• Emergency entry visa fee for foreign tourists reportedly rises from $25 to $30, effective March 1, 2026.
• Free seasonal visas at Luxor and Aswan have been extended through 2026–2027; 96-hour transit visas remain valid until April 2027.
• No official confirmation yet from Egyptian authorities

The Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA), quoting Ahram Online, an outlet of Egypt’s largest state-affiliated media organisation, disclosed that the government plans to increase the fee for emergency-entry visas issued upon arrival at airports from $25 to $30, effective March 1, 2026.

No official press release has been issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities yet, making it difficult to provide a clear rationale for this initiative if it is officially confirmed. The ETAA circular instructs travel agencies and tour operators to update travel programs and coordinate with international partners to reflect the new fee. The announcement emphasizes that the change affects only visas issued upon arrival at airports and does not apply to e-Visas obtained via the official platform or consular visas issued by Egyptian embassies abroad.

This is the second time such announcements have been made within the last six months. In December 2025, reports circulated that Egyptian visas had risen from $25 to $45; the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities clarified that the legislative amendments at the time only set a legal maximum for visa fees, not a real increase.

Currently, single-entry visas cost $25, and multiple-entry visas cost $60. Alongside the visa-on-arrival fee update, the Egyptian cabinet approved extensions for other visa measures: Free emergency entry visas at Luxor and Aswan airports during the summer seasons of 2026 and 2027 (May-October), following positive outcomes in previous years. As well as 96-hour transit visas valid through April 2027 under existing rules for Egyptian airlines.

Tourism remains a major source of foreign currency for Egypt, which welcomed a record 19 million visitors in 2025. The government aims to reach 30 million annual tourists by 2030, a goal supported by initiatives such as visa facilitation, seasonal free-entry programs, and the promotion of cultural tourism in Upper Egypt. The fee increase is part of broader efforts to modernize entry procedures while balancing revenue generation and visitor convenience.

By Cynthia Ebot Takang