Egypt has extended a series of eased visa measures aimed at boosting tourism until 2027 and approved plans for a luxury tourist sleeper train, as authorities seek to attract higher-spending visitors and diversify the country’s tourism offerings, the cabinet said.
The decisions were taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and form part of a broader strategy to support tourism growth, improve visitor experiences and stimulate investment in high-value travel segments.
Under the measures, the government will extend the free emergency-entry visa for air arrivals at the southern tourist hubs of Luxor and Aswan during the summer seasons of 2026 and 2027. The visa will apply from May through the end of October, under the same conditions currently in place, according to a cabinet statement.
Egypt will also extend its free 96-hour transit visa for an additional year, until April 2027. The policy will continue to apply to passengers flying on Egyptian airlines, as part of efforts to simplify entry procedures and encourage short stays by transit travellers.
Egypt has gradually eased visa requirements over the past decade as it seeks to revive and expand its tourism sector, a vital source of foreign currency and employment that was hit hard by years of political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic shocks.
The country has introduced visa-on-arrival schemes, expanded e-visa eligibility and launched targeted incentives to attract visitors from new markets while encouraging longer stays.
The emergency-entry visa at Luxor and Aswan was introduced to support cultural tourism in Upper Egypt, a region rich in archaeological sites but marked by strong seasonality in visitor numbers.
Officials say the measure has helped increase passenger traffic on direct international flights to the two cities, encouraged tour operators to include more antiquities-focused itineraries, and supported hotel occupancy during the traditionally quieter summer months.
The extension of the 96-hour transit visa is also seen as a key tool in turning transit passengers into short-term tourists. Authorities say the policy has boosted spending on hotels, transport and cultural attractions, while enhancing the competitiveness of national carrier EgyptAir by making Cairo a more attractive hub for connecting flights.
Tourism officials have repeatedly stressed that easing entry procedures is one of the most effective ways to stimulate demand, particularly in a highly competitive global market.
In addition to visa measures, the cabinet approved a request from the Ministry of Transport to contract the Egyptian National Railways Authority with Italy’s Arsenale S.p.A. to manage and operate a luxury tourist sleeper train.
Under the agreement, Arsenale will supply and finance the train, while overseeing its operation. The project is expected to target high-end tourists and stimulate domestic travel by both foreign and Egyptian visitors, without imposing additional financial burdens on the state, the cabinet said.
The luxury sleeper train is part of Egypt’s push to upgrade tourism transport infrastructure and introduce premium, experience-based products alongside its traditional mass tourism offering focused on beach resorts and major archaeological sites.
Officials say the project aims to enhance the overall travel experience, encourage longer stays and increase average spending per visitor key objectives of Egypt’s tourism development strategy.
Italy’s Arsenale S.p.A. specialises in developing and operating luxury rail journeys inspired by historic trains, offering hotel-style accommodation, curated itineraries and themed cultural experiences.
Such products have gained popularity globally among affluent travellers seeking slower, immersive journeys that combine transport, accommodation and cultural discovery.
While details of routes, pricing and launch dates have not yet been disclosed, officials said the train would showcase Egypt’s landscapes and heritage while connecting major tourist destinations.
The decisions come as Egypt seeks to build on a strong tourism recovery. Authorities have reported steady growth in visitor arrivals in recent years, driven by the return of key European markets, expanding air connectivity and increased promotion of cultural and adventure tourism.
The government has also been investing in large-scale development projects aimed at supporting tourism, including upgrades to archaeological sites, hotel capacity expansion and the development of new destinations along the northwestern Mediterranean coast.
Analysts say the focus on premium tourism products reflects a shift towards quality as well as quantity, as Egypt looks to boost revenues without placing excessive strain on infrastructure and heritage sites.
By extending eased visa policies and introducing new high-end transport options, the government hopes to reinforce Egypt’s position as a diverse, year-round destination capable of appealing to a wide range of travellers.
Officials say the measures are part of a long-term vision to make tourism a more resilient pillar of the economy, contributing to growth, job creation and foreign currency inflows amid ongoing economic challenges.
As global competition for tourists intensifies, Egypt is betting that simpler entry rules and distinctive travel experiences will help it stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
