Egypt recently announced the introduction of a new multiple-entry visa, as well as the addition of more nationalities to its visa-on-arrival list. In his speech earlier this week, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa confirmed India’s inclusion on the list. The update is part of a package of measures aimed at boosting tourism in the country.
Egypt visa latest updates
According to reports, the government will soon announce a new $700 multiple-entry visa (MEV) to Egypt (Rs57,688). This visa will be valid for five years, as opposed to the previous MEVs’ one-year validity period. In addition, for $25, more than 180 nationalities will be able to obtain a single-entry visa on arrival valid for 30 days (Rs2,060). India and China have also been added to this list: now, Chinese and Indian tourists with a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) resident visa will be able to obtain a visa upon arrival in Egypt.
Until now, this facility was only available to holders of an entry visa from a Schengen country, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand. Furthermore, Chinese tourists traveling alone will be able to obtain an emergency entry visa at Egyptian ports.
Changes to the eligibility criteria for tourists arriving from other countries have also been announced. Among other changes, Iraqi tourists can now obtain visas on arrival (if they meet the eligibility criteria), and Iranian tourists can now obtain a visa on arrival when traveling to South Sinai through a certified tourist agency. Israelis can travel to Hurghada in groups through certified tourism companies.
The update comes after the pandemic dealt a significant blow to the country’s tourism industry. Egypt saw an increase in tourism last year, with 4.9 million visitors in the first six months of 2022. The total number was estimated at 11.7 million for 2022, which is impressive but far below the record 13.1 million visitors seen in 2019.
Egypt now wants to increase visitor numbers by 25 to 30% per year, with a target of 30 million tourists by 2028. However, the ministry expects these moves to not only boost tourism in the country, but also to reduce regional tensions among the countries. In order to reestablish ties between Egypt and Turkey, Turkish nationals will be given expanded access to visas on arrival.
The visa updates are expected to go into effect soon, so keep an eye out for updates.