Egypt Denies Tourist Visa Fee Increase, Confirms Current Rate Remains Unchanged

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has officially denied reports that the country has raised its single-entry tourist visa fee to $45, confirming that the fee remains at $25.

In a formal statement published on Ahram Online, the Ministry described circulating reports of a visa fee increase as “completely unfounded.” Officials clarified that while recent legal amendments grant the government authority to revise consular fees under certain circumstances, no executive decision has been issued to raise the cost of a tourist visa.

The clarification follows widespread international coverage suggesting that the visa fee had been increased through a presidential decree. Several outlets, including Gulf News and Travel and Tour World, reported that the change was already in effect. However, Egyptian authorities have now confirmed that these reports were based on misinterpretations of a legal amendment, not on an implemented policy.

Government Clarification

According to the Ministry’s statement, Law 175 of 2025, which was cited in many of the original reports, simply allows for the adjustment of certain consular fees but does not automatically enforce new rates. As of December 2025, the cost of a single-entry tourist visa to Egypt remains unchanged at US $25.

The Ministry urged travellers and media outlets to rely on official communication channels, including its verified website and social media pages, for updates regarding visa regulations and tourism policy.

The Scuba News Retraction

At The Scuba News, we take factual accuracy seriously and always aim to report responsibly. When initial reports of a visa fee increase surfaced from multiple regional and international outlets, we published an article reflecting that information after cross-checking several sources.

However, following the official clarification from the Egyptian government, we now recognise that the earlier reports were premature and based on misinterpreted information. We therefore issue this formal retraction of our previous story titled “Egypt Raises Tourist Visa Fee to $45 Following Presidential Decree”

We regret any confusion caused to readers and travellers and appreciate the diligence of those who brought the government’s official clarification to our attention.

Current Visa Information

Travellers visiting Egypt can continue to obtain a single-entry visa for $25, available on arrival at major airports or via the official Egypt e-Visa portal. This applies to citizens of eligible countries under the existing visa-on-arrival and online application systems.

The Scuba News will continue to monitor updates from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Egypt’s Official Gazette to provide verified and timely information to divers and travel professionals planning Red Sea adventures.

The Scuba News View

While misinformation can spread quickly in the digital age, this episode highlights the importance of relying on primary government sources for confirmation – particularly on matters affecting international travel. We remain committed to ensuring transparency and accuracy across all future reporting.