Egypt Strengthens Its Global Tourism Appeal by Keeping Tourist Visa Fees Stable at $25, Ensuring Market Competitiveness and Boosting Visitor Numbers

Published on December 13, 2025

Egypt has solidified its position as a premier global tourism destination by deciding to maintain its tourist visa fees at $25, ensuring its competitiveness and appeal to international visitors. This move not only keeps the country’s tourism sector affordable but also fosters market stability at a time when global tourism is recovering. By avoiding a proposed fee increase to $45, Egypt demonstrates its commitment to attracting a diverse range of tourists, which is crucial for the country’s economic growth and its tourism infrastructure development. This decision reflects Egypt’s strategy to sustain long-term growth in tourism, driven by its rich cultural heritage and landmark attractions like the Grand Egyptian Museum, set to open in 2025.

Egypt’s Stable Tourist Visa Fees Set to Strengthen Tourism Sector and Enhance Global Competitiveness

The Egyptian government’s decision to maintain tourist visa fees at $25, rather than increasing them to $45, has been warmly received by the Egyptian Travel Agents Association. This move is seen as a vital step in boosting the country’s tourism sector and reinforcing its competitive edge in the global market. By keeping visa fees stable, Egypt is making a concerted effort to maintain its appeal as a prime destination for international visitors.

Tourism is a significant pillar of Egypt’s economy, and the government’s decision to keep visa fees unchanged offers market stability, which is crucial in a highly competitive tourism industry. Nader el-Beblawi, Chairman of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, emphasized that this measure makes Egypt more attractive to tourists. It is seen as a way to position the country as a preferred choice for travelers, enhancing its long-term appeal. The original proposal to raise the fees to $45, which would have marked the first increase in over a decade, was met with some concern, but this decision ensures that tourists will continue to find Egypt a cost-effective destination.

This development aligns with the country’s broader tourism goals, which have been outlined in recent reports from the Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center. According to these reports, Egypt’s tourism sector is on a positive trajectory, with forecasts from Fitch Solutions estimating that 17.76 million tourists will visit the country by the end of 2025. The number of international visitors is expected to rise further, reaching 18.56 million by 2026. These projections are a testament to the strong recovery in global tourism and Egypt’s commitment to improving its tourism infrastructure.

The global tourism industry is also on the mend after the challenges posed by the pandemic. According to recent data, international arrivals hit 1.47 billion in 2024, reflecting a 12.5% increase from the previous year. This resurgence is accompanied by a surge in tourism revenues, which surpassed $1.73 trillion for the first time, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The sector supported 356 million jobs in 2024, with projections suggesting this figure will rise to 371 million by 2025. These statistics underline the growing importance of tourism in driving global economic recovery, and Egypt is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth.

Cultural tourism has emerged as a significant driver of this recovery, with museums and historical sites playing a central role in attracting international visitors. In 2023, the Louvre in Paris led the global attendance rankings, with 8.9 million visitors, followed by the Vatican Museums and China’s National Museum. Egypt is poised to benefit from this trend with the upcoming full opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in 2025. This state-of-the-art museum, located near the Giza Pyramids, is expected to attract up to 5 million visitors annually. With its vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun, the museum is set to become one of the most visited cultural sites in the world, further cementing Egypt’s position as a key player in global tourism.

In addition to the Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, including iconic landmarks like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and Luxor’s temples, continues to attract millions of visitors each year. The preservation and promotion of these sites have been central to Egypt’s tourism strategy, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of cultural tourism. The government’s decision to stabilize visa fees is seen as part of a broader effort to foster a favorable environment for tourism growth, making Egypt more accessible to a diverse range of travelers.

The stability of visa fees is also expected to bolster the hospitality and transportation sectors in Egypt. With more tourists visiting, the demand for accommodation, guided tours, and transportation services will increase, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Furthermore, the availability of affordable visas could encourage longer stays, allowing visitors to explore not just the major tourist attractions, but also lesser-known destinations across the country. This would help distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly, supporting local economies and communities.

Egypt’s tourism sector has long been one of the main contributors to the country’s GDP, and this move to keep visa fees stable is expected to have a positive ripple effect across various industries. The country is also focusing on enhancing its tourism infrastructure, improving airport facilities, and upgrading transportation networks to meet the growing demand from international travelers. These initiatives, combined with the government’s commitment to maintaining competitive visa policies, demonstrate Egypt’s dedication to positioning itself as a top global tourism destination.

The Egyptian government’s decision comes at a time when the global tourism industry is undergoing a significant recovery. With increasing international arrivals, higher tourism revenues, and a booming cultural tourism sector, Egypt is set to play a major role in the global tourism landscape. The country’s ability to maintain stable visa fees, alongside its impressive cultural offerings, is sure to attract a steady influx of visitors in the years to come.

Egypt has reinforced its status as a top tourism destination by keeping tourist visa fees at $25, ensuring affordability and long-term growth. This decision strengthens its competitiveness and attracts more global visitors, supporting the recovery of its tourism sector.

In conclusion, Egypt’s decision to keep tourist visa fees at $25 serves as a strategic move to maintain its competitive advantage in the international tourism market. This move, combined with the country’s rich cultural heritage and upcoming tourism infrastructure developments, positions Egypt as a top destination for global travelers. With the Grand Egyptian Museum opening in 2025 and continued growth in cultural tourism, Egypt is poised to strengthen its position as a leading tourism hub in the region and beyond.