Egypt raises on-arrival visa fee to $30 from March 1, 2026

Our phones at the agency haven’t stopped ringing since December. “Is the visa to Egypt really doubling?” “Is it true the on-arrival visa now costs $45?” From our offices in Nantes, where we handle entry formalities for travelers from around the world, we’ve seen dozens of contradictory news stories.

Today, February 23, 2026, we’re putting an end to the suspense: the official decision was announced yesterday. A copy of the circular from the Egyptian Travel Agencies Association (ETAA) landed on our desks this morning. The visa fee is indeed increasing—but the media got the amount badly wrong. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your trip without any unpleasant surprises.

What changes on March 1, 2026

The official ETAA document (Circular No. 37) clears up all ambiguity.

The ETAA circular announcing the fee change

It has been decided to increase the emergency entry visa fees at Egyptian ports to $30 USD instead of $25, effective from March 1, 2026. (Translation of the Arabic directive signed by Osama Emara, Executive Director of the ETAA)

If you land in Cairo, Hurghada, or Luxor without completing consular procedures beforehand, you’ll need to pay an additional $5. This new rate applies to all international travelers eligible for an on-arrival visa.

Why everyone thought it would cost $45

If you’ve been following travel formalities news, you may remember the panic at the end of 2025. Nearly every media outlet claimed the Egyptian visa had skyrocketed to $45. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism had to work overtime to deny the rumor.

The explanation is surprisingly simple. In November 2025, Law No. 175 simply set a maximum increase ceiling to fund embassy renovations—but did not implement it immediately. The press got carried away, confusing a legal cap with the actual fee. Authorities ultimately settled on a modest $5 increase—much easier on vacation budgets.

Our agency’s tip: secure your entry in advance

The on-arrival visa, officially called an “emergency visa,” can work in a pinch. But our teams see problems at immigration desks every day: endless queues in the middle of the night, customs officers without change, or worse—boarding rejections for certain nationalities who assumed they’d be eligible on arrival, or worse, demands for bribes.

For our clients—especially non-European travelers facing stricter rules—anticipation is the only real guarantee. Applying for an e-Visa before departure makes perfect sense now. You receive your document as a PDF, go straight to passport control, and avoid cold sweats over sudden changes in border policies.

Does the fee hike apply to multiple-entry visas?
The February 22 circular specifically targets the single-entry emergency visa issued at border posts. For multiple-entry visas (historically $60), confirmation from the authorities is expected in the coming days—but expect a proportional increase.

Can I pay the visa fee in euros on arrival?
Yes, Egyptian customs usually accept euros or sterling. The catch? The exchange rate is set at the officer’s discretion—and often to your disadvantage. Travelers in the know always carry the exact amount in US dollars.

Free Sinai-only stamp remains in effect

Is the free Sinai-only stamp still available?
Absolutely yes. If your stay is under 15 days and you stick to Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba, the free “Sinai Only” stamp still applies. But with this stamp, you’re strictly prohibited from leaving Egypt’s eastern coast—don’t plan to visit the Pyramids of Giza.