Egypt Introduces $15 Visa Fee From January 2027: Who Will Have to Pay?
-
The Arab Post
- . August 31, 2026
- . Update: August 31, 2026 7:38 pm
If you have any upcoming plans to travel to North Africa, you should be aware of the upcoming changes of the Egyptian visa laws in January 2027. The government announced officially that it will charge $15 for all foreigners entering Egypt. Egypt visa fee, It is part of a new regulatory edict, which also includes tourists and transit travellers or businessmen travelling through the country’s congested airports and borders. But who will be impacted by the Egypt new entry visa fee and how will it impact your travel budget? Below you’ll find all the details you need on the new regulation.
The Official Decree: Understanding the Egypt $15 Visa Fee
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the Egyptian government is changing its pricing of its consular and border fees. As per reports from Sada Elbalad and Al-Masry Al-Youm, the decree was recently published in the Official Gazette with the number: Decree No. 2553 of 2026. The new law stipulates that from 1 January 2027 an Egypt visa fee of $15 will be charged for each entry/transit visa received from Egyptian immigration authorities at all official Border Crossings.
What About Consular Services Abroad?
It’s not just at the terminal that you are responsible. The decree specifies the type of visas and consular services to be subject to the fee of $15 or equivalent in any of the foreign currencies through the Egypt embassies and consulates in various countries of the world. This measure directly tackles the previous inconsistent pricing systems to create a single and clear pricing framework for international visitors/expatriates.
Who Will Have to Pay the Egypt New Entry Visa Fee?
The new fee will be charged both on air and land from foreign nationals who are required to obtain a visa to enter Egypt.
- Transit Passengers: If you are going to be at the airport terminal for a prolonged period of time and require entry visas and transit visas, this is the $15 charge that you will need to cover.
- Tourists on Arrival: The tourists who are granted a visa at the border will be charged by the pricing policy laid down in this decree.
- Consular Applicants: The one-time fee will also be valid for Consular Applicants (indigenous applicants applying from the diplomatic missions).
The tourist visa costs $30 and can only be obtained after entering the country. Although the new decree sets a minimum of $15 for entry and transit visas, travellers should check with the government for any changes, as it will eliminate the current tourist fee – or it will be a specific fee for visa subcategories.
How to Prepare for the January 2027 Visa Rules Egypt
Egypt is preparing for the January 2027 visa rules; it’s easy. Until the new visas system is in full effect, nothing will be changed in the existing system.
If you’re intending to arrive in Japan, here are a few tips to make your trip a smooth one:
- Carry Exact Cash: The counters at the Egyptian airports prefer having exact change, so they like US dollars, Euros or British Pounds.
- Use the Official E-Visa Portal: Avoid visiting the visa papers of any other entities or contacting any third party entities to obtain advanced electronic visas, which may impose higher fees and may not be genuine.
- Check Local Exemptions: Areas such as the Sinai Peninsula (for example, Sharm El-Sheikh) have been giving visa-free periods for certain countries for years. Please be aware that the Egypt new entry visa fee may be cancelled due to these resort waivers (check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or view the official GOV.UK travel advice for Egypt).
The decision to impose the $15 charge for Egypt visa is a significant move towards uniformity and regulation of the fees charged at the country’s borders. The country hopes the same fee will be charged for visas issued for all passengers irrespective of whether they are in transit or travelling as tourists, to ease the logistical procedure for millions of international visitors to Egypt. With the upcoming deadline rapidly approaching, it’s crucial that all travelers remain up-to-date with the visa regulations in effect in Egypt for January 2027, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience to explore this ancient world.
FAQs – Egypt visa fee
Q1: When does the Egypt $15 visa fee go into effect?
The new fee will be implemented on January 1, 2027 on the consolidated system.
Q2: Can I pay the Egypt new entry visa fee in other currencies?
In Decree No. 2553, 2026 it is well stated that the fee can be paid in equivalent of an approved foreign currency (Euros, GBP etc.).
Q3: Does this affect visas issued in my home country?
Yes, the $15 fee applies to entry/transit and some consular service visas of the Egyptian Embassies and Consulates in the foreign countries.
Top Picks For You
Discover top Middle East tourist sights?
Explore must-visit landmarks across the region for travelers.
Explore essential apps for Arab travel?
Check must-have apps to simplify your trip planning.
Check common travel mistakes Arab countries?
Discover key errors tourists should avoid during visits.
Explore top Arab festivals for tourists?
Discover unique cultural events across non-GCC destinations.
Check tourist safety tips Arab countries?
Explore essential precautions for safe and smooth travel.