Egyptian authorities have recently made a significant announcement that will affect Canadians planning to travel to Egypt. Effective from October 1, 2023, citizens of Canada will no longer have the option of obtaining an Egypt e-Visa or visa on arrival. This policy shift has substantial implications for Canadians seeking to visit Egypt, altering the way they must apply for a visa.

Key Changes for Canadians

1. Egyptian e-Visas

• Current Situation: Canadians have enjoyed the convenience of applying for Egypt e-Visa online, enabling them to submit their visa applications effortlessly from any location with an internet connection.
• Upcoming Change: Notably, the Egypt online e-Visa application process will remain available until the cut-off date of October 1, 2023.
• Advice: Travelers from Canada who intend to visit Egypt within the next three months are strongly advised to seize the opportunity to apply for an e-Visa promptly. Doing so before the policy change takes effect will help avoid complications. E-visas granted before October 1, 2023, will stay valid until they reach their expiration date.

2. Visa on Arrival

• Current Situation: Canadian travelers were once allowed to arrive in Egypt and complete a visa application at the border, provided they held a valid Canadian passport.
• Upcoming Change: Beginning October 1, 2023, this option will cease to exist. Canadian travelers must secure a valid visa before embarking on their journey to Egypt.

Reasons for the Policy Change

The decision to suspend e-Visas and visas on arrival for Canadians is a direct response to changes in Canada's own visa policy. These changes have resulted in numerous Egyptian nationals being denied Canadian visas. Adel Boulos, president of the Egyptian Canadian Business Network, has described Canada's restrictions as "insane" and has highlighted the hardships faced by Egyptians who wish to visit Canada.

The Egyptian Embassy in Ottawa has attributed the new rules to Canada's measures, citing the "principle of reciprocity." Furthermore, they have expressed that Canada's restrictions are considered offensive to the dignity of the Egyptian state.

Egyptian Member of Parliament Ghada Ajami has voiced her support for this move, emphasizing that Egypt deserves equal treatment in terms of visa requirements for its citizens traveling abroad.

Impacts on Travel

Egypt's new regulations will necessitate significant changes in travel planning for Canadian citizens:

• Visa Application: Travelers from Canada must now apply for an Egyptian visa through an Egyptian diplomatic mission. This can be done either in person at the Egyptian embassy in Ottawa, the consulate in Montreal, or by utilizing a mail-in application.
• Complex Process: It's important to note that this visa application process is considerably more time-consuming and intricate compared to the straightforward online e-Visa application. Travelers should expect longer processing times and more rigorous documentation requirements.
• Dual Citizenship: Even Canadian citizens who hold dual Egyptian citizenship will be required to obtain an Egyptian visa starting from October 1, 2023.

David Green, managing director for G Adventures, has expressed concerns about the policy change, especially regarding its impact on travel agents and tour operators that regularly send tourists to Egypt.

Potential Impact on Tourism

There are valid concerns about how these changes may impact tourism in Egypt, particularly as the country actively seeks to attract more tourists:

• Tourism Goals: Egypt has ambitious targets to significantly increase tourist arrivals in the coming years. In 2023, they aim to welcome 15 million tourists, with a long-term goal of reaching 30 million by 2028.
• Potential Deterrence: Stricter visa regulations could potentially discourage potential visitors and hinder efforts to boost tourism.
• Counterargument: Ghada Ajami, Egyptian Member of Parliament, argues that similar precautions and visa requirements exist in many countries worldwide without adversely affecting tourism.

In conclusion, Egypt's suspension of e-Visa and visa-on-arrival services for Canadians is a direct response to changes in Canada's own visa policy. This adjustment will require Canadian travelers to navigate a more complex visa application process, impacting individual travelers and the tourism industry in Egypt. The long-term effects of this policy change on Egypt's tourism sector remain uncertain and will be closely monitored in the months and years ahead.