It's the news that has had travel groups and tourism websites in a panic for the past few days: Egypt has apparently decided to abolish visas for American, British and European nationals.
Warning: don't put your bank card away too quickly. After analyzing Egyptian government sources and diplomatic channels, the verdict is clear: is misinformation, or at best, a very premature interpretation. As experts in travel formalities, we warn our readers against this rumor, which could result in you being denied boarding at the airport.
What's circulating on the web (and why it's misleading)
Several media, including Travel and Tour World or specialized platforms, have published articles (often generated by AI...) claiming that Egypt “opens its floodgates”by extending its visa-free to boost tourism.
The problem? These articles are based on statements of intent or internal discussions within the Ministry of Tourism, but no official decree has been signed by the Ministry of the Interior (the only body empowered to modify entry rules).
If you arrive at the check-in counter of your airline (Air France, EgyptAir, Transavia, etc.) without your e-visa or without being ready to pay the regulatory 25$ or 30$, here's what's likely to happen:
- Denied boarding : Airlines are responsible for checking your travel documents. No visa = no flight.
- Confusion over “Sinai Only”: There is one historical exception: the free 15-day stamp for the South Sinai area (Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba). Many sites confuse this regional specificity with a national exemption. If you leave Sinai (to visit the pyramids in Cairo, for example), this stamp is worthless.
- Fraudulent sites : This rumor benefits unscrupulous sites that may sell you useless “exemption certificates”.
How to get into Egypt today (The safe way)
Don't take risks based on unverified press reports. Here are the only two official channels for Western and non-European travellers:
- L' e-Visa (recommended)
This is the smoothest method. You make your request on the official portal (or via a specialized agency like ours) at least 7 days before departure. You receive a PDF document with a QR Code. It's simple, straightforward and avoids the queues at Cairo airport. - THE Visa on arrival
Available for most Western countries. You must line up at a bank counter in the transit zone before passport control, pay 25 or 30 USD in cash (euros are accepted, but exchange rates are often unfavorable), and affix the stamp to your passport.
Important note for travellers outside the EU/USA: For many nationalities from Africa, Asia or the Middle East, a visa obtained in advance from the embassy remains the absolute rule. Never rely on general headlines.
Egypt is indeed seeking to simplify its procedures in order to reach its target of 30 million tourists. It is possible that one day, a total exemption will be introduced. But in diplomacy, until a text is published in the Journal Officiel, it doesn't exist.
| Are you unsure about your situation? Don't rely on social networks. Contact our team to check the exact entry requirements according to your nationality and itinerary. |
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