No visas on arrival in Egypt, says government

Egypt changing visa rules, requires visas before arrival.

CAIRO: In another odd move by the Egyptian government, foreign nationals will no longer be allowed to obtain an entry visa at a port of arrival, ending years of ease for foreign citizens hoping to visit the country.

It comes as the government appears to be continuing its crackdown of foreign nationals living in the country, where a large number have reported not being able to extend their visas or obtain longer permissions to stay in the country since the revolution ousted the government of Hosni Mubarak in February.

Despite relying heavily on tourism, the move means nations from the United States, Europe, Australia, Gulf countries, Africa, Latin America and Asia will now be required to apply for a visa at their local Egyptian embassy and consulate before arrival.

An Egyptian Cabinet official told Bikyamasr.com that although no official date for the new regulations has been given, the new rules could be implemented as early as next week.

Also worrying, there are also rumors that tourist visas may not be allowed to renew their permits to stay in the country after the one month is up, but Bikyamasr.com could not confirm this information.
The Egyptian Embassy in Washington, however, seemed unaware of the new regulations, saying “we have not yet received official word, but if it does, then we will assist people in obtaining their visas.”

With rising xenophobia in the country and worries that many foreigners are taking jobs that Egyptians could do, the government appears willing to crackdown on foreigners.

 Tourism officials blast Egypt’s new visa restrictions


<p>Congestion in Hurghada International Airport due to excessive number of passengers at departures</p>

Two tourism officials have criticized the new government's policy of halting issuing visas for foreign travelers into Egypt.

Amr el-Ezzaby, head of the Tourism Promotion Organization said the new measure will severely harm the tourism industry and will turn Egypt into "a closed country."

"It won't only hurt Egypt's tourism but the image of Egypt as a stable country," el-Ezzaby was quoted as saying by the Middle East Agency on Friday.

On Thursday, a government spokesman said Egypt will require visas from all travelers prior to arriving in the country, ending decade-long unrestricted entry for American and other western visitors, and some other nationals.

Foreigners in Egypt have already begun to face a clamping down on visa restrictions since 25 January, with some reporting that Egyptian officials have begun rejecting a second three-month visa extension for those already in the country and substituting them for one-month extensions only.
Tourists travelling in groups will be exempted from the new regulations.

El-Ezzaby said the new policy will affect those foreigners who have bought apartments in Egypt under government policy to encourage long stays for foreigners in Egypt.
Under the new policy tourists "will have to apply at embassies and consulates for visas," the government spokesman said.

Elhamy el-Zayyat , head of the Tourism Chambers Union said the new measure will "negatively effect" tourism.

He urged the government to rescind the new measure.
He proposed for now the Egyptian Passport and Residency Authority issues visas for foreigners through the internet.

The move appears to be the latest salvo against free entry and residency for foreigners in Egypt following the uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak in February.

Nationals of the Arab Gulf states, Latin America, Japan and other wealthy Asian countries, and Australians are among those affected by the new restrictions.

Egypt’s tourism industry was hit hard by the 25 January uprising, but it has been steadily re-gaining some revenues after improving security especially on its Red Sea resorts.

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