Egypt introduces an extended 3-month visa for foreign yachts

Egypt has extended its visa allowance for foreign yacht tourists to three months, as opposed to the previous one-month allowance, in a bid to boost the sector.

In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Transport indicated the move is meant to assist yacht tourists from any obstacles along the country’s coasts and to promote yacht tourism. For example, foreign yachts could be prevented from leaving Egypt within the previous one-month visa period by unexpected weather conditions or yacht malfunctions. The three-month period is designed to encourage visitors to cruise the country’s 2,400 kilometres of coastlines for extended periods.

Foreign yachts can now apply for and receive their tourist visas through a dedicated online portal on the website of the country’s Maritime Transport Sector.

Egypt is hoping to receive 15 million tourists this year and seeks to tap into the lucrative yacht tourism market.