Egypt Visa-on-Arrival Fee May Be Increasing Soon. The Egyptian Travel Agents Association (E.T.A.A.) has circulated an internal notice indicating a potential increase in the visa-on-arrival fee at Egyptian airports. While the document signals a fee change, an official confirmation from Egyptian authorities is still pending, leaving travelers and agencies waiting for a formal announcement.
Details from the E.T.A.A. Circular
In a circular described as “important and urgent,” the E.T.A.A. informed its members that the visa-on-arrival fee in Egypt could rise from $25 to $30, effective March 1, 2026.
The document states:
“We hereby inform you that it has been decided to increase the fee for entry visas issued upon arrival at Egyptian entry points to 30 U.S. dollars instead of 25 U.S. dollars, effective March 1, 2026.”
The association urged all member agencies to take note and implement necessary measures in anticipation of the fee adjustment.
At this stage, however, the announcement originates solely from a professional association representing Egyptian travel agencies. There has been no official confirmation from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Egyptian government, or from Egyptian embassies abroad. Additionally, the Official Gazette has yet to publish any notification regarding the change.
Who Would Be Affected?
The proposed adjustment, according to the E.T.A.A. circular, would only apply to visas issued upon arrival at airports and other Egyptian entry points. Travelers using electronic visas (e-Visas) through the official platform, visa2egypt.gov.eg, or obtaining consular visas from Egyptian embassies and consulates would not be affected by the potential fee increase.
This clarification is crucial for travelers planning their trips, as many international visitors now prefer applying for an e-Visa in advance for convenience and faster processing.
Previous Confusion Over Egyptian Visa Fees
Recently, several media outlets mistakenly reported that the Egyptian visa fee had risen dramatically, claiming an increase from $25 to $45. This claim was quickly denied by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, clarifying that the legislative updates were intended only to establish a legal maximum fee and did not constitute an actual price increase.
Currently, travelers still pay $25 for a single-entry visa and $60 for a multiple-entry visa at Egyptian airports, which remains in effect until any official announcement is made.
Why the Fee Might Increase
While the E.T.A.A. circular does not explain the reasons behind the proposed fee adjustment, authorities usually revise visa-on-arrival charges to:
- Cover administrative and processing costs at airports.
- Streamline entry procedures and manage large numbers of incoming travelers.
- Align visa fees with international standards or inflation adjustments.
Once officially confirmed, travelers can expect updated instructions from the Egyptian government, detailing payment methods, exemptions, and relevant entry requirements
Recommendations for Travelers
Until official confirmation, travelers planning a visit to Egypt should continue preparing for the current fee structure, paying $25 for a single-entry visa on arrival.
Experts recommend:
- Checking the official visa portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg) before traveling.
- Confirming visa requirements with local Egyptian embassies or consulates.
- Monitoring updates from E.T.A.A. and official tourism authorities to avoid last-minute surprises at airports.
It is also important to note that multiple-entry visas, e-Visas, and consular visas remain unaffected by this potential change.
What Happens Next?
The next steps depend on official confirmation by Egyptian authorities. Once an official notice is issued, the government will likely publish the updated fees on official portals and communicate them to airports, travel agencies, and embassies.
Travelers are advised to remain informed about:
- Fee amounts for single-entry and multiple-entry visas.
- Payment methods accepted at airports.
- Any changes in exemptions or visa validity periods.
This ensures that travelers can avoid confusion or delays upon arrival in Egypt.
Conclusion
The potential increase in Egypt’s visa-on-arrival fee highlights the importance of staying updated on travel regulations. While the E.T.A.A. circular suggests a rise from $25 to $30 effective March 1, 2026, official confirmation from Egyptian authorities is still pending
