Egypt | Simplifying Entry and Exit at its Airports

Egypt is simplifying entry and exit at its airports by eliminating paper landing/departure cards departures starting February 1, 2026, replacing them with a digital system for faster processing, aiming to reduce queues and enhance the passenger experience as part of a broader push for digital border management and improved tourism services, including streamlined e - visa processes.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that the so called “passport card”, a physical entry and exit form that both Egyptian citizens and international visitors must fill out manually, which has been the subject of several complaints for slowing down processes at Egyptian airports will be eliminated. 

Egypt’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh el Hefny, confirmed this move in an interview with a local television stating that the country intends to eliminate this bureaucratic procedures for passengers arriving and departing from Egyptian airports, a measure that seeks to speed up arrivals and departures.

After coordination with the Ministry of the interior and other competent authorities, these documents, which until now were mandatory to fill in and deliver at passport control, will begin to be eliminated, the aim is to facilitate travel procedures and reduce the time passenger spend at the airport, as well as representing a move to attract more visitors.

It should be noted that these forms, which until then are filled out by hand, requiring information such as name and surname, passport number, accommodation address in Egypt, purpose of travel and flight number significantly slowed down operations at the entrance to the North African country. 

The Minister added that the new procedures, include the use of an electronic passenger database and its linking to the Advance Passenger Information (API) system which allows for the pre - selection of information to facilitate entry. 

Improvements also include the provision of transport services within the airport, such as limousines and taxis, as well as the increase in the number of bank branches to facilitate the issuance of electronic visas and instant visas on arrival. 

The official stressed that these measures are not limited to the simple removal of these sheets, but are part of a comprehensive vision to improve the image of the Egyptian airports as the first point of contact for visitors, reflecting a positive experience and boosting the tourism sector in the country.

Key Changes and Benefits: 

•    No More Paper Cards: Travellers won’t need to fill on manual arrival/departure forms, saving time and reducing stress.
•    Digital Processing: Passenger data will be handled electronically through the Advanced Passenger Information (API) system, allowing pre – screening and quicker passport control. 
•    Faster Flow: The goal is to accelerate passenger movement, especially during peak times, by reducing paperwork at immigration. 
•    Broader Digitalization: This is part of a larger strategy to digitize airport services, including enhancing the electronic visa system. 

What This Means for Travellers: 

•    Smoother Arrivals and Departures: Expect less time spent on paperwork and potentially shorter lines at immigration. 
•    Improved Experience: The move aligns Egypt with international standards for efficient travel.

In essence Egypt is moving towards a fully digital border system to make travel more efficient and welcoming for tourists, with the paper card cancellation being a significant first step. 

Alongside this milestone the Ministry of Tourism announced that the country received nearly 19 million tourists in 2025, thus registering a record that exceeded even the forecast for 2026 and the government’s goal is now to reach 30 million annually. 

In this sense, the Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, assured that apart to streamline and simplify entry and exit at the airports, the country is actively working to improve the quality of various tourism services, while strengthening Egtypt’s global competitiveness. 

Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2026/01/07/egito-simplifica-entrada-e-saida-nos-aeroportos