If you are planning a last-minute trip to Egypt and relying on a visa-on-arrival, here is something you should know.

Starting Sunday, March 1, Egypt has increased the emergency entry visa fee for foreign tourists by $5. The update was confirmed by the Egyptian Travel Agents Association and applies to all Egyptian airports and seaports.

It is a small change on paper. But for travellers landing without an eVisa, it matters.

What Has Changed?

The fee for the standard single-entry visa on arrival has gone up by $5.

Egypt’s visa-on-arrival is issued to travellers who arrive in the country without securing a visa in advance. It is commonly called an emergency visa because it is granted at the port of entry.

The rule now applies across major entry points, including:

• Cairo International Airport
• Hurghada International Airport
• Sharm El Sheikh International Airport

Seaports that process tourist arrivals will also follow the new pricing.

New Visa-On-Arrival Fee

Travellers eligible for Egypt’s visa on arrival will now pay $30 for a single-entry tourist visa at airports and seaports. The visa remains valid for up to 30 days.

Who Needs to Pay?

The increase applies to foreign tourists who are eligible for a visa-on-arrival and choose to obtain it at the airport or port. Travellers from countries that qualify for Egypt’s visa-on-arrival system will still be able to obtain the visa upon arrival. Only the fee has changed.

If you already secured your visa through Egypt’s official eVisa platform before departure, this update does not affect you.

Why This Matters for Travelers

Five dollars may not seem like much. But here is the bigger picture.

Egypt remains one of the most popular destinations in North Africa and the Middle East. From the pyramids in Giza to Red Sea beach resorts, millions of tourists enter the country every year.

When visa rules or fees change, even slightly, it affects travel budgets, especially for families or groups.

For example:

• A family of four will now pay $20 more in total.
• Tour groups handling dozens of passengers need to update cost breakdowns.
• Travel agents must revise package pricing to reflect the new fee.

It also highlights an important travel tip. If you want to avoid last-minute airport queues and fee surprises, applying for an Egypt eVisa before departure is often smoother.

Is Egypt Still Offering a Visa-On-Arrival?

Yes. Egypt continues to offer a visa-on-arrival for eligible nationalities. The process remains the same:

1. Arrive at the airport.
2. Purchase the visa sticker from the bank counter.
3. Present it at immigration control.

The only difference now is the revised fee.

What Smart Travelers Should Do

If you are heading to Egypt soon, keep these simple steps in mind:

• Check whether your nationality qualifies for a visa-on-arrival.
• Compare the visa-on-arrival cost with the official Egypt eVisa.
• Carry US dollars in cash if you plan to pay at the airport.
• Allow extra time in case of queues at busy hubs like Cairo.

Egypt remains open to international tourism. There are no new entry restrictions announced alongside this fee increase.

Final Thoughts

Egypt has raised the emergency visa on arrival fee by $5 starting March 1. The process has not changed, only the price.

If you are planning a trip to explore the Pyramids, cruise the Nile, or relax in Sharm El Sheikh, just factor in the updated visa cost before you fly.

For frequent travellers, this is a reminder of something simple. Always check entry rules and visa fees before departure. Small changes happen quietly, and they can catch you off guard at the airport.