President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi ratified a law imposing a new departure fee on all travelers leaving Egypt [1].
The measure aims to increase state revenue during a period of financial development. By targeting all points of exit, the government seeks to create a consistent stream of funding from international transit.
The legislation, identified as Law No. 148 of 2026, amends Law No. 147 of 1984 [1]. This amendment establishes a mandatory fee of LE 100 per traveler [2]. The charge applies to individuals departing through airports, seaports, and other official points of departure [1].
According to the Official Gazette, the law was published on July 31, 2026 [2]. It became effective the day after its publication, meaning travelers began facing the charge on August 1 [2].
The government said the purpose of the fee is to develop state financial resources [1]. The law creates a standardized cost for every person exiting the borders, regardless of their destination or mode of travel.
This administrative change integrates the departure fee into the existing legal framework for travel and border control. It replaces or supplements older regulations to ensure the state captures revenue from the high volume of transit occurring at Egyptian ports [1].
“President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi ratified a law imposing a new departure fee on all travelers leaving Egypt”
The introduction of this fee reflects a broader strategy by the Egyptian government to diversify its income streams through small-scale levies on movement. While the LE 100 amount may be modest for some, the aggregate revenue from millions of annual departures provides a predictable source of funding for the state treasury.
