Egypt has expanded its electronic visa (eVisa) system to allow 28 new nationalities to apply online for authorization to visit the country.
Online visa systems are widely considered the most convenient way to obtain permission to enter a country, and Egypt’s is no exception. However, not all travellers are eligible — see more information about the nationalities that can apply.
Previously, the online visa application system had been available to visitors from 46 different countries worldwide. The latest additions of 28 nations have brought this to a total of 74.
Brazil, China, India, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore are among the countries added to Egypt’s eVisa list. Citizens of these countries join Americans, Canadians, Japanese, Brits, and EU nationals in the group of travellers who are eligible to obtain a visa for Egypt online.
This move comes as part of an effort from the Egyptian government to boost tourism in the North African state.
<h2> Extending the eVisa to boost tourism </h2>
The number of visitors has dropped dramatically over the last year and half due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As in many countries, Egypt’s tourism industry has been hit hard. Revenues dropped by 70% in the worst periods of the last 18 months.
Borders were closed back in March 2020. International flights were cancelled as Egypt implemented curfews and other measures to counter the spread of coronavirus.
Airports reopened on 1 July 2020 and Egypt once again welcomed foreign visitors. Although the tourism sector has improved since then, visitor numbers have still not fully recovered a year later.
The announcement of the Egypt eVisa system’s expansion to more nationalities came around the anniversary of the country reopening to tourism.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities for Tourism Affairs Ghada Shalaby said that by allowing more nationalities to apply online, it would encourage more tourists to visit Egypt.
Summer 2021 represents an opportunity. Around the world, businesses are being lifted as summer tourists return.
The tourism sector is expected to fully recover by the end of 2021. The country is also making a push to vaccinate all workers in the sector. This is another factor that will help the industry to recover.
<h2> Benefits of the Egypt eVisa for travellers </h2>
The advantages of Egyptian eVisa system for foreign visitors are its simplicity, convenience, and fast processing times, compared with the traditional method of going to an embassy to apply.
Travellers simply need a computer or device connected to the internet to complete the online form. This allows them to apply from home or work, or while on the go, with no need to go anywhere to submit the form and supporting documents in person.
Applications are typically processed within a few working days (and no more than a week), after which the eVisa is delivered by email.
The online portal supports applications in multiple languages. Users can make enquiries and receive help with their visa forms.
Tourists can choose between a single-entry and a multiple-entry eVisa. Each time they enter the country, they can stay for up to 30 days.
All these advantages offer a big incentive for nationals of the 28 recently-added countries to choose Egypt as their holiday destination in 2021.
<h2> Which nationalities are now eligible for the Egypt eVisa? </h2>
The 28 recent additions to Egypt’s eVisa scheme are:
<h3> North America </h3>
- Mexico
<h3> South America </h3>
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
<h3> Asia </h3>
- Bahrain
- China
- Hong Kong
- India
- Kuwait
- Malaysia
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- United Arab Emirates
<h3> Europe </h3>
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Georgia
- San Marino
Anyone with a valid passport issued by any of these countries can now apply for an Egypt visa via the internet.
<h2> Travelling to Egypt in the pandemic with the eVisa</h2>
Travellers should bear in mind that Egypt still has a number of COVID-19 regulations in place. Visitors must adhere to these rules.
In order to enter the country, passengers must take a PCR test in the days leading up to the trip and get a negative result. This must be presented on arrival at Egyptian border control.
Alternatively, if the individual has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, they can bring a vaccination certificate and show this when they land in Egypt instead of the PCR test result.
Travellers arriving from certain locations may be tested again on arrival. In some cases, visitors may have to quarantine for a period after arriving.
The majority of visitors, however, will not have to quarantine once in Egypt.
The country is keen to attract tourists, particularly to governorates such as the Red Sea, South Sinai, and Marsa Matrouh, which have been less badly affected by the pandemic. Tour groups to these 3 locations are allowed to operate at present, allowing visitors to reach popular holiday destinations like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.
