Egypt Increases Visa Fee After 10 Years | New $45 Entry Cost Starts Immediately. Egypt has officially raised its entry visa fee from $25 to $45, marking the first increase in a decade. The decision, approved by President Abdul Fattah Al Sissi, took effect immediately after being published in the country’s Official Gazette.
This update affects all travellers, including those applying on arrival and those using the e-visa system, as well as visitors from Arab countries.
Why Egypt Raised Its Visa Fee Now
Egypt last adjusted its visa fee in May 2014, raising it from $15 to $25. For years, this low-cost entry remained unchanged and became one of the country’s selling points for travellers—especially from the Gulf and Europe.
But under new amendments to Law No. 175 of 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revised several fee structures, and the visa increase is part of this broader legislative update.
Officials view this fee revision as a step to:
- Boost government revenue
- Support foreign affairs services
- Align with global visa pricing trends
Who Will Be Affected by the New $45 Visa Fee?
The update covers:
- Visa-on-arrival travellers
- E-visa applicants through Egypt’s online system
- Arab visitors, including nationals from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and others
Back in March 2021, Egypt extended the visa fee to Arab nationals for the first time. Now, the new $45 charge applies to all groups equally.
How Egypt’s Visa Fee Changed Over Time
Previous Fee Timeline
| Year | Visa Fee | What Changed |
|---|---|---|
| Before 2014 | $15 | Base fee before first major increase |
| May 2014 | $25 | First fee hike in nearly a decade |
| March 2021 | $25 | Fee applied to Arab visitors as well |
| December 2025 | $45 | New increase under updated law |
For nearly a decade, the $25 fee helped Egypt remain competitive in tourism pricing—especially as the country aimed to attract more travellers during economic recovery phases.
Why This Change Matters for Tourists
For many travellers, the jump from $25 to $45 is noticeable but still reasonable compared to visa fees in other popular destinations. However, it may:
- Increase travel budgeting for families
- Impact last-minute travel decisions
- Reduce Egypt’s “low-cost destination” appeal for some visitors
Still, Egypt remains one of the most affordable major tourist destinations in the Middle East and Africa. With ongoing tourism development, heritage restoration, and expansion of new attractions, the country aims to balance affordability with modernisation.
What Tourists Should Do Now
If you’re planning a visit to Egypt:
- Expect to pay $45 for an entry visa
- Check e-visa eligibility before travelling
- Carry exact payment if entering through airports
- Monitor future travel advisories, as more regulatory updates may follow
Conclusion
Egypt’s decision to raise its visa fee from $25 to $45 marks the first increase in ten years, reflecting broader legislative reforms. While the cost is higher, Egypt re
