Egypt is one of the world's most popular destinations for British travellers, offering ancient temples, archaeological treasures, Red Sea resorts, desert landscapes and vibrant cities. From exploring the pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to relaxing in Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada, Egypt offers a wide range of experiences for visitors from the United Kingdom.
For British citizens travelling on a full UK passport, a visa is normally required to enter Egypt. However, the exact requirements depend on your destination, length of stay and how you enter the country. Some travellers can obtain an electronic visa before departure, while eligible visitors can also obtain a visa on arrival. There is also a special visa-free entry arrangement for certain short stays in the Sinai resort area.
This guide explains the main Egypt visa options for UK citizens, passport requirements, application procedures, costs, validity, arrival procedures and important travel considerations.
Yes. British citizens travelling to most parts of Egypt normally need a visa.
The main options for a British passport holder visiting Egypt for tourism are:
Egypt eVisa: Apply online before travelling.
Visa on arrival: Available at approved Egyptian airports for eligible British passport holders.
Consular visa: Apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK when appropriate.
Sinai resort entry permission: A special arrangement can apply to travellers arriving at Sharm El-Sheikh and staying for no more than 15 days within the specified Sinai resort areas.
The most suitable option depends on your itinerary.
If you are visiting Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada or other destinations outside the applicable Sinai resort area, you should plan to obtain the appropriate Egyptian visa.
Before travelling, UK citizens should make sure they have the necessary travel documents.
For a standard tourist trip, the key requirements generally include:
A valid British passport
At least six months of passport validity remaining from the date of arrival
At least one blank passport page
A valid Egyptian visa where required
Travel details such as accommodation and return or onward travel information
Payment for the applicable visa or entry fee
Any additional documents requested by Egyptian immigration authorities
Passport validity is particularly important. If your passport does not meet Egypt's validity requirements, you may be refused boarding or entry.
The UK government currently states that a British passport used to enter Egypt should have an expiry date at least six months after the date of arrival and at least one blank page.
The Egypt eVisa is an electronic visa that allows eligible travellers to apply online before travelling.
Instead of waiting until arrival to obtain a visa, travellers can complete the application process in advance and receive an electronic visa approval.
For many British tourists, applying for an eVisa can be a convenient way to organize their travel documents before departure.
A typical eVisa application involves entering personal and passport information, providing travel details, uploading any requested information and paying the applicable fee.
Once approved, the traveller should keep a copy of the electronic visa available for the journey.
It is also sensible to retain a digital copy on your phone and a printed copy with your travel documents.
The online application process is generally straightforward.
Before beginning your application, check that your British passport meets Egypt's entry requirements.
Make sure:
Your passport is valid for the required period.
It contains a blank page.
Your personal details are correct.
Your passport information matches the information you enter on your application.
Do not use an expired passport for the application.
Determine whether you need an Egyptian tourist eVisa based on your itinerary.
If you are visiting Cairo, the pyramids, Luxor, Aswan or other areas of Egypt outside the special Sinai arrangement, you should make sure you have the appropriate visa before travelling or confirm that you are eligible for another entry method.
Enter your information carefully.
This can include:
Full name
Date of birth
Nationality
Passport number
Passport issue information
Passport expiry date
Travel dates
Accommodation details
Contact information
Your application should match your passport exactly.
Even a small mistake in a passport number or personal name can create problems.
The applicable visa fee depends on the type of visa you request.
Check the current fee before submitting your application because immigration fees and payment arrangements can change.
Before submitting, carefully check every field.
Pay particular attention to:
Passport number
Date of birth
Passport expiry date
Name spelling
Nationality
Travel dates
Email address
An incorrect email address can prevent you from receiving important application information.
If your application is approved, keep the electronic visa safely stored.
It is recommended to have:
A digital copy on your phone
A printed copy in your travel documents
A backup copy accessible during your trip
The airline or Egyptian immigration authorities may request evidence of your visa.
British passport holders can generally obtain a tourist visa on arrival at approved Egyptian airports.
The UK government's current travel guidance states that visas on arrival are available at approved airports and are valid for up to 30 days.
The stated visa-on-arrival fee is US$30, payable in cash.
Because airport procedures and payment arrangements can change, travellers should confirm the latest requirements before departure.
If you choose the visa-on-arrival route, the process generally takes place at the airport before reaching immigration.
After arriving in Egypt:
Follow signs for the visa or immigration area.
Obtain the visa from the designated facility or kiosk.
Pay the applicable fee.
Check that the visa information is correct.
Proceed to immigration.
Present your passport and visa as requested.
Do not assume that every airport or border crossing offers exactly the same facilities.
If you want greater certainty before departure, obtaining an eVisa in advance can make your arrival process easier.
Visa fees depend on the type of visa and how you apply.
For travellers obtaining a visa on arrival, the UK government's current guidance lists the fee as US$30 for a visa valid for up to 30 days.
Electronic visa fees can differ depending on the visa type.
Travellers should always check the current fee before submitting an online application or travelling.
Be cautious about unofficial websites that add service charges on top of government visa fees.
The validity period depends on the visa issued.
For a standard tourist visa on arrival, the current UK travel guidance states that the visa is valid for up to 30 days.
Tourist eVisas are described as being valid for up to three months, with the permitted stay depending on the visa issued.
It is important to distinguish between:
Visa validity
Permitted length of stay
Number of entries
These are not necessarily the same thing.
Always check the conditions shown on your approved visa before travelling.
Sharm El-Sheikh is an important exception for some British travellers.
If you arrive by air at Sharm El-Sheikh and stay for less than 15 days within the qualifying resort areas of the Sinai Peninsula, you may not need to purchase a standard Egyptian tourist visa.
Instead, eligible travellers can receive a free entry permission stamp on arrival.
The relevant resort destinations include:
Sharm El-Sheikh
Dahab
Nuweiba
Taba
However, the arrangement has conditions.
If you plan to leave the qualifying resort area or stay longer than 15 days, you should obtain the appropriate Egyptian visa.
This is particularly important for travellers who intend to combine a Red Sea holiday with a visit to Cairo, Luxor or other parts of Egypt.
Consider two British travellers.
They fly directly to Sharm El-Sheikh, stay at a resort for 10 days and remain within the qualifying Sinai area.
They may qualify for the free Sinai entry permission.
They fly to Sharm El-Sheikh, spend five days there and then travel to Cairo.
Because they are leaving the applicable Sinai resort area, they should have the appropriate standard Egyptian visa.
This distinction is one of the most important points for UK citizens planning an Egypt holiday.
Cairo is outside the special Sinai resort arrangement.
British citizens travelling to Cairo generally need a standard Egyptian tourist visa.
This applies whether you are visiting:
The Pyramids of Giza
The Great Sphinx
The Egyptian Museum
Islamic Cairo
Coptic Cairo
Khan el-Khalili
The Citadel of Saladin
If Cairo is part of your itinerary, arrange the appropriate visa before travelling or confirm that you are eligible for the visa-on-arrival option.
Hurghada is one of Egypt's major Red Sea holiday destinations.
British tourists travelling to Hurghada normally need an Egyptian tourist visa.
The Sinai resort exemption associated with Sharm El-Sheikh does not generally apply to a holiday in Hurghada.
Travellers should therefore plan to obtain the appropriate tourist visa.
This can generally mean applying online in advance or obtaining a visa on arrival where eligible.
Luxor is home to some of Egypt's most famous archaeological sites, including:
Karnak Temple
Luxor Temple
Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Queens
Colossi of Memnon
Hatshepsut's Temple
Because Luxor is outside the special Sinai resort area, British tourists should have the appropriate Egyptian tourist visa.
If you are visiting Luxor as part of a Nile cruise, make sure your visa covers the full itinerary.
Many British tourists visit several Egyptian destinations during one trip.
A typical itinerary might include:
London → Cairo → Luxor → Aswan → Hurghada → London
Another traveller might choose:
London → Sharm El-Sheikh → Cairo → London
For multi-city holidays, the important thing is to consider the entire itinerary rather than only your first destination.
If your trip includes destinations outside the qualifying Sinai resort area, the special 15-day Sinai entry arrangement may not be sufficient.
Yes, eligible British passport holders can generally obtain a tourist visa on arrival at approved Egyptian airports.
However, there are practical reasons why some travellers prefer applying online before departure.
A visa obtained before travelling can mean:
Less uncertainty at the airport
Your travel authorization is arranged in advance
Less time spent dealing with visa procedures after landing
Easier preparation for a multi-destination itinerary
On the other hand, eligible travellers may find the visa-on-arrival process convenient.
The best option depends on your personal preference and travel plans.
Even when you have obtained an Egyptian visa, you should carry your essential travel documents.
Consider keeping the following together:
British passport
Egyptian eVisa or visa documentation
Flight confirmation
Hotel or accommodation confirmation
Travel insurance information
Return or onward flight information
Emergency contact details
Copies of important documents
You should also keep digital backups of important documents.
Children travelling on British passports generally require their own valid travel documentation.
Parents and guardians should check the visa requirements applicable to each child before travelling.
Do not assume that a parent's visa automatically covers accompanying children.
Each traveller's passport and visa status should be checked before departure.
Families should also make sure names and passport details are entered accurately when completing applications.
If you hold British citizenship and another nationality, your visa requirements can depend on which passport you use to enter Egypt.
Always use the same passport consistently for the relevant travel and visa process.
If you are a dual national, check the requirements for both nationalities and make sure your travel documents are consistent.
When returning to the UK, British citizens should carry a valid British passport or appropriate evidence of their right to enter the UK.
Not every person holding a British-related passport has the same Egyptian visa arrangements as a full British citizen passport holder.
The UK government specifically notes that British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies passport holders cannot use the online Egyptian eVisa route available to full British citizen passport holders.
If you hold a passport that is not a standard British citizen passport, check the requirements that apply specifically to your document before travelling.
This distinction is important because "British passport holder" can refer to several different passport categories.
Not necessarily.
Visa requirements are generally determined by nationality and the passport you travel on, not simply by where you live.
For example, a person living permanently in the UK but holding a Pakistani, Indian, Nigerian, Bangladeshi or another passport may have different Egyptian visa requirements from a British citizen.
A UK residence permit or UK immigration status does not automatically make someone a British citizen for Egyptian visa purposes.
Travellers should therefore apply based on the passport they will actually use for entry into Egypt.
A UK residence document does not automatically provide the same visa privileges as a British citizen passport.
If you are a UK resident but travel using another country's passport, your Egyptian visa requirements normally depend on that passport.
This is particularly important for people who previously held a physical UK Biometric Residence Permit or now hold digital UK immigration status.
Do not assume that having permission to live in the UK means you qualify for the same Egyptian visa arrangements as a British citizen.
A UK-issued travel document is different from a full British citizen passport.
If you travel using a UK refugee travel document, certificate of travel or another non-standard travel document, you should not automatically assume that the normal British citizen visa rules apply.
The Egyptian authorities may require a different application process.
Travellers using non-standard travel documents should check with the appropriate Egyptian diplomatic authority before making non-refundable travel arrangements.
A tourist visa is designed for people visiting Egypt for tourism.
Other reasons for travel can require different immigration permission.
For example:
Tourism
Business
Employment
Study
Long-term residence
Family-related travel
You should select the visa category that matches your purpose of travel.
A tourist visa should not be assumed to authorize employment or other activities requiring separate permission.
Visa extensions may be possible through Egyptian immigration authorities.
However, travellers should not assume that an extension is automatic.
If you intend to stay longer than the period authorized by your visa, arrange an extension before your permitted stay expires.
Overstaying can result in complications when leaving Egypt, including potential fines.
If you are planning a long stay, investigate the appropriate immigration arrangements before your original visa period ends.
Travellers should leave Egypt before their authorized stay expires unless they have obtained the necessary extension or other permission.
An expired visa can create problems when departing the country.
The consequences can depend on the circumstances and length of the overstay.
For this reason, keep track of the date your permitted stay ends.
Do not rely only on the original date you intended to leave.
Several avoidable mistakes can cause problems.
A British passport does not generally provide visa-free access to all parts of Egypt.
For most destinations, a visa is required.
The special Sharm El-Sheikh arrangement is limited by location and duration.
It should not be treated as a general Egypt visa exemption.
Always copy your passport details carefully.
Although visa-on-arrival facilities exist for eligible travellers, arranging your documentation before departure can reduce uncertainty.
Egyptian visa rules depend largely on the passport being used.
Check your passport well before booking your trip.
Keep track of your permitted stay and make arrangements if you need to remain in Egypt longer.
It is sensible to arrange your Egyptian visa well before your flight.
Applying early gives you time to:
Correct application mistakes
Resolve documentation issues
Deal with unexpected processing delays
Confirm your travel information
Avoid last-minute stress
Do not leave your application until the day before departure simply because you believe you can obtain a visa at the airport.
The visa-on-arrival option is useful for eligible travellers, but advance preparation can make international travel smoother.
A few simple precautions can make the process easier.
Before booking flights, make sure your passport has sufficient validity.
Your visa application should correspond exactly with your passport.
If you apply online, monitor the email address used during the application.
Keep copies of your visa, passport and booking information.
Determine whether you are staying exclusively in the Sinai resort area or travelling elsewhere in Egypt.
Visa rules and fees can change. Review the latest information shortly before departure.
After landing in Egypt, the exact process depends on the airport and visa arrangement.
Travellers with an eVisa should have their approved visa ready.
Travellers using visa on arrival should follow the airport's designated visa procedures before reaching immigration.
At immigration, you may be asked to present your passport and relevant travel documents.
Once admitted, check that your entry permission corresponds to your intended stay.
Travel insurance is not the same thing as a visa, but it is an important consideration for an international trip.
A suitable travel insurance policy can help protect you against certain unexpected costs related to issues such as:
Medical treatment
Trip disruption
Lost luggage
Travel delays
Cancellation under covered circumstances
Read the policy conditions carefully before purchasing cover.
Egypt can be visited throughout much of the year, but weather varies considerably.
The cooler months are popular for sightseeing.
Temperatures can be more comfortable for exploring Cairo, Luxor and archaeological sites.
Spring can offer a good balance between warm weather and manageable sightseeing conditions.
Summer can be extremely hot, especially in inland areas such as Luxor and Aswan.
Travellers visiting during this period should plan sightseeing carefully and stay hydrated.
Autumn can provide pleasant conditions for many travellers, particularly later in the season.
Once your visa arrangements are complete, Egypt offers an enormous range of attractions.
Egypt's capital is the gateway to some of the country's most famous historical sites.
Highlights include the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, museums, historic mosques and traditional markets.
The Giza pyramid complex is one of the world's most recognizable archaeological sites.
The Great Pyramid, the other major pyramids and the Sphinx make Giza a must-see for many first-time visitors.
Luxor is one of the world's greatest archaeological destinations.
Visitors can explore temples and tombs on both sides of the Nile.
Aswan is known for its Nile scenery, temples and relaxed atmosphere.
It is also a popular starting point for Nile cruises.
Sharm El-Sheikh is famous for beaches, resorts and Red Sea activities.
It is also relevant to UK travellers because of the special short-stay Sinai entry arrangement.
Hurghada combines resort accommodation with access to the Red Sea.
It is particularly popular with travellers looking for a beach holiday.
The temples of Abu Simbel are among Egypt's most spectacular ancient monuments.
They can be visited as part of an itinerary from southern Egypt.
Yes, British citizens normally need a visa to enter Egypt, although specific exceptions apply, including certain short stays in qualifying Sinai resort areas.
Eligible British citizen passport holders can apply for an Egyptian tourist eVisa online.
Yes, eligible British passport holders can generally obtain a tourist visa on arrival at approved Egyptian airports.
The current UK travel guidance states that the visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days.
The current stated fee is US$30 for the standard visa on arrival.
If you arrive by air at Sharm El-Sheikh and stay for less than 15 days within the qualifying Sinai resort areas, you may receive free entry permission rather than purchasing a standard tourist visa.
Yes. British citizens travelling to Cairo normally need the appropriate Egyptian tourist visa.
British citizens generally need an Egyptian tourist visa when travelling to Hurghada.
No. Egyptian visa requirements are generally based on nationality and the passport used for travel.
Requirements can differ for non-standard travel documents. Check with Egyptian authorities before travelling.
The UK government's current Egypt entry guidance states that your passport should have an expiry date at least six months after your arrival date and at least one blank page.
Before leaving the UK, review the following:
Confirm your passport is valid for the required period.
Check that you have at least one blank passport page.
Determine whether your itinerary requires a standard Egyptian visa.
Consider applying for an eVisa before departure.
If using visa on arrival, prepare the required payment.
Check whether you qualify for the special Sinai resort entry arrangement.
Keep a copy of your visa or entry authorization.
Keep hotel and flight details accessible.
Check the latest Egyptian entry requirements before travelling.
Make sure your visa covers your intended stay.
Avoid overstaying your permitted period.
For most British citizens, travelling to Egypt is relatively straightforward once the correct visa arrangement has been identified.
The most important point is to look at your entire itinerary, rather than simply your arrival airport. A short resort holiday in Sharm El-Sheikh may qualify for special Sinai entry permission, while trips involving Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada or other destinations normally require a standard Egyptian tourist visa.
For many travellers, an Egypt eVisa provides a convenient way to arrange travel authorization before leaving the UK. Eligible visitors can also use the visa-on-arrival option at approved airports.
Whatever option you choose, check your passport validity, enter your details accurately, keep your visa documentation available and verify the latest entry rules before travelling. With the visa arrangements taken care of, British travellers can concentrate on enjoying Egypt's extraordinary combination of ancient history, cultural attractions, Nile landscapes and Red Sea resorts.