Egypt has extended its transit visa program, which allows holders to stay in the country for 96 hours, for an additional year in an effort to encourage inbound tourism.
According to a government statement on Wednesday, “The Cabinet approved the extension of the 96-hour free transit visa for an additional year ending at the end of April 2026, with the same current regulations.”
The government explained that “this approval comes within the framework of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ efforts to expand the scope of granted facilities, contributing to attracting more inbound tourism from various markets.”
It pointed out that this step “is reflected in the rates of tourist arrivals through Egyptian airports, as well as enhancing hotel occupancy rates and increasing tourist nights.”
The national carrier, EgyptAir, began offering the transit visa in mid-2023, and passengers can obtain it upon arrival at Cairo International Airport without any fees for this service.
The company clarified that the transit visa can be obtained by the passenger going to the EgyptAir Transit office at Cairo Airport to fill out the data form, based on which the free arrival visa is obtained.
