Beginning on October 1, 2023, Canadian travelers will no longer have the option to obtain visas upon their arrival in Egypt, as Egyptian authorities have introduced new restrictions. According to the Government of Canada, "Starting October 1, 2023, Canadian passport holders will not be able to obtain a visa online before traveling to or upon arrival in Egypt. You will be required to obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate abroad." Previously, Canadian travelers were able to obtain their visas upon arrival at Cairo airport or acquire e-visas before departing via the online portal, as stated on Global Affairs Canada's travel page for Egypt. However, the recent changes by Egyptian authorities are in response to Canadian measures denying visas to Egyptian citizens. These measures were deemed "offensive in nature to the dignity of the Egyptian state."
These new rules will add to the challenges faced by travelers. Adel Boulos, President of the Egyptian Canadian Business Network, emphasized that it is already challenging for Egyptian citizens to obtain visas for travel to Canada. He cited cases where parents wishing to visit their children or people planning to get married in Canada face difficulties in securing visas. In response, Canadian authorities have cautioned their citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Egypt due to the unpredictable security situation and the terrorism threat. The Government of Canada has also advised against traveling to the Governorate of North Sinai due to terrorist activity and ongoing military operations by the Egyptian Armed Forces. They have further urged travelers to avoid all travel to the area within 50 kilometers of the border with Libya and the Western Desert, including the Dakhla Oasis, due to concerns related to smuggling, terrorist activities, the presence of armed groups, and ongoing military operations.
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