Introduction of new entry rules for Uzbek citizens into Egypt postponed until 1 March 2027

Introduction of new entry rules postponed to March 2027

The introduction of new entry rules for citizens of Uzbekistan into Egypt has been postponed until 1 March 2027. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and the ministry's press secretary Omonulla Fayziyev. According to the ministry, as a result of direct talks between the Foreign Ministry and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Egypt and the Egyptian side an agreement was reached to revise the previously adopted decision to tighten entry rules. Until the new requirements take effect, citizens of Uzbekistan may visit Egypt under the current procedure.

What restrictions were planned from 1 November

The tightening of the rules was originally planned to take effect on 1 November 2026. Under the previously published procedure, citizens of Uzbekistan were required to obtain an entry visa in advance through Egyptian diplomatic missions, and trips were to be organized through authorized tour operators. Tourists under 40 would have been able to visit Egypt only when accompanied by close family members, and the family was required to carry at least $5,000 in cash; independent travelers over 40 were required to have at least $3,000 in cash. The requirements also included confirmation of a hotel booking, mobile phone details and proof of sufficient financial means, a ban on changing visa type during the stay, and the possibility of being denied entry and returned on a flight of the same airline. Meanwhile, a number of publications reported only the ban on visa-free entry to the Sinai Peninsula, including Sharm el-Sheikh, without details about the financial requirements.

What the Foreign Ministry said besides the postponement

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan noted that it continues to work with foreign partners to expand travel opportunities for citizens, introduce visa-free regimes and simplify existing procedures. The ministry also called on citizens to comply with local legislation, visa and migration requirements, and to respect the national values, traditions and public order of the host country. 'Responsible behavior by every citizen abroad contributes to strengthening the positive image of Uzbekistan and to the further development of the country's international cooperation,' the statement says.

Context and significance

The postponement means that at least until 1 March 2027, Uzbek citizens planning vacations in Egypt, in particular on the Sinai Peninsula, can travel under the previous rules — without a prior visa and mandatory booking through a tour operator, as implied by the previously announced requirements. For tourists and the tourism industry, this effectively preserves the status quo for the coming season. However, the final entry conditions after March 2027 remain unknown: the Foreign Ministry reported only a revision of the decision, not its cancellation, so travelers should follow further official clarifications.