How to get an Egypt visa on arrival in Cairo in 2026 (new digital QR visa system)?

A traveler reports that the Cairo QR-visa pre-application website has been inaccessible for over a week, so advance processing is currently unavailable. The visa can reportedly be purchased on arrival for about $36; when advance processing is available, payment with a foreign bank card was quoted at $25–30.

According to the latest info, the new QR visa for Cairo might cost $36 instead of $30 — price is being clarified. Travel agencies can issue the code in advance, 48 hours before departure.

Starting August 1, 2026, Cairo airport is the first to switch to a digital visa — instead of a passport sticker, travelers get a QR code to show at passport control.

The official price of the digital visa is $30 — same as before. Payment is by bank card only, via the official website, mobile app, or a self-service kiosk in the arrivals hall.

Cash payment for the Cairo visa fee is no longer accepted — only bank card when filling out the online form.

In Hurghada, as of August 2026, tourists are still processed under the old rules with a paper visa stamp — the digital system hasn't been rolled out there yet.

Rules for Sharm el-Sheikh stay the same: if you remain in South Sinai for up to 15 days, you get a free 'Sinai stamp' with no visa needed. A full visa is required if you plan to leave South Sinai or stay longer than 15 days.