Egypt to Raise Visa Fees for Tunisians Fivefold

Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided Wednesday to raise the country’s entry visa fees for Tunisians, state news agency MENA reported.

The ministerial decision will come into effect in October 2013. Visa fees will be increased fivefold.

The exact visa charges are yet to be revealed as the financial department of Egypt’s foreign ministry is still working on the matter, an official source at the ministry told Ahram Online on condition of anonymity.

The decision, that will not likely be welcomed by Tunisians, is a reaction to the recent increase imposed by the Arab Maghreb state on Egyptians visiting Tunisia to LE1000 instead of LE200, as before.

In February, Egypt decided to exempt tourists coming from Arab Maghreb countries (Libya, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria) from visa fees, a move aimed at bolstering business ties and tourism.