Vietnamese travellers to Egypt can secure entry visas at the border; key details pending

Egypt will grant visas on arrival to Vietnamese citizens, Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamed Abou Bakr Saleh announced at a ceremony in Cairo on 10 September marking Vietnam's 81st National Day. The confirmation removes doubt for Vietnamese travellers planning trips to the North African destination.

Key facts

• Announced: 10 September in Cairo, by Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamed Abou Bakr Saleh
• Who it affects: Vietnamese citizens travelling to Egypt
• What changes: visas on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders
• Background: Egypt announced in May that citizens of certain countries would be eligible for visas on arrival as part of efforts to boost its tourism industry
• Not yet stated: visa fee, permitted length of stay, visa validity or the date the arrangement takes effect

What has been confirmed?

Saleh confirmed that Vietnamese citizens are included in Egypt's visa-on-arrival scheme, which Egypt announced in May for citizens of certain countries as part of efforts to boost its tourism industry. The announcement was made at a ceremony marking the 81st National Day of Vietnam in Cairo on 10 September.

The decision reflects Egypt's commitment to promoting tourism exchanges and people-to-people ties with Vietnam, Saleh said. He also noted growing interest from the business communities of both countries in investment and tourism opportunities.

What details are still missing?

The announcement did not include the cost of a visa on arrival, how long travellers can stay, how long the visa remains valid, which document requirements apply or when the arrangement becomes effective. No application procedure has been published in the announcement.

Why is Egypt doing this?

Saleh highlighted tourism as an important area contributing to the development of Vietnam-Egypt relations and said the visa facilitation is intended to increase tourist flows between the two countries and create more opportunities for exchanges and cooperation. The announcement noted that the number of Vietnamese visitors to Egypt has grown in recent years.

Egypt is described as a major tourist destination in North Africa, known for the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx and Cairo, along with numerous historical and cultural heritage sites.

What this means for travellers

Vietnamese passport holders planning to visit Egypt can expect to be able to request a visa on arrival rather than arranging one in advance, but the announcement gives no specifics on cost, stay length or start date. Travellers should look for those details before booking, since they were not part of the confirmation.

No further steps, deadlines or pending decisions were announced. The next update travellers should watch for is the publication of the scheme's practical terms.