The information is no longer conditional.
As of March 1, 2026, travelers arriving in Egypt and applying for a single-entry visa on arrival are now paying $30, an increase of $5 over the previous $25 visa fee that had been in effect through the end of February.
In practical terms, affected travelers’ passports still receive the standard $25 visa sticker, but an additional small sticker is now affixed stating: “+$5 / Surcharge Entry Visa Fee.” This notation reflects the effective fee increase now being applied at Egyptian points of entry.
This development confirms the information contained in an internal circular distributed in late February by the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (E.T.A.A.), which referenced a fee increase effective March 1, 2026.
Visa-on-arrival fee increase confirmed at Egyptian airports
In our February 23 publication, we reported that a document labeled “important and urgent” announced an increase in the visa-on-arrival fee from $25 to $30, while noting that no official confirmation had yet been issued by Egyptian authorities.
Since then, on-the-ground reports have removed any ambiguity: eligible travelers are indeed being charged the new fee.
On social media (sources: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4), numerous tourists report having paid $30 upon arrival at Egyptian airports since March 1, with some even sharing photos of the additional surcharge sticker.
The increase comes amid several conflicting reports that had circulated in recent months. Some rumors had suggested the fee would rise to $45, which was quickly denied by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The ministry clarified that $45 represented a legal maximum ceiling, not a newly implemented fee.
Only the visa-on-arrival is affected
Based on current observations, the increase applies exclusively to visas issued upon arrival at Egyptian airports and other entry points.
At this time, no changes have been reported regarding:
- The electronic visa (e-Visa) obtained through the official platform visa2egypt.gov.eg;
- Visas issued by Egyptian embassies and consulates;
- The multiple-entry visa, which remains (for now) listed at $60.
Travelers opting for a single-entry visa on arrival should therefore factor the new $30 fee into their travel budget.
A new fee now clearly in effect
While the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (E.T.A.A.) had informed its members in advance of the fee adjustment, no detailed public announcement has been issued by the Egyptian authorities responsible for visas and immigration to formally frame its implementation.
Nevertheless, the practical application of the $5 surcharge at Egyptian airports leaves little room for doubt: the increased visa-on-arrival fee has been in effect since March 1, 2026.
For tourism professionals and frequent travelers to Egypt, the adjustment remains modest in absolute terms. However, it marks the first effective increase in the visa-on-arrival fee in several years.
Travelers planning a trip to Egypt are therefore advised to verify visa requirements prior to departure and to ensure they have the exact amount required upon arrival.
