As I wrote about a couple of days ago, Egypt was planning on raising the cost of tourist visas on arrival from $25 to $60 as of March 1, 2017. That’s a 140% price hike, which is substantial, especially for a country that is trying to rapidly grow their number of visitors after a rough several years.
Well, Egypt has decided to postpone their visa on arrival fee hike until July 1, 2017, per the country’s prime minister. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s postponed beyond that.
This is the second time in a couple of years that Egypt has backtracked on introducing stricter visa policies. In 2015 Egypt planned on discontinuing visas on arrival for tourists, though they quickly postponed that, realizing the impact it would have on tourism.
I was really surprised to read some of the comments from readers on the last post. A bunch of people responded along the lines of “you can afford the visa fee, why are you complaining?”
This isn’t about whether or not I can afford the visa fee, but rather about the country’s overall approach to tourism. The government wants to hugely increase tourist numbers over the next three years, and increasing the fee to visit by 140% is not the way to do that. Will a 140% visa fee hike cause everyone to change their plans? Of course not. But long term — especially for those booking package tours where these fees might be included — it could impact demand.
Egypt is largely a budget vacation destination, so for a lot of people (especially families traveling together), there’s a big difference between a $25 per person visa fee and a $60 per person visa fee.
Even worse than the change as such was that they were planning on instituting this with virtually no notice.
So I’m happy to see Egypt came to their senses on this. It’s not about the amount in absolute terms, but rather about the percent increase, and also the fact that they were making the change with virtually no notice.
The minister for tourism in Egypt said at a meeting in Sharm that 20 million tourists will visit Egypt in the year 2020 I want him to pick my lottery numbers because they will have as much chance.I know the Egyptian pound is low and they desperatly need foreign currency but you do not bite the hand that feeds you ie tourist visas.
@Abdel Rahim Abdallah
Your $160 visa, is probably going to be good for 3-5-10 YEARS with MULTIPLE ENTRIES. Egypt is charging this for a SINGLE ENTRY visa...
Like @IV said, there are actually people working on the application as well, not that it really matters, but still, people always complain about the US visa, yes its not easy and a hassle, but generally speaking most countries get it for 10 (TEN) YEARS. So in reality...
@Abdel Rahim Abdallah
Your $160 visa, is probably going to be good for 3-5-10 YEARS with MULTIPLE ENTRIES. Egypt is charging this for a SINGLE ENTRY visa...
Like @IV said, there are actually people working on the application as well, not that it really matters, but still, people always complain about the US visa, yes its not easy and a hassle, but generally speaking most countries get it for 10 (TEN) YEARS. So in reality its not that big of a price, compared to say if an American were to go to Mexico and pay their "tourist fee" of like $25 per trip!
But I think the whole point here that LUCKY is making is that Egypt needs tourists and their money to come in to the country. Putting up "barriers" and hiking visa fees is not exactly a way to get tourists to your country. I for one, unless I really have a burning urge to go there, will just skip a country I need a visa for. Unfortunately I have done this with Brazil since my visa has expired. I have wanted to go back, but the hassle of a new visa, I just haven't done it.
I have a 10 hr layover in Cairo starting at 8am... taking advantage of a nice a380 biz class fare to JFK on Etihad. ;)
My goal during this time is to see the pyramids.
Can somebody advise the best way to hire a taxi to do so? Seems like Uber could do it.
So happy to see the visa thing extended... that would have affected me!
Just last evening I canceled plans to route through Cairo on a AUH to ATH flight because I will NOT pay for a transit visa! Was planning on a very brief one day in Cairo, but no more. Another choice was on Qatar Air BUT it looked like they were charging huge money for a carry on backpack. Finally went with Royal Jordanian via my AAdvantage points. Get a grip Egypt !! And all other...
Just last evening I canceled plans to route through Cairo on a AUH to ATH flight because I will NOT pay for a transit visa! Was planning on a very brief one day in Cairo, but no more. Another choice was on Qatar Air BUT it looked like they were charging huge money for a carry on backpack. Finally went with Royal Jordanian via my AAdvantage points. Get a grip Egypt !! And all other countries that charge for an under 24-hour transit visa. No way to ENCOURAGE tourism, money coming in, and a friendly image...
The big tourism companies behind the package tours usually have special deals so they will not pay full price or get it back in form of subsidies.
I connected twice through Cairo recently and the increase in fee might have entered into the equation, especially if with my wife. I had heard there was a transit visa for a very short stay and staying near the airport, but that did not seem to be the case so had to get the regular visa. Of course, I could have stayed in the transit area, but preferred to stay in a hotel. A higher fee could affect transit passengers.
@Abdel Rahim Abdallah
You understand that with your US visa application people are actually doing clerical work behind the scenes in an embassy. Plus you are not guaranteed you'll be approved.
With a visa on arrival, it's simply a cashier taking your money and you don't get denied.
I definitely agree with you, but would like to note that I have to pay $160 for a US visa.
I'm travelling to Cairo on Thursday so I was pissed about the fee hike but now I'm glad it's not gonna happen so soon.
This is a travel ban against Americans! Major league discrimination and violation of due process. Huge mistake Egypt.
Meanwhile Thailand reduces their visa fee on arrival to "encourage" tourism.
Traveling to Egypt on March 11, so I'm glad to see our family of 5 won't need to pay the higher fees ($175 more across our whole group). I was about to pull the trigger on prearranged visas via a tour company ($35 each) today in the hopes that I could get the lower rate now for our arrival on the 11th - good timing on posting this so I won't have to try. Thanks!