the Yemenis?
The Yemeni citizen He does not get an Egyptian visa on arrival.
Therefore The new electronic visa system (QR Code) Not included.
And Yemenis will continue to follow the procedures for obtaining Prior visa, including اSecurity clearances when required in accordance with the regulations governing the entry of Yemeni citizens into Egypt.
And what about the Sudanese?
The same applies to Sudanese citizens in cases that require Advance visa or completing security procedures before travel.
The new electronic system does not change the entry conditions for any nationality, but is limited to digitalising the procedures for issuing visas for those who were already getting them on arrival in the first place.
Have the security clearances been cancelled?
The clear answer is:
No.
Launch of the electronic visa on arrival Revoking security clearances does not mean or changing the travel requirements for nationalities subject to these procedures.
Generally speaking, any nationality required prior visa or security clearance Before travelling to Egypt, the procedures for it will continue as they are without any change.
Summary
The new electronic system represents an important step in the path of digital transformation adopted by the Egyptian state, and is expected to contribute to accelerating entry procedures and improving the travel experience for millions of visitors.
However, it is important to emphasise that the new system It does not change the visa issuance conditions, and merely changes the way of issuing Visa on arrival for nationalities previously eligible for it.
As for travellers who need prior visa or security clearancesand among them are many Yemeni and Sudanese citizens, their travel procedures It remains in effect as it was, and has not undergone any change as a result of the launch of the new system..
