TL;DR
- The Egypt visa fee remains $25 USD (around £20) despite headlines claiming it doubled to $45. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism confirmed on 9 December that reports of an increase were “completely unfounded.”
- Staying in Sharm el Sheikh for under 15 days? You can skip the visa entirely with a free Sinai Stamp.
- Egypt welcomed a record 15.7 million visitors in 2024, and trade press has reported strong year-on-year growth in UK bookings.
- The Grand Egyptian Museum opened in November 2025, adding fresh appeal for culture-focused clients.
- Winter 2025/26 is prime booking season, with temperatures sitting at a pleasant 18–25°C for sightseeing.
The Headlines Got It Wrong
You may have spotted stories this week claiming Egypt’s tourist visa had jumped from $25 to $45. Good news: it hasn’t.
On 9 December 2025, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities issued an official statement denying the reports. The confusion stemmed from Law 175 of 2025, which gave the government the option to adjust consular fees in future. But no executive decision was ever issued to implement a price rise.
The Ministry described the reports as “completely unfounded” and urged travellers and agents to rely on official channels.
So, the current situation? Visa fees remain unchanged.
What to Know: Current Visa Options
Visa on Arrival: $25 USD (around £20)
Available at all major Egyptian airports. Have cash ready (dollars preferred, though sterling and euros are accepted). Valid for 30 days.
E-Visa (Single Entry): $25 USD (around £20)
Apply online 7–10 days before travel at the official Egypt e-Visa Portal. Valid for three months from issue date. A good option for clients who prefer to skip airport queues.
E-Visa (Multiple Entry): $60 USD (around £48)
Valid for six months, with a maximum 90-day stay per entry. Ideal for clients planning return visits or longer explorations.
Sinai Stamp: Free For stays under 15 days in Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba, or Taba only. Clients cannot travel to mainland Egypt (Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada) on this stamp. If they want to add a pyramids day trip, they’ll need the full $25 visa.
Why Egypt Is Having a Moment
Egypt isn’t coasting on ancient history. It’s having a record-breaking run.
In 2024, the country welcomed 15.7 million visitors, the highest figure on record. By October 2025, arrivals had already reached 15.6 million, up 21% compared to the same period last year. The government is now targeting 16.8 million visitors for the full year.
The World Travel & Tourism Council confirmed that Egypt’s tourism sector contributed EGP 1.4 trillion to the national economy in 2024, representing 8.5% of GDP. For 2025, that’s forecast to grow to EGP 1.5 trillion.
Trade press has reported strong year-on-year growth in Egypt bookings from the UK, with several operators highlighting significant increases in demand.
Here’s Where It Gets Good: The Grand Egyptian Museum
After years of anticipation, the Grand Egyptian Museum opened its doors in November 2025. Located near the Giza Pyramids, it now houses the complete Tutankhamun collection and is expected to draw 2–3 million additional visitors to Cairo annually.
For clients who’ve done Egypt before, this is the fresh angle. For first-timers, it’s the cherry on top of an already compelling itinerary.
What’s Selling Right Now
Indicative pricing based on current operator programmes:
Red Sea Beach + Culture Combo (7–10 days) Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh for 4–5 nights, plus Cairo for 2–3 nights. Prices start from around £629 per person. All-inclusive resort time paired with pyramids and temples.
Nile Cruise & Stay (7–14 days) Aswan to Luxor cruise with a Cairo extension. From around £1,220 per person. Popular with the 50+ demographic and couples.
Pure Beach Escape (7 nights) Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada all-inclusive. From around £547 per person. Family-friendly, with a high repeat booking rate.
Passport Requirements
All UK travellers need a passport with minimum six months validity from arrival date and at least one blank page for stamps and visa.
Common Client Mistakes (and How to Prevent Them)
Booking a free Sinai Stamp but planning a Cairo day trip If any mainland travel is planned, clients need the full $25 visa.
Applying for an e-visa too close to departure Recommend a 7–10 day window. Last-minute applications can cause unnecessary stress.
Assuming the visa extends automatically The visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. Extensions require a visit to the Passport and Immigration Office.
Flight Connectivity Is Improving
More direct routes are opening from UK regional airports. EgyptAir is expanding its fleet from 70 to 97 aircraft by 2028, and Cairo’s new Terminal 4 will add 30 million passenger capacity. Hurghada Airport is set to complete privatisation by the end of 2025.
For clients flying from Manchester, Birmingham, or Newcastle, Egypt is becoming more accessible than ever.
Agent Advantage Insight
If you’ve got clients who saw the incorrect $45 visa headlines this week, a quick message clarifying the real cost ($25, or free for Sinai-only stays) is a simple, helpful way to clear up confusion and keep conversations moving.
