New Law Sparks Confusion Over Potential Visa Fee Changes

Since December 1, 2025, there has been growing confusion about whether Egypt has raised its visa fees, but no changes have been implemented so far, despite a new law that allows authorities to do so.

On November 30, 2025, the presidency published an amendment in the Official Gazette that allows a fee (or “tax”) of up to USD 20 to be applied to every entry or transit visa at points of entry, or to visa/consular services processed by Egyptian embassies and consulates abroad. The law took effect the next day.

No Fee Increase Despite Confusion

Despite this, multiple verified travellers and reports on forums indicate that the standard tourist visa, whether obtained on arrival, via e-Visa, or through an embassy, is still issued for USD 25. Likewise, multiple-entry visas remain priced at USD 60.

Where did the idea of a hike to USD 45 come from? Several media outlets have cited the new law and reported a rise, but those reports appear to misinterpret the legislative text. The amendment does not explicitly state that USD 20 will be added to the existing fee; instead, it sets a maximum cap, which can help travellers feel more confident about the current situation.

As such, the current “visa fees” remain unchanged, which should reassure travellers that no immediate increase is planned. The law simply gives Egyptian authorities the option to raise fees, not an automatic increase.

Ambiguity Fuels Confusion as Tourism Sector Warns of Potential Impact

The impression that visa costs have risen, which has spread widely across media outlets, stems from that ambiguity in the legal text. The lack of official follow-up guidance or timelines has further fueled the confusion.

Importantly, the decision to authorise a potential fee increase has already drawn criticism from Egypt’s tourism sector. The Egyptian Federation of Tourism Chambers warned that raising visa costs could harm the country’s competitiveness, deter travellers and slow the recovery of tourism, a key pillar of Egypt’s economy.

Visa Fees Unchanged for Now

For travellers considering a visit to Egypt soon, the bottom line is that you still pay USD 25 for the standard single-entry tourist visa, unless or until the Egyptian authorities formally announce and implement a new fee. To ensure accuracy, it’s wise to check official sources or contact your nearest Egyptian consulate to stay up to date.

For prospective travellers who are planning a quick trip to Cairo, a Nile cruise through Luxor and Aswan, or a beach holiday in the Red Sea resorts, the key takeaway is to rely on verified, official sources. As of now, the standard fees still apply. USD 25 for a single-entry tourist visa and USD 60 for multiple-entry, until there is an official announcement of a different pricing structure.