Good news for Canadian travelers! Egypt is about to make it much easier to visit this ancient land. After introducing stricter visa requirements last year, Egypt is simplifying its process for Canadian tourists, promising a return to online and on-arrival visa options. This welcome change is expected to take effect soon, further fueling Egypt’s booming tourism industry.
In October 2023, Egypt stopped issuing online and on-arrival visas for Canadians, requiring a more complex application process. This change, while temporary, had a significant impact, requiring travelers to apply via mail and pay a higher fee. This change, while temporary, had a significant impact, requiring travelers to apply via mail and pay a higher fee. However, with the new visa policy, Canadians can expect a much smoother experience, similar to what they enjoyed before these changes.
Egypt’s tourism sector has been on a roll, even with the previous visa hurdles. In the first four months of 2024, tourist arrivals jumped by a remarkable 27%, with a particularly impressive 54% increase in travelers from Arab countries. This momentum reflects a growing global desire to experience Egypt’s rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes. To accommodate this influx, Egypt’s hospitality sector expanded by 10% in 2023, adding more hotel rooms to cater to the growing demand. By mid-2024, Egypt had already welcomed over 7 million tourists, setting the stage for a record-breaking year.
Egypt’s tourism growth is undeniable. In 2023, the country set a new tourism record, attracting 14.906 million visitors, surpassing its previous peak of 14.731 million in 2010. With 70.2 million tourist nights recorded and $6.6 billion in tourism revenue by mid-2024, the sector is clearly flourishing. The upcoming visa simplification is expected to further drive these numbers up, solidifying Egypt’s position as a top travel destination.
While Canada has confirmed the return of electronic visas for Canadians, the exact timeline remains unclear. Despite ongoing discussions between Global Affairs Canada and Egypt’s embassy in Ottawa, a concrete date hasn’t been announced. However, with the tourism sector thriving and the promise of easier visa access for Canadians, now is the perfect time to start planning your trip to this historical and beautiful destination.
