Egypt Denies Tourist Visa Fee Hike Rumors: No Increase in Entry Fees for 2025, Clarifies Ministry Amidst Global Travel Concerns, Impacting Sharm el Sheikh, Cairo, Luxor, and Beyond

Published on December 10, 2025

Amid rising global travel concerns, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism has firmly denied rumors about a tourist visa fee hike. No increase in entry fees for 2025 has been announced, the Ministry confirmed, putting to rest widespread speculation. The reports suggested that the visa fee might rise, affecting popular destinations like Sharm el Sheikh, Cairo, and Luxor. However, the Ministry clarified that these claims were completely unfounded. Travelers can still expect to pay the standard visa fee of $25, which remains unchanged for now. The confusion arose after recent changes to the country’s visa laws set a maximum possible fee of $45, but this is not currently being implemented. As Egypt continues to be a key destination for tourists worldwide, the Ministry reassured travelers that any future changes would be officially announced through government channels. For now, travelers can enjoy their trips to Egypt without worrying about increased visa costs.

Clarification from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism

Reports circulated widely across various media outlets claiming that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had signed off on a hike in the tourist visa fee, with the new charges set to take effect immediately. However, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities issued a clear statement rejecting these claims.

In an official communication published by Ahram Online, the Ministry stated that no decisions had been made to raise the visa fees. It went on to explain that the recent amendments to Egypt’s visa regulations had merely set a maximum possible visa fee of $45, but this does not mean the fee is currently being raised. The current tourist visa fee remains at $25, and the Ministry emphasized that any adjustments to fees would only be implemented following formal government announcements.

Why the Confusion Over Visa Fees?

The confusion surrounding Egypt’s tourist visa fees stemmed from recent changes to Law No. 175 of 2025, which outlines consular fees collected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While the amendments allowed for a potential increase in visa charges, it is important to note that the changes were designed only to set an upper limit for the fee, not to implement an immediate increase. The Ministry reiterated that such fee adjustments would only be applied if a formal decision was made in the future, and any new fee structures would be announced by official government channels.

A Ministry spokesperson clarified, stating that the circulating news about the visa fee increase was baseless. The Ministry reassured travelers that they would be informed through official statements if any changes to entry visa fees were to take place in the future.

No Immediate Impact on Travelers

For now, holidaymakers planning a trip to Egypt can rest assured that the cost of their tourist visa remains unchanged. The current visa fee of $25 continues to apply for most travelers. Visitors from various countries, including the UK, EU, and the USA, who are planning to visit Egypt’s popular tourist destinations, are not affected by any fee hikes.

Egypt’s Visa Policy for Tourists: What You Need to Know

While the recent rumors of a visa fee hike have been quashed, travelers planning a trip to Egypt still need to be aware of the country’s visa policies. Here’s a breakdown of the visa requirements for different types of travelers.

Sinai Entry Stamp for Select Countries

Travelers from the UK, EU, the USA, and a handful of other countries are granted a free Sinai Entry Stamp upon arrival at certain airports in Egypt, including Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba. This allows visitors to stay for up to 15 days without needing a full tourist visa. However, this stamp only applies to the Sinai Peninsula, so those wishing to explore other parts of Egypt, such as the mainland resorts or cities like Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, will need to obtain a visa.

Exploring Egypt Beyond the Sinai Peninsula

If you plan to visit any destination beyond the Sinai Peninsula, including popular spots such as Hurghada, Marsa Alam, El Gouna, or Luxor, you will need a tourist visa. The Sinai Entry Stamp does not cover mainland resorts or attractions outside the Sinai region.

For divers or adventure travelers, the Ras Mohamed National Park, which is situated just outside Sharm el Sheikh, also requires a visa. Though it’s technically within the Sinai Peninsula, visitors planning to explore Ras Mohamed or the shipwrecks of Thistlegorm and Dunraven should consider obtaining a visa in advance to avoid any confusion.

E-Visa or Visa on Arrival: Which Option Should You Choose?

Travelers heading to Egypt can choose between two types of visa: the e-visa and the visa on arrival. Here’s a breakdown of both options:

E-Visa: The Convenient Option

The e-visa is a popular choice for those who prefer to avoid long queues at the airport. Applying for an e-visa is simple and can be done online through Egypt’s official e-visa portal. However, travelers should apply at least one week in advance to ensure their visa is processed on time. The e-visa costs the same as the visa on arrival (currently $25), and the approval process is typically quick.

Visa on Arrival: An Alternative Option

Alternatively, travelers can choose to purchase a visa on arrival at the airport. This process may involve waiting in line at the airport’s immigration counters, so it’s important to factor in some extra time when arriving in Egypt. The visa on arrival is available at most major international airports in Egypt, including Cairo International Airport, Alexandria Borg El Arab, and Sharm el Sheikh.

Currency and Payment Options for Visa Fees

When paying for a visa upon arrival in Egypt, it is recommended to pay in US dollars as they are the most commonly accepted currency. However, Euros and British pounds are also accepted at most airports. Travelers can also pay for the visa fee using a credit or debit card, although cash payments tend to be faster and more convenient.

Travel Disruption and Potential Future Changes

While the Egyptian government has been clear that no visa fee increase is currently in effect, the global travel industry is always subject to changes. With new regulations, such as the possible introduction of a digital visa system or adjustments to the maximum fee, travelers to Egypt are advised to keep an eye on official updates and announcements.

For now, the $25 tourist visa remains unchanged, and travelers can continue to enjoy Egypt’s rich cultural and historical attractions without worrying about increased costs.

Conclusion

Despite recent rumors of a visa fee hike, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism has made it clear that no changes have been made to the current tourist visa fees. The Ministry emphasized that the recent legislative amendments only set an upper limit for potential future fee increases and that any adjustments to visa fees would be announced officially by the government. Travelers planning to visit Egypt can still obtain their tourist visa for the same cost of $25 and enjoy the country’s famous landmarks, including the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and the Red Sea resorts.

For those wishing to travel to the Sinai Peninsula, the Sinai Entry Stamp remains a convenient option for visitors from several countries, while others will need to obtain a standard tourist visa. Whether applying for an e-visa or a visa on arrival, travelers are advised to ensure they have the correct documentation before setting off for Egypt.

Source: Dive Magazine