A spokeswoman for the Egyptian State Tourist Office has clarified proposed changes to the visa system to TTG after a week in which the trade struggled to get any firm advice.

The Egyptian government last week announced it was scrapping its visa on arrival programme, a decision UK operators believe will damage its tourism industry, which is still in recovery following the political turmoil of the last four years.

However, there should be little impact on trade bookings when the changes are introduced on May 15.

“It will only affect independent tourists and since our business from the UK is mainly through agents and operators it will not have a great impact,” the spokeswoman insisted.

The changes will mostly affect backpackers and anyone else wanting to travel independently, who must now apply for a visa in advance. They are designed to stop anyone wanting to pass through Egypt on their way to Syria wishing to join Islamic State, although Egypt is currently not thought to be a key entry point.

The rules for the Red Sea resorts remain unchanged. The UK Foreign Office currently advises that British nationals travelling to Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba for up to 15 days can receive a free entry stamp upon arrival. Anyone intending to travel out of these areas or stay longer than 15 days must get a visa that can be purchased at Sharm el Sheikh airport.

The spokeswoman confirmed that bookings made through online bed banks would avoid the visa requirement provided clients carried documentation.

Discover Egypt director Philip Breckner said someone in the Egyptian foreign ministry had “jumped the gun” last week.

“Based on a conversation I had with the government in Cairo, it will not affect us at all. Anyone booking through a tour operator or travel agent and met by a recognised representative or ground handler at the other end will still get their visa on arrival.”

However, Egypt must contend with the effects of last week’s tourist massacre in Tunis, which will add to nervousness about travelling to North Africa.

Breckner said the killing of 23 people had not affected Egypt sales. “There was always this reticence about the whole area, but it has not impacted us in the last few days,” he said.

Kirker Holidays’ Ted Wake described Egypt business as “slow” but with exceptional client feedback.

“It’s astonishingly good value and the people are so glad to see visitors – it’s like New York after 9/11,” he said.