Egypt’s strategic visa policies and robust tourism initiatives are transforming its travel sector, attracting business, leisure, and corporate travelers from around the world.
Egypt’s tourism sector is embarking on a transformative journey with strategic policy enhancements and infrastructural developments aimed at enriching the travel experience and bolstering international relations.
The decision to grant travelers from 74 countries to enter using e-visas or visa-free access, is simplifying travel and broadening its appeal is boosting Egypt tourism. These initiatives are propelling Egypt’s travel and tourism industry across business travel, leisure travel, and corporate travel segments.
Business travelers benefit from the ease of access for international conferences and corporate events, while leisure travelers are drawn to Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, supported by programs like the Cairo City Break. Combined with significant growth in tourist arrivals and strong tourism revenue, these strategic moves underscore Egypt’s commitment to revitalizing its tourism sector, positioning the country as a premier global destination with a vibrant future.
Combined with significant growth in tourist arrivals and a strong performance in tourism revenue, these strategic moves underscore Egypt’s commitment to revitalizing its heritage and cultural tourism. With ambitious plans like the Cairo City Break program and continued growth in air travel, Egypt is positioning itself as a premier global destination, promising a vibrant future for its tourism industry.
Egypt has introduced visa exemptions for nationals from nine specific countries, effectively broadening its welcome to tourists from select GCC members such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to Hong Kong, Lebanon, Macao, and Malaysia. Qatar remains an exception to this policy. This initiative not only streamlines the travel process but also aims to deepen international ties and boost visitor numbers, creating a more seamless and integrated travel experience.
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The tourism sector in Egypt is witnessing a significant upturn, with a remarkable entry of 15 million tourists in 2023, a substantial increase from 4.9 million in 2021. The trend continues in 2024, with a 27% growth in tourist arrivals in the initial months, largely propelled by a 54% increase in visitors from Arab countries.
Central to Egypt’s tourism strategy is the Cairo City Break program, designed to transform Egypt’s capital into a leading choice for long weekend getaways. This program aims to enrich the visitor experience by offering a diverse selection of historical and cultural attractions, with plans to double Cairo’s hotel capacity to 60,000 rooms within five years, meeting the rising demand for high-end tourism.
TTW Editor-in-Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan commented on the strategy, noting, “Egypt’s move to allow visa-free and e-visa access to several countries marks a pivotal enhancement in heritage and cultural tourism. It not only eases the way for travelers to engage with Egypt’s deep-rooted historical and cultural narratives but also bolsters Egypt’s appeal as a global cultural hub.”
“Egypt is a destination that invites multiple visits, offering a variety of experiences across numerous destinations. Travelers who explore the cultural richness of southern Egypt, between Luxor and Aswan, can also enjoy week-long or 10-day beach holidays. The North Coast is an emerging hotspot, especially popular in the Arab market, with pleasant weather from April to September.
This region offers pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters and a wide range of activities, making it an ideal summer retreat when temperatures are high elsewhere.” said Dr. Ghada Shalaby, Vice Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Egypt in a interview with TTW Editor-in-Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) highlights a remarkable resurgence in Egypt’s tourism sector for 2023. The industry’s impact on the nation’s GDP marked a notable ascent, with an increase of nearly 24% to reach E£953 billion, surpassing the peak levels by 21%. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has maintained its forecast for Egypt’s real GDP growth at 3% for 2024, with an anticipation of an increase to 4.4% by 2025.
Tourism revenues in Egypt also saw a historic peak, reaching $15 billion in 2023. This figure exceeds previous highs of $12.5 billion in 2010 and $13 billion in 2019, which were recorded before the January Revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.
Cairo International Airport remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s aviation sector, retaining its position as the busiest airport in the country. It served 26 million passengers in 2023, a 30% increase from the year before, highlighting Cairo’s strategic importance as an airline hub, especially for carriers like Egyptair and Nile Air.
The economic benefits of tourism are notable, with the industry contributing roughly $32 billion to Egypt’s GDP in 2022, up from $22.3 billion in 2021. This performance places Egypt at the forefront of the African travel and tourism competitive index.
Looking ahead, Egypt’s hospitality sector is projected to reach $4.65 billion by 2029, with the overall travel and tourism market expected to grow at an annual rate of 5.98%, reaching $7,226.00 million by 2028. These figures demonstrate the effective strategies and infrastructure improvements Egypt is implementing to cultivate a flourishing tourism economy poised to attract more international travelers in the foreseeable future.
Egypt’s adoption of visa exemptions for certain countries, alongside initiatives such as the Cairo City Break program and significant growth in air traffic, solidifies its position as a leading destination for international tourists. The substantial increase in tourist numbers and the notable economic impact of tourism illustrate Egypt’s ongoing success in rejuvenating its tourism industry. With promising future projections, Egypt is well on its way to further elevating its status as a top global tourist destination.
Countries that can visit Egypt visa free:
Several countries can visit Egypt without a visa, enjoying simplified travel arrangements. These include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, Hong Kong, Macao, and Malaysia. Citizens of these nations can experience Egypt’s rich history and vibrant culture with ease, making it a popular destination for travelers from these regions.
Travelers from countries eligible for an e-Visa who wish to visit Egypt for non-touristic purposes, such as employment or education, are required to adhere to the standard visa application procedures through the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Countries where obtaining an e-Visa is necessary for entering Egypt:
Travelers from e-Visa-eligible countries who wish to enter Egypt for non-tourism purposes, such as work or study, must undergo the standard visa application process at their nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Russian Federation
Venezuela
Peru
United Kingdom
Oman
Colombia
Albania
Netherlands
Switzerland
Czech Republic
Croatia
South Korea
Taiwan
Monaco
United States
Estonia
Hungary
Hong Kong
Luxembourg
Serbia
Vatican City
Slovenia
Mexico
Ireland
Uruguay
Romania
Austria
Sweden
Georgia
Bulgaria
Portugal
Australia
Poland
Spain
Chile
Bahrain
Armenia
Brazil
Azerbaijan
Republic of Cyprus
Puerto Rico
Belarus
Latvia
Belgium
France
Italy
Lithuania
Argentina
United Arab Emirates
Paraguay
Denmark
Norway
Macedonia
Kuwait
Montenegro
China
Japan
Germany
Slovakia
Moldova
Bolivia
Qatar
Singapore
Finland
South Africa
Greece
Ukraine
Malta
Iceland
Kazakhstan
Saudi Arabia
New Zealand
San Marino
Ecuador
Happenings in Egypt:
Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan in 6 Days
Dates: 23 Jun – 29 Jun
Location: Cairo International Airport, El Nozha, Egypt
Hurghada to Luxor Transfer – One Way
Dates: 22 Jun – 23 Jun
Location: Hurghada International Airport, Hurghada Airport Toll Gate, Airport Rd, Hurghada 1, Egypt
2-Day Tour to Alexandria and El Alamein
Date: 2 Jul, 2 am
Location: Alexandria Cairo Egypt Day Tours, 1120 Nile Corniche, Sharkas, Bulaq, Egypt
Siwa Oasis 3 Days / 2 Nights Trip from Cairo
Dates: 16 Jul – 17 Jul
Location: Tahrir Square Hostel, 11 El-Tahrir Square, First Floor, Qasr El Nil, Egypt
Full-Day Historical Alexandria Tour
Dates: 6 Jul and 10 Jul, both at 2 am
Location: Alexandria Cairo Egypt Day Tours, 1120 Nile Corniche, Sharkas, Bulaq, Egypt
Day Activates for travelers in Egypt:
Giza Pyramid Complex: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this archaeological site features the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx, embodying rich historical and cultural significance.
Egyptian Museum: Located in the heart of Cairo, this museum houses the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities, including mummies, sarcophagi, and the famed treasures of Tutankhamun.
Khan El-Khalili: A major souk in the Islamic district of Cairo, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, intricate crafts, and traditional coffee shops, offering a glimpse into the local lifestyle and commerce.
Al-Azhar Park: Situated in the center of Cairo, this park is known for its vast green spaces and exquisite landscaping, providing a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and offering stunning views of the surrounding historic sites.
Citadel of Saladin: An iconic medieval Islamic fortress in Cairo, offering historical insights along with panoramic views of the city, known for its architectural grandeur and strategic importance throughout history.
Some engaging options that highlight the vibrant and diverse nightlife of Egypt:
Nile River Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a romantic or festive evening cruising the Nile River. These cruises typically feature a buffet dinner, live music, and traditional belly dancing performances, offering a magical view of Cairo’s illuminated skyline.
Cairo Opera House: Located in the Zamalek district, the Cairo Opera House is a premier venue for enjoying classical music performances, opera, and ballet. It’s a cultural hub that showcases both local and international artists.
Al-Hussein and Al-Azhar districts: These areas come alive at night with locals and tourists alike. The streets are lined with traditional coffee shops and shisha bars, where you can experience authentic Egyptian nightlife, enjoy live Arabic music, and taste local snacks.
Rooftop Bars in Zamalek: Zamalek is known for its stylish rooftop bars that offer stunning views of the Nile and Cairo. It’s a perfect spot to unwind with a drink and enjoy the cooler evening air.
Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza: Experience the pyramids in a different light—literally—with this nighttime show that tells the story of ancient Egypt with stunning visual projections on the backdrop of the pyramids.