On December 12, Cameroonian authorities published an information notice for users of the Evisacam platform, which allows foreign nationals to apply online for an electronic visa (e-Visa) to Cameroon.

Launched on April 30, 2023, the e-visa is part of a broader effort to modernize consular services, with the aim of simplifying procedures, reducing processing times, and improving the overall user experience.

It was within this framework, and following enhanced monitoring of financial transactions carried out on the platform, that the authorities indicated they had identified reports of abnormal bank charges affecting an unspecified number of users.

A claims mechanism put in place

“As part of enhanced monitoring of transactions carried out on the Evisacam platform, it has been observed that some users may have experienced abnormal debits on their bank accounts,” Cameroonian authorities announced.

To ensure effective handling of the cases concerned, users are therefore invited to complete a specific claims form, available via the official address: https://claim.evisacam.cm.

The authorities specify that requests submitted through this channel will be processed immediately by the platform’s teams, in cooperation with banking partners, with the objective of “a prompt resolution of the situation.”

While the official notice does not provide precise figures, according to information from VisasNews, some of the reported debits reportedly involved amounts reaching several thousand euros, reinforcing the particular attention paid by Cameroonian authorities to the implementation and monitoring of this claims procedure.

Apologies issued to Evisacam platform users

At this stage, no indication has been given as to the exact number of people affected or the technical origin of the irregularities observed, with the authorities favoring an approach focused on the individual handling of cases.

In their communication, officials responsible for the Cameroon e-visa platform expressed their apologies for any inconvenience caused, while thanking users for their trust and cooperation. Emphasis was placed on the commitment to ensuring the continuity and reliability of the service, which has become a central tool for travelers wishing to visit Cameroon.

A context of modernization and digital diplomacy in Cameroon

This situation arises within a broader context of digital transformation of Cameroonian consular services.

The Ministry of External Relations recently reiterated its commitment to dematerialization during the signing, on December 5, 2025, in Yaoundé, of an amendment to the public-private partnership contract between the State of Cameroon and Impact Palmarès R&D SAS, the company contracted by the Cameroonian government to design, develop, and operate the electronic visa platform.

This amendment is intended in particular to strengthen the security, standardization, and legal and technical compliance of consular services, in line with the presidential vision of digitizing public administration. It forms part of a broader digital governance strategy aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency, and quality of services offered to users, especially those abroad.

In a statement issued yesterday, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities firmly denied claims circulating across numerous “media outlets” and websites alleging that the entry visa fee for Egypt had risen from $25 to $45.

According to the ministry, these claims are “completely unfounded, and no executive decision has been made regarding an increase in Egypt’s entry visa fees.”

Officials clarified that the recent legislative amendments tied to Law No. 175 of 2025 “pertain solely to setting an upper limit for visa fees, not to raising them.”

The government also reiterated that any announcement concerning visas or entry requirements is communicated exclusively through official sources, urging both media professionals and online users to systematically verify their information before publishing it.

A clarification that confirms on-the-ground observations

The statement confirms what has been observed in recent days and reported by VisasNews.

Despite the publication on November 30 in the Official Gazette of a text authorizing the introduction of a tax of up to USD 20 on certain consular services, no practical change has been noted.

Reports from travelers who recently arrived in Egypt already indicated that the fees remain unchanged, whether upon arrival in the country, at Egyptian diplomatic missions, or on the official electronic visa portal (e-Visa) visa2egypt.gov.eg:

• USD 25 for a single-entry visa,
• USD 60 for a multiple-entry visa.

This stability stood in contrast with inaccurate claims made by some media outlets asserting that the fees had immediately increased to USD 45. The ministry’s official clarification has now removed any remaining uncertainty.

A legislative text that was too quickly interpreted

The law published in the Official Gazette did not clearly specify whether the referenced tax was meant to be added to existing visa fees, applied only to certain procedures, or simply serve as a legal ceiling not automatically implemented. This ambiguity contributed to the rushed interpretations that circulated in the press.

As early as November, the Egyptian Federation of Tourism Chambers had already voiced concern about a potential rise in visa fees, noting the possible impact on the country’s attractiveness. The heightened sensitivity surrounding the issue further fueled the spread of rumors, prompting the ministry to intervene to calm speculation.

The ministry is now calling for caution and for systematic verification of information with the relevant authorities. In a context where visa fees may evolve in the future, travelers are encouraged to regularly consult official sources and specialized platforms for any updates.

On November 30, 2025, the Egyptian presidency published in the Official Gazette a new law amending the taxes applied to certain consular services.

The text notably authorizes the possibility of imposing “a tax not exceeding twenty U.S. dollars, or the equivalent in foreign currencies abroad, on every entry or transit visa issued by Egyptian authorities at points of entry, as well as on every visa or consular act processed by the embassies and consulates of the Arab Republic of Egypt abroad.”

The decree, signed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, states that the law takes effect “the day after its publication,” meaning December 1, 2025.

However, no changes have been observed on the ground.

According to information shared by our readers who recently arrived in Egypt, along with reports posted on travel forums, the fee for a single-entry visa on arrival remains set at USD 25. The same applies to visa applications submitted to Egyptian embassies and to electronic visa (e-Visa) requests. Likewise, the fee for a multiple-entry visa remains USD 60.

Despite this, several media outlets have reported that the visa fee has already increased to USD 45, an assertion that does not reflect the current reality.

Egypt : Tax or visa fee increase ? A text open to interpretation

Although the law mentions a fee of “up to USD 20,” it does not explicitly state that this amount would be added to the USD 25 currently charged.

The legislative text also does not clarify whether this represents a direct increase in visa fees, a separate fee applied to certain procedures, or simply a legal cap that would not necessarily be enforced. This lack of clarity only adds to the confusion surrounding the measure, especially since no official communication has yet outlined how or when it would be implemented.

It is worth noting that the possibility of an increase in visa fees had already been a topic of debate even before the text appeared in the Official Gazette.

On November 2, 2025, the Egyptian Parliament approved the draft law submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But as early as November 11, the Egyptian Federation of Tourism Chambers voiced its concerns in a letter to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy. The federation called for urgent intervention, arguing that any increase in visa fees could make Egypt less competitive compared to rival destinations, deter tourist arrivals, and undermine the sector’s recovery after several challenging years.

This reaction highlights how sensitive the issue is in a country where tourism remains a major pillar of the economy.

In this still-evolving context, travelers are advised to regularly check information published by Egyptian authorities, contact an Egyptian diplomatic mission if they have any doubts, and rely on trustworthy expert sources (like VisasNews 😊) to stay informed about potential updates.

During the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Constance Hotels & Resorts, Mauritius’ Prime Minister, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, unveiled several major policy directions for the tourism sector, which remains central to the country’s national development strategy.

Among these initiatives is the announcement of a forthcoming electronic travel authorization system, expected to reshape entry and exit procedures for all travelers.

Addressing an audience of public- and private-sector representatives, the Prime Minister highlighted the crucial role tourism plays in the Mauritian economy, noting that the country welcomed 1.4 million arrivals in 2025.

He emphasized the need to ramp up modernization efforts to maintain the destination’s competitiveness, particularly through improvements in infrastructure, digital connectivity, and regulatory frameworks.

It was within this context that he introduced new tools designed to streamline the traveler experience.

A new electronic travel authorization for Mauritius

The Prime Minister announced the planned launch of an electronic travel authorization platform, presented as a way to reduce wait times and simplify procedures for both tourists and Mauritian nationals.

However, few details were shared regarding the exact scope of the system, leaving open the possibility that it could apply to all travelers, including those currently exempt from visa requirements.

The measure will be paired with a digital recognition system, also under development, which is expected to support the broader strategy of digitizing border-control processes.

Travel requirements remain unchanged for now

Until these new tools are implemented, Mauritius’ entry requirements remain the same.

Most foreign visitors benefit from visa-exempt entry for short stays, while travelers from certain countries must apply for a visa in advance or obtain one on arrival, in line with current regulations.

All travelers are also encouraged to complete the Mauritius All-in-One Digital Travel Form before departure. This form generates a PDF with a QR code that must be printed and presented to health authorities upon arrival.

If the form has not been completed beforehand, foreign nationals must then fill out a paper immigration landing card at the airport, extending the entry process.

After Namibia, which has applied a visa reciprocity policy since last April, and as Senegal considers a similar measure, Malawi may in turn impose entry requirements and fees on citizens of countries that require visas for Malawian nationals. This increasingly visible trend across Africa aims to rebalance admission regimes that several governments consider asymmetric.

It is in this context that Malawi’s Minister of Finance, Joseph Mwanamvekha, announced on November 21, during his 2025–2026 Mid-Year Budget Review Statement, the revocation “with immediate effect” of visa-free access to the country for certain travelers, as part of a series of non-tax measures intended to boost the economy. According to his remarks, future visa fees would be applied strictly on a reciprocal basis.

Visa free access to Malawi is being revoked with immediate effect and visa application fee will apply on a reciprocity basis.

Joseph Mwanamvekha

This development comes less than two years after Malawi expanded its exemption policy in February 2024 by granting visa-free entry to 48 new countries, including many Western states such as France, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

A decision announced… but still uncertain

Despite the government’s firm declaration, the measure remains surrounded by uncertainty.

So far, only the British government, among the countries currently exempt from visas, has briefly relayed Malawi’s announcement. In its travel advisories, the UK notes the Malawian authorities’ statement regarding the end of the exemption while urging affected nationals to contact Malawi’s Department of Immigration for up-to-date information.

This uncertainty is also reflected on the Malawian side: the official electronic visa portal, evisa.gov.mw, continues to indicate that nationals of the 63 currently exempt countries remain… exempt. No official update has yet been made to reflect the newly announced policy.

Here is the list of the 63 countries and territories currently exempt from visas for Malawi, whose nationals may soon face a return to paid visa requirements (based on reciprocity):

• Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, Canada, China, Cyprus, Dominica, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Parliamentary approval required

According to Tourism Update, a media outlet specializing in tourism news in Southern and Eastern Africa, the uncertainty may stem from the fact that the proposal has not yet received parliamentary approval. Joseph Nkosi, Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, indicated that the reciprocity-based reform must be submitted to a vote by lawmakers before it can officially take effect.

This means that, despite the political announcement, the legal framework is not yet formally established, hence the lack of changes on the visa portal and the absence of clear communication on the ground.

Currently, Malawi applies the following visa fees:

• Transit e-Visa: USD 50
• Single-entry e-Visa: USD 75
• Multiple-entry e-Visa (6 months): USD 150
• Multiple-entry e-Visa (12 months): USD 250

Malawi is seeking to strengthen its economy and align its diplomatic mobility policies. But in the absence of parliamentary confirmation and administrative updates, the situation remains uncertain for potentially affected travelers…

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Malawi will indeed shift to a visa regime based on strict reciprocity, or whether the November 21 announcement will, for now, remain theoretical.

Building on the momentum created by the recent free tourist e-Visa offered between July 15 and September 15, 2025, Gabonese authorities are now accelerating the full transformation of the country’s standard electronic visa system.

The official portal, evisa.dgdi.ga, already allows travelers heading to Gabon via Libreville’s Léon Mba International Airport to submit their application online, along with the passport identification page and a recent photo.

However, once the entry authorization for Gabon is granted, travelers must still pay their visa fees in cash upon arrival at the airport, an extra step that should finally disappear with the upcoming launch of electronic payment.

A final step toward a 100% digital e-Visa in Gabon

Until now, the Gabonese e-Visa process has been only partially digitized. While the application itself is submitted online, the visa fees (€70 for a 1- to 3-month visa, or €185 for a 6-month multiple-entry visa) must still be paid exclusively in cash upon arrival, when the visa sticker is issued.

This requirement will soon be lifted.

Following a working meeting held on November 21 with the main mobile payment operators (Airtel Money, Moov Money, and Clikpay Money), Gabon’s Ministry of Digital Economy, Digitalization, and Innovation confirmed that the government is working to integrate electronic payment into the e-Visa portal, in coordination with MaDigiPaie.

The stated goal: a launch as early as December, allowing travelers to pay their electronic visa fees before departure and complete the entire process online.

This upgrade will bring Gabon closer to international standards for traveler processing, significantly reducing queues, currency handling, and airport processing times.

Although the November 21 meeting focused primarily on the e-Visa, authorities also discussed progress on the national digital identity project and the strengthened integration of national preference into digital services, initiatives aligned with Gabon’s ambition to reinforce its technological sovereignty and modernize its public administration.

This Thursday, November 20, 2025, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, met with several senior officials in the New Administrative Capital to review progress on the new tourist visa-on-arrival system.

The minister emphasized the importance of “accelerating the pace of work and completing all aspects of the system,” noting that “this measure is essential to making the experience in Egyptian airports more pleasant and more seamless, which supports the State’s efforts to enhance the tourist experience in Egypt.”

At the heart of the project is the introduction of a digital system based on a QR code. Travelers will be able to obtain their visa directly upon arrival in Egypt, after paying the required fees through a digital process.

The meeting reviewed the progress made on the system’s technical, procedural, and design components, as well as the planned methods for integrating the QR code into the various services involved.

The first pilot program will be launched at Terminal 2 of Cairo International Airport. A gradual expansion to other airports is planned for a later stage, once the system’s reliability is confirmed.

One of the key topics discussed was the activation timeframe for the code and the procedures for linking all stakeholders: airport authorities, tourism ministry services, immigration officials, and digital platforms. The goal is to ensure that the system is fully operational from the very start of the trial phase.

Sherif Fathy stressed the need for close coordination among the various state agencies to ensure an “efficient and smooth” rollout, in line with instructions from Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

A government-wide effort to modernize visitor entry into Egypt

This ministry meeting follows a working session chaired on Monday by the Prime Minister at the government headquarters.

The Egyptian head of government had gathered the ministers of Tourism, Communications, Finance, and Interior, along with civil aviation officials and technology company representatives, to assess progress on the integrated electronic visa.

The Prime Minister opened the meeting by pointing out that the recent inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum will lead to an exceptional influx of tourists, requiring a rapid and comprehensive upgrade of border infrastructure.

He underscored the importance of facilitating the entry process for visitors, especially delegations, and set a clear objective: equipping all Egyptian airports by 2026 to allow widespread use of both the electronic visa and the emergency visa.

According to government spokesperson Mohamed El-Homsani, the Prime Minister’s meeting provided an opportunity to review the progress made in digitizing the country’s airports and ports.

Participants discussed the electronic visa system’s capacity to handle increasing demand, coordination mechanisms between the ministries involved, and measures aimed at simplifying traveler procedures to reduce waiting times.

The meeting also highlighted the State’s commitment to supporting and modernizing airport infrastructure, with the goal of making border crossings faster, more reliable, and aligned with international standards.

For several days, the official portal for submitting electronic visa applications for Egypt, visa2egypt.gov.eg, has been difficult to access: unstable connections, pages that refuse to load, forms that cannot be validated…

These issues not only complicate the online submission of new applications, but also prevent access to already approved visas, whose PDF files cannot be downloaded.

Faced with the inability of many applicants to access their visas, the authorities have begun sending an email today containing an official approval certificate.

An official proof of approval sent to affected travelers

“Regarding your visa, kindly be informed that your e-visa had been issued, but due to a technical issue the e-visa PDF is not available to be downloaded from the portal,” the Egyptian authorities announce in an email sent today to many e-Visa applicants.

This communication, which contains the electronic visa number and its period of validity, confirms that the application has indeed been approved, but that the digital file cannot be retrieved due to technical difficulties.

The certificate does not contain the usual QR code, but it serves as an official proof of approval, sufficient for travel, including boarding and entry checks upon arrival in Egypt.

This measure helps unblock the situation for travelers whose departure is imminent.

What to do if you are waiting for your e-Visa to travel to Egypt?

Applicants who have submitted a request and are unable to retrieve their visa from the official portal by clicking the “DOWNLOAD E-VISA” button are advised to wait: the authorities appear to be sending the certificates gradually.

It is recommended to monitor your inbox, including spam folders, and to periodically attempt to reconnect to the portal despite the ongoing difficulties.

At this time, no date has been announced for the full restoration of the platform or for the PDF visas to be made available online.

Visa on arrival in Egypt, still a solution for many nationalities

For travelers who have not yet received a certificate, or whose application could not be completed online, the visa on arrival remains a reliable and fully operational alternative.

This visa, issued at Egyptian international airports, can be obtained upon presentation of a passport or national identity card (depending on nationality) valid for six months after entry, with payment of 25 USD in cash.

Travelers who are not eligible for this option, or who prefer to obtain a visa before departure, may also contact an Egyptian embassy or consulate, which can provide a solution suited to their situation.

Update 11/13 at 2:00 p.m.: The portal is accessible again.

The official electronic visa application portal for Egypt, visa2egypt.gov.eg, has been experiencing major system failures for several days, preventing any new submissions and leaving previously registered applications pending.

For nearly a week, travelers were sometimes able, though often with difficulty, to access the Egypt e-Visa application interface. However, every attempt to submit an application resulted in the same message: “Egypt e-visa has encountered an error. Please try again later.” This systematic blockage prevented applicants from completing forms and making payments online, confirming an internal malfunction of a portal already known for slowdowns and accessibility issues.

But in the past few hours, the situation has worsened: the site now displays only a “404 – Not Found” message, indicating total unavailability or a server access failure.

No official communication has yet clarified the nature of the outage or provided a timeline for resolution.

e-Visa portal outage: how can travelers obtain a visa for Egypt?

While the e-Visa portal remains unavailable, the fastest solution for many eligible travelers is obtaining a visa on arrival, issued at Egypt’s international airports.

This option, widely used before online applications became the norm, remains fully operational. Upon arrival, travelers simply need to present a passport (or, for some nationalities, a national identity card) valid for at least six months beyond the entry date, and pay the $25 USD fee, generally in cash. The visa, valid for 30 days, is issued within minutes at dedicated counters located before passport control.

Although it may involve a short wait during peak hours, this method ensures real continuity of service during the interruption of the electronic visa system.

For travelers wishing to secure their visa before departure, or for those not eligible for a visa on arrival, embassies and consulates of Egypt remain an alternative. Depending on the country, diplomatic missions may issue a standard visa or provide other procedures tailored to the current situation. This option can be especially useful for travelers with specific needs: business trips, long stays, multiple entries, or simply the desire to have the visa in hand before boarding.

VisasNews recommends that, as long as the outage persists, travelers check requirements specific to their nationality, contact an Egyptian embassy or consulate, consult their airline if needed, and plan for extra waiting time upon arrival in Egypt.

A tourism sector in full acceleration

This e-Visa system failure comes at a time when Egyptian tourism is experiencing exceptional momentum.

According to the Egypt’s Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), forecasts from Fitch Solutions predict a steady rise in the number of visitors, with 17.76 million tourists expected in 2025 and 18.56 million in 2026, before surpassing 20.6 million by 2029. This growth is driven in part by the recent opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which has quickly become one of the country’s major new cultural landmarks.

Recent figures confirm this upward trajectory: the 2023/2024 fiscal year welcomed 14.9 million visitors, a 7.2% increase, while overnight stays rose to 154 million. Tourism revenues have also surged, exceeding $14.4 billion, and already reaching $12.5 billion in the first nine months of the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

Beyond the numbers, the positive impact extends across the Egyptian economy: tourism now contributes 3.7% of GDP, compared to just 2.4% two years earlier. On the international stage, Egypt is also strengthening its appeal, entering the world’s top 25 most popular destinations for the first time, while maintaining its position as Africa’s leading tourist destination.

Last September, South Africa confirmed the upcoming launch of a new Electronic Travel Autorisation (ETA) system designed to simplify entry procedures for certain categories of travelers.

At the time, South African Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber explained that the ETA system would be rolled out gradually, starting with a pilot phase reserved for G20 delegates from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico. The goal of this first stage is to test the platform, biometric checks, and coordination between airlines and border authorities.

By 2026, the system is expected to open to the general public from these four countries, followed by a broader rollout to additional nationalities the following year.

Ultimately, the ETA is expected to replace certain short-stay visa procedures, allowing eligible travelers to apply online, receive a digital authorization linked to their passport, and travel without visiting a diplomatic mission.

As the G20 Summit in Johannesburg (scheduled for November 22–23, 2025) approaches, VisasNews has noted that the official ETA application portal is already live, an early sign that the reform has entered an active phase.

South Africa’s ETA portal is now accessible

Without any formal announcement from South African authorities, the website eta.dha.gov.za has quietly gone live and is now publicly accessible, indicating that the system’s launch is moving forward in concrete terms.

The platform outlines the main principles of the ETA system, eligibility conditions, and the application process (which is not yet functional).

The ETA is described as an Electronic Travel Autorisation linked to the traveler’s passport, allowing nationals from certain visa-required countries to visit South Africa for short tourist or visitor stays without a traditional visa.

Visa-exempt travelers will also be able to apply for an ETA to streamline border procedures and enhance their entry experience. According to the authorities, “the Department is exploring the most seamless and appropriate way to also obtain biometrics from visa exempt travellers.”

This authorization, valid for multiple trips during its validity period, is not intended for extended or repeated stays for other purposes, nor does it permit employment in South Africa.

The portal specifies that only holders of an ordinary passport valid for at least six months may apply, provided they arrive by air through one of the three main international airports: Johannesburg-OR Tambo, Cape Town, or Lanseria. Other entry points will gradually be added.

A fully digital and simplified process

The procedure described on the portal is entirely electronic.

Travelers must first create a personal profile, providing: passport number and issuing country, point of entry in South Africa, email address and mobile phone number, and a chosen password.

Once the account is verified, the applicant must complete the ETA application form, which requires:

• personal information,
• travel details,
• a scanned copy of the passport,
• a recent photo or selfie, and
• online payment of processing fees.

After submission, the approval decision is sent electronically and linked directly to the traveler’s passport, allowing for automated verification during flight check-in.

An automated system, according to the ETA FAQ

The FAQ section on the portal explains the system’s overall philosophy. South Africa’s ETA relies on automated processing, capable of evaluating profiles and risks using digital tools.

According to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), up to 85% of applications could be processed automatically “using AI-powered risk assessment,” with a target processing time of under 24 hours.

The system will connect directly to government databases and airlines, enabling verification of authorizations before boarding.

The FAQ also highlights a high level of data protection, compliant with South Africa’s POPIA legislation, as well as an “ETA Wallet”, a secure space where travelers can view and store their authorizations.

Finally, the authorities confirm that the project will be gradually expanded to include other visa and permit types (such as work, residence, or family reunification) as the platform evolves.

Although it is not yet possible to submit a full application, the online portal clearly demonstrates the advanced stage of the project. The site’s structure, sections, and documentation suggest a technically complete system, ready to go live once the official launch is announced.

No launch date or fee schedule has been published yet, but all indications suggest that the 2026 rollout timeline remains on track. The system will first serve citizens of the four pilot countries, before being extended to other eligible travelers later in the year.