Egypt introduces electronic visas. How will the system work for Belarusians?
Starting August 1st, a digital visa system will begin operating in Egypt in a pilot mode. For now, it will only be active at Cairo Airport.
Cairo Airport, photo Wikimedia Commons
In the future, the system is planned to be implemented in other airports across the country, reported the Republican Union of Tourist Organizations.
Paper visa stickers in passports will be abolished. Instead, tourists will receive a QR code, which must be presented during passport control.
It will be possible to obtain it on the official website, through a mobile application, or using self-service kiosks in the arrival halls.
An important point: cash payment is not provided — only by bank card.
By the way, travel companies will be able to issue a QR code on behalf of the tourist 48 hours before their arrival. The visa cost will not change and will remain $30.
The authorities plan to switch to full-scale implementation of electronic visas only after testing the system in Cairo. Tour operators emphasize that tourists arriving in August, for example, in Hurghada, will still obtain visas according to the old rules.
At the same time, entry rules for tourists flying to Sharm el-Sheikh remain unchanged for now. If a person arrives at this resort, does not leave the territory of South Sinai, and stays there for no more than 15 days, they will still receive a so-called "Sinai stamp" in their passport for free, as before. The digital system will not apply to this category of tourists.