Egypt Tightens 2026 Visa Rules, Impacting Gulf Travelers

Saudi Arabia Joins Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, and Several Other Countries in the Middle East Facing Major Travel Obstacles as Egypt Tightens Visa Rules and Raises On‑Arrival Fees for 2026 du to the recent announcement from the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA) regarding a potential increase in the visa‑on‑arrival fee, set to rise from US$25 to US$30, effective March 1, 2026. While this change is yet to be officially confirmed by the Egyptian government, the looming fee hike has already caused significant concerns for travellers from the Middle East, especially for countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, and Qatar, where many citizens and residents have traditionally relied on the ease of obtaining a visa on arrival. The shift in Egypt’s entry policies is poised to complicate travel plans, forcing travellers to reconsider their options and plan more strategically for future trips to the iconic destination. Egypt has long been one of the most popular travel destinations for Middle Eastern residents, with its ancient history, iconic archaeological sites, and coastal resorts attracting millions of visitors every year. But travel from countries across the Gulf and wider Middle East is now entering a period of uncertainty and disruption. In the first major visa shake‑up of 2026, travel agencies and industry insiders warn that Egypt may soon tighten entry requirements and raise visa‑on‑arrival fees — a development that threatens to complicate travel plans for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Qatar and several other Middle Eastern nations. At the centre of this disruption is an internal circular issued by the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA), which states that the fee for visas issued on arrival at airports and border points will increase from US$25 to US$30, effective March 1, 2026. While this communication has not yet been confirmed by the Egyptian government, its circulation has triggered concern among travellers and tourism operators alike.