Middle East

Egypt imposes tough visa regulations for Moroccans, Algerians, Tunisians

A large number of Tunisians have been angered by Egypts recent decision to intensify visa procedures for citizens of North African countries.

The decision comes after the release of an official document on social media websites on Friday, in which the Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Egypts Ministry of Tourism will enforce new measures on the citizens of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia who want to obtain a tourist visa.

The regulations include providing a bank statement proving that citizens have no less than $2,000 in their account, as well as a certificate verifying their occupation.

Citizens of those three countries must also provide confirmations on airline tickets and hotel rooms, as well as a representative from a travel agency who must confirm the tourists departure immediately after the end of their visit.

Egypts “tough” regulations have caused some Tunisians to call on authorities to impose similar procedures on Egyptian citizens, while others have called for a complete boycott of Egypts tourist destinations.

In a Facebook post, Tunisian Journalist Amira Mohammed wrote: “Is this how Egypt is trying to encourage tourism? Do you think the people of the Maghreb are thinking of immigrating to Egypt or staying there illegally? Tunisia must reciprocate.”

Activist Mohammed Ali Ammari added that this decision “is not right and will hurt the tourism sector in Egypt”, especially since Egypt is “the cheapest [destination] for middle-class Tunisians and citizens of the Maghreb who travel to the country in large numbers.”

He said that “the time has come for citizens of the Maghreb to look for other travel destinations that do not impose impossible conditions on us.”

SHOW MORE

Last Update: Saturday, 6 October 2018 KSA 11:37 – GMT 08:37

Related Articles

Middle East

Israel PM ‘flew to Saudi Arabia for secret talks with crown prince’

bbc– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly flew to Saudi Arabia on...

Middle East

Lebanon’s unfinished revolution: One year after protests, change has yet to come

Issued on: 21/10/2020 – 12:18Modified: 21/10/2020 – 14:28 It's been one year...

Middle East

Israel lauds UAE delegation visit as ‘making history’, Palestinians deem it ‘shameful’

Issued on: 20/10/2020 – 14:27 In an historic first visit by a...

Middle East

Iran rules out weapons ‘buying spree’ as UN embargo is set to expire

Issued on: 18/10/2020 – 07:42 Iran said it was self-reliant in its...