CAIRO, Oct 9 (Aswat Masriya) - Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a decree amending the tax law to impose new levies on airline tickets, according to the government's official Gazette .

The amendment taxes Egyptians traveling abroad who buy tickets in the local currency. 

An additional EGP 400 will be charged on first and business class tickets , while economy class passengers will pay an extra EGP 150. The tax will also apply to complimentary tickets.

Students, patients traveling for medical treatment, those pursuing studies abroad, going on internships, Haj or to perform official functions are exempt from the tally.

The presidential decree was published in the official gazette on Wednesday, but it only circulated in the news late Thursday night. It is effective as of the date of publication.