Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Monday, March 27, its intention to make significant changes to the country's visa policy to stimulate the development of tourism.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a long-term visa option, a Egypt 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, set to revolutionize Egypt's tourism industry. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the details of this new visa policy, who can apply for it, and the implications it holds for the future of Egypt's tourism sector.
The Egyptian government has introduced a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, priced at $700 USD (or 21,000 Egyptian pounds). This move is part of Egypt's strategy to attract more international visitors and revive its tourism sector, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts.
Tourists will be eligible to obtain a 5-year multi-entry visa upon arrival in Egypt if they hold a valid visa from select countries, including:
Additionally, citizens of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia can now obtain a one-time visa. Indian citizens can apply for a single-entry visa upon arrival if they hold a valid visa from the US, UK, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, or a Gulf residence permit.
Citizens of Iran and Israel can enter certain regions of Egypt, specifically South Sinai and Hurghada, with a visa upon arrival, provided they have prior agreements with travel agencies. These arrangements are unique and signify Egypt's efforts to attract a diverse range of visitors.
The Egyptian tourism industry bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical events such as the Russia-Ukraine war. In 2022, the number of Russian tourists visiting Egypt decreased by 40%, and Ukrainian tourists dropped by a staggering 80%.
However, there was a notable increase in tourists from the USA, Great Britain, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Italian tourists, in particular, increased by a remarkable 250%.
Egypt is optimistic about the growth potential in its tourism sector. The government aims to attract 30 million tourists annually by 2028, up from 11.7 million in 2022.
One significant target is the Chinese market, which has largely remained untapped. Out of 150 million Chinese travelers worldwide in 2019, only about 220,000 visited Egypt. Egypt anticipates a 28% increase in the total number of visitors in 2023.
Egypt is a treasure trove of history and culture, boasting 2,000 archaeological sites and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among these iconic attractions are the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, and the Temples of Aswan.
Additionally, Egypt has been actively expanding its museum offerings, with the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria set to open soon, and the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, under construction since 2005, scheduled to open from October to January.
Citizens of 180 countries are eligible to apply for the new 5-year multiple-entry visa for Egypt. This includes all European Union nations, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Travelers with valid visas from specific countries, such as Schengen countries, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, or the US, can also apply for this long-term visa.
The application process for the 5-year Egyptian visa is straightforward. Eligible travelers can obtain their visa upon arrival at designated Egyptian airports.
For those planning shorter visits of 30 days or less, single or multiple-entry visas can be obtained online through the Egypt eVisa system. Over 70 nationalities are eligible for this online application, making it a convenient and efficient option.
The 5-year Egyptian visa is available at a cost of $ USD. For frequent travelers and those planning extended stays in Egypt, this long-term visa can offer cost savings compared to multiple single-entry visas.
In addition to the introduction of the 5-year visa, Egypt has made several other changes to its visa policy to make travel more accessible to a wider range of nationalities. Notably, the visa on arrival program has been expanded to include more countries, such as China, India, and Turkey.
Travelers from Iran and Israel can also enter Egypt on a visa on arrival but must do so at specific regions (South Sinai and Hurghada) and arrange their trips through approved travel agencies. Moreover, Indian visitors can obtain an emergency visa on arrival if they meet certain criteria, including residency in a Gulf Country or holding a visa for Australia, the EU, New Zealand, the UK, or the US.
In conclusion, Egypt's introduction of a 5-year multiple-entry visa is a significant step towards revitalizing its tourism industry. This policy not only enhances accessibility for travelers but also positions Egypt as an attractive long-term destination for international visitors. As Egypt continues to expand its cultural and historical offerings, it is poised to regain its status as a top tourist destination on the global stage.
Egypt has introduced a 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa, allowing travelers to stay in the country for an extended period without the need to reapply for a visa for each visit.
The 5-year Egyptian visa is priced at $ USD (Egyptian pounds). This fee allows travelers to make multiple entries into Egypt during the visa's validity period.
Citizens of 180 countries are eligible for the 5-year visa. Additionally, travelers with valid visas from select countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Schengen Area nations, Japan, and New Zealand, can also apply for this long-term visa.
The 5-year Egyptian visa is available upon arrival at designated Egyptian airports. However, for travelers planning shorter visits of 30 days or less, single or multiple-entry visas can be obtained online through the Egypt eVisa system, which is available to over 70 nationalities.
The introduction of the 5-year visa is part of Egypt's strategy to boost its tourism sector, which has faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical events. The government aims to increase annual tourist arrivals from 11.7 million in 2022 to 30 million by 2028.
Yes, citizens of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia can obtain a one-time visa to visit Egypt. Indian citizens can apply for a single-entry visa upon arrival if they hold valid visas from the US, UK, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, or possess a Gulf residence permit. Additionally, citizens of Iran and Israel can enter specific regions of Egypt (South Sinai and Hurghada) with a visa upon arrival, subject to prior agreement with travel agencies.
Egypt offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, the Temples of Aswan, and many more. The country has also expanded its museum offerings, with the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Greco-Roman Museum in Alexandria opening soon.
Egypt is actively promoting tourism through its archaeological sites, museums, and improved visa policies. The government is also expanding its direct flight routes, such as flights from Cairo to Sao Paulo, Brazil, to facilitate international travel.
Yes, citizens of China are eligible for the 5-year Egyptian visa. Egypt is actively targeting the Chinese tourism market and hopes to attract a significant number of Chinese tourists in the coming years.
Apart from the 5-year visa, Egypt has expanded its visa on arrival program to include more countries, such as China, India, and Turkey. Additionally, travelers from Iran and Israel can enter Egypt on a visa on arrival, but they must do so at specific regions (South Sinai and Hurghada) and arrange their trips through approved travel agencies. Indian visitors can obtain an emergency visa on arrival if they meet certain criteria, including residency in a Gulf Country or holding a visa for Australia, the EU, New Zealand, the UK, or the US.
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