Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is set to phase out paper departure cards at its airports by the end of January, a move aimed at streamlining travel procedures and improving the overall passenger experience, according to Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh al-Hefny.
The decision marks another step in the government’s broader effort to modernize airport services and reduce administrative friction for both citizens and visitors. Paper departure cards, long a routine part of the exit process, are expected to be replaced by digital or system-based data already captured through passports and visa procedures, bringing Egypt more in line with international airport practices.
Speaking about the changes, al-Hefny said the measure is part of a wider package of reforms designed to enhance service quality and support tourism growth. These include the rollout of an integrated electronic visa system, as well as faster processing for emergency visas, initiatives intended to make entry and exit procedures more efficient and predictable for travelers.
Operational improvements at airports have already begun to show results, according to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Baggage handling times have been reduced, with the first bag now typically delivered around 20 minutes after landing and the last bag within 40 minutes. Officials say the improvements reflect a coordinated effort to cut waiting times, reduce congestion, and improve the perception of Egypt’s airports as modern and traveler-friendly gateways.
The move comes as Egypt seeks to strengthen inbound tourism, a critical pillar of the economy and a key source of foreign currency. After several years of disruption from global travel shocks, authorities have increasingly focused on simplifying procedures, expanding digital services, and improving airport efficiency to remain competitive with other regional destinations.
Aviation and tourism analysts note that eliminating paper-based processes can have a significant impact on passenger satisfaction, particularly during peak travel seasons. Faster processing not only improves the traveler experience but also helps airports manage higher volumes more effectively without costly infrastructure expansion.
With the departure card system set to be discontinued, Egypt’s aviation authorities are signaling a shift toward more automated and passenger-centric airport operations. Combined with visa reforms and operational upgrades, the changes are intended to support the country’s broader strategy of modernizing public services while reinforcing its position as a major tourism and transport hub in the region.
