Luxury sleeper train coming to Egypt in Italian-backed deal

Egypt’s cabinet has approved an agreement between the Ministry of Transport and the Egyptian National Railways Authority to contract with Italian firm Arsenale for the provision, management and operation of a luxury tourist train, according to an official statement.

Under the agreement, the luxury sleeper train will be supplied and fully funded by Arsenale, with the Italian company responsible for its operation. The project will not impose any additional financial burden on the Egyptian state.

Arsenale was described as a global player in luxury travel and tourism development, with hotel operations in Italy and other international markets. The high-end sleeper train is intended to enhance Egypt’s tourism offering by attracting international visitors, while also supporting domestic tourism among Egyptians.

In a separate decision, the cabinet approved a request from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to extend the free emergency entry visa for travellers arriving by air at Luxor International Airport and Aswan International Airport during the summer seasons of 2026 and 2027.

The extension will apply from May until the end of October under the same regulations currently in place. The decision follows positive indicators in tourist arrivals from several markets that favour cultural tourism, particularly in the two governorates.

The cabinet also approved an extension of the free 96-hour transit visa for an additional year, with the scheme now set to run until April 2027. The extension will remain subject to the same controls currently governing its application to Egyptian airlines.

The approvals come amid continued growth in inbound tourism to Egypt and ongoing efforts by the government to facilitate entry visas and support the tourism sector through a range of measures.