Egypt, the land of ancient pyramids, pharaohs, and the mighty Nile River, has been a popular tourist destination for years. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, the number of tourists visiting the country has dwindled. To revive its tourism industry, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced a significant change in visa policies that will benefit travelers from over 180 nationalities, including India.
The New Visa Policies
Egypt has introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa for the first time. This visa will allow tourists to enter and exit Egypt multiple times over a period of five years. The cost of this visa is $700.
The country has also expanded its visa-on-arrival eligibility to include over 180 nationalities. Among the newly included nations are China and India, two leading sources of tourism for Egypt. A single-entry 30-day visa on arrival will be available for $25.
Expected Impact
The new visa policies are expected to boost tourism in Egypt significantly. The government hopes to increase the number of visitors to the country by 25 to 30% annually, with a goal of reaching 30 million visitors by 2028.
Egypt attracted 11.7 million tourists last year, and the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, is confident that the country will be able to reach or surpass its tourism goals despite a decrease in visitors from Russia and Ukraine. In fact, tourist numbers increased by over 30% in the first two months of this year compared to last year.
Easing Entry Procedures
Egypt is also making entry procedures easier for other nationalities, including Moroccans, Turks, Israelis, Algerians, and Iranians. Details regarding the changes for these nationalities will be announced soon.
With these changes, Egypt is looking to make it easier for international tourists, including Indian travelers, to visit the country and explore its rich cultural heritage and attractions.
Exploring Egypt
Egypt has a lot to offer to tourists. The country is home to some of the world’s most iconic ancient sites, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Karnak. Visitors can also explore the Valley of the Kings, which is home to the tombs of several pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. The country’s capital city, Cairo, is a bustling metropolis that is home to the famous Egyptian Museum, which houses an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun.
Apart from its ancient sites, Egypt is also famous for its beaches, particularly in the Red Sea resort towns of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. The country’s cuisine is also a major draw for tourists, with dishes like koshari, falafel, and ful medames being popular among locals and visitors alike.
Conclusion
Egypt’s decision to introduce a multiple-entry visa and expand visa-on-arrival eligibility is a significant step toward reviving its tourism industry. The move is expected to make it easier for international tourists, including Indian travelers, to visit the country and explore its rich cultural heritage and attractions. Egypt’s iconic ancient sites, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine are waiting to be explored, and the new visa policies make it easier than ever before to do so.
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