Egypt Visa for UK Citizens: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

 British passport holders normally need an Egypt Visa for holidays and most tourist trips. The main options are applying for an e-Visa before travelling or buying a visa on arrival at an approved Egyptian airport. There is also a special South Sinai exception for eligible travellers staying for less than 15 days in certain resorts.

This guide explains the Egypt visa requirements for UK citizens, including passport rules, visa costs, e-Visa applications, validity, visa-on-arrival rules and the special Sharm El-Sheikh entry permission. It also covers what families should know and what to check before travelling.

Important: This guide is for travellers using a full British citizen passport from the UK. Entry rules can change, so check the latest official guidance before travelling.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Egypt?

Yes, most British passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt. For a typical holiday, you can apply for an e-Visa before travelling, buy a visa on arrival at an approved airport, or apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK.

There is one important exception. British passport holders arriving by air at Sharm El-Sheikh and staying for less than 15 days at Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba can normally receive a free entry permission stamp instead of a standard visa. This only applies while staying within the permitted areas. If you plan to travel outside them or stay longer than 15 days, you need a standard entry visa.

For most trips to Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, Aswan or other destinations outside the South Sinai exemption, make sure you have the correct visa before travelling or plan to obtain one on arrival if eligible.

Egypt Visa Requirements for UK Citizens

The main Egypt visa requirements for UK citizens are straightforward for a standard tourist trip, but your passport must meet the entry rules.

A full British citizen passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive in Egypt and at least one blank page. Travellers who do not meet the passport requirements can be refused entry.

If you apply for an e-Visa, the official Egyptian portal lists an e-Visa printout, travel itinerary and hotel bookings or details of places you plan to visit among its requirements. You should therefore have these details ready when completing your application.

Before you travel, check that you have:

• A valid British passport with at least 6 months' validity from your arrival date.

• At least one blank passport page.

• Your travel itinerary and relevant travel details.

• Hotel or accommodation details, particularly when applying online.

• A printed copy of your approved e-Visa if you applied online.

• Any other supporting documents required for your particular trip.

These requirements apply specifically to travellers using a full British citizen passport. People travelling on another nationality or passport may have different entry rules.

Types of Egypt Visa for UK Citizens

The right option depends on your destination, length of stay and travel plans. For a normal holiday, British passport holders can use an e-Visa, obtain a visa on arrival, or apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK.

Egypt Tourist e-Visa

The Egypt e-Visa for UK citizens is an online option for eligible British passport holders travelling for tourism. You complete the application before travelling and, once approved, download and print the document to carry with you. The official Egyptian portal lists single-entry and multiple-entry tourist visas.

A single-entry tourist e-Visa currently costs US$30 (about £23). Additionally, a multiple-entry tourist e-Visa costs US$65 (about £49).
*The pound amounts are only approximate because exchange rates change.*

A tourist e-Visa is valid for up to 3 months, according to GOV.UK. This is the period in which the visa can be used, rather than a statement that you can stay in Egypt for the full 3 months. Check the conditions on your approved e-Visa for the permitted length of your stay.

Egypt Visa on Arrival

An Egypt visa on arrival is available to eligible British passport holders at approved Egyptian airports. You buy the visa from a kiosk before reaching the immigration counters. The current fee is US$30 (about £23) and payment is cash only. The visa allows a stay of up to 30 days.

Many travellers may prefer arranging an e-Visa before departure because it means their visa is already organised before they reach Egypt.

Egypt Visa Through the Egyptian Consulate

Travellers who prefer to apply before travelling without using the online e-Visa system can apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK. GOV.UK states that applications can be made in person or by post.

This route may be relevant if your circumstances or intended type of travel does not fit the standard tourist e-Visa process. Check the latest consulate instructions, documents and fees before applying.

Sharm El-Sheikh and South Sinai Entry

A special entry permission is available to eligible British passport holders arriving by air at Sharm El-Sheikh and staying for less than 15 days in Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba. Instead of buying a standard tourist visa, eligible travellers can normally receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival.

The exemption is limited to the permitted South Sinai resort areas. If you plan to travel outside them, such as visiting Cairo, or stay for more than 15 days, you will need a standard visa.

How Much Does an Egypt Visa Cost?

The Egypt visa cost depends on the type of tourist entry you choose. The current standard fees are shown below, with approximate UK prices for guidance.

The official Egyptian e-Visa portal currently lists US$30 for a single-entry tourist visa and US$65 for a multiple-entry tourist visa. GOV.UK states that the visa on arrival costs US$30.

Fees can change, and the equivalent price in pounds will depend on the exchange rate. Check the official Egyptian e-Visa portal before applying for the latest fee.

How to Apply for an Egypt e-Visa from the UK

Applying online is a convenient way to arrange your visa before travelling. The official Egyptian e-Visa portal says applicants must create their application at least 7 days before departure, so avoid leaving it until the last minute.

Egypt e-Visa Application: Step by Step

1. Visit the official Egypt e-Visa portal

Start your application through the official Egyptian Electronic Visa Portal. Avoid unofficial websites that may add unnecessary service charges.

2. Create an account

Select the registration option and provide your email address and requested information. You will need to confirm your account before signing in.

3. Start your application

Sign in and select “Apply Now”. Choose the appropriate visa type and follow the instructions provided.

4. Complete the application form

Enter your personal, passport and travel information accurately. Your details should match your passport. You may also need your itinerary and hotel or accommodation details.

5. Pay the visa fee online

Complete the payment using an accepted card. The official portal lists US$30 for a single-entry tourist visa and US$65 for a multiple-entry tourist visa.

6. Wait for your application to be processed

After completing the application and payment, it will be processed. The portal says you will receive an email informing you when your application has been processed and providing its current status.

7. Download and print your e-Visa

Once approved, sign in to your account and download the e-Visa. Print a copy and carry it with you when travelling to Egypt.

The official portal recommends creating the application at least 7 days before departure. Applying earlier gives you more time to deal with any problems before your flight.

Official Egypt e-Visa Portal

How Long Does an Egypt e-Visa Take?

The official Egyptian e-Visa portal says applications should be created at least 7 days before departure. It is sensible to apply earlier where possible rather than relying on the minimum timeframe.

Processing times can vary, so applying in advance gives you time to check your approved visa, print your documents and deal with any issues before travelling.

How Long Can UK Citizens Stay in Egypt?

The length of stay depends on the type of entry permission you use. GOV.UK currently states that tourist visas on arrival are valid for up to 30 days, while tourist e-Visas are valid for up to 3 months.

The key point is that visa validity and permitted stay are not necessarily the same thing. A tourist e-Visa can be valid for up to 3 months, while the exact conditions attached to your approved visa determine how you can use it. If you're unsure, check the details on your approved visa and the latest GOV.UK guidance before travelling.

The South Sinai permission is different from a standard tourist visa. Eligible British passport holders arriving by air at Sharm El-Sheikh can use it for stays of less than 15 days in Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba. Travelling outside these areas or staying longer requires a standard visa.

Egypt Visa for Sharm El-Sheikh

The 15-day South Sinai entry permission can be useful for UK travellers taking a short holiday in the region. British passport holders arriving by air at Sharm El-Sheikh and staying for less than 15 days in Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba can normally receive a free entry permission stamp rather than paying for a standard visa.

The key restriction is where you travel. If you leave the permitted resort areas and travel elsewhere in Egypt, you will need a standard entry visa. The same applies if your stay is 15 days or longer.

What about entering through Taba?

Do not assume that the Sharm El-Sheikh airport rules automatically apply when entering Egypt through the Taba Border Crossing. GOV.UK currently gives separate guidance for travellers entering from Israel, including different border charges depending on where they travel in Egypt. These charges can also change at short notice.

If you are crossing the Taba border, check the latest official guidance before travelling rather than relying on the standard Sharm El-Sheikh airport rules.

Do Children Need a Visa for Egypt?

Children generally follow the entry requirements of their own nationality and passport, so parents should check the rules for each child before travelling.

A child travelling on a full British citizen passport will normally follow the relevant requirements for British passport holders. If children have a different nationality or passport from their parents, their requirements may be different.

When applying for an Egypt e-Visa for UK citizens, make sure the correct passport details are entered for each child. The official e-Visa portal should be checked for the latest application process and requirements before submitting an application.

For family holidays, check the entry requirements for every traveller rather than assuming that one visa covers the whole family.

Conclusion

Before your trip, check that your passport meets the 6-month validity requirement and has at least one blank page. Make sure your visa or entry permission matches your itinerary, and keep your flight details, accommodation information and other important travel documents accessible. If you have an e-Visa, carry a printed copy with you.

It is also important to arrange suitable travel insurance that covers your itinerary, planned activities and emergency expenses. Before departure, check the latest GOV.UK Egypt travel advice, as entry requirements, border arrangements and travel guidance can change.

Once your travel documents and visa arrangements are sorted, you can focus on your trip. Oceans Travel can help you find flights to Cairo, and anywhere in Egypt! If you need assistance with your visa arrangements, help you prepare for your journey from the UK.