Egypt’s New E-Visa System Hailed as a ‘Qualitative Leap’ in Drive to Attract 30 Million Tourists Annually
Haitham Arafa, a board member of the Chamber of Tourism Companies, has highly praised the rollout of Egypt’s new electronic visa system. He described the initiative as a crucial step toward enhancing the competitiveness of the Egyptian tourist destination and streamlining entry procedures for international visitors. Simultaneously, Arafa called for the swift resolution of any operational challenges at airports and emphasized the need to train tourism companies on digital transformation mechanisms.
In a press statement, Arafa noted that the new system, which facilitates obtaining a tourist visa upon arrival, will significantly ease entry procedures. This, he argued, will positively impact incoming tourism rates. However, he acknowledged that the transition also presents a dual challenge for both airport authorities and the broader tourism sector.
The implementation of this system comes at a vital time, Arafa added, particularly given the ongoing geopolitical developments in the region. These circumstances necessitate more agile and accelerated procedures to effectively attract tourists from foreign markets.
He highlighted that applying the e-visa system to citizens from 118 tourism-exporting countries represents a qualitative leap. It not only bolsters the government's efforts to boost visitor numbers but also aligns Egypt with the digital advancements transforming the global travel and tourism industry.
Arafa explained that the ultimate success of the system hinges on the efficiency of its on-the-ground execution. He noted that the responsibility primarily falls on airport authorities to ensure a seamless experience for tourists, from the moment they land until they complete departure procedures. He stressed the absolute necessity of addressing any operational hurdles during the rollout to guarantee rapid processing, minimize airport waiting times, and achieve the system’s intended objectives.
Keeping Pace with Global Technological Advancements
Arafa pointed out that tourism companies face their own challenges. They must keep pace with global technological trends and take decisive steps toward integrating digital transformation tools into their marketing strategies, program execution, and direct communication with tourists.
He strongly urged companies and industry professionals to capitalize on the training programs offered by the Chamber of Tourism Companies. These initiatives are designed to equip the workforce with the skills needed to utilize modern technological tools effectively.
Detailing the mechanics of the new process, Arafa explained that the system allows travelers to generate a "QR Code" via a dedicated website, a mobile application, or through their respective tourism agencies. Upon arrival, this code is presented to passport control officers to finalize the visa issuance, thereby significantly cutting down wait times at the airport.
He clarified that the traditional paper-based system remains fully operational and will not be entirely phased out until the new digital ecosystem is comprehensively implemented. During this trial phase, travelers who are unable to secure a QR code in advance can obtain one from bank branches located inside the arrival halls.
Regarding costs, Arafa stated that the issuance of the QR Code incurs a $6 fee, which is added to the standard $30 entry visa fee, bringing the total cost to $36. He also noted that the pricing of the e-visa is subject to various considerations and remains under continuous review by relevant state authorities.
Arafa affirmed that the new electronic visa infrastructure is a cornerstone for the state’s ambitious strategy to attract 30 million tourists annually. It perfectly aligns with the future vision formulated by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to cultivate a robust and sustainable tourism sector.
He expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Sherif Fathy, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, and his team, in working tirelessly to achieve Egypt’s national tourism goals.
Finally, Arafa noted that the launch of the e-visa system is a testament to the persistent advocacy of the Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers, led by Hossam El-Shaer, and the Chamber of Travel and Tourism Agencies, headed by Dr. Nader El-Beblawi. Both entities have long championed the digitalization of the visa system to keep pace with global standards and firmly position Egypt on the map of modern, advanced tourist destinations.