Rise in tourist visa fee

[crewmeal]

Just arrived in Cairo and found the visa fee is now £25 because of the poor rate of exchange. You get about 50 LE change

[Horus]

Just think about all the free stuff that surrounds you and the history on your doorstep and that £25 pales into insignificance.

[BENNU]

If the rise is because of the exchange rate and the price is still $25, I would consider bringing US Dollars.

(I do that anyway, as they do not recognise my currency).

[crewmeal]

You still have to change pounds into dollars at some diabolical rate unless you have a stash of them.

[BENNU]

I know, but this is a very bad rate if it is still $25.

[HEPZIBAH]

Hmm... OK... let's be fair about this... and not risk misleading any new reader/visitor to Egypt.


There has not recently been a 'Rise in tourist visa fee'. The rate has been set by the powers that be in Egypt at $25 for quite some time - in fact some years now.

The fact that the GBP is not as strong as it was, so the visa is costing more when converted from $ to £, does not mean that the actual visa fee has risen.

We all love a bargain. Could it be that we've just got too used to having so good for so long?

(Darn I miss that seesaw Smilie )

[newcastle]

Hmm... OK... let's be fair about this... and not risk misleading any new reader/visitor to Egypt.


There has not recently been a 'Rise in tourist visa fee'. The rate has been set by the powers that be in Egypt at $25 for quite some time - in fact some years now.

The fact that the GBP is not as strong as it was, so the visa is costing more when converted from $ to £, does not mean that the actual visa fee has risen.

We all love a bargain. Could it be that we've just got too used to having so good for so long?

(Darn I miss that seesaw Smilie )

Well said!

How quickly people forget the boost their spending money in Egypt received when the currency (EGP) was devalued by 50%.

[jcoote]

Just booked our return visit to Luxor for next May. Compared to the £151 for our China visa we've just got, the Egyptian visa fee will be a bargain!

[BBLUX]

We always keep a supply of US dollars for the visa's.

[Who2]

Does anyone 'truthfully know what happens if one overstay's one's visa for a few months ?
As mine runs out in November and Iv'e got guests coming for Xmas, and I'm fattening her ducks next door.

So none of, 'my granny said or 'someone said: I need truthful answers as personally speaking
I've always popped back every 6 months...but I'm a bit busy this time as usual... cheers....
Ps: I'll Probably fly back with my guests from Hurghada after a few days in el Gouna...

[newcastle]

If you’re over 60 you can leave without being fined. I regularly overstay my visa by 1-3 months. Too much hassle getting an extension for a few weeks.

If you’re under 60, then you get fined at the airport when leaving. Can’t recall how much....less than 1500 EGP I think for 1-3 months.

You’ll find the exact amount on the FB group “Visa Regulations for Ex Pats in Egypt”

[carrie]

I know a woman who stays here year round. She leaves once a year and gets an entrance visa on arrival, that is the only one she gets. She never has any problem at the airport pointing out that she is over 60 and doesn't need a visa. Actually I would be scared they wouldn't let me in again but I am a coward and like to be worry free so do what I'm supposed to do.
I believe her she wouldn't **** **** but no way would I try it.
When I leave in September I will be out of visa by two weeks, went to the visa office and was told it wouldn't be a problem. Got Mahmoud's phone number and said I would call him from the airport if there was and get his Mum on to him.

[newcastle]

Just checked.....the fine ( if you’re under 60) is 1655EGP for overstaying 1-3 months.

They really aren’t that bothered by Brits over 60!

Technically, of course, you require a valid visa at any age but I know several over-60’s who dispense with the formality if they are overstaying by only a few weeks.

I’ve never heard of an over-60 being hassled....even when the police have spotted that their visa is expired by a few weeks. They usually just tell you to go and get an extension.

Doing it year on year, overstaying by 11 months, is tempting fate!

[DJKeefy]

Who2 says he will travel to Hurghada to fly back to the UK with his friends.

I am sure i read somewhere about problems travelling within Egypt with an expired visa (even for over 60) though no problem if you stay in the city or fly from where the visa was issued.

[newcastle]

I suppose travelling is one of the few occasions you’re likely to have your passport inspected......but if you’re on your way to the airport I doubt the police are going to interfere.

On the few occasions I tried to get a short term extension, I was told by the captain of the Hurghada office that, as I was flying out with a few weeks, it wasn’t necessary....so I’ve stopped bothering.

[DJKeefy]

On the few occasions I tried to get a short term extension, I was told by the captain of the Hurghada office that, as I was flying out with a few weeks, it wasn’t necessary....so I’ve stopped bothering.

You're not travelling out of Hurghada so you won't have a problem

[newcastle]

On the few occasions I tried to get a short term extension, I was told by the captain of the Hurghada office that, as I was flying out with a few weeks, it wasn’t necessary....so I’ve stopped bothering.

You're not travelling out of Hurghada so you won't have a problem

I presume that “not” was a mistake. I live in, and travel out of, Hurghada

I’m not aware that they’re bothered about where your visa was issued in relation to where you’re flying from. Many expats who live in Luxor use Hurghada airport when they travel to and fro.....but obtain their visa extensions in Luxor.

If Who2 is nervous about being banged up for having an expired visa then he can apply for another 3 months or whatever. I think it costs about the same as the fine (if you’re under 60)

[carrie]

Well the lady I was speaking of has never had a problem traveling on an expired visa.
To be honest I have never been asked to show my passport when going to Hurghada or any where else.

[hatusu]

I also had heard all about people who never bothered getting their visas renewed after they'd. come in each year. So this summer i thought I would try it (not because of the cost but the sheer hassle and time spent ). I renewed after the first 6 months but didn't renew after that.
BIG mistake and I will never ever do it again! I was held back at Passport control and I really thought they weren't going to let me through. I was spoken to very sternly and was told if it happened again I would be in big trouble. It will definitely not happen again, I was frightened to death! I know the same thing happened to a friend a week later,she was held up even longer than I was . I really do think it is something they are clamping down on.

[newcastle]

The “over 60” rule is so well established that I’m surprised to hear of hatusu’s experience.

I’ve certainly been stopped by “rookie” immigration officers....and occasionally by over-officious EasyJet staff....who simply don’t know the ropes. I just stand my ground and ask to be referred to the senior officer in charge.....who usually rolls his eyes at the incompetence of his colleagues and apologises.

As usual in Egypt, practice varies from airport to airport but I know for a fact that the “over-60” rule is just as valid in Luxor as it is in Hurghada. It’s no great surprise that you’ll occasionally encounter some jobsworth who wants to throw his weight about.

I wouldn’t recommend doing it on a regular basis and for periods in excess of 3 months. It is the law that you are required to hold a valid visa to be in Egypt and, although I’ve yet to hear of anyone ( over 60) being detained for having an expired visa, there’s always a first time.....