Egypt hikes tourist visa fee for first time in ten years

(EGYPT) Egypt has raised its standard tourist visa fee from $25 to $45, the first increase in more than a decade, after President Abdel Fattah Al Sissi signed a decree that took effect on December 1, 2025, immediately after publication in the Official Gazette.

Who is affected and how the fee is applied

The change affects all foreign visitors who need a visa to enter Egypt, including:
– Those who get a visa on arrival at airports
– Travelers who apply for an e-visa online
– Visitors from Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain

Officials say the higher charge applies across the board, with no exceptions announced for specific nationalities or categories of travelers.

Legal and administrative context

The government framed the move as part of broader changes under Law No. 175 of 2025, which deals with fees collected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Egyptian diplomatic missions abroad. By tying the tourist visa fee to this law, authorities signal that the money will support not only border control but also the running costs of embassies and consulates worldwide.

According to the text of the decree, President Al Sissi signed the increase on November 30, 2025, one day before it came into force. That short gap left airlines, tour operators, and travelers with little time to adjust, especially those who had already budgeted trips based on the old $25 visa price and were due to arrive in early December.

Fee history and rationale

• May 2014: Fee rose from $15 to $25 (last increase before 2025).
• December 1, 2025: Fee increased to $45.

Officials argue that raising the fee to $45 brings Egypt closer to global averages and reflects higher costs for providing consular services. They say the additional funds will support the upkeep and modernization of Egypt’s diplomatic missions, including:
– Security upgrades
– Digital systems for processing visas
– Improved facilities for Egyptians living abroad

By linking the fee to Law No. 175 of 2025, the government underlines consular services as part of a wider financial strategy rather than a pure border-control charge.

Payment rules and digitalization

Payment rules clarified by authorities:
– Preferred currency: US dollars
– Accepted currencies: US dollars, pounds sterling, euros
– The amount is fixed at $45 regardless of the exchange rate used at the border
– Payment by credit or debit card is available at entry points

Egypt has been expanding its electronic visa system. Travelers can apply and pay online before departure through the official e-visa portal: https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. The same $45 fee applies online, but supporters say the online process reduces stress at arrival and may make the higher price easier to accept if the experience is smooth and predictable.

Practical impact on travelers and industry

For individual travelers, the impact is immediate at the airport counter or during online payment.

Example:
– A family of four that previously paid $100 for visas on arrival will now need $180.

Industry concerns and reactions:
– The Egyptian Federation of Tourist Chambers voiced concern about timing, noting the increase comes just months before the highly promoted opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum near the Giza pyramids.
– Tour operators warn that a $20 jump can matter for large tour groups, students, and frequent regional travelers.
– Travel companies have had to recalculate package prices and update marketing at short notice.

Market outlook and forecasts

Tourism remains one of Egypt’s strongest-performing sectors. Officials cited forecasts projecting 17.76 million tourists by the end of 2025, with a government target of nearly 19 million visitors in 2025, driven mainly by travelers from the United States and Europe.

Analysis by VisaVerge.com highlights the balancing act between raising revenue and keeping Egypt competitive in a crowded global tourism market. While $45 is still lower than or similar to fees charged by some countries, the sudden nature of the increase has forced travel companies to adjust quickly.

Debate over timing and broader implications

Arguments against the timing:
– Some tourism businesses argue the state should have waited until after the first year of operations of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
– They suggest the old price could have helped attract more visitors immediately, growing the tax base naturally.

Arguments in favor:
– Proponents note that infrastructure projects (roads, airports, museums, site protection) require substantial funding.
– Asking foreign visitors to pay an extra $20 is seen by some as reasonable to help fund safer sites, better transport links, and new cultural attractions.

There is currently:
– No sign Egypt will introduce different tourist visa fee levels based on nationality or season
– No announcement of multiple-entry visa options tied to this decree

Travel agents say they are watching closely for any follow-up decisions that might offer discounted visas for repeat visitors or longer-stay bookings.

Important takeaway: Whether the new fee will slow visitor growth will become clearer in 2026, once a full year of data under the $45 regime is available.

Summary table: key facts at a glance

Final notes

Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasize the use of revenue for consular services and mission upkeep. For now, airlines, hotels, and tour operators are reassuring travelers that Egypt still offers relatively low daily costs for food, transport, and accommodation, even if the front-end price of entry has increased.