The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on September 21 that the National Museum of Civilization (NMEC) in Fostat, Old Cairo, will increase its entry fees starting April 1. The new fee structure was approved by the museum's board of directors, chaired by Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy, during a meeting on September 20. The current fees are 90 Egyptian pounds for Egyptian visitors, 45 pounds for Egyptian students, 550 pounds for foreign visitors, and 300 pounds for foreign students.
The NMEC, which opened in 2021, has become one of Egypt's premier museums, housing over 6,000 archaeological pieces spanning various periods of Egyptian history. The museum's board of directors also approved a 5% discount for travel agencies purchasing between 250 and 500 entry tickets to the museum's exhibition halls. This discount is valid for three months from the date of purchase, allowing travel agencies to benefit from the reduced rate.
In addition to the fee increase and discount for travel agencies, the museum's board approved rules and procedures for booking school visits through the Ministry's "Rehla" platform. Launched in November 2025, the platform enables schools to reserve free visits to 112 archaeological sites and museums across Egypt. These new regulations aim to better organize school visits and raise awareness about Egypt's cultural and archaeological heritage among students.
The NMEC's entry fee increase and the introduction of discounts for travel agencies are part of a broader cultural and tourism drive in Egypt. The country aims to attract 20 million tourists by the end of 2026 and 30 million annually by 2030. Between January 1 and September 4, 2026, Egypt welcomed 12.8 million tourists. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is working to promote Egypt's cultural and archaeological sites, including the NMEC.
The "Rehla" platform has been instrumental in organizing school visits to archaeological sites and museums. By reserving visits through the platform, schools can ensure a smooth and educational experience for their students. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is committed to preserving and promoting Egypt's rich cultural heritage, and initiatives like the "Rehla" platform are crucial to achieving this goal.
Egypt's tourism industry has shown significant growth in recent years, with the country hosting 12.8 million tourists in the first eight months of 2026. The government has set ambitious targets for tourism growth, aiming to reach 20 million tourists by the end of 2026 and 30 million annually by 2030. The NMEC's entry fee increase and the discount for travel agencies are expected to contribute to this growth.
The National Museum of Civilization is a significant cultural institution in Egypt, showcasing the country's rich history and heritage. With over 6,000 archaeological pieces on display, the museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into Egypt's past. The museum's board of directors continues to work towards enhancing the visitor experience, while also promoting Egypt's cultural and archaeological heritage.
Key points
- The National Museum of Civilization will increase its entry fees starting April 1.
- The museum will offer a 5% discount for travel agencies purchasing between 250 and 500 entry tickets.
- The "Rehla" platform has been launched to organize school visits to archaeological sites and museums across Egypt.
