Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt has increased the emergency entry visa fee for foreign tourists arriving at its airports to $30, up from $25, in a move authorities say is aimed at improving arrival procedures and supporting the country’s growing tourism sector.
The decision, announced by the Egyptian Chamber of Travel and Tourism Companies, took effect Sunday. Tourism companies have been instructed to update their travel programmes and coordinate with international partners, including tour operators and travel agents to ensure the new fee is properly applied.
Officials say the adjustment is part of broader administrative reforms intended to streamline entry processes at airports and other ports of entry, even as the government continues to roll out incentives designed to attract more visitors.
In parallel with the fee increase, the Egyptian cabinet approved extending the free emergency entry visa for travellers arriving by air at Luxor and Aswan airports during the summer seasons of 2026 and 2027. The exemption will remain in place from May through October each year under existing regulations.
Authorities said the extension follows positive results from the earlier initiative, which contributed to higher tourist inflows, particularly from markets interested in cultural and heritage tourism in Upper Egypt.
The cabinet also agreed to prolong the free 96-hour transit visa programme for another year, until April 2027, maintaining the current rules applied to Egyptian airlines. The transit visa has been widely promoted as a way to encourage short stopover visits and increase tourism spending.
The combined measures come as Egypt seeks to build on strong tourism momentum. The sector remains one of the country’s most important sources of foreign currency and a pillar of economic recovery efforts.
Egypt welcomed a record 19 million tourists in 2025, according to official figures, and the government has set an ambitious target of attracting 30 million visitors annually by 2030. Officials say continued visa facilitation, expanded air connectivity and targeted promotional campaigns will be key to achieving that goal.
