CAIRO: In the past 24 hours, foreign nationals living in Egypt have become increasingly concerned over the reports that the Egyptian government has ended the ability to purchase a visa upon arrival in the country. It comes on the heels of reports of visa extensions also being turned down in recent months. Despite the reports, Egyptian consulates and embassies across the globe appear to know little to nothing about the new restrictions. Bikyamasr.com contacted Egyptian embassies and consulates in the United States, Canada, Britain, Spain, Italy, France and Germany, but were met with similar confusion. “We know nothing about visas not being issued at the airport or at any port of entry into Egypt,” said one official at the Los Angeles consulate. Similar responses were delivered, although one official in Berlin said that “if the government makes this decision, we will learn of it very soon and take all required action to make obtaining a visa for Egypt travel easy and accessible.” Not giving out visas to foreigners could leave the tourism industry in jeopardy. Experts and visitors say that despite the need to bolster restrictions on visas to foreigners – ending those who stay and work in the country on tourist visas – Egypt's current economic situation should not move too quickly in forcing out revenue sources. In 2008, tourism to Egypt brought in some $11 billion and 12.8 million visitors, making it one of the largest sources of income for the North African country, the tourism ministry has reported. “People are simply not going to take the time to get a visa from a consulate or embassy to come to Egypt,” said one American student in Cairo, who told Bikyamasr.com that he was studying Arabic on a tourist visa. “I mean, why not just go to Jordan or somewhere else that makes it easier,” he added. A major reason, many foreigners in the country say, is the government wants to crackdown on the number of foreigners currently in Egypt who are working without proper work permission. Statistics are not readily available on the numbers, but most agree it is substantial. Still, confusion remains rampant and many foreigners looking to make an Egypt move are unclear if they now must require a visa before travel. Airlines have recently begun barring travelers from boarding flights to Egypt if there is no valid visa in the passengers passport, which has left a handful of foreigners in limbo. There are also rumors that local Egyptian travel companies are not allowing foreigners to purchase one-way tickets to any destination other than their country of residence, causing the tourism industry to struggle. An Egyptian Cabinet official told Bikyamasr.com that although no official date for the new regulations has been given, the new rules could be implemented as early as next week. Also worrying, there are also rumors that tourist visas may not be allowed to renew their permits to stay in the country after the one month is up, but Bikyamasr.com could not confirm this information. The Egyptian Embassy in Washington, however, seemed unaware of the new regulations, saying “we have not yet received official word, but if it does, then we will assist people in obtaining their visas.” It is unclear exactly why the new visa requirements are being implemented, but with rising xenophobia in the country and worries that many foreigners are taking jobs that Egyptians could do, the government appears willing to crackdown on foreigners. If implemented, the move means nations from the United States, Europe, Australia, Gulf countries, Africa, Latin America and Asia will now be required to apply for a visa at their local Egyptian embassy and consulate before arrival. BM
