Home » Asia » Egypt tourism surges as Visa Waiver and e-Visa program expands to 74 countries – check now if your country is eligible
Saturday, June 22, 2024
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Egypt’s strategic visa policy and strong tourism initiatives have transformed the country’s travel sector, attracting business, leisure and corporate travelers from all over the world.
Egypt’s tourism sector is embarking on a transformation journey with strategic policy strengthening and infrastructure development aimed at enriching travel experiences and strengthening international relations. The decision to allow entry to travelers from 74 countries using electronic visas or visa-free access is promoting Egyptian tourism by simplifying travel and broadening its appeal. These initiatives are driving Egypt’s travel and tourism industry in the areas of business travel, leisure travel, and corporate travel. Business travelers benefit from the ease of access to international conferences and corporate events, while leisure travelers are attracted to Egypt’s rich cultural heritage and historical monuments, supported by programs such as Cairo City Break. Coupled with a significant increase in tourists and robust tourism revenues, these strategic moves underscore Egypt’s commitment to revitalizing its tourism sector and underscore the country’s positioning as a premier global destination with a vibrant future.
Coupled with a strong performance of significant increases in visitor numbers and tourism receipts, these strategic moves underscore Egypt’s efforts to revitalize heritage and cultural tourism. With ambitious plans such as the Cairo City Breaks programme and continued growth in air travel, Egypt has established itself as a leading global tourist destination, promising a vibrant future for its tourism industry.
Egypt has introduced visa exemptions for nationals of nine countries and expanded its acceptance of tourists from Hong Kong, Lebanon, Macau and Malaysia, as well as some GCC member states such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar remains an exception to the policy. The initiative aims to not only streamline travel procedures, but also deepen international connections, increase visitor numbers and create a more seamless and integrated travel experience.
Egypt’s tourism sector is seeing a significant recovery, with 15 million tourists expected in 2023, up from 4.9 million in 2021. This trend is set to continue in 2024, with tourist numbers increasing by 27% in the first months, mainly driven by a 54% increase in visitors from Arab countries.
Central to Egypt’s tourism strategy is the Cairo City Breaks programme, which aims to transform Egypt’s capital into a leading choice for long weekend breaks. The programme aims to enrich visitors’ experience by offering a diverse range of historical and cultural attractions, and plans to double Cairo’s hotel capacity to 60,000 rooms within five years to meet the growing demand for luxury tourism.
Commenting on the strategy, Anup Kumar Keshan, editor-in-chief of TTW, said: “Egypt’s move to offer multi-country visa-free and e-visa entry marks a crucial boost to cultural heritage tourism, not only improving traveller engagement with Egypt’s deep-rooted historical and cultural stories but also strengthening Egypt’s attractiveness as a global cultural hub.”
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has highlighted the remarkable revival of Egypt’s tourism sector in 2023. The tourism industry’s impact on the country’s GDP will show a notable rise, growing by around 24% to reach 953 billion Egyptian pounds, 21% above its peak level. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has maintained its forecast for Egypt’s real GDP growth in 2024 at 3%, expecting it to increase to 4.4% by 2025.
Egypt’s tourism revenues will also hit an all-time high, reaching $15 billion by 2023. This figure surpasses the previous highs of $12.5 billion in 2010 and $13 billion in 2019, recorded before the January Revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively.
Cairo International Airport is the linchpin of Egypt’s aviation sector and maintains its position as the country’s busiest airport, handling 26 million passengers in 2023, up 30 percent from the previous year, highlighting Cairo’s strategic importance as an aviation hub, especially for airlines such as EgyptAir and Nile Air.
The economic benefits of tourism are significant, with the industry expected to contribute approximately $32 billion to Egypt’s GDP in 2022, up from $22.3 billion in 2021. This performance has placed Egypt at the forefront of the African Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index.
Looking ahead, Egypt’s hospitality sector is projected to reach $4.65 billion by 2029, while the overall travel and tourism market is expected to grow at an annual growth rate of 5.98% to reach $7.226 billion by 2028. These figures demonstrate the effective strategies and infrastructure improvements Egypt is implementing to foster a thriving tourism economy that is poised to attract even more international travelers in the near future.
Egypt has solidified its position as a leading destination for international tourists with the introduction of visa exemptions for certain countries, initiatives such as the Cairo City Breaks program, and a significant increase in air traffic. The significant increase in tourist numbers and the notable economic benefits from tourism demonstrate Egypt’s continued success in revitalizing its tourism industry. With a promising future, Egypt is well on its way to further enhance its status as a world-class tourist destination.
Countries that can visit Egypt without a visa:
There are several countries that allow you to visit Egypt without a visa and have simplified travel procedures, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, Hong Kong, Macau and Malaysia, making Egypt a popular destination for travelers from these regions, as their nationals can easily experience Egypt’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Travellers from countries eligible for the e-Visa who are visiting Egypt for non-tourist purposes, such as work or study, must follow the standard visa application procedure through the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
Countries that require an e-Visa to enter Egypt:
Travellers from e-Visa countries entering Egypt for non-tourist purposes, such as work or study, must go through the standard visa application process at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.
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Events in Egypt:
Cairo, Luxor and Aswan in 6 days
Dates: June 23 – June 29 Location: Cairo International Airport, El Noza, Egypt
Transfer from Hurghada to Luxor – One Way
Dates: June 22nd – June 23rd Location: Hurghada International Airport, Hurghada Airport Toll Gate, Airport Rd, Hurghada 1, Egypt
2 Day Tour to Alexandria and El Alamein
Date: July 2, 2am Location: Alexandria Cairo Egypt Day Tours, 1120 Nile Corniche, Sharkas, Bulaq, Egypt
Siwa Oasis 3 Days/2 Nights Trip from Cairo
Dates: July 16th – July 17th Location: Tahrir Square Hostel, 11 El-Tahrir Square, 1st floor, Qasr El Nil, Egypt
Full-Day Tour of Historic Alexandria
Dates: July 6 and July 10, both at 2am Location: Alexandria Cairo Egypt Day Tours, 1120 Nile Corniche, Sharkas, Bulaq, Egypt
Day Activities for Egypt Travelers:
Giza Pyramids: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this archaeological site includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Sphinx, embodying a rich historical and cultural significance. Egyptian Museum: Located in the heart of Cairo, this museum houses the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic artifacts, including mummies, sarcophagi, and Tutankhamun’s famous treasures. Khan el-Khalili: The main souk in Cairo’s Islamic district, known for its vibrant atmosphere, exquisite crafts, and traditional coffee shops, offers a glimpse into the local lifestyle and commerce. Al-Azhar Park: Located in the heart of Cairo, this park is known for its vast green spaces and beautiful landscaping, offering a tranquil moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as stunning views of the surroundings. Historic Sites. Saladin Citadel: Cairo’s iconic medieval Islamic fortress. It offers historical insight along with panoramic views of the city, known for its architectural grandeur and strategic importance throughout history.
Here are some exciting options to enjoy Egypt’s vibrant and diverse nightlife.
Nile Dinner Cruise: Enjoy a romantic evening or a festive mood while cruising the Nile. These cruises usually feature a buffet dinner, live music, traditional belly dancing performances, and mesmerizing views of Cairo’s illuminated skyline. Cairo Opera House: Located in Zamalek district, the Cairo Opera House is the best place to enjoy classical music, opera, and ballet. It is a cultural hub showcasing local and international artists. Al Hussein and Al Azhar Districts: These areas come alive at night with locals and tourists. 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. Zamalek Rooftop Bars: Zamalek is known for its stylish rooftop bars that offer great views of the Nile and Cairo. It is the perfect place to unwind with a drink and enjoy the cool night air. Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids of Giza: Telling the story of Ancient Egypt with stunning visuals set against the backdrop of the pyramids, this nighttime show lets you literally experience the pyramids in a different light.
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