Egypt Extends 96-Hour Free Transit Visa Program for Another Year

On 23 April 2025, the Egyptian cabinet convened to discuss ongoing government policy, including the existing transit visa. Chaired by Dr Mustafa Madbouly, the cabinet addressed a wide range of policy decisions in the new administrative headquarters and ultimately decided to extend the transit visa for an additional year.

Currently, the Egyptian government operates a 96-hour transit visa allowing tourists to stay and visit popular Egyptian attractions such as the Pyramids at Giza, the Temples at Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings while transiting the country. To continue to receive the positive results experienced by the tourist industry due to the transit visa, Egyptian authorities have extended it for a further year.

The Egyptian transit visa is now set to run until April 2026 with the same requirements and terms as the existing transit visa. Tourists will be able to apply and, if approved, stay in Egypt, make use of hotels and visitor attractions for up to 96 hours before continuing their onward journey.

News of the transit visa extension was welcomed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, which oversees Egypt’s historical and cultural sites. It is expected that the visa extension will continue to attract more tourist footfall and increase hotel occupancy for those situated close to airports.

Tourists globally are expected to welcome the extension to the transit visa as they will be able to experience Egyptian culture and heritage during their short, authorized stop-off. It is not known if the transit visa will be extended again in the future, but given the large success experienced by the Egyptian government so far, it is a possibility.