The Egypt Guides

Egypt Holds Departure Fee Steady Amid Tourism Rivalry

· 3 min read Travel News
Cairo cityscape with the Nile and city bridges

Contents

  1. How Egypt’s Overall Cost Compares
  2. Which Airports Apply the Fee
  3. What the Fee Freeze Signals

Egypt’s authorities have confirmed that the country’s international passenger departure fee remains fixed at LE100 per person — roughly US$2 at current exchange rates — with no increase planned. The clarification comes as several competing destinations raise similar charges, making Egypt’s stable cost structure a relevant factor for travellers weighing their options across the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Thailand lifted its international departure tax from 730 baht to 1,120 baht (approximately US$30) effective 20 June 2026, a 53% increase applied across all six Airports of Thailand. Japan’s departure levy is set to triple to JPY 3,000 from July 2026. Against this backdrop, Egypt’s unchanged fee is a genuine differentiator for cost-conscious itineraries.

Cairo handles the bulk of international arrivals and is directly served by most major carriers from Europe, the Gulf, and North Africa. Luxor also receives direct charters and scheduled services from European markets during peak winter and spring seasons, and demand has remained strong in 2026 as Egypt’s tourism recovery continues. Red Sea resorts at Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh attract significant charter traffic from Central Europe year-round.

The LE100 departure fee is included in almost all ticket prices at the point of booking, so passengers rarely encounter it as a separate charge at the airport. For travellers comparing Egypt against higher-cost alternatives in the same region, the flight-plus-fee equation currently favours Egypt, particularly on routes from Central Europe and the UK where published fares have remained competitive.

For entry requirements, our Egypt visa guide covers the process for the most common nationalities, including details on the e-visa system available to eligible passport holders. For route and fare information, the flights to Egypt page outlines current direct connections from key source markets.

How Egypt’s Overall Cost Compares

The departure fee is just one element of Egypt’s value equation. At current exchange rates, the Egyptian pound has weakened significantly against the euro and sterling over the past two years, making Egypt considerably cheaper for European visitors in real terms. A mid-range double room in Cairo — in a four-star property in Zamalek or Garden City — runs approximately LE 1,800–2,500 per night (US$35–50 as of 2026). In Luxor, comparable accommodation costs LE 1,200–2,000 per night along the East Bank. At the Red Sea resorts, all-inclusive packages from European charter carriers often price below equivalent packages to Turkey or Greece for the same departure dates.

Entry costs add modest amounts: the standard tourist e-visa is US$30 per person (increased from US$25 in March 2026). The key monument costs — entry to the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, and the Karnak Temple complex — range from LE 160 to LE 650 per site (approximately US$3–13 as of 2026). The Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza charges approximately LE 1,100 for a full access ticket including the Tutankhamun galleries. All prices are approximate and subject to change; verify current entry fees before your visit.

Which Airports Apply the Fee

The LE100 departure fee applies at all major commercial airports in Egypt: Cairo International (Terminal 1 and 2), Hurghada International, Sharm el-Sheikh International, Luxor International, Aswan International, and Marsa Alam International. It is collected by airlines at the point of ticket sale for pre-booked flights. Travellers buying one-way tickets in cash at Egyptian travel agencies should confirm whether the fee is included before paying.

What the Fee Freeze Signals

Egypt has set a formal target of 30 million annual international arrivals, more than double the 2024 figure. The decision to hold departure fees steady while regional competitors increase theirs is consistent with a broader strategy of pricing Egypt as accessible. The country recorded 5.6 million arrivals in Q1 2026 alone — a 15.6% increase year-on-year — and the government appears to prioritise volume over marginal fee revenue at this stage of the tourism expansion. That approach has proved effective: Egypt now ranks among the fastest-growing destinations in the Mediterranean and Middle East by arrival volume, and travellers from the UK, Germany, France, and the Gulf continue to drive demand across Cairo, Luxor, and the Red Sea coast.