Egypt has dropped plans to introduce visas for foreign visitors just three days after announcing them, following protests from tourism groups.
The Financial Times reported the policy reversal this morning. The military government announced new restrictions last week that would have denied visas on arrival to most visitors.
However, Egyptian tourism minister Mounir Fakhry Abdennour said the change would not apply to people travelling in groups or booking through tour operators. He said: “This does not affect any organised travel groups or families coming through travel agents.” The minister also promised facilities to handle visa applications online.
The Financial Times reported the government planned to abolish visas on arrival for security reasons, but went back on the plan out of fear it would lead to a further turn down in visitor members.