Egypt Introduces 5-Year Multiple Entry Visa to Boost Tourism

Egypt, a popular tourist destination, has announced that it will begin issuing multiple-entry visas for the first time, as well as expanding visa-on-arrival eligibility to include more nationalities.

The announcement was made by the country’s tourism minister, who revealed that a five-year multiple-entry visa will cost $700, while a single-entry 30-day visa on arrival will cost $25 and will be available to over 180 nationalities.

Expansion of Eligibility to More Nationalities

According to reports, the decision to expand visa-on-arrival eligibility to more nationalities is part of the government’s strategy to boost tourism in the country, which has declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

China and India have been added to the list of countries eligible for visa-on-arrival.

Boosting Tourism

Egypt received 11.7 million tourists last year, and the country hopes to increase that number by 25% to 30% annually, with 30 million visitors expected by 2028.

According to the tourism minister, visitor numbers increased by more than 30% in the first two months of this year when compared to the same period last year.

However, the two primary tourist sources, Russia and Ukraine, saw 40% and 80% decreases, respectively. Despite this setback, the country hopes to meet its target by 2023 by broadening the eligibility criteria to include more nationalities.

Easier Entry Procedures for Other Nationalities

In addition to expanding visa-on-arrival, the country is working to make entry procedures easier for Moroccans, Turks, Israelis, Algerians, and Iranians. More information about these procedures will be released soon.

The Egyptian government’s decision to offer a five-year multiple-entry visa is expected to boost the country’s tourism industry, which is a significant source of revenue for the economy.

Extending visa-on-arrival eligibility to more nationalities, as well as efforts to simplify entry procedures for other nationalities, are expected to boost tourism and the economy in the long run.