On the afternoon of 25/5, the Egyptian Embassy in Vietnam announced that Vietnamese visitors only need a passport valid for over six months and a 25 USD fee at Egyptian airports to receive a visa for a maximum 30-day stay. The diplomatic mission confirmed there is no risk of denial of entry at the airport under this new system.
Previously, travelers applied for a sticker visa, prompting travel agencies to recommend submitting applications one month in advance to allow for potential additional documentation. This was particularly crucial for travelers from Ho Chi Minh City, who had to send their documents to the Egyptian Embassy in Hanoi. During peak seasons or for large groups, the actual processing time could extend further, increasing risks and impacting tour schedules.
Beyond the sticker visa, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) system previously stipulated that Vietnamese travelers seeking a visa on arrival for Egypt needed a valid visa from developed nations such as Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, or the Schengen Area.
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Tourists experience camel riding while admiring the pyramids. Photo: Holistic. |
Pham Anh Vu, Communications Director of Du Lich Viet Company, stated that Egypt's streamlined procedures offer travel agencies greater flexibility in selling tours. This removes the previous pressure of requiring applications one month in advance, a common practice during the sticker visa era. However, as the new policy is still recent, some agencies advise travelers to thoroughly review their personal documents to prevent any issues.
Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, Marketing Director of Vietravel Company, noted that this policy significantly boosts demand in the mid-to-high-end tourism segment, which favors Middle East and North Africa routes.
Despite this, Vietravel advises travelers to exercise caution during the initial implementation phase, as system synchronization between airlines and international airport immigration points can sometimes experience delays.
Such delays could lead to travelers being asked for additional documents or even denied check-in if airlines have not yet updated their entry requirements.
A Vietravel representative recommends that travelers monitor official announcements from authorities or the Egyptian Embassy. For those planning to depart soon, it is advisable to proactively verify accepted check-in conditions and entry documents directly with their airline before flying.
Travelers new to the Middle East or North Africa region should consider booking through a travel agency. This provides support with document processing, service coordination, and assistance for any issues that may arise at the destination due to sudden policy changes.
Egypt is not a mass tourism market; it typically attracts high-spending travelers seeking unique historical and cultural experiences and the exploration of world wonders.
Tu Nguyen
