New Rules for Foreigners in Egypt from November 2026, What We Know

Is there a new law from November

As of 11 October 2026 we found no new law that changes entry or residence rules for all foreigners from November, either in official decisions or in major Egyptian media. The main law is still Law No. 89 of 1960 on the entry, residence and exit of foreigners.

One thing really does change on 1 November: the entry procedure for citizens of Uzbekistan. This is most likely where the rumour came from. Besides that, several decisions in 2026 affect everyone who lives in Egypt.

If someone forwards you «the text of the new law», look for its number, date and publication in the Official Gazette of Egypt. Without them, treat the message as a rumour.

What changes for citizens of Uzbekistan from 1 November

This was announced by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Cairo, citing diplomatic channels, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan clarified that the requirements also cover Sharm El Sheikh. No official Egyptian document has been made public yet.

• The visa must be obtained in advance at Egyptian diplomatic missions, including for Sinai. Before, charter tourists could spend up to 14 nights in Sharm El Sheikh without a visa.
• Tourist trips are arranged through authorised tour operators.
• Under the age of 40, entry is allowed only with close relatives (parents, spouse, children), and the family must have at least 5000 dollars in cash.
• Those aged 40 or over travelling alone must have at least 3000 dollars in cash.
• At the border you must show a hotel booking, a mobile phone number and proof of money for the trip.
• A tourist visa cannot be changed to another type inside Egypt.
• Without the full set of documents you may be refused entry and sent back with the same airline.

Does this apply to students and iqama holders

The announcements of the embassy are about tourists and say nothing about students or iqama holders. But the ban on changing a tourist visa inside the country matters to anyone who wanted to come as a tourist and then arrange studies: that will most likely no longer work.

If you are a citizen of Uzbekistan studying in Egypt, before travelling home check the rules with the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Cairo, the Embassy of Egypt in Tashkent and your university or the Al-Azhar Center for foreign students.

One more year to regularise

On 14 September 2026 the Official Gazette published Prime Minister decision No. 2807 of 2026. It extends by one year the period in which foreigners living in Egypt illegally can regularise their status. The previous deadline was 12 September 2026.

The programme has been running since 2023. Under its rules you need an Egyptian host and an administrative fee equal to 1000 dollars, and no new amounts were announced with the extension. The extension does not give you an iqama automatically, you still have to apply to the passport administration.

No iqama, no services

In May 2026 the authorities urged all foreigners to renew their residence and get the new smart residence card at the General Administration of Passports, Immigration and Nationality. Those exempt from iqama fees must register and get an exemption card.

The government warned that state institutions, including hospitals, schools and banks, will serve only people with a valid iqama or exemption card. On 27 July 2026 the Ministry of Justice issued Circular No. 92: real estate registration and notary offices do not process documents for foreigners without a residence or exemption card. This affects powers of attorney, contracts and property deals.

Visas and fees in 2026

• Since 1 March 2026 the visa on arrival costs 30 dollars instead of 25 for those who can get it.
• Since 1 August 2026 Cairo airport has been piloting a digital visa on arrival with a QR code, which costs 36 dollars including the service fee.
• From 1 January 2027, government decision No. 2553 of 2026 introduces a 15 dollar fee on entry and transit visas. Explanations of how this will change the final visa price still differ, so check the official e-visa portal of Egypt.
• Since late July 2026 a single exit fee of 100 pounds has applied (Law No. 148 of 2026). According to Egyptian media, it is included in the ticket price.

The asylum law is being put into practice

In 2026 the implementing rules of Law No. 164 of 2024 on asylum for foreigners were published. They move the files of refugees and asylum seekers from UNHCR to the Egyptian Permanent Committee for Refugee Affairs. During the transition, UNHCR cards remain valid until they expire or until new documents are issued.

This does not concern students, workers or family members, for whom the usual residence rules apply.

What to do now

• Check when your iqama expires and renew it in advance, at least two weeks ahead.
• Ask at the passport office how to get the new smart residence card.
• Always carry your passport and iqama. In December 2025 the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Cairo warned about stricter checks.
• Citizens of Uzbekistan travelling to Egypt after 1 November should get the visa in advance and not count on changing it inside the country.
• Do not give your passport or money to people who promise an iqama or regularisation «without documents».
• Check news against official sources: the General Administration of Passports, Immigration and Nationality of the Ministry of Interior of Egypt, the Official Gazette, the Egyptian embassy in your country and your embassy in Cairo.

How Tullab can help

If you need documents translated or help with paperwork, see the documents, visas, translations section. You can find a lawyer in legal services. Check the provider before paying and do not pay everything upfront.

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