Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy said that work is under way to increase the number of electric buses in the tourist transport sector, as part of supporting the green economy across the various segments of the tourism sector and the shift to clean energy, especially in tourist and archaeological cities.
Regarding the opening of imports of new and used tourist buses, Fathy explained that it is currently permitted to import buses up to five model years old, including the year of manufacture, but only on condition that they are new and have never been licensed before. He said: "What I am calling for is to allow the import of used buses up to 5 years old, whereas currently only one year is allowed in addition to the production year, provided that the quality of the specifications for tourist vehicles is maintained."
This came during a press conference held by the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities on the sidelines of announcing the launch of EGTAP, the e-learning platform for training workers in the tourism sector.
It is worth noting that the Chamber of Travel and Tourism Companies and Agencies issued Circular No. (189) of 2025 last week, setting out the mechanisms for licensing tourist vehicles, in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the General Traffic Department, and in accordance with the provisions of Traffic Law No. 66 of 1973 and its executive regulations.
The circular stated that it had been agreed with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to clarify the mechanism for tourism companies to bring in and license vehicles to work in tourist transport and limousine services, and the procedures followed in light of Ministerial Decree No. 661 of 2016, as follows:
First: Vehicles (locally made / duties paid), new and never licensed before:
7 seats or fewer (up to 3 model years old, including the year of manufacture)
8 seats or more (up to 5 model years old, including the year of manufacture)
Second: Vehicles (imported, new and never licensed before):
7 seats or fewer (current model year)
8 seats or more (up to 5 model years old, including the year of manufacture)
Third: Vehicles (imported, used):
7 seats or fewer (not permitted)
8 seats or more (one year in addition to the production year)
