Turkey Joins Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, And Prominent Middle Eastern Countries As Egypt Rolls Out Pioneering EVisa System To Revolutionize Tourism Access

Published on November 26, 2025

Turkey joins Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, and other key Middle Eastern countries as Egypt unveils its groundbreaking eVisa expansion to streamline the travel experience for regional visitors. This new initiative is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to enhance accessibility and improve the overall tourist experience, particularly for travelers from the Middle East. By offering a simplified and efficient visa application process, Egypt aims to boost tourism, facilitate smoother arrivals, and attract a higher volume of visitors from these neighboring nations, strengthening cultural ties and economic growth.

Egypt has long been one of the world’s top destinations for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and those eager to explore its world-famous monuments, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum. Now, the country is working to make its entry procedures easier and more efficient than ever. As part of its ongoing efforts to boost tourism, Egypt has introduced a groundbreaking expansion of its electronic visa (eVisa) system. This step not only streamlines the process for tourists, but also positions Egypt as a more accessible and welcoming destination for travelers from around the world.

The Egyptian government has always understood the significance of tourism to its economy, both as a revenue generator and as a vital pillar of its cultural and global engagement. In a recent meeting chaired by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the government reaffirmed its commitment to improving and expanding the country’s tourism infrastructure. Among the key announcements was the launch of a vastly improved eVisa system, designed to allow for seamless entry at all major points of entry across Egypt.

The introduction of this upgraded eVisa system is expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience, particularly for travelers coming from the Middle East, a region with strong historical and cultural ties to Egypt. This move comes at a time when the country is also preparing to open the Grand Egyptian Museum, a monumental development expected to attract millions of tourists. The museum will not only showcase the unparalleled treasures of ancient Egypt but will also help position Egypt as a global hub for cultural tourism.

Egypt’s eVisa Expansion: The Road Ahead

Egypt’s eVisa system aims to make the entry process simpler, faster, and more accessible, with a particular focus on organized groups and international tourists from key countries. As part of this initiative, all airports in Egypt are slated to be fully equipped by 2026 to handle both the eVisa system and the emergency (on-arrival) visa services, ensuring flexibility and ease for visitors arriving from various parts of the world.

Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized the importance of ensuring that Egypt’s tourism infrastructure aligns with modern standards, particularly as the country prepares for a post-pandemic surge in travel. He also noted the critical role that tourism plays in Egypt’s economic recovery and growth, especially in light of the global competition for tourist dollars.

The eVisa expansion is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to streamline travel procedures and offer a hassle-free experience for tourists, improving its attractiveness as a travel destination. The government has made it clear that facilitating easier access for visitors is a top priority. The goal is not only to attract more tourists but also to create a more positive, seamless experience from the moment travelers land in Egypt.

A Look at the New eVisa System

The eVisa system allows eligible travelers to apply for a visa online, eliminating the need for embassy visits or waiting in long queues at airport visa counters. The new process is straightforward, and travelers can complete their visa application from the comfort of their homes, receiving their approved visas electronically. This enhancement is expected to save time for tourists and encourage more people to visit Egypt.

A key feature of the expanded eVisa system is its broad reach. Egypt is now offering this service to travelers from several countries, particularly those from the Middle East. The eligibility for the eVisa system extends to key nations in the region, allowing Egypt to tap into the growing number of tourists coming from neighboring countries. This will be especially beneficial for travelers who previously faced challenges with obtaining traditional visas.

The list of eligible countries includes Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and others in the Middle East, which are seen as key sources of tourists for Egypt. These countries have long-standing cultural, political, and economic ties to Egypt, and many of their citizens regularly visit Egypt for leisure, business, and religious purposes. With the new eVisa system, these visitors will experience a smoother, more efficient entry process.

Middle Eastern Travelers: Check Which Countries Can Access Egypt’s eVisa

This table highlights the countries that are eligible for Egypt’s expanded eVisa system. The list includes not only some of Egypt’s closest regional neighbors but also nations with a growing number of tourists traveling to Egypt for business and leisure. As travel patterns continue to shift, Egypt is positioning itself as an even more attractive destination for visitors from across the Middle East.

The Role of the Grand Egyptian Museum

One of the key driving forces behind the eVisa expansion is the impending opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which is expected to transform Egypt’s tourism landscape. Located near the Pyramids of Giza, the GEM will be home to over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection, which has been kept under wraps for decades.

The GEM is set to become the largest archaeological museum in the world, showcasing Egypt’s rich history and attracting tourists from across the globe. It is expected to not only boost the number of international visitors but also generate significant economic benefits for Egypt by driving spending in local tourism sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, and retail.

The opening of the museum is seen as a critical moment for Egypt, and the government is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support the influx of tourists. The eVisa system is a critical component of this effort, as it will help ensure that visitors have a smooth and hassle-free experience upon arrival.

Strengthening Regional Ties Through Tourism

Egypt’s government has always viewed tourism as an essential sector for economic development, and the expansion of the eVisa system represents a significant leap forward. By targeting key countries in the Middle East, Egypt is strengthening its ties with its neighbors and ensuring that it remains a top destination for regional travelers.

For example, Saudi Arabia is one of the largest sources of tourists to Egypt, with thousands of visitors traveling each year for both religious and leisure purposes. With the new eVisa system, Saudi visitors will be able to access the country more easily, facilitating not only tourism but also business exchanges and cultural dialogue.

Similarly, UAE nationals often travel to Egypt for short vacations, and the eVisa system will make it easier for them to visit without facing delays. Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait also contribute significant numbers of tourists to Egypt, and the new eVisa system is expected to further increase these numbers.

The move to simplify visa requirements is also seen as a way to increase regional tourism, where ease of access can significantly impact travel patterns. By improving the visitor experience, Egypt is making itself more competitive in the regional tourism market.

Looking to the Future

The expansion of Egypt’s eVisa system is just one part of a broader strategy to revive and grow the country’s tourism sector. In addition to the eVisa expansion and the upcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, Egypt is also focusing on improving infrastructure, such as upgrading airports and hotels, to better serve tourists.

The government is also planning to implement additional measures to enhance the tourism experience, such as expanding the availability of tourist services, increasing the presence of multilingual staff at key locations, and introducing more digital solutions to make it easier for tourists to navigate the country.

By making these strategic investments, Egypt is setting itself up for success in the competitive global tourism market. The expanded eVisa system is a critical piece of this puzzle, and as more countries are added to the list of eVisa-eligible nations, Egypt will likely see an increase in the number of international visitors.

Turkey joins Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, and other key Middle Eastern countries as Egypt expands its eVisa system to streamline travel for regional visitors. This move aims to enhance accessibility and boost tourism by simplifying the entry process for travelers from these nations.

Egypt’s decision to expand its eVisa system is a clear step toward making the country more accessible and attractive to tourists, particularly from the Middle East. With the upcoming opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum and a renewed focus on improving the visitor experience, Egypt is positioning itself as a key player in the global tourism market. The eVisa expansion is expected to streamline travel for visitors from a variety of countries, helping to fuel economic growth and cultural exchange. As Egypt continues to innovate and modernize its tourism infrastructure, it is well on its way to becoming an even more popular destination for travelers from around the world.