Egypt Simplifies Yacht Tourism Procedures

Egypt has recently implemented significant reforms in its yacht tourism regulations, aiming to attract more yacht enthusiasts and tourists to its stunning coastal regions. With its strategic location bridging three continents and an extensive coastline along the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, Egypt is poised to capitalise on its maritime potential and become a premier destination for yacht tourism.

Yacht Samar

Enhanced Procedures for Foreign Yachts Arriving and Departing from Egyptian Ports

Egypt's Ministry of Transport's Maritime Transport Sector is simplifying procedures for foreign yachts visiting Egyptian ports and marinas to boost yacht tourism. Leveraging its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, Egypt aims to become a premier yacht tourism destination, with its extensive coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal.

• Streamlined Digital Platform for Foreign Yachts

Egypt is simplifying yacht tourism procedures with a dedicated digital platform managed by the Maritime Transport Sector of the Ministry of Transport. This platform streamlines administrative tasks, allowing yacht owners and representatives to submit documentation, provide passenger information, and specify arrival schedules and itineraries. 

This digital innovation aims to enhance the yacht tourism experience in Egypt, making it more accessible and efficient for visitors exploring its picturesque coasts and marinas.

• Expedited Approval Process

Egypt's efforts to attract more yacht tourism include an expedited approval process via the new digital platform. Yacht owners and operators benefit from significantly reduced waiting times, with approvals for yacht visits granted within just 30 minutes, a stark improvement from the previous 15 to 30 days. 

• Electronic Invoicing in US Dollars

Egypt's revamped yacht tourism procedures include electronic invoicing in US dollars via the digital platform, streamlining financial transactions for yacht owners and authorities. This digital approach replaces traditional paper-based methods, enhancing transparency and speeding up payments. 

• Visa and Suez Canal Procedures

Egypt is simplifying visa and Suez Canal procedures for foreign yacht visitors through the digital platform. Yacht owners and operators can directly access the Passports, Immigration, and Nationality Administration for streamlined passenger Egypt visa applications, simplifying the process. 

Unified Code for Marinas and Ports

Egypt's standardised code for marinas and ports aims to promote yacht tourism and raise operational standards. It offers guidance on establishment, management, dock specs, capacity, services, and communication with Egyptian ports. 

Night View

The code also details requirements for international marinas receiving foreign yachts, outlines responsibilities, infrastructure needs, and visitor accommodation processes. This unified framework enhances Egypt's yacht tourism infrastructure while ensuring adherence to regulations and standards.

• Tariff Harmonisation

Egypt is enhancing yacht tourism by implementing a uniform tariff for docking fees at Ministry of Transport-owned docks, passenger stations, and tourist ports. This step creates a fair and consistent pricing structure for foreign yachts visiting Egypt, preventing conflicts and disputes related to varying fees. It also ensures high-quality services at private tourist marinas, benefiting both yacht visitors and the local tourism industry..

• Freedom of Choice for Docking Locations

Egypt is making its yacht tourism destination more appealing by granting foreign yacht visitors the freedom to choose their preferred docking location based on factors like pricing, services, and desired destinations. Yacht owners and operators can select from general commercial ports or private marinas, offering a more customized and accommodating experience for those seeking diverse coastal adventures.

• Expanding Departure Options

Egypt's government has introduced measures to expand departure options for foreign yachts, enriching the yacht tourism experience. Yacht operators can now depart from any tourist port or marina in Egypt, providing greater flexibility and adaptability for exploring coastal destinations. This simplifies departure procedures and empowers yacht enthusiasts to plan more varied and flexible itineraries, contributing to Egypt's efforts to maximize yacht tourism.

FAQS

What are the recent changes in Egypt's procedures to boost yacht tourism?

Egypt has implemented several changes to streamline and expedite the arrival and departure procedures for foreign yachts visiting its ports and tourist marinas. These changes include the introduction of a digital platform, unified tariff structures, and more.

How does the digital platform for foreign yachts work?

Yacht owners or their representatives can use the digital platform to enter yacht data, passenger information, and upload required documents. They can also specify arrival details and itineraries. The platform automatically forwards this information to relevant authorities, who then approve the visit program within 30 minutes.

What are the benefits of the digital platform for yacht owners?

The platform simplifies administrative tasks, reduces processing times, and facilitates electronic invoicing in US dollars for yacht fees. It also provides links to obtain electronic visas for passengers and access Suez Canal procedures if included in the yacht's itinerary.

What is the unified code for marinas and ports in Egypt?

The unified code provides guidance on establishing and operating marinas and ports in Egypt. It covers specifications, capacity, services, and communication channels with Egyptian ports and marinas. Additionally, it outlines requirements for international marinas receiving foreign yachts.

How has Egypt harmonised docking fees for foreign yachts?

Egypt has introduced a uniform tariff for docking fees in US dollars across Ministry of Transport-owned docks, passenger stations, and tourist ports. This approach aims to prevent conflicts over fees while maintaining services at private tourist marinas.

Can foreign yacht visitors choose their docking location?

Yes, foreign yacht visitors are free to choose between general commercial ports and private marinas for their docking based on factors like pricing, services, and desired tourist destinations.

What additional measures have been taken to boost yacht tourism in Egypt?

Egypt now allows foreign yachts to depart from any tourist port or marina, providing greater flexibility for yacht tourism and simplifying departure procedures.