The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration announced that the Arab Republic of Egypt has decided to cancel the current requirement for Canadian citizens to obtain visas before traveling to Egypt.
Starting December 1, 2024, Canadians will be able to obtain visas upon arrival at Egyptian entry points or opt for the reactivated electronic visa (E-VISA) system.
This policy change was agreed upon during a recent meeting between Dr. Badr Abdel Atty, the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, and Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The decision coincides with the celebration of seventy years of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Canada.
It reflects both countries’ commitment to facilitating and enhancing mutual trade and tourism flows.
The visa waiver is part of broader efforts to ease movement and visa procedures for the citizens of both countries, including dual Egyptian-Canadian nationals, in line with directives from the President of Egypt prioritizing the interests of Egyptian citizens abroad and removing potential obstacles they may face.
In July 2023, the Egyptian Foreign Minister announced plans to house five million Sudanese who have sought refuge due to economic circumstances in their home country over the past three decades.
The foreign minister emphasized that Egypt continues to permit daily entry of Sudanese arriving at the Egyptian border due to the ongoing military conflict in Sudan.
The entry was granted after obtaining a visa for reasons related to security concerns and to prevent unwanted individuals, such as terrorists and organized crime figures, from infiltrating the country.
