Egypt issues new diplomatic and special passports

Palestinian passports are displayed in Obour City, Egypt, on July 15, 2025. Hadeer Mahmoud/Reuters Egypt’s Minister of Interior has issued a decree adopting new official designs for the country’s diplomatic, special, and official service passports, updating their security features and physical specifications. Key updates The decree officially replaces the older passport designs and repeals the previous Ministerial Decree No. 2331 of 2008, alongside any conflicting regulations. Legal basis Issued following an official request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated July 1, 2026, the decision aligns with Law #97 of 1959 governing Egyptian passports. Effective date The new specifications take effect the day after their publication in the official gazette.