Planning a trip to Egypt from the United Kingdom can be an exciting experience, whether you want to explore the pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile, relax on the Red Sea coast, or discover the historic attractions of Cairo and Luxor. Before travelling, however, it is important to understand Egypt's visa requirements and choose the application method that suits your nationality, travel purpose and itinerary.
For British citizens travelling on a full British citizen passport, a visa is normally required for Egypt. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for an Egypt eVisa online, obtain a visa on arrival at an eligible airport, or apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK.
This guide explains how to apply for an Egypt visa in the UK, what documents you may need, how the online application works, what to know about visa on arrival, and how UK residents who are not British citizens should approach the process.
Whether you need a visa depends primarily on the passport you will use to enter Egypt, rather than simply your UK residence.
British passport holders normally need a visa to enter Egypt. The Egyptian authorities provide several routes for eligible travellers, including an electronic visa, visa on arrival and applications through an Egyptian diplomatic mission.
If you live in the UK but hold another nationality, your requirements may be different. A UK residence permit, UK visa or other proof of residence does not automatically give you the same entry privileges as a British passport.
For this reason, travellers should check the rules applicable to the passport they will present at the Egyptian border.
Travellers applying for an Egypt visa from the UK may generally consider three main options:
Apply for an Egypt eVisa online
Obtain an Egypt visa on arrival where eligible
Apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK
The best option depends on your nationality, purpose of travel, destination within Egypt and length of stay.
For many eligible tourists, applying online before travelling can be convenient because the visa can be arranged before departure.
The Egypt eVisa system allows citizens of eligible nationalities to submit a visa application online before travelling.
The official Egyptian eVisa information lists the United Kingdom among the nationalities eligible for the electronic visa system. It also lists tourism eVisa options for single and multiple entries.
An eVisa can be particularly useful for travellers who want to arrange their travel authorization before leaving the UK.
The general process involves:
Checking that your nationality is eligible
Preparing your passport details
Completing the online application
Providing the requested travel information
Paying the applicable visa fee
Waiting for the application to be processed
Receiving the electronic visa
Printing or saving the approved eVisa for your journey
The Egyptian eVisa information states that applicants pay the applicable fee through the online system using a credit card after registering their details.
The exact requirements can depend on the applicant and type of visit, but travellers should generally be prepared with:
A valid passport
Passport information matching the application
Planned travel details
Accommodation information
A travel itinerary
A valid payment method
An email address for receiving application information
The Egyptian eVisa guidance states that the passport should be valid for at least six months from the arrival date. It also indicates that travellers should carry a printed eVisa, travel itinerary and relevant supporting information when entering Egypt.
Passport validity is one of the most important things to check before applying.
For British citizens, the passport should have an expiry date at least six months after the date of arrival in Egypt and at least one blank page.
For example, if you plan to arrive in Egypt in December, check that your passport remains valid well beyond June of the following year.
Do not wait until shortly before departure to discover that your passport does not meet the required validity period. If your passport is close to expiry, consider renewing it before arranging your trip.
Some eligible travellers can obtain an Egyptian tourist visa after arriving in Egypt.
For British passport holders, the UK government states that visas on arrival are available at approved airports. The current listed cost is US$30, payable in cash, and the visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days.
Although visa on arrival can be convenient, some travellers prefer arranging their visa before departure to reduce uncertainty at the airport.
If you choose the visa-on-arrival option, make sure you understand the current requirements before travelling and carry the appropriate currency or payment method specified for the airport.
You should also avoid assuming that every border crossing or entry point offers identical visa facilities.
There is an important exception for certain short visits to the South Sinai resort area.
British passport holders arriving by air at Sharm El-Sheikh and staying for fewer than 15 days at eligible resorts in Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba may not need to obtain a standard visa. Instead, they can receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival.
However, this exemption has conditions.
If you intend to travel outside the permitted resort areas or remain for more than 15 days, you should obtain the appropriate visa.
This means that travellers should not automatically assume that a trip to Sharm El-Sheikh means they never need an Egyptian visa.
Another option is applying through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK.
This route can be particularly relevant where:
Your nationality is not eligible for the standard eVisa
Your travel purpose requires a different type of visa
You require a visa that cannot be obtained through the ordinary tourist eVisa route
You have unusual travel circumstances
You need to clarify eligibility before travelling
The UK government's Egypt travel guidance confirms that travellers can apply in person or by post through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK.
Because consular procedures can differ depending on nationality and visa category, applicants should check the current requirements before submitting documents.
Living in the UK does not necessarily mean that you can use the same Egyptian visa process as a British citizen.
For example, a person living in London with an Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, Bangladeshi, South African or other passport should check Egypt's requirements according to their own nationality.
Your UK residence status may be relevant when applying from the UK, but your passport remains one of the most important factors determining whether you qualify for an eVisa, visa on arrival or another visa category.
A UK residence permit can demonstrate that you legally live in the UK, but it should not be treated as a substitute for an Egyptian visa.
If you are a non-British citizen living in the UK, prepare your passport and evidence of UK residence when appropriate, and check whether your nationality is eligible for the Egyptian eVisa system.
British citizens generally have several choices when travelling to Egypt for tourism.
You can potentially:
Apply for an eVisa before departure
Purchase a visa on arrival at an eligible airport
Use the applicable short-stay entry arrangement when travelling to qualifying South Sinai resorts
Apply through the Egyptian Consulate for circumstances requiring a consular visa
For ordinary tourism, the online eVisa can be an attractive option for travellers who prefer to arrange their visa before flying.
Preparing your documents in advance can make the application process easier.
A typical tourist should consider having the following information available:
Your passport should satisfy Egypt's validity requirements and contain sufficient space for immigration formalities.
Make sure your name, date of birth, passport number and nationality are entered exactly as they appear in the passport.
Have your expected arrival and departure dates available.
Even if your plans are flexible, providing accurate information helps ensure that the application corresponds with your intended journey.
You may need information about where you will stay in Egypt.
This could include:
Hotel name
Hotel address
City
Booking details
Prepare basic information about your trip.
For example, your itinerary might include:
London → Cairo → Luxor → Hurghada → London
The exact itinerary will depend on your plans.
Online visa applications require an accepted payment method for the applicable fee.
Make sure your card is enabled for online and international transactions if necessary.
Depending on your nationality and visa category, additional documentation may be requested.
Business travellers, family visitors and people travelling for purposes other than ordinary tourism may have additional requirements.
If you are eligible for an Egypt eVisa, the application process can be completed online.
First, establish whether your nationality is eligible for the Egyptian eVisa.
Do not rely solely on your UK residence status.
The Egyptian eVisa system specifically provides an eligibility list, which includes the United Kingdom.
Make sure your passport will remain valid for the required period after your arrival.
For British citizens, the UK government currently states that the passport must have at least six months' validity after arrival and at least one blank page.
Enter your personal information carefully.
Common information includes:
Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Passport number
Passport issue information
Passport expiry date
Travel information
Accommodation details
Review every field before submitting.
A small mistake in a passport number or date can create problems if the information does not match your travel document.
The applicable visa fee must be paid according to the visa type selected.
The official Egyptian eVisa information currently lists a US$30 single-entry tourism visa and a US$65 multiple-entry tourism visa.
Fees and procedures can change, so travellers should verify the amount at the time they apply.
After submitting the application, monitor the email address associated with the application.
Do not leave your visa application until the day before departure.
Applying ahead of your trip gives you more time to resolve a problem if additional information is requested or your application does not proceed as expected.
If your eVisa is approved, keep a printed copy with your travel documents.
The Egyptian eVisa guidance specifically indicates that travellers should have an eVisa printout when entering Egypt.
It is also sensible to retain a digital copy on your phone or another secure device.
The permitted stay depends on the visa or entry permission you receive.
For British citizens, the UK government states that a standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days.
The Egyptian eVisa system provides tourism visas for single and multiple entries, with the applicable conditions determined by the visa issued.
Always check the conditions printed on or associated with your visa rather than assuming that every Egyptian tourist visa provides exactly the same period of stay.
Egypt is one of the world's most popular destinations for history, culture and beach tourism.
A typical holiday might combine several destinations.
Cairo is an excellent starting point for travellers interested in ancient Egyptian history.
Popular attractions include:
The Pyramids of Giza
The Great Sphinx
The Egyptian Museum
Historic Islamic Cairo
Khan el-Khalili
The Nile River
Luxor is particularly attractive to travellers interested in ancient temples and archaeological sites.
Visitors can explore places such as:
Karnak Temple
Luxor Temple
Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Queens
Colossi of Memnon
Hurghada is known for Red Sea beaches, resorts and water-based activities.
It can be combined with a sightseeing itinerary in Cairo or Luxor.
Sharm El-Sheikh is a major Red Sea resort destination and is particularly popular for beach holidays and marine attractions.
Travellers should nevertheless check the special entry rules if they intend to rely on the short-stay South Sinai entry arrangement.
Travellers booking a Nile cruise should carefully consider where they will enter and leave Egypt.
A cruise itinerary may involve multiple cities, including Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.
If you are relying on a special visa exemption or limited regional entry permission, make sure the cruise itinerary does not take you outside the permitted area.
For many travellers, obtaining the appropriate standard tourist visa before departure provides greater flexibility.
A business trip is different from an ordinary holiday.
If you are travelling to Egypt for meetings, commercial activities, conferences or other business purposes, check which visa category applies to your circumstances.
You may need additional supporting documentation, such as:
An invitation letter
Company information
Details of the Egyptian business partner
Purpose of the visit
Accommodation information
Evidence relating to the business trip
Do not automatically use a tourist visa for a journey that requires a different immigration status.
People travelling to Egypt to visit relatives or friends may have requirements that differ from ordinary tourists.
Supporting documentation could include information about the person you are visiting or an invitation.
The correct requirements depend on your nationality and purpose of travel.
Children travelling to Egypt should have their own valid travel documents.
Parents and guardians should check the requirements applicable to each child before departure.
When travelling as a family, verify that the details on each person's visa application correspond exactly with the passport that person will use.
It is also wise to carry relevant family and travel documentation, particularly where a child is travelling with only one parent or with another adult.
Visa applications can be delayed or complicated by avoidable mistakes.
Your passport number should be entered exactly as it appears on your passport.
Check passport validity before starting the application.
Names and dates of birth should match your travel document.
Tourism, business, study, employment and other travel purposes may have different requirements.
Even if you are eligible for visa on arrival, it is better to understand your entry requirements before boarding your flight.
A UK residence permit does not automatically provide the same Egyptian entry conditions as a British passport.
A visa or special entry permission may have restrictions relating to destinations or length of stay.
In many cases, travellers can prepare or submit their visa application before finalising every aspect of their trip.
However, you should provide accurate information and understand the requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
If your travel dates, accommodation or itinerary change substantially after applying, check whether any action is required.
It is sensible to arrange your visa well before your planned departure.
Avoid making your application at the last possible moment, particularly during busy holiday periods.
Allow enough time for:
Preparing documents
Completing the application
Correcting errors
Processing
Receiving the visa
Preparing for your flight
If you are applying through a consular route, allow additional time because the process may involve document submission and other procedures.
When you arrive in Egypt, immigration officers may check your passport and visa or entry permission.
Keep your travel documents accessible rather than packing them deep inside your luggage.
You may be asked to provide:
Passport
Visa or eVisa printout
Travel information
Accommodation details
Supporting documents where relevant
The Egyptian eVisa guidance recommends carrying a printed copy of the eVisa along with itinerary and supporting information.
Yes, carrying a printed copy is recommended.
Even though the visa is electronic, having a physical copy can make it easier to present your authorization at the airport or border.
Keep the printout together with your passport and other important travel documents.
Visa extensions may be possible in Egypt through the relevant passport and immigration authorities.
However, travellers should not assume that every visa can automatically be extended.
If you intend to stay longer than your permitted period, investigate extension requirements before your visa expires.
The UK government warns that travellers who attempt to leave Egypt with an expired visa may encounter difficulties and could face a fine in certain circumstances.
A visa is normally associated with the passport used during the application.
If you receive a new passport after your visa has been issued, do not assume that the old visa will automatically transfer.
Check with the relevant Egyptian authorities before travelling.
You can apply for an Egyptian visa from the UK regardless of whether you live in:
London
Birmingham
Manchester
Liverpool
Leeds
Glasgow
Edinburgh
Bristol
Cardiff
Belfast
Newcastle
Nottingham
Leicester
Sheffield
Other UK locations
For an online eVisa, the application is submitted electronically rather than being tied to the city where you live.
Consular applications may involve different arrangements depending on the service and applicant.
Travellers living in London may find the online application particularly convenient because they do not necessarily need to travel to a consular office for an eVisa.
If your circumstances require a consular application, check the Egyptian Consulate General's current instructions before attending or sending documents.
You do not generally need to live in London to use the online Egypt eVisa system if your nationality is eligible.
Manchester residents can prepare the same passport and travel information and complete an eligible online application.
For consular applications, check the current arrangements before making travel plans.
Travellers living in Scotland should also determine their requirements based on their passport nationality.
British citizens using a British passport are subject to the same Egyptian entry rules regardless of whether they live in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or another part of the UK.
Welsh residents travelling on British passports should likewise follow the requirements applicable to British citizens.
The location where you live in the UK does not normally change the basic Egyptian visa requirement for a British passport holder.
Travellers from Northern Ireland should distinguish between residence in Northern Ireland and nationality.
A person travelling with a British passport and a person travelling with another country's passport may have different Egyptian visa requirements.
Although a visa and travel insurance are separate matters, arranging suitable travel insurance is an important part of preparing for an international holiday.
A good policy may provide protection for circumstances such as:
Medical treatment
Trip cancellation
Delays
Lost baggage
Travel disruption
Check the policy terms carefully, including geographical coverage and exclusions.
Once your visa is arranged, you can focus on the rest of your holiday.
Depending on your interests, you might plan:
Spend several days exploring Cairo and the Giza pyramids.
Combine the major attractions of Cairo with the temples and archaeological sites around Luxor.
Travel between historic destinations along the Nile.
Combine sightseeing with time at a resort in Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh.
A longer trip can combine Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and a Red Sea resort.
Before submitting your application, check the following:
Your passport is valid for the required period.
Your passport details are correct.
Your nationality is eligible for the visa type.
Your travel purpose matches the visa category.
Your intended stay fits the visa conditions.
Your accommodation details are available.
Your travel dates are accurate.
Your payment method is ready.
Your email address is correct.
You have checked any additional document requirements.
You have saved or printed your approved eVisa.
You understand the entry conditions for your destination.
Yes. Eligible travellers can apply for an Egypt eVisa online, while other applicants may need to use a visa-on-arrival or consular route depending on their nationality and circumstances.
British passport holders normally need a visa to enter Egypt, although specific exemptions apply to certain short stays in designated South Sinai resort areas.
The current Egyptian eVisa information lists US$30 for a single-entry tourism visa and US$65 for a multiple-entry tourism visa. Visa-on-arrival for British citizens is currently listed at US$30. Fees and rules can change, so check the applicable amount when applying.
Eligible travellers can obtain a visa on arrival at approved Egyptian airports. British citizens can currently obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days, with the UK government listing a US$30 fee payable in cash.
Potentially, but eligibility is primarily determined by nationality and passport rather than UK residence. The Egyptian eVisa system lists the United Kingdom among eligible nationalities.
British citizens travelling to Egypt should have a passport that remains valid for at least six months after arrival.
Some British passport holders arriving at Sharm El-Sheikh and staying fewer than 15 days within qualifying South Sinai resort areas can receive free entry permission instead of a standard visa. The exemption has conditions, so check your complete itinerary before relying on it.
For eligible tourists, either may be possible. Applying online can be preferable if you want to arrange your visa before departure, while visa on arrival can be convenient for eligible travellers. Consider your nationality, itinerary and tolerance for dealing with immigration formalities after arrival.
It is recommended. Egyptian eVisa guidance states that travellers should carry an eVisa printout when entering Egypt.
Applying for an Egypt visa in the UK can be straightforward when you identify the correct visa route before travelling. British passport holders normally require a visa, with options that can include an online eVisa, visa on arrival or a consular application depending on the circumstances.
For eligible tourists, an Egypt eVisa provides a convenient way to arrange travel authorization before leaving the UK. The key is to check passport validity, confirm eligibility, enter personal details accurately, select the correct visa type and keep a copy of the approved visa with your travel documents.
If you are a UK resident but not a British citizen, pay particular attention to the requirements for the passport you will use to enter Egypt. Your UK residence status does not necessarily determine your Egyptian visa eligibility.
With your visa arrangements completed, you can concentrate on planning the rest of your Egyptian adventure—from the pyramids and ancient temples to Nile cruises, historic cities and the beaches of the Red Sea.