The update has come along with a series of measures aimed at boosting tourism in the country
In a recent announcement, Egypt introduced a new multiple-entry visa while adding more nationalities to its visa-on-arrival list. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Ahmed Issa confirmed India’s place on the list in his speech recently. The update has come along with a series of measures aimed at boosting tourism in the country, reported cntraveller.in.
As per reports, the government will soon be announcing a new multiple-entry visa (MEV) to Egypt at $700 (Rs 57,688). This visa will be valid for five years, in contrast to the one-year validity period of previous MEVs. And now, a single-entry visa on arrival valid for 30 days will be available to more than 180 nationalities for $25 (Rs2,060).
India and China have also made it on this list: now, tourists from China and Indians who hold a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) resident visa will also be able to obtain a visa upon arrival to Egypt. Till now, this facility was available only to holders of an entry visa from Schengen countries, the UK, the USA, Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. In addition, Chinese tourists will also be able to obtain an emergency entry visa at Egyptian ports if they are travelling individually.
Last year, Egypt managed to see a rise in tourism with some 4.9 million tourists visiting in the first six months of 2022. The total number was estimated at 11.7 million for 2022–impressive, yet far lower than the record 13.1 million tourists seen in 2019
Changes have also been announced in the eligibility criteria for tourists arriving from other countries. Among other updates, Iraqi tourists can now obtain visas on arrival (upon meeting the eligibility criteria), while Iranian tourists will be allowed to obtain a visa on arrival when heading to South Sinai through a certified tourist agency. Israelis can visit Hurghada in groups with the sponsorship of certified tourism companies.
The update has come following a major blow to the country’s tourism industry during the pandemic. Last year, Egypt managed to see a rise in tourism with some 4.9 million tourists visiting in the first six months of 2022. The total number was estimated at 11.7 million for 2022–impressive, yet far lower than the record 13.1 million tourists seen in 2019.
Now, Egypt wants to increase its visitor numbers by 25 to 30 per cent annually, with a goal to hit 30 million tourists by 2028. But according to the ministry, these moves are expected to not only boost tourism in the country, but also ease regional tensions among the countries. For instance, Turkish nationals will be given expanded access to visas on arrival in a bid to reestablish ties between Egypt and Turkey.
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